ASME IX Interpretation-Part1

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Standard Designation: BPV Section IX

Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

Subject Description: Section IX, QW-462.1

Date Issued: 01/04/1977

Record Number: BC-76-428

Interpretation Number : IX-77-01

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it permissible to machine a tension sample below the original

surface of the base metal in order to obtain parallel faces over the reduced

section?

Reply: No definite limits are set with respect to metal that may be machined

off the original thickness. The test plate should be of substantially the same

thickness as originally welded, but if a little of the thickness is machined off

to obtain parallel rectangular surfaces, the specimen may be accepted. If

your procedure wishes to set definite limits, you may do so. Section IX is a

minimum safety requirement.


Edition/Addenda:




Record Number: NA


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Will welder qualification in the 3G and 4G positions for single

groove welds with backing on plate also cover welder qualification for the

2G, 1F, 2F, 3F, and 4F positions per the thickness limits of QW-452?

Reply: (1) Qualification in 3G and 4G plate with backing does not qualify a2G position. (2) Qualification in the 3G and 4G positions does qualify the

1F and 2F positions. (3) Qualification in 3G also qualifies for 3F, within the

limits of applicable essential variables. (4) Qualification in the 4G position

qualifies for the 4F position within the limits of the applicable essential

variables.


Edition/Addenda:




Record Number: NA

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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Are fillet welds in the 1F, 2F, and 3F positions qualified by 3G

groove welds?

Reply: Revisions to Section IX have been made to clarify what positions are

qualified by specific test positions. Table QW-461.7, which was published

in the Winter 1976 Addenda to Section IX, summarizes the position

limitations for performance qualifications.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, Tack Welder Qualification


Record Number: NA


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a welder be qualified as a tack welder if his tack welds were

a part of another welder's qualification test coupon or part of another

welding procedure qualification test which met the intent of the Code?

Reply: The Code requires that all welders, (including tack welders), must be

qualified per Section IX.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, Use of Base Metals and Filler Metals


Record Number: NA


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question 1: Is it acceptable to substitute identical base materials for ASME

or ASTM specification materials?

Reply 1: For Code boilers or vessels, base materials must conform to an

ASME specification accepted by the particular book section, or to a Code

Case permitting a specific material.

Question 2: Is it acceptable to substitute identical filler materials for ASME

or AWS specification filler materials?

Reply 2: For Code boilers or vessels, filler material need not conform to a

particular specification. Procedures utilizing such filler material must be

qualified per Section IX.


Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:Subject Description: Section IX, QW-484


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Record Number: NA


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is a welder qualified as of the day he makes his test welds?

Reply: A welder is qualified as of the day he makes his test welds, if he

passes the test.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-180


Record Number: NA


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What type of tests are required to qualify a welding procedure

and a welder or welding operator for fillet welds only?

Reply: Macro-examination is required for procedure qualification as per

QW-181.1, and macro and fracture tests are required for performance

qualification, as per QW-181.2.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-202.2(2)(a)


Record Number: NA


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it the intent of QW-202.2(2)(a) that groove weld procedure

qualification made in base metal 3 in. or more in thickness qualifies repair

welds for any thickness of base metal with no limit on minimum depth of

deposited weld metal?

Reply: It is the intent of QW-202.2(2)(a) that groove weld procedure

qualification made in base metal 3 in. or more in thickness qualifies repair

welds for any thickness of base metal with no limit on minimum depth ofdeposited weld metal. Maximum limits are fixed per QW-451.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-310.4(d)


Record Number: NA


Question(s) and Reply(ies):

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Question: Does a welder, using a total alloy content F-4 electrode, also

qualify to use a higher total alloy F-4 electrode, within the nominal 6% total

alloy content, under the provisions of QW-310?

Reply: QW-310.4(d) permits welders, who qualify on carbon steel test

plates or pipe, to use all electrodes of the particular F-number qualified and

all lower F-number electrodes, up to and including F-4 electrodes, of total

alloy content less than or equal to 6%. Therefore, an F-4 electrode mayqualify a welder to use another F-4 electrode of higher alloy content, on

carbon steel, as long as the total alloy content does not exceed 6%.


Edition/Addenda:




Record Number: NAInterpretation Number : IX-77-11

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Do the provisions of QW-407.4 apply when heat treatment is

performed, although the heat treatment is not mandatory? Also, you asked

for the lower critical temperature of P-No. 8 materials.

Reply: QW-407.4 does not apply to P-No. 8 material because it has no

lower critical temperature (that is, the temperature at which steel starts its

phase transformation on heating which allows hardening upon cooling to

occur). QW-407.3 is the variable that applies to P-No. 8 material.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, Calibration of Welding Machine Meters


Record Number: NA


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What are the Code requirements concerning the calibration of

meters on welding machines?

Reply: Meters recording volts and amps or any acceptable method of

measuring volts and amps (such as measuring burnoff rate), must be

employed when QW-409.1 or QW-409.8 is required. QW-409.1 is a

supplementary essential variable, and QW-409.8 is a nonessential variable

for most welding processes. Because QW-409.8 requires the recording on

the WPS of changes in voltage and amperage range, an accurate method of

recording such must be employed. When meters are used to record amps

and volts, they must be calibrated. Provisions for calibration of equipment,

including welding machines, are covered by the quality control system.


Edition/Addenda:


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Subject Description: Section IX, Interpass Temperature QW-492


Record Number: BC-77-9a


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May interpass temperature be measured either on the base metal

adjacent to the weld, or on the deposited weld metal? The method of

measurement is specified in the qualified welding procedure.

Reply: Interpass temperature may be measured either in weld groove or

adjacent to the weld groove.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, More Than One Welder on a Single Process Joint

Date Issued: 03/31/1977Record Number: NA


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May more than one welder perform welding on a joint made by a

single process provided each welds only that portion of the thickness for

which he is qualified, and provided the procedure is qualified?

Reply: More than one welder may perform welding on a joint made by a

single process provided each welds only that portion of the thickness for

which he is qualified, and provided the procedure is qualified.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, Supporting Mill Test Reports and Typicals for Base and Filler

Metals Used in a Procedure Qualifying Test


Record Number: NA


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Must supporting mill test reports and typicals for base and fillermetals used in qualifying procedures for Section III, Class 1, 2, 3, and metal

containment weldments be saved? You also asked for committee approval

of a specific procedure.

Reply: The mill test reports and typicals for procedures tests need not be

saved. QW-201.1 and QW-201.2 of Section IX provide for necessary

documentation of welding procedures and tests. Also, procedures and

qualifying tests are reviewed by the survey team, authorized inspectors, or

jurisdiction authorities, not our office.


