Welder Qualification ASME IX

[Tuga29]

Hi to everyone, I have a question about WPQ and WPS.
We are welding a pipeline 18", 7.92mm with SMAW+FCAW-s and the respective WPS.
The contractor is using a welder qualified not for the above WPS but for another one that just covers SMAW (they call it a repair WPS) and he is just doing the root. I think none of the essential variables is different, can they do that?
Thanks.

 

[metengr]

I presume you are using ASME B&PV Code, Section IX. The welder is qualified by process, position, diameter, filler metal F-No and weld deposit thickness, etc. If these parameters are within the WPS listed above, the welder can weld to this WPS.

 

[stan000]

My opinion welding process SMAW + FCAW
IN WPS What is range qualified for SMAW.
if your contractor is in that range will work ok.
if it is out of range no good.
stanly

 

[DekDee]

A welder is not qualified for a specific WPS.
The welder utilises a specific WPS for the welder qualification test and that then gives them a qualification range of parameters (as noted by metengr)that may encompass many WPS's.
No problem with what the contractor is proposing,
Cheers,
Shane

 

[Tuga29]

Yes, I think they can. Just the rod thickness changed and that's not an essential variable.
Thanks.

 

[DekDee]

You have posted on the AWS segment of eng-tips that you are getting excessive spatter on the same 18" 7.92 mm welds.
Why have you changed the electrode size ?
How do you know the parameters for the new electrode size are correct if they were not used in PQR qualification ?

 

[Tuga29]

For the welding on site we didn't change anything. It´s everything according to the WPS.
One of the welders that is doing the root pass was qualified with another WPS, that one with different size rod. But all the essential variables were the same.

 

[pipewelder1999]

The WPS a welder uses during qualification has absolutely no bearing on the qualification range of that welder. The WPS used during testing MUST be suitable for the test. The welder performs the weld, and is qualified to perform any production weld within the range of qualification achieved during testing. However any welding performed on production joints must also performed using a WPS qualified for the specific weld.

Gerald Austin

http://www.weldingdata.com

Greeneville Tennessee