asme ix welder qualification interpretation

8/10/2019 Asme Ix Welder Qualification Interpretation

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ASME SECTION IX INTERPRETATIONS

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Interpretation: IX-77-04Subject: Section IX, Tack Welder Qualification

Date Issued: January 31, 1977File: NA

Question: May a welder be qualified as a tack welder if his tack welds were a part of anotherwelder's qualification test coupon or part of another welding procedure qualification test whichmet the intent of the Code?

Reply: The Code requires that all welders, (including tack welders), must be qualified perSection IX.

Interpretation: IX-78-16

Subject: Section IX, QW-255, Flux Cored Arc WeldingDate Issued: February 27, 1978

File: BC77-502

Question: Does gas metal-arc welding (GMAW) in the procedure qualification and

performance qualification refer also to flux cored arc welding (FCAW)? If so, should welders bequalified separately under both processes?

Reply: Flux cored arc welding (FCAW) is permissible under the Code and is considered tocome under the more general method of welding known as gas metal-arc welding (GMAW).

Welders do not have to be qualified separately unless there is a change in any of the EssentialVariables. However, there is an Essential Variable for procedure qualification, QW-404.23, that

requires separate qualification for solid wire and for flux cored wire for the GMAW process.


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Subject: Section IX, QW-153(d)

Date Issued: June 7, 1978

File No: BC78-223

Question: QW-153.1(d) permits acceptance of the tension test if the specimen breaks in the

base metal outside of the weld or fusion line where the strength is not more than 5% below thespecified minimum tensile strength of the base metal. What are the requirements if the specimen

breaks in the weld or fusion line?

Reply: If the tension test specimen breaks in the weld or fusion line, it shall have a tensile

strength not less than that required in QW-153.1(a), (b), or (c).

VOLUME 18


Subject: Section IX, QW-200.4

Date Issued: December 4, 1985

File No: BC85-134

Question (1): Per QW-200.4(a), may two or more separate WPSs (each properly qualified to

weld the joint individually) be used to weld a single production joint without writing a new WPS

combining the separate WPSs into a single WPS?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does QW-211.4(a) permit the referencing of a separately qualified WPS to cover

the root pass welding of open root joints in another WPS?

Reply (2): Yes.

Interpretation: IX-86-12Subject: Section IX, QW-355

Date Issued: December 4, 1985File: BC85-482

Question: Is FCAW included with GMAW in QW-355?

Reply: Yes.


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Interpretation: IX-86-46Subject: Section IX, QW-355

Date Issued: November 24, 1986File: BC86-219

Question: Is a welder who is qualified using gas metal-arc welding (GMAW) also qualified for

flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) or vice versa, provided the other variables for performancequalification remain unchanged?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-86-70Subject: Section IX, QW-200.2 and QW-483

Date Issued: May 7, 1987File: BC87-089

Question (1): Is the absence of a laboratory test number on a Procedure Qualification Record

(PQR), QW-483 or equivalent, cause for rendering the document invalid?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Is the PQR invalid if the laboratory test results are specified on a PQR and neitherthe laboratory nor the owner of the PQR can produce a copy of the laboratory test results?

Reply (2): No.

VOLUME 27

Interpretation: IX-89-34Subject: Section IX, QW-404.5

Date Issued: January 3, 1990File: BC89-172

Question: If a WPS and PQR have been qualified with filler material purchased to an establishedprocurement document, is it required by QW-404.5 to requalify each time that filler material is

reordered to the procurement document?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-89-35Subject: Section IX, Multi-process QualificationDate Issued: January 3, 1990File: BC89-307

Question: A qualified (multiple process) WPS lists the following: Diameter and pipe schedule 6 in. Sch. xxs (0.864 in. nominal thickness); GTAW root pass 0.100 in. deposit thickness;SMAW hot and fill passes 0.764 in. deposit thickness. A welder performed a performancequalification test, using the above WPS. An inspector, using a vernier caliper measured the root


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pass deposit and determined 0.125 in. thickness had been deposited by the GTAW process, andsubsequently rejected the performance test based on excessive deposit by the GTAW process.

The coupon was radiographed and, additionally, side-bend specimens were removed and tested.Both met all the Section IX requirements for performance qualification. Since there are no

tolerances stated in any of the tables relating to welding process deposits or test couponspecimens, does the Code require verification of the deposit thickness of weldments to the degree

cited above?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-89-36Subject: Section IX, QW-409.8 and QW-422Date Issued: January 3, 1990

File: BC89-357

Question (1): When a constant current power supply is used in SMAW and GTAW, is a voltageor voltage range required to be listed on the WPS, provided the voltage is addressed (i.e. N/A)?

Notch-toughness testing is not applicable.

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): ASTM SB-163, 166, 167 and 168 Specification for Nickel Chromium Alloys invarious shapes and forms, include UNS No. N06600 and UNS No. N06690 material. In the P-

No. 43 base material listing, only UNS No. N06600 is specified. May the UNS No. N06690 beincluded in the P-No. 43 grouping to reduce welding procedure qualifications?

Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: IX-89-39Subject: Section IX, QW-216.2(d)Date Issued: January 3, 1990File: BC89-361

Question: When obtaining the chemical analysis required in QW-216.2(d) from the test coupondetailed in QW-462.5, shall the minimum thickness qualified be measured from the fusion line sothat the chemical sample included the effect of base metal dilution in the deposit?

Reply: Yes.

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Interpretation: IX-89-83Subject: Section IX, QW-151.1, QW-451


Question (1): Are two single full plate thickness specimens necessary to satisfy the requirementsof QW-451 when they are prepared in accordance with QW-151.1(a)?


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Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is the qualified thickness range of QW-451 based on the as-welded coupon

thickness, even though the coupon is subsequently machined to less thickness, in order to obtainparallel surfaces?

Reply (2): Yes.

Interpretation: IX-89-87Subject: Section IX, QW-202.2(c)


Question: May pressure retaining fillet welds be qualified by means other than a groove weldtest coupon?

Reply: No

Interpretation: IX-89-95Subject: Section IX, QW-452.1

Date Issued: March 7, 1991

File No: BC90-869

Question: Is a welder who has qualified using a deposit thickness of 0.90 in. qualified to weld theentire thickness of a 3 in. thick material?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-12Subject: Section IX; QW-322.2 Expiration and Renewal of Qualifications of WeldersDate Issued: October 7, 1991File No BC91-264

Question: May a welder that has qualified on 2 in. and 6 in. diameter stainless steel pipe ,maintain qualification by making one butt weld on 6 in. stainless steel pipe?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-18Subject: QW-422 and QW-423; Alternate Base Materials for Welder Qualification,

A-Numbers


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Date Issued: October 7, 1991File No: 91-389

Question (1): Is a welder, who has qualified using mild steel base material P-No. 1 to P-No. 1

using either GMAW, GTAW, or PAW welding processes and filler metal F6/A1, qualified toweld austenitic stainless steel P-No. 8 to P-No. 8?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is the A-Number an essential variable for a welder performance qualification test?

Reply (2): No.


Subject: Section IX; QW-322.2 Expiration and Renewal of Welder Qualification

Date Issued: October 7, 1991

File No: BC91-425

Question (1): Does a welder who is qualified for a given process for both groove and

corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay maintain his qualification for groove welding if, for more

than six months, the welder only does corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay welding?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does the non-Code welding work need to be examined by NDE to maintain the

welders qualification?

Reply (2): No.

Question (3): May a welder maintain his qualification by welding on temporary attachments

without any NDE?

Reply (3): Yes.

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Subject: QW-200.4(a), Combination of Welding ProcessesDate Issued: September 30, 1992File No: 92-011

Question: May a single set of weld metal impact test specimens be used to qualify two or moreprocesses or procedures?

Reply: Yes, provided weld metal from each process or procedure is included in each specimen.


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Interpretation: IX-92-43Subject: QW-492, Definition of Machine WeldingDate Issued: September 30, 1992

File No: 92-100

Question: Is a GMAW spot welding process in which all variables are preset, except forplacement of the nozzle against the material and activation of the trigger by the operator,considered machine welding?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-44Subject: QW-251.4 and QW-280, Special Processes

Date Issued: September 30, 1992File No: 92-168

Question (1): According to the 1990 Addenda of Section IX, are there any supplementaryessential or nonessential variables required to be addressed in a WPS for the special processesdescribed in QW-280?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): According to the 1991 Addenda of Section IX, are there any supplementaryessential or nonessential variables required to be addressed in a WPS for the special processes

described in QW-251.4?

Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: IX-92-45Subject: QW303.2 and QW-452.4, Fillet WeldsDate Issued: September 30, 1992

File No: 92-238

Question: When Section IX requires separate performance qualification for fillet welds on smalldiameter pipe, does the same requirement apply to longitudinal fillet welds (such as theattachment of gussets in the longitudinal direction)?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-46Subject: QW-303.3 and QW-461.9, Special Positions for Performance QualificationDate Issued: September 30, 1992File No: 92-265


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Question: Is a welder who is qualified to weld groove welds in a special orientation, alsoqualified to weld in the 1G position?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-47Subject: QW-322.2, Renewal of QualificationDate Issued: September 30, 1992

File No: 92-266

Question: May the renewal of welder and welding operator performance qualification be done onproduction work?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-48Subject: QW-466, Test Jigs


Question: In determining the appropriate test jig dimensions of QW-466 to use for bend tests, isit permissible to use the dimensions corresponding to P-No. 35 material when the filler metal is aF-No. 36, even though the base material is other than a P-No. 35 material?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-49Subject: QW-466, Test Jigs


Question: In qualifying a welding procedure which utilizes a F-No. 36 filler of ER CuAl-A1

(SFA 5.7) for corrosion resistant weld metal overlay of a P-No. 1 carbon steel material, is therequired mandrel diameter for side bend testing 4t as determined from column A of QW-466.1,QW-466.2 or QW-466.3?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: QW-403.6, Base MetalsDate Issued: September 30, 1992File No: 92-217

Question: If Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) notch toughness requirements are applicable, does QW-

403.6, base metal thickness requirements apply?

Reply: Yes.


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Interpretation: IX-92-51Subject: QW-451.3 and QW-462.4, Fillet Weld Test Specimens Procedure; and QW-

452.4, Performance Qualification Thickness Limits and Test SpecimensDate Issued: September 30, 1992

File No: 92-276

Question: If a welder performs a procedure qualification per QW-462.4(d) using 2 in. NPS pipeand passes, is he qualified for all diameters as outlined in QW-451.3?

Reply: No, per QW-452.4, he is qualified down to 1 in. O.D.

Interpretation: IX-92-52Subject: QW-462.5, Corrosion-Resistant Overlay Cladding/Hard-Facing Overlay,

Chemical Analysis SpecimenDate Issued: December 14, 1992

File No: 92-252

Question: May only one chemical analysis specimen be removed from the vertical portion of a6G positioned hard-facing welded PQR coupon when the weld travel direction is reversed everyother weld pass resulting in weld beads deposited in vertical-upward and vertical-downward

direction?

Reply: Yes, provided a chemical analysis represents each vertical travel direction.

Interpretation: IX-92-53Subject: QW-452.1, Groove Weld Procedure Qualifications Thickness Limits and Test

Specimens

Date Issued: December 14, 1992

File No: 92-254

Question: A welder has qualified on 3 in. O.D. in. wall pipe in the 1G position. He has alsoqualified on 1 in. O.D. in. wall pipe in the 6G position. Is he qualified to weld 1 in. O.D.

in. wall in all positions?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-54Subject: QW-214.3, Corrosion-Resistant Weld Metal OverlayDate Issued: December 14, 1992

File No: 92-305

Question: Prior to the 1991 Addenda, did QW-214.3 address the number of chemical analysis

tests required for Corrosion-Resistant Weld Metal Overlay utilizing the GTAW Machine WeldingProcess in the 5G or 6G position?

Reply: No.


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Interpretation: IX-92-55Subject: QW-103.2, Records

Date Issued: December 14, 1992File No: 92-307

Question: Is it acceptable to satisfy the requirements of QW-103.2 for record maintenance,

certification, and accessibility by means of an electronic storage medium, e.g., computerdatabase?

Reply: Section IX does not address the media in which records are required to be maintained.

Interpretation: IX-92-56Subject: QW-451.3, Fillet Weld TestsDate Issued: December 14, 1992

File No: 92-308

Question: A welder performs a fillet weld procedure qualification in accordance with QW-451.3,

which fails; therefore, neither the procedure nor the welder are qualified. Is it permissible for thewelder to then perform a successful groove weld procedure qualification test and be qualified for

grooves and fillets?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-57Subject: QW-253, QW-256 and QW-406.3, Maximum Interpass Temperature


Question: According to the 199 Addenda of Section IX, is it permissible to revise a WPS byincreasing interpass temperature to more than 100F above that recorded on the supporting PQR

when supplementary essential variables do not apply without requalification?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-58Subject: QW-364, Friction Welding


Question: For performance qualification, is a friction weld operator required to requalify for eachseat size and base metal combination to be qualified to operate the machine?

Reply: Yes.

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Subject: QW-306, Combination of Welding Processes; QW-452.1 and QW-452.3,Performance Qualification Thickness Limits and Test Specimens

Date Issued: February 22, 1993File No: 92-206

Background: The combination of welding processes and pipe diameters listed below were used

for performance qualification:

(1) 2 in. Sch. 80 (.218) pipe with open butt using GTAW process.

(2) 2 in. Sch. 160 (.343) pipe with consumable insert and fill pass using the GRAW processand the remainder welded with SMAW process.

(3) 6 in. XXS (.864) using SMAW process with backing.

Question: Using the combinations listed in the Background, in accordance with QW-306, Note 2

of QW-452.1 to determine maximum thickness qualified, and QW-452.3 for minimum diameterqualification, is the welder qualified to weld on unlimited thickness and diameters above 1 in.,

using either an open butt joint or a consumable insert with the root layer deposited with theGTAW process and the remainder deposited with the SMAW process?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-60Subject: QW-214, Corrosion-Resistant Weld Metal Overlay


Question: When corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay is deposited in a base material groove toa depth that is not included in the design calculations, must the deposit be tested as a groove

weld?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-61Subject: Section II, Part C; SFA-5.13, Specification for Solid Surfacing Welding Rods

and ElectrodesDate Issued: February 22, 1993File No: 92-422

Question: May powdered filler metal be classified under Section II, Part C, SFA 5.13?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-62Subject: QW-408.2, Shielding GasDate Issued: February 22, 1993

File No: 92-425


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Question (1): When changing shielding gases of a specific mixture, is it permissible to adjust thenominal percentage(s) of the minor component(s) by +/- 20% without requalifying the procedure?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): In addition, when the absolute value of +/- 20% times the nominal percentage of a

minor component is less than 1%, would it be permissible to make a +/- 1% adjustment to the gasmixture?

Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: IX-92-63Subject: QW-153.1, Tensile StrengthDate Issued: February 22, 1993

File No: 92-452

Question: A welding procedure qualification test coupon is welded using P-No. 23, SB-209,alloy 6061 aluminum base material in the (o) temper. After welding the test coupon, it issubjected to a T-6 heat treatment. To establish acceptability of tensile tests per QW-153.1, maythe tensile requirements of QW-422 for SB-209, alloy 6061 (T4 and T6 tempers in the weldedcondition) be used?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-64Subject: QW-322, Expiration and Renewal of Qualification

Date Issued: May 26, 1993

File No: 93-148

Background: A welding operator is in the process of renewing his/her qualification usingmachine GTAW welding equipment. During the process the machine malfunctions and burns

through the root pass of the test coupon. No operator error is noted. Following the malfunction,the test coupon is repaired using a manual GTAW process. After the repair, the machine weldingequipment is used to complete the rest of the test coupon.

Question: May a welding operator performance test coupon being welded for qualification or

renewal, be repaired prior to testing, using a manual welding procedure?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-65Subject: QW-423.1, Alternate Base Metals for Welder QualificationDate Issued: May 26, 1993File No: 93-148

Question: In QW-423.1, is P-No. 42 included in P-No. 4X?


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Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-66Subject: QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors ResponsibilityDate Issued: May 26, 1993

File No: 93-377

Background: Company A and Company B merge divisions to form new Company C.

Question (1): May the new Company, C, use PQRs and WPSs developed previously byCompany A and Company B?

Reply (1): Yes, provided operational control is in accordance with QW-201.

Question (2): May the new Company, C, use the central materials laboratory of Company A to

develop WPSs and PQRs?

Reply (2): Yes, provided operational control is in accordance with QW-201.

Interpretation: IX-92-67Subject: QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors ResponsibilityDate Issued: May 26, 1993

File No: 93-391

Question: In a contract involving piping construction work, our company subcontracted thepiping prefabrication work to a subcontractor. This subcontractor is managed by our companybut has a different name. The subcontractor proceeded to qualify welding procedures which were

conducted in the presence and with the approval of our companys welding engineer, who

monitored the welding of the test coupons and signed approval on the PQRs. The QualityControl System of the subcontractor and our company fully describe the operational control of

procedure qualifications. Was our client right in rejecting the use by our company of thesubcontractor qualified welding procedures for the erection work of the prefabricated piping?