Edition/Addenda:


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electrode manufacturers ranges when available are an acceptable guide. In

the case of shielded metal-arc welding and gas tungsten-arc welding even

wider ranges are possible. The size of the electrode or filler metal is not an

essential variable.


Edition/Addenda:






Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a welder qualified in a given procedure, and for a given

maximum thickness of deposit, weld on pipe of greater wall thickness,

provided the thickness deposited by this welder does not exceed his

qualification?

Reply: A welder qualified in a given procedure and for a given maximum

thickness may weld on a pipe of greater wall thickness provided the

thickness deposited does not exceed his qualification. However, the welder

must follow a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) that has a PQR

qualification necessary to weld the full pipe thickness in production.


Edition/Addenda:






Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a welder qualified in a given procedure, and for a given

maximum thickness of deposit, weld on pipe of greater wall thickness,

provided the thickness deposited by this welder does not exceed his

qualification?

Reply: A welder qualified in a given procedure and for a given maximum

thickness may weld on a pipe of greater wall thickness provided thethickness deposited does not exceed his qualification. However, the welder

must follow a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) that has a PQR

qualification necessary to weld the full pipe thickness in production.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX; Welder Performance Qualification Tests

Date Issued: 12/27/1977Record Number: BC-77-609 (W77-52)


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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it permissible for a Manufacturer to have the Welder

Performance Qualification test of his welders in accordance with Section IX

conducted on the premises of an organization other than the Manufacturer

without direct supervision from the Manufacturer as a subcontracted service

by an approved vendor as permitted in Section III?

Reply: QW-103.1 states that each Manufacturer is responsible for his

welding and he shall conduct the tests to qualify the performance of weldersand welding operators, and QW-301.2 states that each Manufacturer shall

qualify each welder or welding operator for each welding process to be used

in production welding, but is silent relative to full supervision of the welder

or welding operator during the welding of the test coupons. It is the intent of

the above listed paragraphs that the welders and welding operators be

qualified under the full supervision and control of the Manufacturer during

the production of the test weldment coupons. It is proposed to revise

Section IX to clarify this intent.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, Use of Filler Metals not in Section II, Part C




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question 1: Is it the intent of Sections I, III, IV, VIII, and IX of the Code

that weld material be ordered to an SFA Specification (Section II, Part C)?

Reply 1: No. Weld material is ordered in different manners by various

users. It is generally advantageous, however, to order to an SFA

Specification where available and suitable for the intended use.

Question 2: If not, how may it be ordered?

Reply 2: Where the weld material is defined in an SFA Specification of

Section II, Part C in sufficient degree for the users purpose he may so order

to the appropriate paragraphs. He may also add his own requirements to

this. He may also order welding materials to his requirements "in toto" -

particularly where an appropriate SFA Specification is not available. The

procedure of ordering varies, but in any event all the requirements of

Section IX and applicable requirements of the book Sections of the Code

must be met for specific usages.

Question 3: Can a weld material that is not SFA/AWS be used for Sections

I, III, IV, and VIII work provided it meets the required chemical and

physicals only, of an SFA/AWS Specification?

Reply 3: Yes. Sections I, III, IV, and VIII use several welding materials for

which an SFA Specification is not available. Section IX allows this and

specifically delineates qualification requirements for this situation as well as

for the situations for which an SFA Specification is available. Section III

additionally specifies requirements for chemical analyses and lot and batch

testing including mechanical property testing.

Question 4: Is the weld material for use in Sections I, III, IV, and VIII work

locked into SFA/AWS or equivalent or may it meet another criteria as

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appears to be the intent of Section IX, QW-404.4. "A change from one F

Number in QW-432 to any other F Number or to any other filler metal not

listed in QW-432"?

Reply 4: No. The weld material is not "locked" into SFA/AWS, but - yes - it

may meet other criteria as allows in Section IX, but must meet all Section

IX criteria and other criteria specifically delineated in Book Sections.

Section III particularly includes additional criteria as described in Reply 3above.

Question 5: Must all welding procedures to be used for Sections I, III, IV

and VIII Code work be qualified by using ASME welding material?

Reply 5: No. However, the welding materials must meet the requirements

delineated in Section IX and in the applicable book sections. When this is

done, they become ASME welding material whether or not an SFA

Specification for the specific welding material exists.

Question 6: The Foreword to the various Code Sections, last paragraph,

addresses itself to base material and welding material. We all more or lesshave understood over the years the bench mark base material for Sections I,

III, IV, and VIII work to be SA or SB and the provisions for acceptance of

an identical ASTM. Should one consider this same intent to apply to

welding material, namely, the bench mark for welding material for Sections

I, III, IV, and VIII work to be SFA with provisions for acceptance of an

identical AWS? If so, it would appear that one is locked into the one SFA or

SFA/AWS combination only for welding material the same as we are now

to the SA or SA/ASTM combination only for base material. Is this so?

Reply 6: No. As described above, there are conditions for which an SFA

Specification does not exist or completely cover the condition. For such

situations, the welding materials are to be specifically qualified as part ofthe Welding Procedure Qualification. Where an SFA Specification suitable

for the purpose does exist, the description of the welding materials is

simplified through reference to the specification. Also the number of

qualifications may be reduced. In addition to QW-404.4 which contains the

statement "or to any other filler metal not listed in QW-432," QW-404.12

contains the statement "or to a weld metal or filler metal composition not

covered by these specifications." Also other QW-404 items cover situations

for which SFA Specifications may not be available or fully cover the

situation. Some of these are QW-404.8, QW-404.9, QW-404.10, QW-

404.17, QW-404.18, QW-404.20, QW-404.24, QW-404.25, QW-404.26,

and QW-404.27.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-404.9 and Section II Part C, SFA-5.17, Table 4, Note C


Record Number: W77-7


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-404.9 of Section IX is an essential variable for submerged

arc welding which requires requalification if a change is made from one

flux classification listed in SFA-5.17 to any other flux classification.

Section II, Part C, SFA-5.17, Table 4, Note C states that an F76-Exxx flux-

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electrode combination also meets the requirements of all lower numbered

classifications in the F7X-xxx series. Is it correct to interpret Note C to

mean a procedure qualification performed utilizing a F74-EM12K would

qualify that particular welding procedure specification for the use of F72-

EM12K or E70-EL12 as well without additional individual procedure

qualifications?

Reply: AWS A 5.17 and the corresponding SFA-5.17 tests are forclassification purposes only and are designed to minimize the number of

tests required. The Section IX requirement (QW-404.9) governs the

qualification requirements and the limits of qualification for Code

applications. Therefore, it is incorrect to interpret SFA-5.17, Table 4, Note

C as governing Section IX qualification requirements. Appendix A in

SFA-5.17 supplies additional information on the effects of different

electrode-flux combinations effects on strength, ductility, and notch

toughness.


