CE Welder Prolongation
CE Welder Prolongation
(OP)
According to EN287-1 a welders qualifications need to be prolonged every 2 years by testing of two samples within a 6 month period prior to their expiry date. My question is if the qualification originally required the testing of 4 pipe samples because of their diameter and per the requirements of ASME Section IX, are the samples required for prolongation (2) sets of the original (4) pipe samples for a total of (8)or just (2) samples of material that falls within the original qualification range? Our Inspection Agency is insiting that we need to provide (8) samples and the way EN-287 reads it sounds like only (2) are required.
Can anyone clarify this - Thanks in advance for any guidence anyone can give.
Can anyone clarify this - Thanks in advance for any guidence anyone can give.





RE: CE Welder Prolongation
2 only required - see clause 9.3 (d)
"except for thickness and outside pipe diameter"
Welder just has to reproduce the original weld on any pipe diameter
Regards,
Kiwi
RE: CE Welder Prolongation
For the 2 yearly prolongation (i.e. after 3 periods of 6 months have passed), it's sufficient (I know this from dealing with e.g. Lloyd's register) to submit 2 samples for the prolongation. These 2 samples are RT-ed. Prolongation for another 2 year then is a fact.
That's what EN-287 says too, see EN-287;2004 9.3 b), and EN-287:2011 9.3b). No way around it.
I suggest you make these 2 welds on the diameter and thickness you also made the pWPS (thus qualified on).
RE: CE Welder Prolongation
Thanks Again
RE: CE Welder Prolongation
Our Nobo ask the same for an ASME IX qualificaton renewal as they do for EN 287; just 2 pieces of weld sample, as mentioned in my previous reply.
We've never had problems with this and the NoBo for re-qualification. Other (major) companies I know of do the same and have done it always successfull.
Ask the guy who says you need 4 samples where it's written in the Code its a requirement.
RE: CE Welder Prolongation
Just out of curiosity what Inspection Agency do you use?
Thanks
RE: CE Welder Prolongation
Lloyd's register, DNV