Welder Performance Qualification under ASME Section Ix

[Mza.16261]

Dear Esteemed Forum Members,

ASME IX QW-301.2 states that "The performance qualification test shall be welded in accordance
with qualified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)".

My question is "Must we use the pipe of the same diameter and wall thickness used in PQR or may we use any pipe size and wall thickness that meets the qualification range of the qualified WPS for the performance qualification of our welders under ASME IX?".
Best regards,
Mza.16261

 

[DekDee]

The second part of your question is the correct one.
Most companies will qualify welders with 2" and 6" coupons to give full diameter coverage.
Your wall thicknesses will be governed by your PQR / WPS.

 

[Louisiana Inspector]

The welder must qualify on the pipe diameter, thickness, position, etc. listed in the tables below that cover the welds he will be making. It's best to select the test specimen that matches the full range of the WPS. Even if he is only qualified to weld pipe down to a diameter of 1" and the WPS diameter range goes down to 1/2" the welder still can use the WPS but won't be able to make 1/2" welds.

QW-423 List Base Metal Qualified range
Table QW-433 List the Filler Metal ranges
Table QW-452.1 (A) List the Type and number of test specimens required.
Table QW-452.1 (B) lists the thickness of the weld metal qualified.
Table QW-452.3 lists the grove diameter. (If Groove welds are on the WPS)
Table QW-461.9 lists the Position and diameter Limitations.

Use these tables and select the appropriate Test that will cover the range the welder will be welding on the job.

 

[Mza.16261]

Dear DekDee and Louisiana Inspector,
Thank you very much for your expertise inputs and thoughts to my op. Your professionalisms are much appreciated indeed.
Best regards,
Mza.16261