Edition/Addenda:






Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-406.1 reads "A decrease of 100°F or more in the minimum

specified preheating or interpass temperature." Does the word "specified"

refer to the preheating temperature on the WPS or as recorded on the PQR?

Reply: The word "specified" in QW-406.1 refers to the temperature

specified on the WPS. However, the minimum specified temperature cannot

be more than 100°F lower than that stated on the PQR.


Edition/Addenda:






Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What is the intent of QW-403.6 when applied to the minimum

thickness limitation of material qualified by test plate when qualifying a

welding procedure?

Reply: It is the intent of the Code that QW-403.6 applies only to thickness

less than 5/8 in. where the thickness of the test coupon is the minimum

thickness qualified. For thicknesses over 5/8 in., the minimum thickness

qualified is as stated in QW-451.

ATTENTION

The foregoing interpretation has been further considered and the following

corrected reply sent to the inquirer.

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Correction Issued: July 31, 1979

Reply: The intent of QW-403.6 was further clarified in the Summer 1979

Addenda. For thickness less than 5/8 in., the thickness of the test coupon is

the minimum thickness qualified for production welds. For thicknesses 5/8

in. or greater, the minimum thickness qualified is 5/8 in.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-305 and QW-452




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Will one operator performance qualification for a wall thickness

within the range of a qualified WPS be sufficient to qualify the welding

operator for the full range of thickness of the WPS?

Reply: One operator performance qualification for a wall thickness within

the range of a qualified WPS is not sufficient to qualify the welding

operator for the full range of thickness of the WPS. The welding operator is

qualified only in accordance with the test coupon he welded in accordance

with QW-452.

ATTENTION


corrected interpretation sent to the inquirer.

Correction Issued: April 11, 1978

Reply: Performance qualification of welding operators is as listed in QW-

305. The thickness of the test coupon or the weld examined for performance

qualification is not a variable for welding operators. An operator who has

satisfactorily passed the performance qualification test is qualified to weld

in accordance with all other qualified welding procedure specifications

using the same welding process as that in the welding procedure

specification to which he qualified. A welding operator is required to

requalify only when changing from one welding process to any other

welding process.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-452.3 Qualification of Welders; Section VIII, Division 1


Record Number: BC-77-303 (W-77-30)


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Clarification of the welder qualification requirements for weldingof nozzles into the shell, identified as "T-Joint UW-16.1(c) Section VIII,

Division 1" is requested. The shell in question is made of ASME

specification pipe 3 in. diameter through 14 in. diameter. The nozzles may

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be the same material pipe in diameters of 3/4 in. through 8 in. Welders are

qualified using 5 in. Schedule 80 pipe in 2G position. The joint design is a

single vee. In accordance with Performance Qualification, Section IX, QW-

452.3 and QW-461.7, this qualifies welders for groove weld in 2½ in.

nominal pipe, minimum and fillet weld in all sizes of pipe in 2G and 2F

positions. Our interpretation of the Code is that the above qualifies welders

to weld nozzles of 3/4 in. through 8 in. into shells providing the minimum

diameter of the shell is not less than the qualified 2½ in. Since the jointdesign does not require full penetration on the nozzle pipe but only in the

shell, we interpret this as a fillet weld and not a groove weld on the nozzle

pipe. Does the welder have to requalify for 1 in. to 2½ in. pipe and under 1

in. as outlined in QW-452.3?

Reply: Performance qualification using 5 in. diameter pipe does not qualify

a welder to perform work on groove welds having a diameter size less than

2-7/8 in. The example you have shown is not considered a fillet weld

application and is a groove weld application subject to the 2½ in. nominal

pipe size (2-7/8 in. O.D.) minimum limitation. Therefore, for this

application, qualification of welders would be required on 3/4 in. (1 in.

O.D.) through 2 in. nominal pipe size groove weld test coupons.Performance qualification using 2 in. Schedule 2X pipe in the 2G position

will qualify the welder to perform work on the following fabrication:

Performance qualification using SMAW, GTAW, and GMAW (except

short circuit mode) or a combination of these processes may be made using

radiographic examination.


Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:Subject Description: Section IX, Welding Procedure Qualifications - Welding Positions




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May welding qualification procedures, limited to a specific

position and qualified prior to the 1974 Edition of Section IX, be used for

all positions of welding after the effective date of the 1974 Edition of

Section IX?

Reply: Welding qualification procedures, qualified prior to the 1974 Editionof Section IX, and limited to a specific position, may be used for any

position of welding after the effective date of the 1974 Edition of Section

IX.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-410.16, Welder Performance Qualifications




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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Was it the intent of QW-410.16, as it pertains to the welder

performance qualifications, to exclude a welder qualified on a double-

welded vertical position joint (where only the root was placed using one

direction of progression and then removed to sound metal prior to welding

the second side) from production welding a single-welded backing strap

joint using the other direction of progression?

Reply: Under the conditions expressed in your inquiry where the root wasremoved to sound metal in the qualification coupon, it was not the intent of

QW-410.16 to exclude a welder from production welding a single-welded

backing strap joint using the other direction of progression.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-410.16 Welder Performance Qualifications




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May welders be qualified on a double welded plate in vertical

upward progression where the root pass has been welded in vertical

downward progression and subsequently removed to sound metal in the

preparation for welding the second side, for a production weld which is a

single welded plate with a backing bar? All welding including the root pass

for production weld is done in vertical upward progression. Reference is

made to QW-410.16.

Reply: Under the conditions of your inquiry, the welders are qualified for

vertical up welding. It is the opinion of the Committee that as stated in the

second sentence of QW-410.16, the root pass may be welded upward or

downward when the root pass is removed to sound metal. It should be

pointed out that it is not critical that the root pass be completely removed.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-410.24, Grain Refining Austenitizing Heat Treatment




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: It is our interpretation that QW-410.24 only concerns material

that would have no postweld heat treatment or a postweld heat treatment

below the austenitizing temperature. Any material being hot formed from a

temperature above the AC3 after welding and/or normalized after welding

and hot forming would not be governed by QW-410.24. Is this

interpretation correct?

Reply: QW-410.24 does not apply when the welding procedure

specification is qualified with a grain refining heat treatment after welding.QW-410.24 has been revised to clarify this in the 1977 Edition of Section

IX.

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Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-202.2, Fillet Weld Procedure Qualification Test

Requirements


Record Number: W-77-6


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Questions: (1) Does a fillet weld procedure qualification test conducted in

accordance with QW-462.4(a) on ¼ in. plate qualify fillets of all sizes in

plates of all thicknesses? (2) Is it a Code requirement that a WPS showing a

sketch of a groove weld be revised to show a fillet weld when that WPS is

to be used to make a fillet?