Reply: This is a contractual issue, which ASME does not address.

Interpretation: IX-92-68Subject: QW-306, Combination of Welding Processes; and QW-451, Groove Weld

Procedure Qualification Thickness Limits and Test SpecimensDate Issued: June 30, 1993

File No: 92-011A

Question: In using a single set of test specimens to qualify two or more processes or procedures,does Section IX specify a minimum weld deposit thickness to be included in each test specimen

from each of the processes or procedures?

Reply: No.


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Interpretation: IX-92-69Subject: QW-409.1, Electrical Characteristics

Date Issued: June 30, 1993File No: 92-011B, 92-228, 92-353

Question: Is it the intent of QW-409.1 that the heat input, to be recorded on the PQR, be

calculated based on the parameters used at the location where the impact specimens wereremoved?

Reply: Yes.

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Interpretation: IX-92-70RSubject: QW-403.5, Base MetalsDate Issued: June 4, 2001

File No: 00-470

Question (1): When a procedure qualification with supplemental notch toughness requirement is

conducted with one P-Number material having multiple certifications in different GroupNumbers, are WPSs qualified for all combinations of the Group Numbers?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): In the above question, does one set of HAZ impact specimens, when required,satisfy the requirements of Section IX?

Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): When a procedure qualification with supplemental notch toughness requirement isconducted with two materials of different P-Number each having multiple certifications indifferent Group Numbers, are WPSs qualified for all combinations of the multiple certified Group

Number of the first P-Number material to the multiple certified Group Number of the second P-Number material?

Reply (3): Yes.

Question (4): In the above question, does one set of HAZ impact specimens from each P-Numbermaterial, when required, satisfy the requirement of Section IX?

Reply (4): Yes.

Question (5): In Question (3), are materials from the multiple certified Group Numbers qualifiedfor welding a P-Number material to itself?

Reply (5): No.


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Note: The term multiple certifications as used means any material for which a material testreport indicates that the material meets all the requirements of two or more specifications, grades,

types, or classes.


Subject: QW-302.4, Visual ExaminationDate Issued: September 22, 1993File No: 93-365

Question: Are welders or welding operators qualified in accordance with Section IX, prior to the1992 Addenda, for which the results of visual examination required by QW-302.4 were not

documented on the WPQ, required to requalify in order that visual examination results may bedocumented?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-72Subject: QW-381(c), Corrosion Resistant Weld Metal Overlay; QW-453 and QW-461.9,

Performance Qualification


Question (1): May welder qualifications for corrosion-resistant overlays per QW-381 and QW-453 be made on plate, when qualifying for welding on pipe/tubes parallel to the axis of the

pipe/tubes?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2a): Should the side bends required in QW-453 consist of the base metal plus overlaythickness, after surface conditioning per Note 4 of QW-453?

Question (2b): When the overlay test specimens are less than in. thick, may the side bend

specimen width be the test specimen thickness?

Question (2c): May the edges of the overlay be outside of the bent area as long as at least a 1in. width of overlay and HAZ are completely within the bend?

Reply (2a): Yes.

Reply (2b): Yes.

Reply (2c): Yes.

Question (3): may QW-461.9 Groove-Pipe be used for the position essential variable rules for

welder qualifications on corrosion-resistant overlap?

Reply (3): Yes.


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Interpretation: IX-92-73Subject: QW-321.3, Welder Qualification After Further Training or Practice


Background: A welder performance qualification test plate fails to meet the radiographic

requirements for qualification. After further training a new performance qualification test plate iswelded.

Question: May the new test plate be evaluated by bend testing?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-74Subject: QB-402.1, Base Metals


Question: When brazing material used for a procedure qualification test is not listed in QB-422or Appendix C, but is similar to P-No. 107 or S-No. 107 materials listed in QB-422 or Appendix

C, may this material be considered P-No. 107 or S-No. 107 material in accordance with QB-402.1?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-75Subject: QW-200.4(b), Combination of Welding Procedures

Date Issued: September 22, 1993

File No: 93-490

Question: When writing multi-process welding procedures per QW-200.4(a), where the tube wallthickness is less than 1 in., using a separate qualification for the root deposit only, must the root

deposit qualification coupon be in. minimum thickness as stated in QW-200.4(b)?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-76Subject: QW-462, Test SpecimensDate Issued: September 22, 1993

File No: 93-515

Question: QW-462 defines W as specimen width, in.. Is in. a minimum or maximumdimension requirement for preparing a reduced section tensile specimen?

Reply: No.



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Subject: QW-200.4, Combination of Welding Procedures; and QW-451.4, Fillet WeldsQualified by Groove Weld Tests


Background: A butt welding procedure qualification was completed on a pipe with E6010

electrode (F-No. 3) for the root pass and E7018 electrode (F-No. 4) for the remaining process.

Question (1): Will the above procedure qualification alone support a WPS to make a fillet weld

with E7018 electrodes (F-No. 4) for all the passes for all fillet sizes on all base metal thicknesseswhen all the other essential variables under QW-253, SMAW process, are the same?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Will the above procedure qualification alone support a WPS to make a butt weldwith E7018 electrodes (F-No. 4) for all the passes including the root pass within the limits of

qualification of QW-451.1 and within the limits of the essential variables under QW-253, SMAWprocess?

Reply (2): Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-78Subject: QW-200.2(b), Welding Procedure Qualifications


Question (1): May a company subcontract weld procedure development and qualification,including certification of the PQR, without a company representative present to witness the

welding, testing and certification?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): May a company subcontract weld procedure development and qualification,

including certification of the PQR, with a company representative present to witness the welding,testing and certification?

Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: IX-92-79Subject: QW-151.1, Tension Tests, Reduced Section-Plate; and QW-462.1(a), Test

Specimens


Question (1): Is it permissible to reduce a plate test coupon thickness beyond removing thereinforcement to allow for parallel surfaces?

Reply (1): Yes.


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Question (2): What percentage of the thickness is permissible to be removed for procedurequalification?

Reply (2): The minimum necessary to obtain parallel surfaces.

Interpretation: IX-92-80Subject: QW-103, Responsibility; and QW-210, Manufacturers or Contractors

Responsibility


Question: When a company changes names during the course of time must all the historicaldocuments, such as PQRs and WPQs, be revised to show this new name?

Reply: No, provided there is documented traceability from the new company name to the WPSs

and PQRs qualified under the old company name.

Interpretation: IX-92-81Subject: QW-103.1 and QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors Responsibility


Question (1): According to Section IX, para. QW-201, is it permissible for a manufacturer orcontractor to have the welding of the test weldments performed by another organization?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): According to para. QW-201, is it permissible to subcontract the work preparation

of test metal for welding and subsequent work on preparation of test specimens from thecompleted weldment, performance of nondestructive examination, and mechanical test, providedthat the manufacturer or contractor accepts the responsibility for any such work?

Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): If the manufacturer or contractor writes the WPS and the welder used to produceweldments to be tested for qualification of procedures are under full supervision and control of arepresentative of the manufacturer or contractor during the production of these test weldments,

may the welder be an employee of another organization?

Reply (3): No.

Interpretation: IX-92-82Subject: Code Case 2141, Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding, SFA 5.17

and SFA 5.23Date Issued: November 22, 1993

File No: 93-434


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Question (1): Does the Manufacturers Date Report in the Section IX Code Case 2141 meanthe following: (a) Manufacturers Data Report required in PG-112 of Section I; (b) Data Report

required in NCA-3770 of Section III; (c) Data Report required in UG-120 of Section VIII,Division 1; or (d) Manufacturers Data Report required in AS-300 of Section VIII, Division 2?

Reply (1): A Manufacturers Data Report form is any data report from that is required in an

ASME Code Book.

Question (2): Is it required to describe this Code Case number on procurement and/or

manufacturers specifications and certified material test report of welding consumables?

Reply (2): Section IX does not address procurement and manufacturers specifications.

Interpretation: IX-92-83Subject: QB-415, Brazing Variables


Question (1): Does ASME Section IX permit braze welding qualifications, using the rules of PartQW, Welding?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May a fabricator qualify hard-facing, using the brazing variables listed in QB-415?

Reply (2): No.


