Fillet Weld Performance Qualification with Volumetric NDE (ASME Sec.IX)

[MrTungsten]

Hi Expert

Regarding Fillet Weld Performance Qualification

Is it possible if we perform Fillet Performance Qualification (Welding Operator Test) with Volumetric NDE (RT / UT) Instead of Mechanical Testing ( Macro + Fracture Test ) ?

We have different interpretation , As per QW 302 Volumetric NDE may be performed, but As per QW-181.2 Fillet Weld Performance test qualification shall be fracture test and macro.

Your advise will be valuable

Thanks and Regard's

Mr.Tungsten

 

[metengr]

ASME Section IX is quite specific on welder qualification using volumetric examination for groove welds, fillet welds are not stated as such, see below

QW-304 Except for the special requirements of QW-380, each
welder who welds under the rules of the Code shall have
passed the mechanical and visual examinations prescribed
in QW-302.1 and QW-302.4 respectively. Alternatively,
welders may be qualified by volumetric NDE per
QW-191 when making a groove weld using SMAW,
SAW, GTAW, PAW, and GMAW (except short‐circuiting
mode for radiographic examination) or a combination of
these processes, except for P‐No. 21 through P‐No. 26,
P‐No. 51 through P‐No. 53, and P‐No. 61 through P‐No.
62 metals. Welders making groove welds in P‐No. 21
through P‐No. 26 and P‐No. 51 through P‐No. 53 metals
with the GTAW process may also be qualified by volumetric
NDE per QW-191. The Volumetric NDE sh

 

[Don56]

Have the welder weld a butt weld and examine it with NDE. He will be qualified for fillets as well.

 

[MrTungsten]

@metengr

Thank you so much, i miss that clause anyway.

@DOn56

Yes, you're right. but we want to qualified welding operator, which the machine only designated to perform fillet weld as well.
I want to reduce cost of laboratory with using RT in house.

Thank you very much for the response.

Best Regard's
MrTungsten

 

[weldstan]

You may not use NDE to qualify. The fillet weld qualification need not be performed by a lab. The test is simple and can easily be performed in house.