Replies: (1) The present Code rules allow a fillet weld qualification test

made in accordance with QW-462.4(a) on ¼ in. plate to qualify for all fillet

weld sizes and all plate thicknesses. (2) A WPS showing a sketch of a

groove weld does not have to be revised to show a fillet weld when that

WPS is to be used to make a fillet weld. The variable QW-402.1 refers to a

change in groove weld joint design and therefore does not apply to fillet

welds.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, Range of Postweld Heat Treatment Temperatures




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it the intent of Section IX to have WPS's written specifically to

meet the requirements of a fabricating Code (ASME Section I, ANSI B31.1,

etc.) with respect to preheat, PWHT, and other specific fabrication

requirements?

Reply: A given qualified procedure may be used for Section I and/or III

and/or IV, and/or VIII. Other procedures written to various Codes which

reference Section IX may also utilize this procedure, if acceptable to theirinspection and quality control system. Alternatively, anyone may use

Section IX to suit their needs. The various Sections of the Code stipulate

ranges of temperature for PWHT. A procedure must be qualified within this

range. QW-407.1, an essential variable, requires a requalification when

PWHT temperature range is changed.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-409.1 and QW-410.24, Notch Toughness Requirements



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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: For the processes of SMAW, SAW, GMAW, and GTAW when

notch toughness requirements apply, QW-409.1 and QW-410.24 are

essential variables. We believe that the intent of these paragraphs are met by

specifying that the maximum heat input per unit length of weld shall not

exceed that of the qualification test. Thus, although the voltage and

amperage may increase beyond that used during qualification, the travelspeed may be adjusted accordingly to assure that the heat input per unit

length is controlled. This effectively controls the unit volume of weld metal

deposited per unit length of weld. Therefore, for processes of SMAW,

SAW, GMAW, and GTAW when notch toughness requirements apply, may

the following replace QW-409.1 and QW-410.24 as an essential variable?

An increase in the heat input per unit length of weld over that used in the

qualification tests. Heat input per unit length shall be defined as:

Volts X Amps X 60 / Travel Speed (ipm) = Heat Input (J/in.)

This requirement does not apply when the WPS is qualified with a grain

refining austen-itizing heat treatment after welding.

Reply: QW-409.1 presently does not allow heat inputs to be controlled by

adjusting amperage or voltage upward with an increase in speed. However,

as a result of your inquiry, the Subcommittee on Welding has begun action

to revise the Code.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, Application of SFA-5.18 to the GTAW Method




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does SFA-5.18 apply to the GTAW method?

Reply: SFA-5.18 does apply to the GTAW method.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-410.17, Type or Model of Welding Equipment




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it permissible to utilize an acceptable PQR covering one type

of process to substantiate a new WPS of the same process but of a different

type without requalification?

Reply: It is permissible to utilize an acceptable PQR covering one type of

process to substantiate a new WPS of the same process if QW-410.17 is not

listed as an Essential Variable for that specific process. This has been

clarified in the Summer 1977 Addenda.

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Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-351, Multiple Process Thicknesses Qualified for a

Performance Qualification




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Questions: (1) For production welds made using a combination of processes

(GTAW initial passes, SMAW completion), must the welder performing the

GTAW portion of the weld (3/16 in. depth) qualify on 3/4 in. thick test pipe

in order to qualify for unlimited pipe thickness of production welds where

the combination GTAW/SMAW processes are used? (2) If a welder

completes a 3/8 in. depth of weld in a 3/4 in. thick pipe specimen using the

SMAW process, is the welder qualified to deposit a 3/4 in. depth

(maximum) of weld metal in all thicknesses of production pipe welds? (3) Ifa welder qualifies on 3/8 in. thickness pipe wall test specimen using the

SMAW process, is that welder qualified to deposit a 3/4 in. depth

(maximum) of weld metal in all thicknesses of production pipe welds?

Replies: (1) No. (2) Yes. (3) Yes.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-255, Flux Cored Arc WeldingDate Issued: 02/27/1978



Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does gas metal-arc welding (GMAW) in the procedure

qualification and performance qualification refer also to flux cored arc

welding (FCAW)? If so, should welders be qualified separately under both

processes?

Reply: Flux cored arc welding (FCAW) is permissible under the Code and

is considered to come under the more general method of welding known as

gas metal-arc welding (GMAW). Welders do not have to be qualifiedseparately unless there is a change in any of the Essential Variables.

However, there is an Essential Variable for procedure qualification, QW-

404.23, that requires separate qualification for solid wire and for flux cored

wire for the GMAW process.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-310, Change in A-Number for Performance Qualification



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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is a welder who satisfactorily accomplishes a welder performance

qualification test using the gas tungsten arc welding process on P-No. 1

material with an F-No. 6 (A-No. 8) filler metal also qualified by virtue of

the above test to use the gas tungsten arc welding process with an F-No. 6

(A-No. 1) filler metal, all other essential variables being the same?

Reply: A welder qualified by the GTAW process with an F-No. 6 (A-No. 8)filler metal is also qualified to use an F-No. 6 (A-No. 1) filler metal. The

manufacturer must have a procedure qualified for both the (A-No. 8) and

the (A-No. 1) filler metal.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-303.3, QW-452.3, and QW-461.7

Date Issued: 02/27/1978Record Number: BC-77-595


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What is the intent of Section IX with regard to required weld

testing as specified by QW-303.3, QW-452.3, and QW-461.7? A strict

interpretation of QW-303.3 would indicate that pipes or couplings of 2-7/8

in. O.D. or less would require a performance test for each individual size

rather than a general qualification test. However, it would seem logical to

assume that welds made on pipes and couplings of 2-7/8 in. O.D. or less

onto a shell would more normally fall into the category of 1G welds.

Reply: The 2-7/8 in. O.D. pipe or coupling is considered a fitting such as anozzle and is attached by a groove or fillet weld and the diameter

limitations do not apply. If two pipes of 2-7/8 in. O.D. are butt welded

together, the diameter limits of the tables apply.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-251.2 and QW-403.5




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When a change is made in a Supplementary Essential Variable

for work done according to a Section which specifies notch toughness tests,

are tension, bend, and impact tests required or only weld deposit and heat

affected zone impacts?

Reply: When a change is made in a Supplementary Essential Variable for

work done according to a Section which specifies notch toughness tests, all

tests are not required to requalify the procedure. The second paragraph of

QW-403.5 states: When a procedure has been previously qualified to satisfyall requirements other than notch toughness, it is then necessary only to

prepare an additional test coupon using the same procedure with the plates

only long enough to provide the necessary notch toughness specimens. If a

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previously qualified weld procedure has satisfactory notch toughness values

in the weld metal then it is necessary only to test notch toughness specimens

from the heat affected zone.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-201, Effective Operational Control of Welding Procedure

Qualifications




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-201 permits welding procedures which are properly

qualified by one Division of a Company to be used by another Division of

the Company within the same organization if in an organization effective

operational control of welding procedure qualifications for two or morecompanies of different names exists. What constitutes "effective operational

control of welding procedure qualification" within a corporation?

