ASME IX Interpretation-Part1

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Interpretation Detail Print to PDF Please limit your selection on the search results screen to 10 interpretations. Standard Designation: BPV Section IX Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-462.1

Record Number:

BC-76-428

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/04/1977 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-303.6

Record Number:

NA

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/07/1977 IX-77-02

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 a 2G 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-461.7

Record Number:

NA

Date Issued:

01/12/1977

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Interpretation Number :

IX-77-03

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Tack Welder Qualification

Record Number:

NA

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/31/1977 IX-77-04

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Use of Base Metals and Filler Metals

Record Number:

NA

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/01/1977 IX-77-05

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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

BPV Section IX Section IX, QW-484 02/10/1977

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Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

NA

IX-77-06

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-180

Record Number:

NA

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/16/1977 IX-77-07

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-202.2(2)(a)

Record Number:

NA

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/22/1977 IX-77-08

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 of deposited weld metal. Maximum limits are fixed per QW-451.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-310.4(d)

Record Number:

NA

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

03/09/1977 IX-77-10

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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 may qualify 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%. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-407.4

Record Number:

NA

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/09/1977 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Calibration of Welding Machine Meters

Record Number:

NA

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/10/1977 IX-77-12

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

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Subject Description:

Section IX, Interpass Temperature QW-492

Record Number:

BC-77-9a

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/11/1977 IX-77-13

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

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

Record Number:

NA

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/31/1977 IX-77-14

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX Section IX, Supporting Mill Test Reports and Typicals for Base and Filler Metals Used in a Procedure Qualifying Test 03/29/1977 NA

IX-77-15

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Must supporting mill test reports and typicals for base and filler metals 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

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Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.4

Record Number:

NA

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

04/15/1977 IX-77-16

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If a welding procedure were tested with a root pass using an E6010 (F3) electrode and filler passes using an E7018 (F4) electrode, and it was later decided to change the root pass electrode to E7018 (F4), would this change constitute an essential variable and require a separate qualification test? Reply: QW-404.4 is an essential variable under QW-252 through QW-259. Therefore, your procedure must be requalified.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Flux-Cored Arc Welding

Record Number:

NA

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

07/18/1977 IX-77-17

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Under what welding process category shall flux-cored arc welding be qualified under Section IX?

Answer: Flux-cored arc welding is considered to come under the more general method of welding known as gas-metal-arc welding. The rules now in Section IX covering inert gas-metal-arc welding apply to flux-cored arc welding.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX; 1971 Edition of Q-11(b)(5)

Record Number:

W-76-59

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

08/09/1977 IX-77-18

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: With respect to the 1971 Edition of Section IX, Q-11(b)(5), is it intended that the ranges for amperage, voltage, and speed of travel may be different in the Welding Procedure Specifications from that recorded in the PQR test?

Reply: It is the intent of Section IX (1971 Edition), Q-11(b)(5) that the procedure qualifications record shall record the ranges actually used with the filler metal used in the procedure qualification test, but that the Welding Procedure Specification may specify ranges in amperage, voltage, and speed of travel that will produce acceptable welds and yet might be quite different than the actual values used in the procedure qualification record. For example, the procedure qualification record may have recorded data on a 5/32 in. electrode actually used, whereas the Welding Procedure Specification written as supported by the welding procedure record, gives the ranges to be used for 1/8 in. through 1/4 in. diameter electrodes. The

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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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-351

Record Number:

BC-77-469

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/26/1977 IX-77-19

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-351

Record Number:

BC-77-469

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/26/1977 IX-77-19

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX; Welder Performance Qualification Tests

Record Number:

BC-77-609 (W77-52)

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

12/27/1977 IX-77-20

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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 welders and 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

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

Record Number:

BC-76-430

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/07/1977 IX-77-09

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 3 above. 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 less have 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 of the 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, QW404.17, QW-404.18, QW-404.20, QW-404.24, QW-404.25, QW-404.26, and QW-404.27. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

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

Record Number:

W77-7

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1978 IX-78-01

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 F72EM12K or E70-EL12 as well without additional individual procedure qualifications?

Reply: AWS A 5.17 and the corresponding SFA-5.17 tests are for classification 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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-406.1

Record Number:

BC-77-118

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1978 IX-78-02

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.6

Record Number:

BC-77-635

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1978 IX-78-04

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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-305 and QW-452

Record Number:

BC-77-670

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1978 IX-78-05

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

The foregoing interpretation has been further considered and the following corrected interpretation sent to the inquirer. Correction Issued: April 11, 1978

Reply: Performance qualification of welding operators is as listed in QW305. 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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

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

Record Number:

BC-77-303 (W-77-30)

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1978 IX-78-03

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Clarification of the welder qualification requirements for welding of 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, QW452.3 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 joint design 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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Welding Procedure Qualifications - Welding Positions

Record Number:

BC-77-784

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1978 IX-78-06

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 Edition of 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-410.16, Welder Performance Qualifications

Record Number:

BC-78-18

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/24/1978 IX-78-07

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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 doublewelded 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 was removed 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-410.16 Welder Performance Qualifications

Record Number:

BC-78-27

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/24/1978 IX-78-08

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-410.24, Grain Refining Austenitizing Heat Treatment

Record Number:

BC-78-486

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/27/1978 IX-78-09

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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Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX Section IX, QW-202.2, Fillet Weld Procedure Qualification Test Requirements 02/27/1978 W-77-6

IX-78-10

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Range of Postweld Heat Treatment Temperatures

Record Number:

BC-77-259

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/27/1978 IX-78-11

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 their inspection 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-409.1 and QW-410.24, Notch Toughness Requirements

Record Number:

BC-77-405

Date Issued:

02/27/1978

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Interpretation Number :

IX-78-12

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 travel speed 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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

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

Record Number:

BC-77-447

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/27/1978 IX-78-13

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

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

Record Number:

BC-77-449

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/27/1978 IX-78-14

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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Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX Section IX, QW-351, Multiple Process Thicknesses Qualified for a Performance Qualification 02/27/1978 BC-77-468 IX-78-15

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) If a 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-255, Flux Cored Arc Welding

Record Number:

BC-77-502

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/27/1978 IX-78-16

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 qualified separately unless there is a change in any of the Essential Variables. However, there is an Essential Variable for procedure qualification, QW404.23, that requires separate qualification for solid wire and for flux cored wire for the GMAW process.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

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

Record Number:

BC-77-594

Date Issued:

02/27/1978

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Interpretation Number :

IX-78-17

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-303.3, QW-452.3, and QW-461.7

Record Number:

BC-77-595

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/27/1978 IX-78-18

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 a nozzle 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-251.2 and QW-403.5

Record Number:

BC-77-608

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/27/1978 IX-78-19

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 satisfy all 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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX Section IX, QW-201, Effective Operational Control of Welding Procedure Qualifications 02/27/1978 BC-77-633 IX-78-20

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 more companies 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 being maintained.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322, Renewal of Qualification

Record Number:

BC-77-743

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/27/1978 IX-78-22

Question(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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Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

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

Record Number:

BC-78-101

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/27/1978 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 be used 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

The foregoing interpretation has been further considered and the following corrected interpretation sent to the inquirer. 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 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? Reply: The WPS may be used down to 4.76 mm (approximate), 3/16 in. within the range of essential variables of the WPS. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

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

Record Number:

BC-77-636

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/27/1978 IX-78-21

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 in the 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 currently have 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: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

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

Record Number:

BC-78-99

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/27/1978 IX-78-23

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: QW103.1 Welding. Each Manufacturer or Contractor is responsible for the welding 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 or Contractors 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 ASME Code 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 Contractor using 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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Use of Unclassified Materials

Record Number:

BC-77-211 (W77-19)

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/06/1978 IX-78-25

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 that was purchased to a specification not recognized by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-303.6, Fillet Welds

Record Number:

BC-78-104

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/09/1978 IX-78-33

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

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Subject Description:

Section IX, Definition of Current Edition

Record Number:

BC-78-105

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/09/1978 IX-78-34

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX Section IX - Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) 03/09/1978 BC-77-358 IX-78-26

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 1962 or 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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Reply (3): Yes.

Question (4): May a qualification performed to a prior Edition of Section IX (1962 or later) support a WPS written to a later version of ASME Section IX provided all essential variables of the later version have been documented on the PQR? Reply (4): Yes.

Question (5): May a PQR originally prepared to a particular version of the Code be updated to reflect a later version of the Code provided all essential variables of the later version are available from the qualification test records for documentation on the PQR? Reply (5): Yes.

In all cases, the PQR and WPS combination shall meet the requirements of the same Section IX Edition and Addenda that is selected for use.

It is recommended that both the PQR and WPS designate which Edition and Addenda of ASME Section IX the documents reflect. Regarding the last two statements of the inquiry, it is the opinion of the Committee that the date shown on the WPS and PQR will identify the Edition of Section IX and Addenda. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-161.5, Longitudinal Bend Tests

Record Number:

BC-77-374 (W-77-38)

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/09/1978 IX-78-27

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Questions: (1) Does QW-161.5 apply to guided bend tests of 9% Nickelto-9% Nickel butt joint welded with an ENiCrFe-2 (or ENiCrFe-3) electrode, (base metal SA-353 or SA-553; plate thickness under ½ in.)? (2) If the answer to Question (1) is affirmative, what is the relative value of each type of bend test as a measure of the quality of the weld?

Replies: (1) QW-161.5 does apply to guided bend tests of 9% Ni Steelto-9% Ni steel butt welds made using ENiCrFe-2 (or ENiCrFe-3) electrodes. (2) Transverse bends made using guided bend jigs illustrated in QW-466.1 and QW-466.2 provide acceptable test methods for weldments when base metals and weld metal have similar bending properties. When transverse bend specimens of base metals and/or weld metal having markedly different bending properties are tested in these guided bend jigs, selective yielding may occur in the lowest yield strength area of the weldment. The localized yielding may far exceed the elongation required by Section IX, and may render the weldment rejectable when, in fact, the deposited weld quality and weldment ductility are acceptable. However, longitudinal guided bends made using guided bend jigs illustrated in QW466.1 and QW-466.2 or transverse guided bends made using the wraparound bend jig illustrated in QW-466.3 result in essentially uniform bending of all areas across the weldment.

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Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Preamble

Record Number:

BC-77-450

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/09/1978 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 that a 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX Section IX, QW-482, Reference to Other Documents on Welding Procedure Specifications 03/09/1978 BC-77-801 IX-78-30

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Preamble

Record Number:

BC-78-25 (W78-2)

Date Issued:

03/09/1978

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Interpretation Number :

IX-78-32

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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.13 and QW-404.22, Consumable Inserts

Record Number:

BC-77-710

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/09/1978 IX-78-29

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 a single-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, two other 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 the Committee 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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

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

Record Number:

BC-77-372

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/31/1978 IX-78-47

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 differences created by essential variables. Please advise us of your interpretation.

Reply: QW-201 permits one PQR to support more than one WPS. QW201.3 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.9, Single- or Multi-Pass Welding

Record Number:

BC-77-467

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/31/1978 IX-78-48

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Definition of Thickness

Record Number:

BC-77-227

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/22/1978 IX-78-36

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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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.9, Flux Classification

Record Number:

BC-77-253

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/22/1978 IX-78-37

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-201.2, Procedure Qualification Record

Record Number:

BC-78-21

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/09/1978 IX-78-31

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 QW201, 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 the newly 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 WPSs which they support? Reply (4): It is not necessary to revise present PQRs to include the WPSs which they support. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-201, QW-403.9, and QW-201.3

Record Number:

BC-78-70

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/14/1978 IX-78-35

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 QW403.9, 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 the future 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 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 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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404, Filler Metals

Record Number:

BC-77-254

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/22/1978 IX-78-38

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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-201, Effective Operational Control

Record Number:

BC-75-447

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/31/1978 IX-78-44

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 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 controlling division. It is the responsibility of the Authorized Inspector to determine that the described control is being maintained.