Subject: QW-407.2, Postweld Heat TreatmentDate Issued: November 22, 1993File No: 93-586

Background: A PQR was welded on a 2 in. thick P-No. 1, Gr. 2 material and post weld heattreated at 1150F for six hours (3 hrs/in.) with supplementary essential variable requirements.

Question: Will this PQR support a WPS for a production weld in 2 in. thick P-No. 1, Gr. 2material that is PWHT at 1150F for 2 hours (1 hr/in.)?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-85Subject: QB-121 and AB-123, Brazing Test PositionsDate Issued: November 22, 1993File No: 93-655

Question: If the test material is oriented at 15 deg. above horizontal (i.e., 75 deg. down fromvertical) and the brazing filler metal flows upward by capillary action through the joint, would the

brazer then be qualified for both the flat-flow and vertical-upflow positions?


20/95

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-86Subject: QW-100.3, Welding General Requirements

Date Issued: November 22, 1993File No: 93-658

Question: May a hard-facing procedure qualification test that was performed in 1990 on a 1 in.thick test coupon and is used to support a welding procedure specification written in 1993, beused to deposit a hard-facing overlay on a base material 1 in. to unlimited thickness?

Reply: Yes. QW-100.3 allows welding procedure specifications (WPSs) to be supported by

procedure qualifications accomplished subsequent to 1962 without amending the WPS to includeany variables required by later Editions and Addenda.

VOLUME 35

Interpretation: IX-92-87Subject: QW-403.6, Base Metals; and QW-409.1, Electrical CharacteristicsDate Issued: February 14, 1994File No: 93-151

Background: Two PQRs have been qualified to support a WPS with notch toughness

requirements and having a qualified base metal thickness range from 5/16 in. to 2 in. inclusive.One PQR was qualified on 1 in. thick material with a maximum heat input of 85,000 J/in. Thesecond was qualified on 5/16 in. thick material with a maximum heat input of 45,000 J/in. All

other essential and supplementary essential variables are the same.

Question (1): Is this WPS qualified for using 85,000 J/in. max. heat input on thicknesses 5/16 in.to 2 in.?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Is the heat input value of 85,000 J/in. applicable to base metal thicknesses between in. to 2 in. and the heat input value of 45,000 J/in. applicable to base metal thicknesses between5/16 in. and in.?

Reply (2): Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-88Subject: QW-409.1 and QW-409.8, Electrical CharacteristicsDate Issued: February 14, 1994

File No: 93-593

Question: Section IX, QW-409.8 and QW-409.1, require that the volts and amps be specified inthe WPS. Does Section IX require voltage to be measured at a specific location in the welding


21/95

circuit or the current to be measured using a specific type of meter (RMS, averaging or othertype)?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-89Subject: QW-452.1, Groove Weld Procedure Qualification Thickness Limits and Test

Specimens; and QW-452.3, Groove Weld Diameter Limits


Question: A welder has qualified on 3 in. O.D. in. wall pipe in the 1G position and has alsoqualified on 1 in. O.D. in. wall pipe in the 1G position. Is the welder qualified to weld 1 in.

O.D. in. wall in the 1G position?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-90Subject: QW-461.9, Performance Qualification Position and Diameter Limitations


Question: A welder has passed two separate tests; one on in. O.D. by 0.049 in. thick pipewelded in the 6G position using GTAW process, and another on in. thick plate welded in the1G position using GTAW process. Do these two tests in combination qualify the welder to weld

pipe of unlimited diameter in all positions up to 1 in. thick using GTAW?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-91Subject: QW-300, General Welding Performance Qualifications


Question: Does Section IX prohibit making editorial corrections to welder and welding operatorperformance qualification records?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-92-92Subject: QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors Responsibility, Clarification Request to

Interpretation IX-92-07, Date Issued: Oct. 7, 1991, File 91-156Date Issued: May 20, 1994File No: 93-678

Question (1): Is the term Organization as stated in QW-201 and Company A inInterpretation IX-92-07 one and the same?


22/95

Reply (1): No.

Background: Two companies are contracted by a client company to undertake pipe work

installation on its facility. All stages of the Welding Procedure Qualification Process for the twocontracted companies are witnessed by the client companies representative and the

documentation duly stamped and signed as accepted by the client.

Question (2): May these procedures be used by the client company?

Reply (2): No.

Question (3): Does the client company have to requalify these procedures in order to perform in-house maintenance at a later date using all the same essential and nonessential variables with its

own qualified welders?

Reply (3): Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-93Subject: QB-402.1, Brazing Data and Appendix C Nonmandatory S-Numbers

Date Issued: May 20, 1994File No: 93-752

Question (1): Does the brazing procedure qualification test with a base metal assigned one S-Number, or S-Number plus Group-Number, qualify for all other base metals in the same S-Number grouping?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does the brazing procedure qualification test with dissimilar metals using onemetal listed in one S-Number to one specific metal not listed in one S or P-Number qualify for the

brazing of all other base metals in the same S-Number to themselves and to the specific basemetal without S or P-Number?

Reply (2): Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-94Subject: Section II, Part C SFA-5.8Date Issued: May 20, 1994File No: 93-754

Question: May AWS Classification Bag-34 be considered SFA-5.8 filler metal even though itdoes not appear in the 1992 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II, Part C (includingthe 1992 Addenda)?

Reply: Yes.



23/95

Subject: QW-200, General Welding Procedure QualificationsDate Issued: May 20, 1994

File No: 94-008

Question: May a single WPS be qualified both with PWHT and without PWHT (two PQRs),thereby allowing the WPS to be used with or without PWHT?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-92-96Subject: QW-300, General Welding Procedure Qualifications


Background: A welder is qualified on a NPS 2 Sch. 40 pipe test coupon using GTAW 1.6 mm

deposited weld metal and SMAW 2.4 mm deposited weld metal.

Question (1): Is the SMAW portion of the performance qualification considered welding withbacking?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is the welder qualified to weld NPS 4 single welded groove weld without backing

using the SMAW process only?

Reply (2): No.


Subject: QW-200.4(a), Combination of Welding ProceduresDate Issued: May 20, 1994File No: 94-167

Question: According to QW-200.4(a), when a qualified WPS for a combination process isavailable, must a new WPS be generated in only one of the processes is to be used in production,

provided all requirements of Section IX for the process used are met?

Reply: No.


Subject: Appendix C, Nonmandatory S-NumbersDate Issued: May 20, 1994File No: 94-236

Question: May steel produced to ASTM A-108 Grade 1018, UNS G10180, be considered S-1material?

Reply: Yes.


24/95

Interpretation: IX-92-99Subject: QW-432.6, F-Numbers; and Section II, Part C SFA-5.92Date Issued: June 10, 1994

File No: 93-762 and 93-769

Question: May AWS 5.24 ER Zr4 be considered as an F-No. 61 filler metal?

Reply: Yes.

VOLUME 36

Interpretation: IX-95-01Subject: QW-200.1(b), General Welding Procedure Qualifications; and QW-402.4, JointsDate Issued: September 21, 1994

File No: 94-104

Question: If a WPS states that the GTAW process shall be used on root and second pass of open

root or metal backed groove joints and the SMAW process shall be used on the remainder of thegroove joint, is it necessary to state that the SMAW portion of the WPS must be performed with

backing (i.e., the GTAW process)?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-95-02Subject: QW-462, Test Specimens


Question: What are the minimum and maximum tolerances for specimens shown in QW-462,

where the figures show approximate dimensions?

Reply: As stated in the Foreword, The Code does not fully address tolerances. Whendimensions, sizes, or other parameters are not specified with tolerances, the values of these

parameters are considered nominal and allowable tolerance or local variances may be considered

acceptable when based on engineering judgment and standard practices as determined by thedesigner.

Interpretation: IX-95-03Subject: QW-202.2(b), Groove and Fillet Weld Tests; and QW-202.3(b), Weld Repair and

Buildup TestsDate Issued: September 21, 1994File No: 94-235

Background: Procedure qualification was performed by making a full penetration weld on 1 in.thick plate. Paragraph QW-202.2(b) states that qualification on 1 in. or thicker base metal


25/95

qualifies for making partial penetration welds on base metals with no upper limit of base metalthickness. No minimum thickness of base metal is addressed.

Question (1): Does qualification of a 1 in. thick base metal qualify for making partial

penetration groove welds on base metals which are less than 3/16 in. thick?

Reply (1): No, see para. QW-451.1 for minimum base metal thicknesses.

Background: Procedure qualification was performed by making a full penetration weld on 1 in.

thick plate. Paragraph QW-202.3(b) states that qualification on 1 in. thick or thicker base metalqualifies for making weld repairs or weld build-ups on base metals of unlimited thickness.

