ASME Sec IX 2010/2011 addenda WPS essential Variables 2

[roguebear58]

Just looking for a more clear explanation than what i'm getting from the Auditors. I have only been with this company for a short time as the welding supervisor. During our last Audit we were told that every wps we have (and they have been using these for the last 25 years) must be changed because there is no reference on the wps stating that QW-410.11 and QW-410.64 are not required.
1) Qw-410.11 states " A change from closed chamber to out of chamber conventional torch welding in P-No.51 through P-No. 53 metals, but not vice versa. (we have no wps for these metals.We do not perform closed chamber welding. Why would this be essential for a wps for P1 to P1?).
2) QW-410.64 states "For a vessel or parts of of vessels constructed with P-No.11A and P-No.11B base metals, weld grooves for thickness less than 5/8 in. shall be prepared by termal processes etc. etc. ( Why would this be essential for a wps not used for welding P11A or P11B?)

 

[weldtek]

Do your WPS' specifically reference those paragraphs without any comments as to the fact that they don't apply, or is the auditor unhappy because your WPS' don't mention them?
Also, are the auditors representing your customer or a certifying authority?

 

[metengr]

There is not enough information in the OP to provide any assistance. First, what is the welding process(es) because each process has a specific set of essential variables which must be addressed? Second, how are your WPS's formatted? Third, as mentioned above, what are the auditors doing with your WPS's? Is this a client audit, code stamp audit or internal company audit by QA?

 

[pandithan]

As per all essential and non essential variables are to be addressed for each relevant welding process, some essential variable which u have used while carrying our PQR, in that case u have mentioned in ur wps say that "Not Permitted"/ not to be used
kgp

 

[roguebear58]

weldtek, the wps does not specifically reference those paragraphs. I assume that is the problem. This was from an internal audit by a sister company.

mentengr, welding processes vary from GTAW, FCAW, GMAW, SMAW. Again these guys are saying that these two paragraphs must be mentioned and noted as N/R on all old and future WPS's. These are all formatted with QW-482 suggested format for welding procdure specifications. What I'm not understanding is why do I need to reference a paragraph that addreses material / or process that is not being used? I know that part of what they want me to do is write that 410.11 and 410. 64 does not apply.

 

[metengr]

Again these guys are saying that these two paragraphs must be mentioned and noted as N/R on all old and future WPS's. These are all formatted with QW-482 suggested format for welding procdure specifications. What I'm not understanding is why do I need to reference a paragraph that addreses material / or process that is not being used?

You don't need to reference essential variables from other welding processes which are not applicable to the process or processes being qualified for the WPS. I would send a note back requesting where in Section IX is it stated that each WPS has to address welding variables that are not applicable to the welding processes. I think the auditors are confused.

 

[roguebear58]

metengr,
Followed your advice yesterday sent an e-mail and made a call. I was told by their lead auditor that they woould get back to me. Still waiting....thanks for the help and the input to all who responded. I will post what they tell me next.

 

[metengr]

Try showing your auditors the document below........

http://cstools.asme.org/csconnect/pdf/CommitteeFiles/38219.pdf

 

[weldtek]

Metengr,
Thanks for sharing the info.