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Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX Section IX, QW-351 and Table QW-452, Welder Performance Qualification 03/22/1978 BC-77-360 IX-78-39

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 (QW351).

Replies: (1) The welder who successfully qualifies on your 6 in. pipe test following 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 should not 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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-407.1, Postweld Heat Treatment

Record Number:

BC-78-106

Date Issued:

03/22/1978

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Interpretation Number :

IX-78-42

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 of welding 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, P- and A-Numbers

Record Number:

BC-77-856

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/22/1978 IX-78-41

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-Number groups 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 added to the Code at the request of the user and approval of the appropriate Code Committee. ATTENTION

The foregoing interpretation has been further considered and the following corrected interpretation sent to the inquirer. 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 into P-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 the Secretary 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. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Certification of Accessory Welding Equipment

Record Number:

BC-78-107

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/22/1978 IX-78-43

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) and they 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.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX Section IX and Section II, Welding Performance Qualification and Welding Procedure Qualification 03/22/1978 BC-77-377 IX-78-40

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 the same 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 the JIS welding material has the same mechanical properties and chemical composition as specified in the SFA Specification (listed in QW-432) of Section II, Part C. Question (3a): There is no specification for the mild and low-alloy steel welding rods for gas tungsten arc welding in Section II, Part C. Is it permissible to use SFA-5.18 for welding rods for gas tungsten arc welding except that this welding rod is used for gas tungsten arc welding and the type of package does not meet SFA-5.18. Reply (3a): Yes, provided the rods conform to the requirements of the specific AWS classification in SFA-5.18 with respect to chemistry and mechanical properties.

Question (3b): Is it permissible in the procedure and performance qualifications to classify the welding rod as F-No. 6 conforming to QW430? Reply (3b): Yes, it is permissible in the procedure and performance qualifications to classify the welding rod as F-No. 6 conforming to QW430.

Question (4): Is the renewal of performance qualification not required when a welder or welding operator has used the specific process for a period of three months, even if the Code was not applied to the production weld which he made? Reply (4): The intent of the Code is that the welder or welding operator be welding with the specific process on either Code work or non-Code work, and that documentation is required.

Question (5): Is it necessary to make any nondestructive examination on the production welds which a welder or welding operator made to renew his qualifications? Reply (5): Nondestructive examinations of production welds are given in the Sections other than Section IX. Section IX performance qualifications by radiography are as given in QW-302, QW-304, and QW-305. These paragraphs describe conditions for qualification by radiography of separate test coupons, for welders and welding operators, and conditions for qualification of welding operator by radiography of a production weld. Question (6): When the welding procedure qualification test for repair or built-up welding is performed by groove welding, is it permissible to use a joint which is made between base metals of two different groups, provided

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that one of the base metals is the same group as the other used for the production?

Reply (6): For welding procedure qualification for repair or built-up welding performed by groove welding it is not permissible to use a joint which is made between base metals of two different groups in which only one of the base metals is the same group as the other used for production. QW-202.2 delineates the ranges qualified for specific conditions, but the essential variables for the specific conditions must be met.

Question (7): The postweld heat treatment was not required for nonferrous materials in the Edition of Section IX published before 1974. Can the welding procedure qualified before 1974 be used in the construction of the vessel to be subjected to the postweld heat treatment, even if the test coupon was not subjected to the postweld heat treatment, or is the requalification required? Reply (7): The welding procedure qualified before 1974 cannot be used in the construction of the vessel to be subjected to postweld heat treatment if the test coupon was not subjected to the postweld heat treatment. Requalification is required.

Question (8): There is no special requirement for welding procedure qualification of tube-to-sheet welding in Section VIII, Division 1. Can the welding procedures qualified by the groove or fillet conforming to Section IX, welding processes tested conforming to Appendix A of Section VIII, Division 1 or the welding procedures qualified in accordance with the requirements of Section VIII, Division 2 or Section III be used for tube-totubesheet welding for the vessel to be fabricated in accordance with Section VIII, Division 1? Reply (8): Welding procedures qualified by the groove or fillet conforming to Section IX, using welding processes tested conforming to Appendix A of Section VIII, Division 1, can be used for tube-totubesheet welding for the vessel to be fabricated in accordance with Section VIII, Division 1. Since the requirements of Section VIII, Division 2 and of Section III are more restrictive for qualification of tube-to-tubesheet welds, these also would meet Section VIII, Division 1 requirements.

Question (9): Is it necessary to revise WPSs, PQRs, and Manufacturer's records of welder or welding operator qualification tests which were already recorded in the event that the recommended forms are revised under the new Edition or Addenda? Reply (9): It is not necessary to revise WPSs, PQRs, and Manufacturer's records of welder or welding operator qualification tests which were already recorded in the event that the recommended forms are revised under the new Edition or Addenda. ATTENTION

The foregoing interpretation has been further considered and the following corrected replies sent to the inquirer. Corrected Issued: July 31, 1979

Reply (1): No, the material must be to a specification of P-No. 1; see QW310.4. The Code has provisions where a stamp holder may take a material or electrode and reidentify it to an appropriate Code recognized specification, providing the material meets the requirements of that specification.

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Reply (2): No. F-Number assignment of QW-432 applies to SFA electrodes, as included in QW-432. The Code has provisions where a stamp holder may take a material or electrode and reidentify it to an appropriate Code recognized specification, providing the material meets the requirements of that specification. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-201.1, Welding Procedure Specification

Record Number:

BC-77-247

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/31/1978 IX-78-45

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Must exact filler metal alloy (such as ER308) be stated on the WPS, or is a general classification (such as ERXX) sufficient?

