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WPS experation date

mrmalcolm

Marine/Ocean
Joined
Jan 24, 2024
Messages
64
Location
CN
There is no expiration date for any WPS or PQR. However, what is the technical background of this?
I understand that a PQR is a permanent record of variables used to qualify a welding procedure and no time limitation for PQR.
However, why is the welding process qualification according to the old ineffective still valid after the new standard comes into effect?
For example, after the release of ISO 15614-1:2017, the WPS qualified according to ISO 15614-1:2004 are still valid. However, compared to ISO 15164-1:2004, ISO 15164-1:2017 has undergone significant changes in examination, testing and range of approval. “Old” WPS does not meet the technical requirements and acceptable weld quality of ISO 15164-1:2017.
It is more appropriate that PQR remains valid, and after the release of the new standard(ISO 15614-1:2017), the essential parameters of WPS are checked to ensure that they meet the new standard. If they do, a new WPS will be directly formed based on PQR.
If there is a change in any essential parameter, then the WPS becomes invalid and has to be requalified or carry out additional tests on a test piece which should be made in accordance ISO 15614-1:2017.

Thanks.
 
A PQR never expires.
If WPS requirements are superceded by a new edition you rewrite your WPS.
If testing requirements are changed and become additional you perform those tests and add to your PQR.
 
This is similar to manufacturing processes.
No quality system has requirements for updating them.
But if the applicable specification change then they need to be revised.
 
New does not automatically mean better.

Imagine that today (2025) a customer orders a replacement for a part that you originally made in 2004.

You need to make an active evaluation of the changes in the standards over those 21 years and decide if they affect your part in your application.
 
All new PQRs are to be carried out in accordance with the latest version of the standard from the date of its issue.
However, the issue of a new revision does not invalidate previous welding procedure tests made to former standards.
 
Thank you. It is acceptable that there is no expiration date for PQR. However, is WPS always valid? The standard is ISO 15614-1. For example, we are planning to build a new ship in 2025, and I have a WPS established in 2004.. The ISO 15614-1 standard has undergone significant changes in the past 21 years, including examination, testing, and approval range. Can I use the 2004 WPS to build this ship by 2025?
Thank you again for your reply
 
Can I use the 2004 WPS to build this ship by 2025?
You should probably ask your customer, not the internet.

As a business, you can do whatever you want, even build a ship with no WPS at all.

Your company, your decision. Decisions have consequences.
 
For WPSses under ISO 15609-1 (not ISO 15614-1!), the following goes:

All new welding procedure specifications need to be prepared in accordance with this document (ISO 15609-1:2019)
from the date of its issue. However, this document does not invalidate previous welding procedure
specifications made to former standards or specifications or previous editions of this document.


So, old WPSses under previous PQRs standards remain valid. If you update, you have to update everything (PQR and WPS) according to the latest revision of both.
 
Thank you.
According to ASME IX, when a new edition of ASME IX comes into effect, old WPSs need to be reviewed to ensure the essential variables specified by the later Editions are met.
Quote
ASME IX
QG-108 QUALIFICATIONS MADE TO PREVIOUS EDITIONS
Joining procedure specifications, procedure qualifications, and performance qualifications that were made in accordance with earlier Editions or Addenda of this Section may be used in any construction for which the current Edition has been specified.
Procedure qualifications made in accordance with earlier Editions or Addenda may be used to support procedure specifications written to later Editions and Addenda provided the essential and, when required, supplementary essential variables specified by the later Editions or Addenda were addressed on the previously qualified procedure qualification records.
Procedure specifications, procedure qualification records, and performance qualification records meeting the above requirements do not require amendment to include any variables required by later Editions of Section
Unquote
Therefore, after the new version of ASME IX comes into effect, the old WPS will be reviewed. If essential variables have changed, supplementary tests or re-confirmation of the scope of approval will be required to comply with the new version of ASME IX. If essential variables have not changed, the old WPS will be deemed to comply with the new version of ASME IX.
 

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