WPS/PQR/pre-qualification questions 1

leanne · Jul 15, 2002

I'm looking into these as a lower cost alternative to my development of the WPS/PQR with independent testing lab proofing of my procedures.

When purchasing pre-qualified procedures, is there any further testing required other than the testing of the welding machine or the welder (depending on the process)? i.e., appropriate certifications for testing like charpy?

Does your company purchase pre-qualified welding procedures?

What precipitated the decision to purchase them as opposed to developing your own - was the decision based solely on costs?

Do your customers accept pre-qualified welding procedures without issue or have you had them questioned by the client?

Were there any procedures you wanted to purchase but were not available?

GRoberts · Jul 15, 2002

I have never used a SWPS (Standard welding procedure) because if was for an ordinary application, which is what SWPSes cover, we already had a procedure qualified by the time ASME got around to adopting their use. However, if you want to know what it takes to be able to use one, the requirements are listed in Article V of Section IX of the B & PV code. You do have to do some testing, but not as extensive as a full qualification, and testing can cover more than one SWPS at a time. Only the ones listed in Section IX can be adopted for B & PV work. (Appendix E)

leanne · Jul 15, 2002

GRoberts, unfortunately, I'm afraid that I also will find the ones I need are not available. We have a number of procedures (in house developed) in our WPS/PQR library already.

pipewelder1999 · Jul 17, 2002

There is nothing that requires an "independent testing lab" to test your procedures.

The guided bends can be prepared and bent in-house, the reduced section tensile specimens can be machined in house or subcontracted. The actual tensile specimens can then be pulled at any location with the equipment.

For ASME Sec IX there is no requirement for 3rd party or independent involvement. IF I have missed it, let me know where it is!

Good Day

G Austin
Iuka, Mississippi

leanne · Jul 17, 2002

pipewelder1999, thanks for responding. We use an independent testing lab because we don't currently have the equipment to do a tensile test.

twjag · Jul 18, 2002

Your question was general, without reference to specific Code(s). If Code you are working to requires ASME Section IX, ASME does not currently accept/allow "prequalified" procedures. You can purchase, obtain from others, or subcontract the preparation of the written WPS, PQR & WPQ. ASME Section IX. The Certificate hold (you) must then qualify the Procedures, Welders, & Weld Operators. You can subcontract the preparation & phyical testing, but cannot subcontract the direct supervision of the coupon welding.

GRoberts · Jul 19, 2002

twjag,
Article V of Section IX allows use of SWPSes as prepared by the Welding Research Council. While it is not a "prequalified" procedure in the same sense as AWS D1.1, which allows you to write your own within allowable ranges, Section IX does let you use a SWPS without verifying mechanical properties. (you do have to do what is in essence a soundness test)

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