Reply: QW-201.1 states that the WPS shall list in detail the filler metals to be used. The particular electrode classification, or trade name, must therefore be listed on the WPS. QW-404.12 is a variable which also requires the listing of the AWS classification.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

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

Record Number:

BC-77-271

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/31/1978 IX-78-46

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it necessary to write a new WPS when combining two previously qualified WPSs to do a third combination of welding?

Reply: When two WPSs are combined to provide direction for a third combination of welding, a new WPS will usually be required. The support PQRs from the original WPS should be listed on the new WPS.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX Section IX, QW-310.5, Combination with Austenitic Stainless Steel or Nickel Alloy Filler Metals 03/31/1978 BC-78-77 IX-78-50

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does a performance qualification test made using "any" F41 through F45 filler metal with one or a combination of P-Numbers as mentioned in QW-310.5, qualify the operator for all combinations of these base metals, using "any one" F41 through F45 filler metal?

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Reply: Yes, provided you have a qualified Welding Procedure Specification for each combination the welder will be using in production. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-409, Electrical Characteristics

Record Number:

BC-78-108

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/31/1978 IX-78-51

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In QW-409.8 it states "... a change in the range of amperage or voltage." QW-409.10 states "a change in amperage of more than + 10%." QW-409.8 is a nonessential variable and QW-409.10 is an essential variable. Please clarify this.

Reply: QW-409.8 is a general statement and is a nonessential variable. The amperage is modified by QW-409.10 and a + 10% change in amperage only is considered an essential variable.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Performance Qualifications

Record Number:

BC-78-109

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/31/1978 IX-78-52

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is a welder qualified in carbon steel material with AWS E7018 electrode allowed to weld 9 Chrome alloy steel with AWS E505 electrode?

Reply: Yes, provided that you have a WPS for 9 Chrome alloy steel with an E505 electrode qualified in accordance with the requirements of the Code.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-421, Substitution of P-Number Materials

Record Number:

BC-77-228

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

04/04/1978 IX-78-53

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a P-No. 5 Group 1 base metal of tensile strength 70,000 psi be used when a welder is qualified on P-No. 5, Group 2 base metal of 60,000 psi within the limits of all other remaining applicable essential variables? Notch toughness is not a requirement.

Reply: A P-No. 5 Group 1 base metal of tensile strength 70,000 psi may be used when a welder is qualified on P-No. 5 Group 2 base metal of 60,000 psi, within the limits of the other remaining applicable essential variables, and when notch toughness is not required. You are cautioned that strength

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of filler metal in production must be equal to the strength of stronger base metal, unless this requirement is waived by the various Sections of the Code for limited applications. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors Responsibility

Record Number:

BC-77-316

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

04/04/1978 IX-78-55

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Must the welder or welding operator performing the welding procedure qualification test be an employee of the Manufacturer or Contractor preparing or having the welding procedure specification prepared? Is it acceptable for the Manufacturer or Contractor to enlist the services of a testing laboratory for the preparation of welding procedure specifications and for a welder in the employ of the testing laboratory to perform the welding procedure qualification tests?

Reply: In QW-201, it is stated that "the welders or welding operators used to produce weldments to be tested for qualification of procedures shall be under the full supervision and control of the Manufacturer, Contractor, assembler, or installer during the production of these test weldments. It is not permissible for the Manufacturer, Contractor, assembler, or installer to have the welding of the test weldments performed by another organization. It is permissible, however, to subcontract any or all of the work of preparation of test materials for welding and subsequent work on preparation of test specimens from the completed weld-ment, performance of nondestructive examination, and mechanical tests, provided the Manufacturer, Contractor, assembler, or installer accepts the responsibility for any such work."

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX Section IX, QW-403.6, Supplementary Essential Variable, WPS Thickness Range Qualification 04/04/1978 BC-77-369 IX-78-56

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What is required to qualify a WPS to weld from 0.203 in. to 0.906 in. when impact testing is a requirement of the applicable Section of the Code.

Reply: A 0.203 in. test coupon is required to meet the intent of QW-403.6. This would qualify from 0.203 in. to 0.406 in. A second test coupon is required to qualify welding up to 0.906 in. This coupon could be 0.453 in. or greater. The 0.453 in. test coupon alone qualifies from 0.453 in. (per QW-403.6) to 0.906 in. but when combined with the 0.203 in. test coupon, would qualify for welding from 0.203 in. thru 0.906 in. There is no need to weld a third test coupon to qualify the gap between 0.406 in. and 0.453 in.

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Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX Section IX, QW-404.3, QW-404.6 and QW-409.12, Filler Rods and Tungsten Electrodes 04/04/1978 BC-77-370 IX-78-57

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does QW-404.3 deal with filler rod and QW-404.6 deal with the tungsten electrode? Reply: Yes. QW-404.3 deals with filler material and QW-404.6 deals with the tungsten electrode. QW-409.12 also deals with the tungsten electrode.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-482, QW-483, and QW-484; Section VIII

Record Number:

BC-77-308

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

04/04/1978 IX-78-54

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): When a root pass using SMAW is used to prepare a weld joint for welding by SAW, are these considered a combined process? Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): When welding procedures are to be used for Section VIII work, is it necessary to state in QW-410, Cleaning, on QW-482, that surfaces must be dean for a distance of ½ in. from the weld joint (UW-32)?

Reply (2): Cleaning required by Section VIII must be specified on the WPS.

Question (3): When multiple values are used on multi-pass or combined process welding for current, voltage, and filler sizes, how do you fill in QW-482? Often there is not enough room on the form to be specific. Should the Manufacturer use separate page and reference this page on WPS? Reply (3): Requirements of each pass must be specified on the WPS. This can be done in any manner suitable to the Manufacturer.

