PSM Certified Welding

[NCENG78]

I hope someone can help settle the debate here... We are a PSM covered site and anyone who welds on process lines has to be a "certified" welder, but what are the rules around "certified". I know you can send out for the independent testing, but can field welding with pressure test pass for certified by our company?

 

[ApC2Kp]

dearman1978,

A welder can have his performance qualified by mechanical tests of coupons cut from a sample pipe section, or by a radiograph of his first production weld (materials limited to P1 carbon steels). The mechanical test could be either tensile tests or bend test of the coupon / strap. The bend test of a strap involves bending the strap over a 1" mandrel or bar - easy enough for moderate coupon thickness. All this should be documented, and a log kept of the welder's work and weld specs / weld processes used for maintaining a record of current status of proficiency.

If materials are more exotic than carbon steel, then the radiography of first weld is not sufficient to qualify the welder. A mechanical test of weld coupon is required.

The B31 codes now accept a welder with current paperwork from another organzation to be qualified for welding with similar welding specification. The copies of the WPS/PQR record documents are to be obtained from the previous employer, compared, and signed off for acceptance of responsibilty. ASME B31.1 para 127.5.3

 

[ash9144]

There are also code welders which are certified to weld on pressure vessels. Which require a stamp that the welds meat boiler codes.

 

[NCENG78]

Thanks. I guess what I want is to be able to use my company welder to welded Stainless pipe for my PSM covered process. I always have weld shops do my code welding. What type of certification does he need for this? is QW-484A WPQ the test I need?

 

[ApC2Kp]

dearman1978,

The welder performance qualification (WPQ)per QW-484 would be fulfilment on those particular procedures and processes. You send code welding to weld shops - by this I take it to mean ASME Sec I Boiler piping work. This would mean that the welding shop has a 'PP' stamp for Boiler external piping, along with the welders with documented qualifications.

 

[pipewelder1999]

The requirements for you to test and qualify your welder would all be contained with ASME Sec IX.

You can do all the testing of the coupon yourself or send it out. You have to observe the testing. Some of the B31 codes allow you to accept qualifications from others.

In ASME Section IX you can read Part 1, 3, and then whatever variables that are referenced by part 3.

Avoid just reading the paragraphs in chapter 4 as they can cause confusion unless you know from where they are referenced.

The variables for most processes are the Base Metal P number (Much Latitude here though), Process, F-Number,POsition, Backing, Gas Backing, progression and a few others. There is a chart for each process that will tell you what variables are required for that process.

Gerald Austin
Iuka, Mississippi

http://www.weldingdata.com