Reply: WPS's and PQR's may be used by all Divisions of a Corporation the

same as provided in QW-201 for two companies of different names. The

QC Manual must describe the effective operational control of the

production of weldments, and if two or more divisions are involved, which

division is responsible for qualification of procedures and/or the

performance of welders and welding operators. The controlling division

must have the authority to control and the other divisions cannot overrule or

ignore direction from the one controlling. It is the responsibility of the

Authorized Inspector to determine that the described control is beingmaintained.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-322, Renewal of Qualification



Interpretation Number : IX-78-22Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder, who was qualified in SMAW for all positions with F4,

F5, F42, F43, and F44 electrodes, for all material thicknesses, returns to

work after a one year absence. If he passes a requalification test on a 3/8 in.

thick carbon steel plate, using an F4 electrode, in flat position, is he then

qualified to weld with F4, F5, F42, F43, and F44 electrodes in all positions

for all thicknesses of materials?

Reply: Yes, the welder would be qualified by making a single test joint on

any thickness, position, or material to reestablish the welder's or welding

operator's qualification for any thickness, position, or material for which he

was previously qualified. This has been clarified in the Winter 1977

Addenda of Section IX.

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Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-202.2, Base Metals - Groove and Fillet Weld


Record Number: BC-78-101Interpretation Number : IX-78-24

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Questions: (1) We have a WPS (SMAW) qualified with tube 10.97 mm

thickness. The nominal pipe size of the tube used for the welding procedure

qualification was 6 in. Schedule 80, thickness 10.97 mm. Can this

procedure be used with groove welds in plates and pipes under 3/8 in.

(9.525 mm) thickness? (2) Can this procedure be used with fillet welds in

plates under 3/8 in. thickness? (3) Can this procedure be used with socket

welds in pipes under 3/8 in. thickness?

Replies: (1) The procedure may be used down to 1.5 mm (approximate),

1/16 in. within the range of essential variables. (2) This procedure can beused with fillet welds on all thicknesses within the range of essential

variables. (3) This procedure can be used with socket welds on all

thicknesses within the range of essential variables.

ATTENTION



Correction Issued: June 6, 1978

Question: We have a WPS (SMAW) qualified with tube 10.97 mm

thickness. The nominal pipe size of the tube used for the welding procedurequalification was 6 in. Schedule 80, thickness 10.97 mm. Can this

procedure be used with groove welds in plates and pipes under 3/8 in.

(9.525 mm) thickness?

Reply: The WPS may be used down to 4.76 mm (approximate), 3/16 in.

within the range of essential variables of the WPS.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-201.3, Combination of Welding Processes or Procedures




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does the PQR-1 (sketched below) which has two processes

qualified on a single test plate support the WPS-1 (sketched below)? The

maximum plate thickness for WPS-1 is two times the test plate and the weld

deposit of each process for WPS-1 is not more than two times the actual

weld deposit of each process in the test plate. If the PQR-1 does not support

the WPS-1, what should be the thickness of weld deposit in each process inthe test plate to satisfy QW-201.3 requirements?

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Also, do the following PQRs together support the WPS-1? What changes in

thickness of weld deposit in each process would satisfy QW-201.3 to

support the WPS-1?

Reply: PQR-1 as sketched does support WPS-1. The maximum thickness of

the production joint qualified by PQR-1 is 20 mm which is two times the

thickness of the metal deposited by the SMAW and TIG process. PQR-2

and PQR-3 taken together do not support WPS-1. PQR-3 would currentlyhave to be on 10 mm plate to permit WPS-1 to be qualified to satisfy the

base material requirements.Question: Does the PQR-1 (sketched below)

which has two processes qualified on a single test plate support the WPS-1

(sketched below)? The maximum plate thickness for WPS-1 is two times

the test plate and the weld deposit of each process for WPS-1 is not more

than two times the actual weld deposit of each process in the test plate. If

the PQR-1 does not support the WPS-1, what should be the thickness of

weld deposit in each process in the test plate to satisfy QW-201.3

requirements?

Standard Designation: BPV Section IXEdition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX and Section I, Par. PW-28.5 Welding Qualification




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Under what circumstances is it acceptable to modify the

requirements of QW-103.1 of Section IX which reads as follows: QW-

103.1 Welding. Each Manufacturer or Contractor is responsible for thewelding done by his organization and shall conduct the tests required in this

Section to qualify the welding procedures he uses in the construction of the

weldments built under this Code, and the performance of welders and

welding operators who apply these procedures.

Reply: Section I, PW-28.5 provides that: 28.5 To avoid duplication of

qualification tests, it is recommended that procedures, welders. and welding

operators qualified as required above be acceptable for any similar welding

work on piping using the same procedure (see PW-1.2). It is the intent of

this paragraph to provide for the avoidance of duplication of qualification

tests of welding procedure specification, welders, and welding operators as

applied to piping within the Scope of Section I. Manufacturers orContractors are permitted to join together with other Manufacturers or

Contractors into an organization for the establishment of welding procedure

specifications and their qualification so that the individual Manufacturer or

Contractor does not have to duplicate this. This means that a welding

procedure specification adopted by the organization must be qualified in

accordance with Section IX of the Code by a member of the organization.

Other members of the organization may subsequently use the weld-ing

procedure specification without requalification. Welding procedure

qualification test records shall be available with each welding procedure

specification sent to the organization's membership. No member of the

organization may use the organization's qualified welding procedure

specifications on ASME Code work unless he holds the applicable ASMECode stamp and Certificate of Authorization. Welders and welding

operators of a member Manufacturer or Contractor must pass their

performance test on each of the organization's welding procedure

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specifications they are to weld under, except as otherwise permitted in

Section IX. The performance qualification test records are placed on file

with the organization. When such welders or welding operators are

employed by another member Manufacturer or Contractor, their

performance qualification records are made available to their new employer

by the organization and performance requalification is not required for

those welding procedure specifications under which they qualified

previously. It is incumbent upon the member Manufacturer or Contractorusing the organization's welding procedure specifications and performance

qualification records to assume responsibility for the qualifications by

maintaining records, certified by him, and available to the Authorized

Inspector.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, Use of Unclassified Materials


Record Number: BC-77-211 (W77-19)


Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it necessary to requalify a WPS when a base metal of the same

nominal chemistry as that originally qualified is used, except that the

material was purchased to a specification not recognized by the ASME

Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code or is simply another product form of a

previously qualified metal?