Question (4): Is it necessary to specify the type of NDE for checking back gouging or to specify any NDE at all on a WPS? Should a separate written procedure be submitted for approval with the WPS to fill in areas not covered by the WPS? Reply (4): NDE is not required on the WPS. Separate written information may be attached to the WPS to cover areas of welding not on the WPS.

Question (5): If no preheat is used to weld because the ambient temperature is above the minimum preheat temperature, what is filled in for QW-406, Preheat Temperature, on QW-483?

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Reply (5): The ambient temperature must be recorded.

Question (6): When multiple values for current, voltage and filler sizes are used, how do you fill in Form QW-483? Reply (6): All values used in qualifying the WPS shall be recorded on the PQR in any manner acceptable to the Manufacturer.

Question (7): In QW-462.1(a) values are given for test specimen sizes. If a ½ in. thick specimen is 0.997 in. wide, is this reason to reject a procedure qualification? Reply (7): The values are approximate where stated but the 1 in. minimum is required if t does not exceed 1 in. Question (8): When a combined process is used, how are welders listed on QW-483 and what is each welder qualified for?

Reply (8): It must be clearly shown what welding each welder has done on the PQR. Each welder is qualified for the amount of welding he has done in accordance with QW-300. Question (9): When qualifying welders for combined processes, are both welders listed on one QW-484? Reply (9): This is at the option of the Manufacturer.

Question (10): If each welder has his own qualification, does the welder who performed the other portion of the combined process have his name on the qualification of the first? Reply (10): This is not necessary.

Question (11): How is this combined process and qualifications documented on QW-484 in regard to thicknesses qualified and qualifications of a number of welders? Reply (11): This is done in accordance with QW-452.

Question (12): How are multivalues for current, voltage, and filler size listed in QW-484? Reply (12): This is at the option of the Manufacturer.

Question (13): How are QW-482, QW-483, and QW-484 certified?

Reply (13): This is done by the authorized company representative's signature. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-201.3

Record Number:

BC-77-406

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

04/21/1978 IX-78-58

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Questions: (1) Can the GTAW process be deleted, as per QW-201.3 and a WPS written for: (a) A single welded "Vee" groove joint, using SMAW against a backing with a thickness limit of 0.187 in. to 0.489 in.? (b) Fillets and socket welds using SMAW with a thickness weld deposit range of 0.1875 in. to 0.489 in. in all thicknesses of metal? (2) Can the SMAW process be deleted, as per QW-201.3, and a WPS written for a single welded "Vee" groove joint using GTAW with a consumable insert and a thickness limit of 0.1875 in. to 0.375 in.? (3) The question in regards to QW-403.13 is why is it that, when the consumable insert is deleted from the PQR previously described, the procedure is not qualified to weld single "Vee" groove joints with a backing, fillets, and socket welds using both processes? Replies: (1) and (2). In answer to Questions Nos. 1 and 2; you are permitted to prepare Welding Procedure Specifications in accordance with the provisions of QW-201.3 to meet the conditions of your inquiry. (3) In answer to Question No. 3; QW-404.13 was revised in the 1977 Summer Addenda to Section IX. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-150, Tension Test Specimens

Record Number:

BC-77-426

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

04/04/1978 IX-78-59

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is the requirement of a 0.505 in. diameter of the machined specimens for the testing of tensile strength a rigid one?

Reply: No. The 0.505 in. diameter is a convenient diameter for calculation of square area. It is not required that the 0.505 in. diameter be maintained. Any diameter that covers the full weld may be used.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX Section IX, QW-407.4, Postweld Heat Treatment in Which the Lower Critical Temperature Is Exceeded 04/04/1978 BC-77-565 IX-78-60

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A Procedure Qualification Report using a GTAW root and SMAW balance has been made using A335 Grade P11 pipe (P-No. 4 material in QW-422) as the base material. The maximum which can be welded is 2t. In accordance with QW-403.11, this PQR can be used to back up a WPS using carbon steel (P-No. 1 material) if none of the essential variables are changed including the postweld heat treatment temperature range. If a WPS is written for a transition weld between P-No. 1 and P-No. 4 materials using the same PWHT temperature range, the lower critical temperature of the P-No. 1 material will be exceeded. Is the maximum

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thickness qualified 2t as in the P-No. 4 material or 1.1t as allowed by QW407.4? Reply: The maximum thickness qualified is 1.1t as allowed by QW-407.4. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-461.7 Performance Qualification - Positions Limitations

Record Number:

BC-77-599

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

04/04/1978 IX-78-61

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-461.7 indicates that qualification on plate or pipe for the 1G position also qualifies for the 1F position and not for the 2F and 2FR position. Is this incorrect and does the 1G position also qualify for the 2F and 2FR positions? Reply: QW-461.7 is correct. Performance qualification on a 1G plate or pipe does not qualify a welder for the 2F or 2FR positions.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-203, Limits of Qualified Positions for Procedures

Record Number:

BC-77-634

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

04/04/1978 IX-78-62

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): If a welder welds a test coupon for qualifying a WPS in the 1G position, may all the positions for welding in production be listed on one WPS, or should each position be listed on separate WPSs? Reply (1): It depends on how the WPS is intended to be used in production. It may be used either way providing the welder gets the proper direction for each position he will be using. Question (2): If a welder is going to weld in the flat position only for a particular job and if more than one position is allowed on each procedure, may the welder use the multiple-position procedure for a job requiring only one position? Reply (2): A welder may use a multiple-position Welding Procedure Specification for a job requiring only one position.

Question (3): Could a SMAW-SAW procedure be used only for SMAW (within the limits that the SMAW was qualified)? Reply (3): Yes.

Question (4): Could a procedure that specifies grinding and air-arc use only grinding (or vice-versa)?

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Reply (4): Yes, if the WPS specifies grinding or air-arc. If the WPS specifies grinding and air-arc, then both must be used.

