Combine thickness and diameter qualified range of welder according to ASME IX

[Karik87]

Hi experts,

According to ASME Section IX, is it acceptable to combine the qualified thickness and diameter ranges of a welder across multiple performance qualification tests for the same welding process?
As per QW-301.2, "each organization shall qualify each welder or welding operator for each welding process to be used in production welding."


For example:

• One welder qualifies on GTAW, Pipe 01: OD 60.3 mm × 5.54 mm thickness → Qualified range: minimum OD 25 mm, maximum thickness 11.08 mm.
• The same welder qualifies again on GTAW, Pipe 02: OD 168.3 mm × 10.97 mm thickness → Qualified range: minimum OD 73 mm, maximum thickness 21.94 mm.

By combining both test coupons, would the welder then be qualified for a minimum OD of 25 mm and a maximum thickness of 21.94 mm?
Is there any official ASME Section IX interpretation that addresses this situation?
Thank you.

 

[r6155]

Which test coupon did you select?
You need to read more.

 

[Karik87]

Which test coupon did you select?
You need to read more.

All the test coupon are pipe A106 Gr.B.

 

[DekDee]

Hi experts,

According to ASME Section IX, is it acceptable to combine the qualified thickness and diameter ranges of a welder across multiple performance qualification tests for the same welding process?
As per QW-301.2, "each organization shall qualify each welder or welding operator for each welding process to be used in production welding."

View attachment 8750
For example:

• One welder qualifies on GTAW, Pipe 01: OD 60.3 mm × 5.54 mm thickness → Qualified range: minimum OD 25 mm, maximum thickness 11.08 mm.
• The same welder qualifies again on GTAW, Pipe 02: OD 168.3 mm × 10.97 mm thickness → Qualified range: minimum OD 73 mm, maximum thickness 21.94 mm.

By combining both test coupons, would the welder then be qualified for a minimum OD of 25 mm and a maximum thickness of 21.94 mm?
Is there any official ASME Section IX interpretation that addresses this situation?
Thank you.

No interpretation required.
The scenario that is commonly used world-wide is your example Pipe 01 GTAW but your Pipe 02 will be GTAW/SMAW and this covers the majority of welds the welder is likely to encounter on that particular project.
Unless there is a particularly stringent requirement you will not be welding GTAW 20 mm thick so why qualify a 10.97 mm coupon full GTAW ?
You do not "combine" the test coupons - you have 2 x GTAW Welder Qualification certs but it gives your welder full coverage of diameters & thicknesses noted.

 

[Karik87]

No interpretation required.
The scenario that is commonly used world-wide is your example Pipe 01 GTAW but your Pipe 02 will be GTAW/SMAW and this covers the majority of welds the welder is likely to encounter on that particular project.
Unless there is a particularly stringent requirement you will not be welding GTAW 20 mm thick so why qualify a 10.97 mm coupon full GTAW ?
You do not "combine" the test coupons - you have 2 x GTAW Welder Qualification certs but it gives your welder full coverage of diameters & thicknesses noted.

Thanks DekDee! Now I got it.