Question (2): Does qualification on 1 in. base metal qualify for making weld repairs or weldbuild-ups on base metals which are less than 3/16 in. thick?

Reply (2): No, see para. QW-451.1 for minimum base metal thicknesses.

Interpretation: IX-95-04Subject: QW-452.3, Groove Weld Diameter Limits and Submerged Arc Wire Flux

CombinationDate Issued: September 21, 1994File No: 94-296

Question (1): According to para. QW-452.3, is the inside diameter an essential variable forperformance qualification?

Reply (1): No.

Background: A WPS for SAW process was qualified with a wire flux combination classified as

F6P0-EL8, using one trade name for flux. This WPS was in use for several years. Now the fluxmanufacturer has changed the classification to F7P2-EL8 without changing the trade name offlux. The flux trade name is mentioned on the WPS and PQR along with the former AWSclassification.

Question (2): Is it required to requalify this WPS due to the change in the AWS class of the wireflux combination by the flux manufacturer without changing its Trade Name?

Reply (2): Yes, see para. QW-404.9(a).


Subject: QW-422, P-NumbersDate Issued: September 21, 1994File No: 94-365

Question: May SB-564 UNS N08825 be considered as P-No. 45, since it has identical propertiesto SB-425 UNS N08825 that is assigned P-No. 45 in QW-422?

Reply: No.


26/95

Interpretation: IX-95-06Subject: QW-153.1, Tension TestsDate Issued: September 21, 1994

File No: 94-542

Question: If a tensile specimen breaks in the weld metal, below the weld metals minimumspecified tensile requirement, but not below the minimum tensile strength specified for the basemetal, is the PQR considered acceptable?

Reply: Yes.

VOLUME 37

Interpretation: IX-95-07Subject: QW-420.2, S-NumbersDate Issued: March 17, 1995

File No: 94-522

Question: When qualifying a welding procedure using S1 group 2 for API 5LX60 pipe joining to

MSS SP-75 or ASTM A860 WPHY-65 fittings, or when joining WPHY-60 fittings to each other,is it permissible to use the corresponding S-Number for the fitting as the same grade of highstrength pipe when the physical properties are similar?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-95-08Subject: QW-462.4(a), Fillet Weld Procedure

Date Issued: March 17, 1995File No: 94-543

Question (1): When T2is greater than in. in Fig. QW-462.4(a), what is the maximum size filletweld required?

Reply (1): in.

Question (2): In QW-462.4(a), what does size of fillet = thickness T2 mean?

Reply (2): The length of each fillet leg(s) shall be nominally equal to the thickness of T2.

Question (3): Is there a tolerance for the fillet leg size?

Reply (3): No. As stated in the 1992 Addenda to the Foreword, when tolerances are notspecified, dimensions are considered nominal and allowable tolerances or local variances may be

considered acceptable when based on engineering judgment and standard practices as determinedby the designer.



27/95

Subject: QW-153, Acceptance Criteria Tension TestsDate Issued: March 17, 1995

File No: 94-570

Question: When welds between base metals of different minimum specified tensile strengths arebeing tested and tensile failure occurs in either of the base metals, does the reference to base

metal within QW-153.1(d) mean the base metal with the lower minimum specified tensilestrength?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-95-10Subject: QW-200.4, Combination of Welding Procedures


Question: May a single process WPS be qualified by a combination process PQR where no

essential variables for the process are changed?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-95-11Subject: QW-408, GasDate Issued: March 17, 1995File No: 95-002

Question: Is it required to indicate the purity level by percent composition or descriptive terms of

a single shielding gas on the WPS and on the PQR?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-95-12Subject: QW-202.4, Dissimilar Base Metal ThicknessesDate Issued: March 17, 1995File No: 95-027

Question: Does QW-202.4 include butt joints and corner joints when joining dissimilar basemetal thicknesses when prepared with a groove?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-95-13Subject: QW-203, Limits of Qualified Positions for Procedures; and Section II, Part C,

SFA-5.1 and 5.5

Date Issued: June 15, 1995File No: 94-035


28/95

Question: Do the requirements for classification of filler metals in accordance with ASMESection II, Part C apply to the qualification of welding and brazing procedures in accordance with

Section IX?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-95-14Subject: QW-300.3, Welding Performance Qualifications


Question: Are there any circumstances under which a non-employee person or organization canrepresent one or more participating organizations during welding of the test coupon in accordance

with the requirements of QW-300.3?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-95-15Subject: QW-160, Guided-Bend Tests; and QW-466 Note (b) Test Jigs


Question: Is it acceptable to measure the percent elongation of the tensile specimens in lieu ofbend specimens to measure the ductility for welding procedure qualification acceptance?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-95-16Subject: QW-255, Welding Variables Procedure Specifications for FCAW; and QW-

408.2, GasDate Issued: June 15, 1995

File No: 95-095

Question: May a FCAW welding procedure, qualified without shielding gas, be used with ashielding gas without requalification?

Reply: No.

VOLUME 38

Interpretation: IX-95-17Subject: QW-302.4, Visual Examination


Question (1): For the fillet weld coupon in welder performance qualification, does the macroexamination required per QW-452.5 exempt the visual examination required per QW-302.4?


29/95

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does the visual examination of the fillet weld test coupon required per QW-302.4

refer to the final weld face side only?

Reply (2): Yes.

Interpretation: IX-95-18Subject: QW-409.8, Electrical CharacteristicsDate Issued: October 19, 1995

File No: 95-220

Question: Does Section IX require that a separate amperage range be specified for each fillermetal size listed in the WPS?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-95-19Subject: QW-300.3, Welding Performance Qualifications; and QW-322.1(b), Expiration

of Welder QualificationDate Issued: October 19, 1995

File No: 95-221

Background: A welder simultaneously qualifies for ten different contractors in accordance withQW-300.3. QW-300.3 requires the contractor that rejects a welder to notify the other contractorswho participated in the simultaneous test that the welders qualification has been revoked. One of

the contractors subsequently revokes the welders qualification for specific reason in accordance

with QW-322.1(b).

Question (1): Are the other nine contractors who qualified the welder simultaneously, required torevoke the welders qualification per QW-322.1(b)?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): When a participating contractor revokes a welders qualification for a specificreason, does QW-300.3 require the other participating contractors to retest the welder or welding

operator?

Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: IX-95-20Subject: QW-300, Welding Performance QualificationDate Issued: October 19, 1995File No: 95-302

Question: If the manufacturer or contractor writes the WPS, and the welder used to produce theweldments to be tested for qualification of procedures is under the full supervision and control of


30/95

the manufacturer or contractor during the production of these test weldments, may the welder be acontracted employee, provided the Quality Control system or Quality Assurance Program of the

manufacturer or contractor describes the control of contracted welders?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-95-21Subject: QW-403.5, Base Metals


Background: A PQR is qualified in accordance with Section IX, with supplementary essentialvariables, using a material from British Standard 1501-224-490A-LT50

Question: May this PQR be used to support a WPS utilizing a P-Number 1, Group Number 2

material with supplementary essential variables?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-95-22Subject: QW-424, Base Metals Used for Procedure QualificationDate Issued: December 28, 1995

File No: 95-251

Question: Does a procedure qualification using an unassigned metal to an assigned P-Numberedmetal qualify for welding the base metals to themselves using all the nonessential, essential andsupplementary essential variables qualified?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-95-23Subject: QW-453, Notes (3) and (10), Thickness Limits and Test Specimens for Hard-

Facing and Corrosion-Resistant OverlaysDate Issued: December 28, 1995File No: 95-428

Question (1): Notes (3) and (10) of QW-453 require a liquid penetrant examination of the surfaceof the test coupon for hard-facing procedure and performance qualifications, respectively. Maythe acceptance standards of QW-195.2 or other standards deemed appropriate by the qualifying

organization be used as acceptance criteria?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Must the acceptance criteria be specified on the WPS?

Reply (2): Yes.


31/95

VOLUME 39

Interpretation: IX-95-24Subject: QW-403.1, Base Metals


Question: Does a WPS qualified using P-No. 1, Group No. 1 material, qualify welding for P-No.1, Group No. 2 material, when notch toughness tests are not required?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-95-25Subject: QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors ResponsibilityDate Issued: March 19, 1996

File No: 95-252

Question: If company A purchases company B, is it permissible for company A to write WeldingProcedure Specifications (WPS) in their name, supported by Procedure Qualification Records(PQR) qualified by company B?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-95-26Subject: QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors ResponsibilityDate Issued: March 19, 1996File No: 95-303

Background: Company A owns company B and changes its name to C. The new company Ccontinues to use the WPSs and PQRs initially developed by B. After some time, company A (the

parent company) splits C back to B and C. Both B and C now operate independently, but undercompany A.