Question (5): Could a procedure that prescribes two types of electrodes use only one type of electrode? Reply (5): Yes, if directions are provided for each type electrode and the WPS specifies one electrode or the other. If both are specified in a specific sequence, then both must be used. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.6, Procedure Thickness Qualification

Record Number:

BC-77-635A

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

04/04/1978 IX-78-63

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Note (2) was added to QW-451.1 in the 1977 Edition of Section IX. This note refers to QW-403 for further limits on range of thickness qualified. As an example, to qualify a ¾ in. thick test specimen using the SMAW process, QW-451.1 indicates the thickness range qualified to be 3/16 in. (minimum) to 1½ in. (maximum). Please assume the WPS to be PWHT. Now a contract under Section III, Division 1, Class MC, imposes notch toughness testing of all welding procedures. Reviewing QW-403 per Note (2) of QW-451.1, please refer to QW-403.6. Further checking for welding variables under Section IX, a review of QW-253 (Shielded MetalArc Welding) is made. Under 253.1(a) Supplementary Essential Variables Notch Toughness, QW-403.6 is applicable. This now tends to indicate that the above ¾ in. test specimen qualifies a range of 5/8 in. (min) to 1½ in. (max). In a specific situation, if a ¼ in. thick pressure boundary category "A" butt weld has to be made in fabricating a component, does this mean that another WPS would have to be qualified using a ¼ in. thick test specimen to comply with QW-403.6? This would qualify this WPS to a thickness range of ¼ in. (min.) to ½ in. (max.).

Reply: Note (2) was added to QW-451.1 because many people were overlooking the additional restrictions of QW-403. The example given is correct. The thickness range is 5/8 in. min. to 1½ in. max. The answer to the specific situation is affirmative. A WPS must be qualified using a ¼ in. thick test coupon which would qualify for a thickness range of ¼ in. min. to ½ in. max. We are not in agreement with the other interpretations in your letter which you have received from the industry.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-141 and QW-405.2

Record Number:

BC-78-11

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

04/04/1978 IX-78-64

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Question (1): Does Section IX require radiographic examination of a welded test coupon prepared for the qualification of a Welding Procedure Specification. Reply (1): Section IX does not require radiographic examination of a welded test coupon prepared for the qualification of a Welding Procedure Specification. Question (2): May X-rays be used as an alternative for welders' performance qualifications.

Reply (2): Radiographic examination may be substituted for mechanical testing of QW-141 for groove-weld performance qualification as permitted in QW-304 to prove the ability of welders to make sound welds.

Question (3): The last sentence of QW-405.2 indicates that vertical-uphill qualifies for all positions. In QW-461.3(c), 5G, the weld groove is in the vertical plane as noted in QW-122.3 and welding does progress vertical-up. Would this welding eliminate the required 6G position on pipe to qualify for all positions? Reply (3): QW-405.2 is an essential variable for notch toughness requirements when qualifying a Welding Procedure Specification. Grooveweld test coupons for qualifying a WPS may be made in plate in the flat position, except where notch toughness is required. When notch toughness is required, the groove-weld test coupon must be welded in the vertical-up to qualify for all positions. A groove-weld test coupon made in pipe in the 5G position to qualify a WPS is considered to be in accordance with the requirement QW-405.2, provided the diameter size and thickness of the pipe is adequate to obtain the required number of tensile, bend, and impact test specimens. Test specimens from a 5G coupon meeting all the requirements to qualify a WPS will permit welding in all positions. Question (4): What positions do the 5G and 6G positions qualify for?

Reply (4): A performance qualification conducted in position 5G will qualify for groove welding in flat (1G), vertical (3G), and overhead (4G) but not for horizontal (2G). It will also qualify for all fillet weld positions. Qualification in position 6G will qualify for all position groove welds and fillet welds. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-303.6 Fillet Welds

Record Number:

BC-78-69

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

04/04/1978 IX-78-65

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is a welder qualified to a groove-weld test that permits him to weld pipe/tube 2-7/8 in. 0.D. and larger (within the limits of QW-350), qualified to weld fillet welds or socket welds on pipe/tube smaller than 2-7/8 in. O.D., i.e., 3/4 in. through 2 in. O.D., without testing in accordance with QW-452.3 or QW-452.4 for this smaller pipe size?

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Reply: Yes. Groove-weld performance qualification on a pipe or tube 2-7/8 in. O.D. qualifies a welder to weld fillet welds or socket welds on any diameter without further qualification. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-442, Weld Deposit Chemistry

Record Number:

BC-78-197

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

04/19/1978 IX-78-67

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it possible to classify as A-No. 2 of QW-442 weld deposits which contain Ni up to 1.1 maximum and whose Mo values may be below 0.40 minimum? Reply: The weld metal analysis described cannot be classified as any particular A-Number of QW-442 of Section IX. The analysis will require separate qualification with the nominal analysis listed in the Welding Procedure Specification covering this weld metal analysis.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-469.2

Record Number:

BC-78-133

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

04/20/1978 IX-78-68

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In welder performance qualification testing, does the term 1G, as defined by Section IX, mean that welding shall be in a single butt joint without backing as shown in QW-469.2?

Reply: The term 1G relates to position of the test assembly pipe in QW122.1 during the performance of the welding for the performance qualification test and may be single or double welded, with or without backing. The test joints, as shown in QW-469, may be used for welder performance qualification in addition to weld joint configurations contained in the qualified Welding Procedure Specification used in the performance welding.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.4 and QW-201.2

Record Number:

BC-78-180

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

04/20/1978 IX-78-69

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): For procedure qualifications, considering that QW-404.5 is an essential variable, may QW-404.28 be substituted as an essential variable in

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place of QW-404.4 in QW-250? If not, could the phrase in QW-404.4 "any other filler metal" be defined in more detail?

