D1.1 WPS Question 1

[sfifab]

I have a question about the prequalified joints. Our engineer wants to make a WPS and PQR for each weld joint we make and different ones for each customer. I was reading D1.1 and it seems we can use prequalified WPS so we don't have to make PQR's and from what i've read, use the prequalified joints to simplify and eliminate so many WPS's. The last CWI that was here made over 130 WPS's. Can you explain this a little better or reference where I need to read again in D1.1.

Thanks,

 

[gtaw]

A prequalified WPS must comply with the requirements of clause 3. Annex Q lists the clauses that also have to be considered and address to the extent they apply to the fabrication requirements.

The type and number of WPSs required can be customer driven. I have a client that insists on separate WPSs for each weld type and groove detail used on his projects. He requires a WPS for single pass fillet welds, another WPS for multiple pass fillet welds, a different WPS for a single V-groove and another one for a double V-groove, and so on. The number of WPSs for a intricate project can become unwieldy to say the least.

Other clients are satisfied to have a single WPS that is general and included a number of weld types and groove details.

There is no single correct answer. That being said, welders in general are not paper pushers. If the paperwork, i.e., the number of WPSs, becomes overburdening, they simply don't use them. That result is counter to the intent and purpose of the WPS.


Best regards - Al

 

[connectegr]

Are you a fabricator or an erector? For most of my fabricator clients, a single set of WPS's is sufficient their continuous shop use. But, some erectors do request WPS's identifying the specific project.

http://www.FerrellEngineering.com

 

[sfifab]

We are a fab shop with hundreds of different parts and 40-50 different clients. Without doing the math, this many WPS will make it hard to get the correct WPS to the welder.

 

[Mr168]

Your best bet would be to have a chat with the engineer, show him exactly how many different WPS's would be required per his methodology, and quantify what that translates to in time and dollars (don't forget the essential variable limitations of the table, and how that may impact thinner materials vs. thick, position limitations, etc. It's far more involved than most people take into consideration than it's ASME IX or D1.6 equivalents).

Unless driven by contract or material requirements, there should be no need to run PQR's for procedures that would otherwise be prequalified. GTAW really hit the nail on the head with his last comment.