Use of Standard Welding Procedures according to ASME Section IX

[newweldeng09]

A vendor has requested to perform a weld repair of base material using B2.1-1-207-96 (R07) SWPS. Can SWPSs be used to repair base material in production? If so, would he be qualified from 1/8 to unlimited base material thickness because the thickness qualified is 1/8 through 1 1/2? My understanding of a SWPS is that AWS qualified the procedure and the vendor performs a demonstration piece, which is similar to a performance qualification. Is this correct?

 

[metengr]

Yes, a standard WPS (SWPS) can be used for production welds, not qualified with impact testing, provided responsibility and operational control of SWPS are identified in the QC Manual. Don't confuse welder performance limits with SWPS limits. PLEASE read QW-500 so you fully understand SWPS in Section IX. Yes, a demonstration piece to show the SWPS can be followed is required, as stated in QW-500.

 

[DekDee]

newweldeng09,
Just to add to metengr response the SWPS cannot be used for "unlimited".
It can be used for 1/8 to 1 1/2" thicknesses.
See QW-540
Regards,
DD

 

[bpv66]

Also, Standard Welding Procedures cannot be revised. All welding variables must be in compliance with the SWPS. This includes electrical parameters, electrodes, etc...

 

[gtaw]

SWPS' are not qualified for applications requiring post weld heat treatment, notch toughness (CVN), or where their use is prohibited by the applicable construction code.

My experience is the SWPS is not very useful to the welder, but few WPSs that simply meet ASME Section IX are. The ranges of the welding parameters are too great and are not application specific. That leaves the welder scratching his head as where to start. Does he use a 60 degree groove angle or is a 75 degree groove angle better? Can he weld the joint with backing and if so, what type of backing is best suited for the job? I could go on, but suffice to say it may be beneficial if the contractor provides a tad more information than what is listed by the SWPS.



Best regards - Al

 

[newweldeng09]

Thanks.