Reply (1): QW-404.28 may not be substituted as an essential variable in place of QW-404.4 for procedure qualifications. Any other filler metal as referred to in QW-404.4 will be that which cannot be classified in one of the appropriate ASME specifications for filler metals and the appropriate F-Number as shown in QW-432. There may be special electrodes within the United States covered by this statement as well as many foreign produced electrodes which are also covered in this statement.

Question (2): As an alternate to the requirement in QW-201.2 of issuing a WPS prior to (and maintaining after) performing procedure qualification tests, may instead a detailed PQR be used which documents all essential and nonessential variables of the actual qualification welding? Reply (2): The written form of the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and the Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) can be varied to meet the requirements of the Manufacturer or contractor. It is necessary that there be some record of a proposed Welding Procedure Specification prior to the actual test welding for the Procedure Qualification Record. This may be the completion of that portion of a Manufacturer's or contractor's form prior to welding and subsequent completion of the form with the test results when a combined WPS and PQR are desired. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Welding Requirements

Record Number:

BC-78-208

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/10/1978 IX-78-71

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Where procedure qualification tests are performed by the production of a butt weld such as Category A or B weld joint of UW-3 in Section VIII, Division 1, does this also qualify for other welds such as C and D in UW-3? Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): The thickness of weld in a procedure qualification test made in the performance of a butt weld controls the thickness range of qualifying for that particular procedure test. How does this apply in the consideration of weld thickness for other than butt welds? Reply (2): The thickness of the weld with respect to both procedure qualification for welding and consideration of postweld heat treatment requirements is confirmed by the appropriate Section of the Code; that is, Sections I, III, IV, or VIII. The Sections have approached this requirement by stating that the thickness of the weld shall be the depth of the weld deposit; such as, in UW-16.1 of Section VIII, Division 1, design (a) is the thickness through the nozzle neck and design (c) through the vessel shell thickness.

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Question (3): Does a qualified Welding Procedure Specification in which procedure qualification tests employing a single sided butt weld without backing also qualify a double welded butt weld? Reply (3): Yes, except for QW-260 and QW-261, joint design is not an essential variable in the Weld-ing Procedure Specification.

Question (4): Does a welder performance qualification test in a single weld without backing also qualify for a double welded joint?

Reply (4): Each welding process, as listed in QW-350, must be reviewed for the appropriate essential variable under QW-402. The addition or deletion of backing may be an essential variable, depending on the welding process. Question (5): When a performance qualification test plate is produced by welding a 3/4 in. thick carbon steel plate with a welder using GTAW for the first pass with two additional passes of SMAW and completion by a welding operator with SAW, what are the thickness limits of welder and welding operator qualifications?

Reply (5): The welder who performed the GTAW welding is qualified to twice the thickness of the weld metal deposited with the minimum of 1/16 in. using GTAW process. The welder using the SMAW process is qualified to twice the thickness qualified with the minimum as specified in QW-452.1 with the SMAW process. Your attention is also invited to QW-351 when a combination of processes are being employed. The welding operator is qualified for all thicknesses with the SAW welding process. See QW-305. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-432; Section II, Part C

Record Number:

None

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/29/1978 IX-78-72

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: According to Section IX, QW-432 F-No. 4, ASME SFA-5.4, nominal total alloy more than 6% EXX15, XX16; and Section II, Part C of Material Specifications it says, "that on SFA 5.4 electrode weld metal exceeds 4% chromium and does not exceed 50% nickel." If this is correct then anyone qualifying with an F-No. 4 total alloy over 6% is also qualified for all F-Numbers below F-No. 4 with above 6% total alloy?

Reply: The electrodes up to F-No. 4 are for the ferritic steels, as indicated in QW-310.4(a). For the use of A-No. 8 or A-No. 9 composition filler metals, QW-310.4(b) specifically mentions F-No. 5 electrodes for joining various base metals (and allows use of carbon steel P-No. 1 plate or pipe to be used for the performance qualification).

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

BPV Section IX Section IX, QW-422.43; Section II, Part C, SFA-5.14 and SFA-5.11 06/07/1978

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Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BC-78-219 IX-78-73

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Section IX lists two grades for SB-443 in QW-422.43 while SB-443 in Section II, Part B does not. What is the correct listing? Reply (1): The listing of SB-443 annealed, Grade 2, in Section IX is incorrect as there is no such material in the SB-443 specification. Section IX will be corrected to show SB-443 annealed with a 120,000 psi tensile strength.

Question (2): SFA-5.14 and SFA-5.11 lists Class ERNiCrMo-3 filler metals with an as-welded tensile strength of 110,000 psi while the tensile strength in SB-443 is listed as 120,000. What is the correct minimum tensile strength for this material? Reply (2): The tensile strengths given in the specifications for both the filler metals and the base metals are correct. The SB-443 material is one of those rare cases in the Code where the tensile strength requirements for the base materials specification are higher than for the filler metal used to join that material. This fact is accounted for in the stress tables in which SB-443 is listed. The allowable stresses are based upon the strength of the weld metal, 110,000 psi minimum. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Qualification of Seal Welds

Record Number:

BC-78-220

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/07/1978 IX-78-74

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a qualified Welding Procedure Specification which includes postweld heat treatment be used for seal welds which are not postweld heat treated?

Reply: A Welding Procedure Specification which has been qualified with postweld heat treatment of the procedure qualification test may not be employed for production welding where no postweld heat treatment will be applied. QW-407.1, which is an essential variable for all welding processes, requires requalification when postweld heat treatment is omitted.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-461, Position Qualification

Record Number:

BC-78-222

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/07/1978 IX-78-75

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): In QW-461.7, qualification for plate-groove process 2G qualifies a welder for the pipe fillet weld position 1F, 2F, and 2FR. Qualification for pipe-groove process 2G qualifies for plate-groove processes 1G and 2G but for pipe fillet welds processes 1F and 2F only.

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Should not the pipe-groove process 2G also include the 2FR process under the pipe fillet weld column?