Question: May company B use the WPSs and PQRs initially developed by B and also use WPSsand PQRs qualified by company C before the last reorganization?

Reply: Yes, provided that the requirements of QW-201 are satisfied.


Subject: QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors ResponsibilityDate Issued: March 19, 1996File No: 95-482

Question: May a subcontractor use a WPS supported by a PQR which was qualified by thecontracting company and subsequently supplied to the subcontractor?

Reply: No.


32/95

Interpretation: IX-95-28Subject: QW-403.10, Short Circuiting ModeDate Issued: March 19, 1996

File No: 96-002

Question: Are the base metal thickness restrictions for the GMAW process short circuiting modestated in QW-403.10 and QW-404.32 also applicable to fillet weld tests, either in procedurequalifications (QW-451.3, QW-451.4) or in performance qualifications (QW-452.4, QW-452.5

and QW-452.6)?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-95-29Subject: QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors Responsibility


Question: If more than one manufacturer or contractor agrees upon the use of one WPS, which isto be followed during production of test weldments for qualification testing, may the welder used

to produce the weldments to be tested for qualification procedures, be under the full supervisionand control of each manufacturer or contractor during the welding, provided the Quality ControlSystem or Quality Assurance Program of each manufacturer or contractor describes the control of

welders?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: QW-350, Welding Variables for WeldersDate Issued: May 30, 1996File No: 96-073

Question (1): Do the essential variables of QW-350 apply to welding operators carrying outcorrosion resistant overlay?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Are welding operators qualified for submerged arc welding, also qualified forElectroslag welding and vice versa?

Reply (2): No.

Question (3): Is a welding operator qualified to QW-360 and QW-381 of Section IX insubmerged arc weld overlay using wire electrode, also qualified to use strip electrodes with thesame process?

Reply (3): Yes.


33/95

Interpretation: IX-95-31Subject: QW-361.2, Essential Variables Machine Welding


Background: A welding operator has direct visual contact with a pipe weldment that is being

welded utilizing machine orbital pipe welding equipment. This welding operator is giving verbalcommands to a second welding operator, who does not have eye contact with the weldment, andwho is positioning the weld head and wire aimers located on the head remotely, during the

welding of the joint in accordance with the verbal commands of the first operator. Each weldingoperator has been qualified to perform both remote and direct visual control welding.

Question: Are these welders qualified to make the subject weld in accordance with QW-361.2,even though the welding operator having direct visual control is directing the positioning of the

orbital pipe welding equipment verbally and does not have hands-on control of the weldinghead?

Reply: Yes.

VOLUME 40

Interpretation: IX-95-32Subject: QW-300.2, Welding Performance QualificationsDate Issued: July 1, 1996File No: 95-302

Question: If more than one manufacturer or contractor agrees upon the use of one WPS, which isto be followed during the production of test weldments for qualification testing, may the welderused to produce the weldments to be tested for qualification of procedures, be under the full

supervision and control of each manufacturer or contractor during the welding, provided theQuality Control System or Quality Assurance Program of each manufacturer or contractordescribes the control of welders?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-95-33Subject: QW-403.10, Short-Circuiting ModeDate Issued: September 24, 1996File No: 96-001

Question: Does QW-403.10 limit the base metal thickness qualified to 1.1T for a combinationGMAW-S/SMAW PQR test coupon thickness T less than in., when used to support acombination GMAW-S/SMAW WPS?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-95-34Subject: QW-202.3, Weld Repair and Buildup


34/95


Background: Assurance of defect-free hardfacing deposits on cast surfaces is often improved if a

layer of weld metal is first deposited on the casting, acting as a substrate for the subsequenthardfacing weld metal overlay.

Question (1): Does Section IX require qualification of the substrate (e.g., in accordance withQW-202.3 or when the substrate is not included in the design minimum wall thickness in

accordance with QW-214) which will be subsequently covered by a hardfacing weld metaloverlay?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): If the deposit of the substrate is included in a hardfacing weld metal overlayprocedure qualified to QW-216, is evaluation of the substrate to QW-202.3 or QW-214, as

applicable, required?

Reply (2): Section IX does not address qualification of a combination substrate/hardfacing WPSin a single coupon.

Interpretation: IX-95-35Subject: QW-300.1, Welding Performance Qualifications


Question: Is it permissible to use ultrasonic examination in lieu of radiography to qualify weldersand welding operators in accordance with QW-300.1?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-95-36Subject: QW-300, Welding Performance QualificationsDate Issued: September 24, 1996File No: 96-314

Question (1): Would the successful qualification of a welder in a manual or semi-automatic

method qualify him to weld in production using a machine or automatic method in the sameprocess?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Since the essential variables are the same for both methods, would successfulqualification with testing in manual GTAW allow the same welder to weld in production using

semi-automatic GTAW without testing?

Reply (2): Yes.


35/95

Interpretation: IX-95-37Subject: QW-404.9, Filler Metals


Question: In accordance with QW-404.9(c), does a change in the wire classification shown in

SFA-5.9, with no change in the flux composition, F-Number, or A-Number, require procedurerequalification?

Reply: No.

VOLUME 41

Interpretation: IX-95-38Subject: QW-322, Expiration and Renewal of Qualification

Date Issued: January 6, 1997File No: 96-132

Question: Is it a requirement of QW-322 for a manufacturer to maintain records to demonstrate awelders or welding operators continuing qualification for a process from the date of the original

qualification test?

Reply: Section IX does not address how conformance to QW-322 is demonstrated. Other book

sections my address the maintenance of records.

Interpretation: IX-95-39Subject: QW-304, Performance Qualification Welders

Date Issued: January 6, 1997

File No: 96-331

Question (1): Would the successful performance qualification of a welder in a manual or semi-automatic type (e.g., GMAW, GTAW, SAW) per QW-304 qualify the same welder to operate as

welding operator in machine or automatic type welding?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): If a welder used GMAW (short-circuiting mode) for the root pass and SAW for the

hot and fill passes of test coupon, may the test coupon be testing using radiography for the SAWportion of the weld, in accordance with QW-304 and QW-306?

Reply (2): Yes.

Interpretation: IX-95-40Subject: QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors ResponsibilityDate Issued: January 21, 1997

File No: 93-431 and 95-222


36/95

Background: Company A was a subsidiary of Company B. Company B sold Company A toCompany C, and Company A became a division of Company C.

Question: May Company A continue to use WPSs and PQRs previously developed by Company

B?

Reply: It is the intent of the Coe that when a manufacturer or contractor, or part of amanufacturer or contractor, is acquired by a new owner(s), the PQRs and WPSs may be used bythe new owner(s) without requalification, provided all of the following are met:

(a) the new owner(s) takes responsibility for the WPSs and PQRs;(b) the WPSs reflect the name of the new owner(s); and(c) the Quality Control System/Quality Assurance Program reflects the source of the PQRs

as being from the former manufacturer or contractor.

Interpretation: IX-95-41Subject: QW-453, Procedure/Performance Qualification Thickness Limits and Test

Specimens for Hardfacing (Wear-Resistant) and Corrosion-Resistant Overlays


Background: Corrosion-resistant weld overlay on P-No. 1 material needs to be carried out withNickel-Aluminum Bronze using E CuNiAl SMAW electrode (F-No. 37) and ER CuNiAl GMAWfiller wire (F-No. 37).

Question: For procedure qualification of the above to QW-453, can side bend test specimens of in. thickness be used, bent to inner diameter of 2 1/16 in., as given for P-No. XX with F-No. 36under QW-466.1?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-95-42Subject: QW-284, Seam Welding Equipment Qualification


Background: When qualifying resistance seam welding equipment for QW-284, testing andacceptance criteria shall be in accordance with QW-196. QW-196.2.1 addresses shear test

specimens, but only deals with spot welding.

Question (1): When qualifying seam welding equipment, do the requirements for spot shear test

per QW-196.2.1 apply?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Do the rules of QW-286 for procedures qualification apply for equipmentqualification?

Reply (2): No.