Reply: It is necessary to perform a separate procedure qualification of a

metal of the same nominal chemistry of a previously qualified metal thatwas purchased to a specification not recognized by the ASME Boiler and

Pressure Vessel Code.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-303.6, Fillet Welds




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is a welder who qualified on a 5 in. Schedule 80 groove weld in

the 6G position also qualified to weld fillet welds in all sizes, diameters, and

thicknesses?

Reply: In accordance with QW-303.6, a welder qualified on a 5 in.

Schedule 80 pipe with a groove weld in the 6G position is qualified to weld

fillet welds in all sizes, diameters, and thicknesses.


Edition/Addenda:


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Subject Description: Section IX, Definition of Current Edition




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In an ASME response to an inquiry, a definition of "current

Edition" was presented as follows: "... the term 'current Edition' refers to the

latest Addenda of Section IX which has been issued long enough to become

mandatory." The last paragraph of the Section IX Preamble requires new

qualifications to be made in accordance with the requirements of the

"current Edition." The Section IX Foreword in paragraph eight allows

Addenda to be used beginning with the date of issuance shown on the

Addenda. The definition of "current Edition" as stated above appears to

prohibit using Addenda on the date of issuance as allowed in the Foreword.

Is it the intent of the Code to prohibit the use of the latest issued Addenda?

Reply: The Preamble reference to the use of the "current Edition" for

requalification or new qualification is to the latest Addenda of Section IX

that has been issued long enough to become mandatory and relates to

"normal" mandatory requirements. However, the Foreword overrides and

permits using the Addenda on the date of issuance so the Manufacturer has

the option of using it as the current Addenda. It is not the intent of the Code

to prohibit the use of the latest Addenda upon issuance.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX - Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and Procedure

Qualification Record (PQR)Date Issued: 03/09/1978



Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): May a WPS and PQR prepared to the "current Edition"

requirements of a 1962 or later Edition of Section IX be used to support

work being performed to contracts invoking the 1974 Edition. (Preamble,

1974 Edition of Section IX)?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May a WPS and PQR that meet the requirements of the 1962or later Editions of Section IX be used for work where the contract date is

any time prior to or after the qualification date?

Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): May a qualification be performed at some time after the

Section IX date invoked by the Contract and utilized to support a WPS

written to the requirements of the Code for the date invoked by the contract

or any subsequent date, regardless of the date of the "current Edition" as it

applies to the qualification, provided all essential variables for the Edition

of the Code used in the WPS have been documented on the PQR? For

example, a contract invokes Section IX, 1971. May qualifications be performed today to the 1971 Edition of Section IX, or a later version, and

be utilized to support a WPS written to the 1971 Edition of Section IX?

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Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, Preamble


Record Number: BC-77-450Interpretation Number : IX-78-28

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Questions: (1) The Preamble to Section IX states that procedure and

performance qualifications made in accordance with the requirements of the

1962 or any later Edition of Section IX may be used for Code Work. Does

this dispensation also apply to Welding Procedure Specifications? (2) Do

WPS's have to be revised to the latest Edition of the Code or can they be

used today if properly written and qualified to the 1962 Code?

Replies: (1) It is the opinion of the Committee that "welding and brazing

procedures" specified in the Preamble of Section IX includes welding and

brazing procedure specifications. (2) It is the opinion of the Committee thata WPS written to the 1962 Code may be used in Code construction today

without revision and does not require requalification, if the results of tests

meet the requirements of the 1962 Code or any later Edition. However, if a

revision to an essential variable is more restrictive than previous Editions,

the WPS should be revised and requalified. It is not the intent of the

Committee to cause extensive retesting of previously employed welding and

brazing procedures, welders, brazers, or welding and brazing operators.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-482, Reference to Other Documents on Welding Procedure

Specifications




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a welding procedure specification (WPS) reference another

document in response to either an essential or nonessential variable in lieu

of having the applicable information contained directly on the WPS?

Reply: QW-482 is a suggested form which lists essential and nonessential

variables to be included in the welding procedure specification. The use of a

similar form, together with supplemental documents, is considered to be

acceptable, provided the essential and nonessential variables for each

specific welding process are included.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, Preamble


Record Number: BC-78-25 (W78-2)

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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Can a WPS be written to the present Section IX requirements

using a qualification conducted to a previous Edition of Section IX provided

the qualification and WPS meet the essential and nonessential variables of

the present Code?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Can a PQR or Q-1 be updated to reflect a later version of the

Code provided the required information of the later version is available?

Reply (2): Yes, provided that the original document is maintained and

available.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-404.13 and QW-404.22, Consumable Inserts




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: We currently have a qualified WPS for making single-welded

butt joints in stainless steel piping, using the gas tungsten-arc welding

process. As qualified, the procedure does not require the use of a

consumable insert. It is unclear if we are required to requalify our WPS

and/or our welders if we add a consumable insert (with an analysis meeting

the same A-Number as the filler rod used) to the procedure. The confusion

arises in the last sentence of QW-404.13 which reads "Qualification in asingle-welded butt joint, with or without consumable inserts, qualifies for

fillet welds and single-welded butt joints with backing or double-welded

butt joints." If consumable inserts are considered backing, then the

statement in effect says that qualification in a single-welded butt joint, with

or without consumable inserts, qualifies for a single-welded butt joint with

consumable inserts (backing). We feel that the current definition of backing

in QW-492 contains nothing which excludes consumable inserts. A more

specific definition is the one approved by the AWS Committee on

Definitions Symbols and Metric Practice in 1975: "Backing - A material

(base metal, weld metal carbon, or granular material) placed at the root of a

weld joint for the purpose of supporting molten weld metal." If consumable

inserts are not considered backing, but are considered joint material, twoother questions arise. First, does the addition of a consumable insert

constitute a change in the basic groove design and, hence, not require

requalification according to QW-402.1? Second, does a change in the shape

of a consumable insert constitute a change in basic groove design?

Reply: It is the opinion of the committee that a WPS and welders qualified

on a single-welded butt joint without the use of a consumable insert, will

require requalification when a consumable insert is to be used in the

fabrication of single-welded butt joints. This requirement is specified in

QW-404.13 for WPS qualification and QW-404.22 for performance

qualification. Regarding your inquiry of a consumable insert being

considered as a backing for single-welded butt joints, it is the opinion of theCommittee that a consumable insert is not to be considered backing.

