Welder Qualification for Tack Welding as per ASME 2

[ukmet]

Dear All,

1. In which asme section it is mentioned that tack welding should be done by a qualified welder?
2. Does any dia restriction applies for tack welding on the basis of his qualification range? Or a qualified welder on any range can to the tack welding or fitup of any range of dia and thickness?

Please guide

 

[metengr]

Section I

PW-28.4.3 Identification of welders or welding operators
making tack welds that become part of a final
pressure‐retaining weld or structural attachment weld is
not required provided the Quality Control System of the
Manufacturer includes a procedure to permit the Inspector
to verify that such tack welds were made by qualified
welders or welding operators.

So, if the tack welds are completely removed and not part of the final weld, no performance qualification is required.

 

[DekDee]

ASME B31.3
328.5.1 General
(c) Tack welds at the root of the joint shall be made with filler metal equivalent to that used in the root pass. Tack welds shall be made by a qualified welder or welding operator


ASME B31.1
127.4.1 General
(C) Tack welds permitted to remain in the finished weld shall be made by a qualified welder. Tack welds made by an unqualified welder shall be removed. Tack welds which remain shall be made with an electrode and WPS which is the same as or equivalent to the electrode and WPS to be used for the first pass.

Regards,
DD

 

[ukmet]

OK got it but is there any restriction like if a welder is qualified for 6" pipe he cannot tack a 2" or lesser dia pipe? He cannot tack anything outer than his qualification limits for welding. Is it true or do we have any such reference?

 

[metengr]

Tack welds are considered as small fillet welds and would be under a qualified WPS for fillet welds.

 

[DekDee]

metengr,
With all due respect tack welds on pipe can be fillet welds (bridge or bullet tacks) or CJP groove welds (root tack).

ukmet,
If the welder is applying tacks in the root of the pipe which will form part of the completed weld he must currently have full ASME IX qualification, meaning he/she shall be qualified for the appropriate diameter, thickness etc, etc.

B31.3 SG E currently has a ballot underway to lessen the requirements of ASME IX for tack welds in the root and have a specific B31.3 qualification for tack welding.
I personally do not agree (long story) but it appears the majority of the members are leaning towards this,
Cheers,
DD

 

[ukmet]

Thank you very much. You are great teachers for me.