37/95

VOLUME 42

Interpretation: IX-98-01Subject: QB-141.4, Sectioning TestsDate Issued: December 15, 1997

File No: 97-304

Question: In QB-451.3, Note (1), is the Sectioning Test a substitute for the Peel Test?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-98-02Subject: QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors ResponsibilityDate Issued: December 15, 1997

File No: 97-309

Question: May a manufacturer use another organizations Welding Procedure Specifications infabrication of pressure vessels contracted to that organization, if the manufacturer works tospecifications controlling all fabrication processes from material procurement to final delivery,including QC examination provided by the contracting organization?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-98-03Subject: QW-451, Procedure Qualification Thickness Limits and Test SpecimensDate Issued: December 15, 1997

File No: 97-479

Question: Does a partial penetration groove weld procedure qualification test assembly qualifyfor full penetration production groove welds within the ranges indicated in QW-451?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-98-04Subject: QW-200.2, Welding Procedure Qualifications


Question: Does ASME Section IX require that a preliminary WPS be attached to the PQR?

Reply: No.

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Specimens for Hardfacing (Wear-Resistant) and Corrosion-Resistant OverlaysDate Issued: April 28, 1998

File No: 98-009

Question: In making repairs to hardfacing weld metal overlays, does the existing hardfacing weldmetal overlay deposit to be repaired, constitute a change in the original essential variable(s) (e.g.,

base material, thickness, etc.) thus requiring a new qualification?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-98-06Subject: QW-402.12(a) and (c) and QW-402.12, JointsDate Issued: April 28, 1998

File No: 98-009

Question: Do the words any change exceeding 10%, changegreater than 10%, achangegreater than 10%, and an increase or decrease of more than 10%, respectively, all

indicate a qualified range of 10% above and 10% below the value recorded in the PQR?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-98-07Subject: QW-410.42, TechniqueDate Issued: April 28, 1998File No: 97-302

Question (1): For PAW hardfacing and corrosion resistant weld metal overlay qualifications,

may the full range of oscillation qualified (including the change of more than 10%) also apply

to the combined minimum and maximum oscillation range qualified? (e.g., would the rangequalified for a 1 in. oscillation combined with a 1.5 in. oscillation be 0.9 in 1.65 in.)

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May the minimum and maximum oscillation values be combined and qualified ona single hardfacing weld metal overlay test coupon, assuming all other essential variables are thesame?

Reply (2): Section IX does not prohibit the qualification of more than one set of essentialvariables on a single test coupon, provided each set of essential variables is tested in accordance

with the requirements of Section IX.

Interpretation: IX-98-08Subject: QW-432, F-Numbers

Date Issued: April 28, 1998File No: 98-131

Question: A WPS is qualified with an SMA electrode that is not certified by the manufacturer asconforming to an AWS classification. Are welders who were previously qualified with an


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electrode classified as F-4, also qualified to use this unclassified electrode that conforms to thedeposit chemistry of EXXXX-G, in Table 2 of SFA-5.5 (within the other limitations of QW-

350)?

Reply: No.

VOLUME 44

Interpretation: IX-98-09Subject: QW-150 and QW-462.1, Tension Test Specimens for Pipe and PlateDate Issued: October 9, 1998

File No: 97-302

Question: Would tensile tests performed in accordance with SA-370 be acceptable for meetingASME Section IX, QW-462.1(a) and (b)?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-98-10Subject: QW-407.1, Post Weld Heat TreatmentDate Issued: October 9, 1998File No: 97-306/97-308

Question: Is it the intent of Section IX in QW-407.1 to permit reporting the results of more than

one PWHT condition on a single report, with a single PQR number, provided all the otherapplicable essential and supplementary essential variables are identical and all required tests areconducted and reported for both conditions?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-98-11Subject: QW-300, Welding Performance QualificationsDate Issued: October 9, 1998File No: 98-133

Question: May Company A retain the Company B employee responsible for welder performance

qualification, to review the welder qualification documents of both companies and qualify thewelders of Company B to the welding program of Company A without further testing of thewelders?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-98-12Subject: QW-451, Procedure Qualification Thickness Limits and Test Specimens

Date Issued: October 9, 1998File No: 98-237/98-238


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Question: May longitudinal bend specimens be used in lieu of transverse bend specimens whenthe base metals or the base metal and the weld metal do not differ markedly in bending

properties?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-98-13Subject: QW-200.1, Welding Procedure Qualifications


Question: Are all-encompassing terms acceptable when addressing nonessential variables in aWPS (e.g, for backing, with or without, for root spacing, unlimited)?

Reply: Section IX does not specify how nonessential variables are to be addressed; however, the

terms must provide direction to the welder/welding operator for making production welds toCode requirements.

Interpretation: IX-98-14Subject: QW-361.2, Machine Welding Variables for Welding Operators; and QW-381,

Corrosion-Resistant Weld Metal OverlayDate Issued: December 22, 1998

File No: 98-447

Background: A multiple layer corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay performance qualification(machine welding) is made with the first layer under Direct Visual control and the second layerRemote Visual control.

Question (1): Is the welding operator qualified for both Direct and Remote Visual controltechniques applied either in single or multiple layers?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): For the qualification described in the background, may two welding operatorsqualify on one coupon, provided the requirements of QW-453 and QW-361.2 (which delineatethe welding operators limits of qualification as per QW-306) are addressed?

Reply (2): Yes.

Interpretation: IX-98-15Subject: QW-405.3, PositionsDate Issued: December 22, 1998File No: 98-448

Question: May a single-pass seal weld as defined in QW-492, used to seal boiler tubes to a

boiler tube sheet, be considered a cover pass or a wash pass for purposes of exemption formQW-405.3?


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Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-98-16Subject: QW-462.5(a), Chemical Analysis and Hardness Specimen Corrosion-Resistant

and Hard-Facing Weld Metal Overlay


Question: Is it permissible to use the surface of the test coupon as the approximate fusion linewhen determining the minimum finished thickness for corrosion-resistant and hard-facingoverlays in accordance with QW-462.5(a)?

Reply: Yes.

VOLUME 45


Specimens for Hard-Facing (Wear Resistant) and Corrosion-Resistant Overlays


Question: When performing corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay welding operatorqualification using a machine GTAW process, are the limitations on thickness qualified per QW-

453 applicable?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-98-18Subject: QW-201.1, Manufacturers or Contractors ResponsibilityDate Issued: March 23, 1999

File No: 99-025

Background: When one of a companys plants is sold, it is not clear if the new owner can use theWelding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) qualified

by the original company, when the original company wishes to continue using those WPSs/PQRs.

Question: Company A sells one of its plants to Company B. May both Company A and

Company B use the WPSs/PQRs previously qualified by Company A?

Reply: Yes, provided the requirements of QW-201.1 are addresses by Company B.

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Interpretation: IX-98-19Subject: QW-404, Filler MetalsDate Issued: September 24, 1999


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File No: 99-409

Question: Is requalification required when the filler metal specified in the WPS and supportingPQR is moved from one SFA specification to another SFA specification, or the AWS

classification is changed, or when a previously unclassified filler is classified by the filler metalmanufacturer as conforming to an SFA specification?

Reply: No.

VOLUME 47

Interpretation: IX-98-20RSubject: QW-202.4(b), Dissimilar Base Metal ThicknessDate Issued: June 8, 2000

File No: 99-539

Question: When welding a corner joint with dissimilar base metal thickness, the thickness ofboth members must be within the qualified thickness range of the WPS(s) being used. How is the

thickness for the thicker member defined in sketches (a), (b) and (c) below?

Reply: For sketch (a), the thicker of Torts. For sketch (b), the thicker ofTor ts. For sketch (c),

the thicker of flange aor hub b.

VOLUME 48

Interpretation: IX-01-01Subject: QW-403, Base Metal Requirement; QW-404, Filler Metal RequirementDate Issued: October 11, 2000

File No: 00-514

Question (1): If a WPS is written using the GMAW-S process alone, is Tlimited to 1.1TperQW-403.10 and tlimited to 1.1tper QW-404.32?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): If a WPS is written using FCAW process alone, is Tlimited to 2Tper QW-403.8and tlimited to 2tper QW-404.30?

Reply (2): Yes.


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Interpretation: IX-01-02Subject: QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors ResponsibilityDate Issued: October 11, 2000

File No: 00-553

Background: A large majority of fabrication, contracted by a design Company A, is performedby Manufacturers B and C. Each company is independent in ownership from the other two.Companies A, B and C have developed a Welding Coalition. The top management of all three

companies has executed an Agreement and Commitment protocol, consenting to theestablishment of the Welding Coalition. The Welding Coalition controls all weld proceduresdeveloped for use on Company A contracts by Companies B and C, under one designated

program. The Coalition does not control production welding at either of the manufacturingcompanies. Weld procedure qualifications performed by Company C are controlled by Company

As Quality Program. Weld procedure qualifications performed by Company B are controlled byCompany Bs Quality Program that has been approved by Company A. Company C is on

Company Bs Approved Vendors List.