Regarding your questions in the last paragraph, it is the opinion of the

committee that: (1) consumable inserts are considered to be filler metal; and

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(2) joint geometry is a nonessential variable (QW-402.1). Therefore,

requalification of a WPS is not required when a change in joint geometry is

made. A change in the shape of the consumable insert is not considered an

essential variable, even though a change in joint geometry may be required.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-201.3, Combination of Welding Processes or Procedures




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: We interpret QW-201.3 to allow the use of portions of existing

qualifications to establish new welding procedure specifications as long as

none of the original essential variables are violated and such portions are

limited to the separation of processes or similar processes with differencescreated by essential variables. Please advise us of your interpretation.

Reply: QW-201 permits one PQR to support more than one WPS. QW-

201.3 permits the deletion of one or more processes from production welds,

provided the processes used in production are qualified for the thickness

range specified in QW-202.2, QW-403, and QW-451. Requalification is not

required for a new WPS written to cover production welds made with the

process used in depositing the root layer of a multiprocess qualification test,

provided the WPS limits the thickness of production welds to 2t the

deposited thickness of the root layer.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-403.9, Single- or Multi-Pass Welding




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does the ½ in. dimension in QW-403.9 refer to bead thickness or

bead width?

Reply: The ½ in. dimension refers to bead thickness for a groove weld and

the throat distance of a single-pass fillet weld. The ½ in. measure has no

relationship to the width of a single bead or weave.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, Definition of Thickness



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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Suppose a design is given that requires production of a laminated

joint (see sketch) where several 0.020 in. sheets of P-No. 8 material are

clamped together and the ends welded to effect a weld deposit that later

becomes part of a butt weld. For purposes of procedure qualification, can

the assembled thickness ("T" on sketch) of the production joint, rather than

the individual sheet thickness, be considered as the thickness that the

procedure must cover, since the sheets are assembled prior to arc initiation?

Reply: Yes.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-404.9, Flux Classification




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a procedure qualified with one of the SFA-5.17 flux

classifications (such as, F73--XXXX) be used with a lower flux

classification (such as, F72-, F70-), assuming a "neutral" flux is used,

without requalification?

Reply: No. Under the essential variable QW-404.9, a procedure qualified

with one of the SFA-5.17 flux classifications does not qualify a lower flux

classification. Note (c) of Table 4 in SFA-5.17 does not apply to procedure

qualifications.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-201.2, Procedure Qualification Record




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): The revisions to QW-201.2 in the Summer 1977 Addenda to

Section IX include the statement, "The WPS identification (including date

and revision number) shall be listed on the PQR." Since, as noted in QW-201, a PQR may support a number of WPSs, must each WPS (including

date and revision number) be listed?

Reply (1): The quoted statement intends the Manufacturer shall follow the

variables of a WPS when making the test coupons for procedure

qualification testing. The essential variables used, the test results, and the

WPS followed when welding the test coupons shall all be recorded on the

PQR form. The PQR therefore reflects the test results and the conditions

used when welding the test coupons. This PQR may now be used to support

several additional WPSs without any change, since all the conditions used

during the welding of the test coupons are recorded in the original PQR.

Each WPS supported by a PQR need not be listed on the supporting PQR.Only the WPS used during the procedure qualification testing needs be

listed on the PQR.

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Question (2): If a new WPS, which uses an already written PQR, is written,

must the PQR be revised to include it?

Reply (2): A new WPS may be written and may be supported by an already

qualified PQR, without any change or revision to the PQR.

Question (3): Will a revision in a WPS, occasioned by the inclusion of an

additional PQR, require a revision to the other support PQRs to show thenewly revised WPS number?

Reply (3): A WPS may be revised, occasioned by the inclusion of an

additional PQR without revision to the other supporting PQRs. Each PQR

need only list the WPS (including date and revision number) used during

the procedure qualification testing. The WPS date and revision number used

must be listed on the PQR so the testing conditions of the WPS at the time

of the qualification testing will be known. The WPS may then be revised for

future needs because the conditions of the WPS used for the qualification

testing are traceable by the WPS date and revision number.

Question (4): Is it necessary to revise the present PQRs to include the WPSswhich they support?

Reply (4): It is not necessary to revise present PQRs to include the WPSs

which they support.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-201, QW-403.9, and QW-201.3




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Questions: (1) Is it required that three separate plants of a division of a

company develop their own welding procedures and qualify them or can

they be written and qualified by Division Welding Engineering in

conjunction with one plant and be used in the other two plants? (2) In QW-

403.9, does the statement "greater than ½ in. (13 mm)," refer to width or

depth of the weld pass? (3) Can QW-201.3 be interpreted to mean that if a

joint is qualified for welding with a single pass manual weld produced by a

specified process on one side and an automatic weld with a different

process (or even the same process) on the other side, that at any time in thefuture the same weld may be produced using either one of the processes or

procedures on both sides of the joint without a new WPS or PQR and no

revision to the existing WPS or PQR?

Replies: (1) WPSs and PQRs may be used by all divisions of a corporation

the same as provided in QW-201 for two companies of different names. The






ignore direction from the controlling division. It is the responsibility of the

Authorized Inspector to determine that the described control is being

maintained. (2) In QW-403.9, the statement "greater than ½ in. (13 mm)"

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refers to depth of the weld pass. (3) In a production joint qualified by two

processes or procedures, one may be deleted providing the remaining

process or procedure has been, in the specific combination welding process

or procedure qualification, qualified (within the thickness limits specified in

QW-202.2, QW-403, and QW-451) for the deposited weld metal thickness

range for the remaining process or procedure used in the production joint.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-404, Filler Metals




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does the use of more than one of the electrodes in SFA 5.9

(although within the same F-Number and A-Number) for a submerged-arc procedure with a "neutral" flux require a requalification?

Reply: Several electrodes in SFA 5.9 may be used under one qualified

procedure within the limits of all applicable essential variables. Please note

QW-404.9.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-201, Effective Operational ControlDate Issued: 03/31/1978



Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: The third paragraph of QW-201 states: "the Code recognizes a

Manufacturer, contractor, assembler, or installer as the organization which

has responsible operational control of the production of the weldments to be

made in accordance with this Code. If in an organization effective

operational control of welding procedure qualification for two or more

companies of different names exists, the companies involved must establish

this to the satisfaction of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee, in

which case separate welding procedure qualifications are not required."Please provide an interpretation of this paragraph regarding what constitutes

effective operational control.

Reply: WPSs and PQRs may be used by all divisions of a corporation the

same as provided in QW-201 for two companies of different names. The






ignore direction from the controlling division. It is the responsibility of the

Authorized Inspector to determine that the described control is beingmaintained.

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Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-351 and Table QW-452, Welder Performance

Qualification




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Questions : (1) The sketch presented below is meant to display a typical

cross section of our 6 in. test pipe in the as-welded condition; open root

GTA with SMA fill and coverbead reinforcement. In addition, it should be

pointed out that we use radiography exclusively for welder performance

qualifications.