Reply (1): QW-461.7 was included as a convenience for the interpretation of QW-303. In the plate-groove test process 2G, the pipe fillet weld process 2FR is incorrectly included in accordance with the present Code rules. However, when the Summer 1978 Addenda to Section IX, QW-303.6 is being revised to include the pipe fillet weld 2FR process as a qualified process when the test was either a plate-groove or pipe-groove in the 2G position.

Question (2): QW-461.7 lists positions 2G and 5G in the pipe-groove test as qualifying for all positions in both plate and pipe welding. Does this also include position 6G?

Reply (2): Yes. Position 6G is included in this same table under pipe-groove qualification test as qualifying for all positions in both plate and pipe welding. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-153(d)

Record Number:

BC-78-223

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/07/1978 IX-78-76

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-153.1(d) permits acceptance of the tension test if the specimen breaks in the base metal outside of the weld or fusion line where the strength is not more than 5% below the specified minimum tensile strength of the base metal. What are the requirements if the specimen breaks in the weld or fusion line? Reply: If the tension test specimen breaks in the weld or fusion line, it shall have a tensile strength not less than that required in QW-153.1(a), (b), or (c).

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No: Subject Description: Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX Section IX, QW-452.3, Welder Performance Qualification Test Size and Thickness Limitations 06/07/1978 BC-78-225 IX-78-77

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): When welding in the 6G position, is the following the proper interpretation of QW-452.3?

Sample Weld Coupon Qualifies for Minimum Maximum Nom. Size Nom. Thickness O.D.1 Thickness O.D. Thickness 1/2 in. 0.188 in. 0.840 in. 0.0625 in. Any 0.376 in. 1-1/2 in. 0.145 in. Over 1 in. 0.0625 in. Any 0.290 in. 6 in. 0.280 in. 2.875 in. 0.0625 in. Any 0.560 in.

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1 Also please note comments on "job size" pipe in QW-310.1, last sentence. Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): QW-303.6 permits the qualifying for small diameter pipe fillet welds when actually qualifying with a groove weld test. Is the man qualified for all small diameter pipe fillet welds (no limitations on base metal thickness or pipe diameter) or only for fillet welds on pipe where the pipe thickness and diameter are within the limits of the qualified groove weld test? Reply (2): Qualifying with a groove weld test, whether it be a plate or weld test, qualifies for all fillet welds with no limitations on base metal thickness or pipe diameter, within the limits of the other welding variables in QW-350 for the applicable welding process. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-255 and QW-355, FCAW

Record Number:

BC-78-267

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/07/1978 IX-78-78

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: The Winter 1977 Addenda of Section IX has included flux cored arc welding (FCAW) in the heading for QW-255 and QW-355. Previous correspondence from ASME stated that when welding with flux cored electrodes the provisions of QW-255 apply when the shielding gas is used and QW-253 when the shielding gas was omitted. May we continue to use the flux cored welding process in accordance with these previous instructions?

Reply: The flux cored arc welding process shall meet the provisions of QW255 for procedure qualifications and QW-355 for performance qualifications. The use of the provisions of QW-253 are not applicable to flux cored arc welding.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-442; Section II, Part C; A-Numbers

Record Number:

BC-77-598

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/12/1978 IX-78-79

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it the intent that E6010 and E6011 electrodes or E7015, E7016, and E7018 electrodes, as specified in Section II, Part C, SFA-5.1, conform to A-No.1, F-No. 3, and A-No.1, F-No. 4 classifications and groups, respectively, or must each electrode be limited to the F-Number grouping of QW-432 only and subsequently require individual electrode procedure qualifications because it has no A-Number class validity? Reply: It is the intent of the Code that electrodes of SFA-5.1 of Section II, Part C shall conform to F-Numbers of QW-432 and A-Numbers of QW-442 of Section IX, as given below.

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AWS Class F-No. A-No. E6010 3 1 E6011 3 1 E7015 4 1 E7016 4 1 E7018 41 Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-281.2(c), AISI Type of A-No. 8 or A-No. 9 Analysis

Record Number:

BC-78-131

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/12/1978 IX-78-80

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What are the qualification requirements with respect to weld metal analysis for A-No. 8 or A-No. 9 analysis in QW-281.2(c)?

Reply: The intent of the Code is to require requalification for a change from one (AISI) type of stainless steel filler metal to another. For example, a change from 309 to 308 or 312 would require requalification. However, a change from 308-15 to 308-16 or vice versa would not require requalification.

Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-462.2(a) and QW-463.2(a)

Record Number:

BC-78-194

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/23/1978 IX-78-81

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is it permissible to remove weld reinforcements and backing strips or rings in the preparation of side bend specimens of QW-462.2(a)? Reply (1): Weld reinforcements and backing strips and backing rings shall be removed flush with the undisturbed surface of the base material. Question (2): Is there any maximum or minimum length required for the performance qualification test plate in QW-463.2(a)?

Reply (2): The length of the qualification test plate shall be adequate to permit removal of the bend tests specified in QW-452.1 or QW-452.2 and to permit their preparation to meet the dimensional requirements in QW462 for the appropriate bend test being prepared. Standard Designation: Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Welding in Hot Formed Heads

Record Number:

BC-78-200

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

06/23/1978 IX-78-82

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Question: Where fabrication will require A-No.2 weld metal for the joining of P-No.1 materials to meet the strength requirements as affected by postweld heat treatments, is the A-No.2 weld metal considered a P-No.3 material in subsequent fabricating operations requiring both P-No.1 to P-No.1 and P-No.1 to P-No.3 procedure qualifications? Reply: A-No.2 weld metal is never considered as a P-No.3 material. Furthermore QW-404.5 permits P-No.1 materials to be fabricated with either A-No. 1 or A-No.2 weld metal analysis with a Welding Procedure Specification that has been qualified with either an A-No.1 or A-No.2 analysis or vice versa.

Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME

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