Is a welder who successfully qualifies on our 6 in. pipe test following a

combination open root GTA/SMA procedure qualified for combination

open root GTA/SMA welding on production joint thicknesses from 3/16 in.to maximum welded restricted only to a GTA deposit of 2 times the GTA

test weld?

(2) Is a welder who successfully qualifies on our 6 in. pipe test following a

combination open root GTA/SMA procedure using one pass GTA also

qualified for SMA welding on backing on production joint thicknesses from

3/16 in. to maximum welded? We contend that the welder has made his

SMA weld on 0.750 in. minimum thickness pipe (QW-452) and he has also

deposited 0.750 in. of weld metal including coverbead reinforcement (QW-

351).

Replies: (1) The welder who successfully qualifies on your 6 in. pipe testfollowing a combination open root GTA/SMA procedure is qualified for

combination open root GTA/SMA welding on production joint thicknesses

from 3/16 in. to maximum welded restricted only to a GTA deposit of 2

times the GTA deposit thickness of the test weld. (2) The welder who

successfully qualifies on your 6 in. pipe test following a combination open

root GTA/SMA procedure using one pass GTA is also qualified for SMA

welding on backing on production joint thicknesses from 3/16 in. to

maximum welded. The welder has made his SMA weld on 0.750 in.

minimum thickness pipe, but he has deposited 0.750 in. of SMA weld metal

only if the coverbead reinforcement is included. In this case, in order to take

advantage of the coverbead reinforcement to qualify the welder for

unlimited deposit weld metal thickness, the coverbead reinforcement shouldnot be removed for making the side bend tests. If the coverbead

reinforcement is removed for making the side bend tests (as is ordinarily

done to prepare the specimen for best assurance of passing the bend test),

the intent is that the 2t maximum qualified for the specific case would be 1

1/4 in.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, QW-407.1, Postweld Heat TreatmentDate Issued: 03/22/1978


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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A WPS was originally written and qualified with the use of a

postweld heat treatment. The vessel now up for fabrication requires no

postweld heat treatment. QW-407.1 is an essential variable for the process

being used. Does a revised WPS have to be written without the heat

treatment step in it?

Reply: The existing WPS must be revised to include the allowance ofwelding with or without post-weld heat treatment, or a new WPS must be

written for welding without postweld heat treatment at the choice of the

Manufacturer.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, P- and A-Numbers



Question(s) and Reply(ies): Questions: (1) A welding procedure is qualified as per Section IX. The base

metal welded is 14 Mo V 63 pipe. Its chemical composition is C, 0.1 to

0.18; Mn, 0.3 to 0.60; Si, 0.15 to 0.35; Cr, 0.3 to 0.6; Mo, 0.5 to 0.65; V,

0.25 to 0.35. Its ultimate tensile strength is 50 to 70 kg/mm2. The electrode

used is Cromotherme-2 conforming to AWS E-9018 B3. Its chemical

composition is C, 0.07 max; Mn, 0.8 to 1.0; Si 0.3 to 0.35; Cr, 2.1 to 2.3;

Mo, 0.9 to 1.0. Its ultimate tensile strength is 60 to 68 kg/mm2. The

resultant weld metal com-position is C, 0.08; Mn, 0.74; Cr, 1.67; Mo, 0.63;

V, 0.10. The base metal specification does not fit into any of the P-Numbergroups of Section IX. Also the weld metal can not be classified under any

one of the A-Number groups. Hence, you are requested to clarify regarding

the P-Number grouping of the above material and the A-Number group of

the weld metal. (2) We are also interested in knowing why vanadium steels

in general are not mentioned in the ASME Code whereas other codes like

B.S. and DIN use them regularly.

Replies: (1) The Code has grouped the commonly used base materials and

filler materials deposit analysis into P-Numbers and A-Numbers. There are

many materials, however, that have not been grouped. The base materials

without P-Numbers and the filler materials without A-Numbers must have a

separate procedure qualification for Code use. (2) Materials may be addedto the Code at the request of the user and approval of the appropriate Code

Committee.

ATTENTION



Correction Issued: April 17, 1978

Replies: (1) Materials approved for welded construction under the rules of

the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee are grouped intoP-Numbers in relation to their effects upon the welding processes employed

in these constructions. Section IX lists only those materials which are

approved by other Sections of the Code for welded construction. New

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materials are considered under the normal procedures of approval process

for materials of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee. Section

IX covers only the materials listed in the appropriate P-Number tables. (2)

The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code includes those materials which

a user or fabricator of vessels constructed in accordance with all the

requirements of a Section of the Code indicates a need to meet his

requirements. The user or fabricator of ASME pressure vessels may request

new materials, not presently included in the Code, by application to theSecretary of the Committee. Your attention is invited to the "Guideline on

the Adoption of New Base Materials for the ASME Boiler and Pressure

Vessel Code" in Section II, Part A.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX, Certification of Accessory Welding Equipment




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it a requirement to certify accessory equipment used to monitor

nonessential variables for the GTAW, GMAW, and PAW processes? We

currently monitor calibration of the following during the welding of the 300

series stainless steel: (1) speed indicators (2) gas mixers (3) flowmeters, and

(4) gas analyzers. Are these certifications required even though the

accessory equipment will be used for nonessential variables.

Reply: Yes. The requirement of the Code is that nonessential variable

ranges be specified on the Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) andthey must be followed when making Code welds. Changes may be made to

a nonessential range without requalifications to the WPS, but the changes

must be made and the WPS revised by the Manufacturer before the WPS

can be used in productions with the new ranges. The type and extent of the

certification or calibration of the necessary equipment shall be documented

in the QA/QC manual and the requirements of the Section of the Code

being used.


Edition/Addenda:


Subject Description: Section IX and Section II, Welding Performance Qualification and Welding

Procedure Qualification




Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): QW-310 specified a P-Number of the base material for a test

coupon for welding performance qualification. Is it permissible in the

performance qualification test to use the JIS material (Japan Industrial

Standard) instead of the ASME material, provided that the JIS material has

the chemical composition equivalent to the P-Number material specified in

QW-310?

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Reply (1): Yes, it is permissible in the performance qualification test to use

the JIS material (Japan Industrial Standard) instead of the ASME material

provided that the JIS material has the chemical composition equivalent to

the P-Number material specified in QW-310.

Question (2): Is it permissible in the performance qualification to use the

JIS welding material and to classify this welding material as an F-Number

conforming to QW-430, provided that the JIS welding material has thesame mechanical properties and chemical composition as specified in an

SFA Specification of Section II, Part C?

Reply (2): Yes, it is permissible in the performance qualification to use the

JIS welding material and to classify this welding material as an F-Number

conforming to QW-430, provided that

ASME IX Interpretation-Part1

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