Question: Is it permissible to consider the Welding Coalition as the organization which hasresponsible operational control of production of the weldments to be made in accordance withthis Code, such that Company B may use weld procedures qualified by Company C and viceversa?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-01-03Subject: QW-194, Visual ExaminationsDate Issued: January 3, 2001

File No: 00-519

Question: Is a welders performance qualification test coupon, in which undercut is present,acceptable, provided that the rest of the examinations and tests are acceptable?

Reply: Yes. However, manufacturers may disqualify welders based on QW-301.2 whendiscontinuities, such as undercut and porosity, do not comply with the quality requirement of themanufacturer.

Interpretation: IX-01-04Subject: QW-304.1, Welders Test Coupon ExaminationDate Issued: January 3, 2001

File No: 00-653

Question: Does QW-304.1 require that when radiography is used for examination of welder testcoupons for performance qualification, the visual examination per QW-302.4 be performed anddocumented on the Welder/Welding Operator Performance Qualification record?

Reply: No.


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Interpretation: IX-01-05Subject: QW-200.2, Welding Procedure Qualification

Date Issued: January 3, 2001File No: 00-654

Question: When a nonessential variable is recorded on a PQR, may a new or revised WPS

supported by the PQR specify a different range for that nonessential variable from that recordedon the PQR?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-01-06RSubject: QW-410.51, Addition/Deletion of Oscillation (1998 and Earlier Editions)


Background: QW-410.51, addition or deletion of oscillation is an essential variable for GTAW

hard-facing. QW-410.1, addition or deletion of weave bead is not a variable for the GTAW hard-facing process.

Question: Is it the intent of Section IX that a PQR developed with a machine or automaticGTAW hard-facing process, with or without oscillation, may be used to qualify a WPS for amanual, or a semiautomatic GTAW hard-facing process, with or without weave?

Reply: Yes. Note that recent actions by Section IX have defined oscillation as applicable to

machine and automatic processes and weave as applicable to manual and semiautomaticprocesses.

VOLUME 49

Interpretation: IX-01-07Subject: QW-420.2, Material GroupingDate Issued: June 4, 2001File No: 01-029

Background: A PQR is qualified on a P-Number X material to a P-Number Y material.

Question (1): Does this PQR support a WPS for welding P-Number X to S-Number Y withoutchanges to any other essential variables?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does this PQR support a WPS for welding S-Number X to S-Number Y withoutchanges to any other essential variables?

Reply (2): Yes.



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Subject: QW-300.2, Transfer of Record of Performance QualificationDate Issued: February 26, 2001

File No: 01-030

Question: When a new owner acquires a company, or part of a company, does QW-300.2prohibit continued use of existing welder performance qualifications?

Reply: No. Section IX does not address rules applicable to performance qualification continuitywhen a new owner acquires a manufacturer or contractor. If welder performance qualification

continuity is to be maintained by the new owner, the Quality Control System/Quality AssuranceProgram should reflect to the source of the welder performance qualification records as beingfrom the former manufacturer or contractor.

Interpretation: IX-01-09Subject: QW-356, Welding Variables


Question: A welder was qualified to P-No. 1 material using the GTAW process without gasbacking using F-No. 6 filler material. Is he qualified to weld P-No. 8 material using the GTAW

process with gas backing using F-No. 6 filler material, provided all other essential variablesremain the same?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-01-10Subject: QW-144 and QW-194, Visual Examinations

Date Issued: February 26, 2001

File No: 01-073

Question: Are the requirements of QW-144 and QW-194 for visual examination of the testcoupon required for the qualifications of a welding procedure?

Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-01-11Subject: QW-510 and QW-540 in Article V, Standard Welding Procedure SpecificationsDate Issued: June 4, 2001File No: 01-089

Question (1): Under QW-510(d), is it acceptable to weld the demonstration test coupon with onlyGTAW if the SWPS is for combination GTAW root and SMAW E7018 fill?

Reply (1): No. All variables of the SWPSs are considered to be essential variables.

Question (2): Under QW-510(d), is it acceptable to weld the demonstration test coupon with onlySMAW E7018 if the SWPS is for combination GTAW root and SMAW E7018 fill?


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Question (3): Under QW-510(d), is it acceptable to weld the demonstration test coupon with onlySMAW E7018 if the SWPS specifies both E6010 and E7018?


Question (4): Does Section IX, Article II apply when the fabricator chooses to use SWPSs?

Reply (4): No. Ref. para. QW-100.1.

Question (5): When using SWPSs under Article V of Section IX, may a single welding processof a multiple SWPSs be used to complete a weld?

Reply (5): No. Ref. paras. QW-540(a) and (c).

Question (6): When using SWPSs under Article V of Section IX, may a single process SWPS forE7018 and a single process SWPS for GTAW be used to complete a weld, assuming all other

variables are within the SWPS parameters?


Question (7): When using SWPSs under Article V of Section IX, may a single process SWPS forE7018 and a single process SWPS for E6010 be used to complete a weld, assuming all other

variables are within the SWPS parameters?



Subject: QW-322.2(a) and QW-452.1, Rule Change Affecting Welder QualificationDate Issued: June 4, 2001File No: 01-201

Background: ASME Section IX, 2000 Addenda, revised Table QW-452.1 reducing the couponsize from in. to in. to qualify the welder for Maximum to be welded when welding aminimum of three layers.

Question (1): A welder qualified prior to the 2000 Addenda, and has remained qualified since his

original test. His original test coupon consisted of at least three weld layers and greater than in.but less than in. deposited weld metal. May the qualification recorded be revised from 2t toMax. to be welded subsequent to the 2000 Addenda?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): A welder was qualified prior to the 2000 Addenda. His qualification has lapsed

due to not welding with the original weld process for greater than 6 months. His original testcoupon consisted of at least three layers and greater than in. but less than in. deposited weld

metal. His renewal restores his original qualifications in accordance with QW-322.2(a). May theoriginal qualification record be revised from 2t to Max. to be welded subsequent to the 2000Addenda?


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Reply (2): Yes.

Interpretation: IX-01-13Subject: References to Edition and Addenda


Question (1): The 1998 Code Edition, as published, incorporates the 1998 Addenda. Whenproviding reference to this Code Edition and Addenda within a Code-required document, mayonly the Edition be listed (i.e, 1998 Edition)?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): For the 1998 Edition only, is it necessary to revise Code-required documentation

where the term 1998 Edition was used as meaning the 1995 Edition through the 1997Addenda?

Reply (2): No.

VOLUME 50

Interpretation: IX-01-14Subject: QW-500, The Use of SWPSs


Question: May a manufacturer or contractor adopt and use SWPSs in accordance with the rules

of Article V for work on Code items built to an edition or addenda prior to the 1998 edition withthe 2000 Addenda, provided the construction code does not prohibit the use of SWPSs?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-01-15Subject: QW-300.2, Employers ResponsibilityDate Issued: September 15, 2001File No: 01-641

Background: Section IX requires that the manufacturer, contractor, assembler, or installer be

responsible for conducting tests to qualify the performance of welders which his organizationemploys in construction of weldments built in accordance with the Code. It also requires thatthe manufacturer, contractor, assembler, or installer provide supervision and control over welderswhile they are welding test coupons for performance qualification.

Question (1): An employee of a contractor provides supervision and control over a welder duringwelding of a test coupon, but that welder is not an employee of the contractor at the time of thetest. Is it required that the welder be an employee of that contractor at the time of qualificationtesting?


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Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Must the welder be an employee of any manufacturer or contractor at the time of

qualification testing?

Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: IX-01-16Subject: Code Case 2142-1 and 2143-1Date Issued: December 18, 2001

File No: 01-641

Background: The submerged are welding process is being used to deposit corrosion-resistantweld overlay for Section III, Subsection NB fabrication using a NI-Cr-Fe alloy strip filler metal

and flux combination. The strip filler metal does not meet the chemical requirements of CodeCase 2142-1 (bare electrode and rod), but both filler metal and weld deposit meet the chemical

composition limits of Code Case 2143-1 (covered electrodes).

Question (1): Must the Ni-Cr-Fe alloy strip filler metal used for the SAW process meet the

chemical composition requirements of Code Case 2142-1 to be classified as F-43 for procedureand performance qualifications?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May Ni-Cr-Fe alloy filler metal that is not designated as F-43 per Code Case 2142-1 be used for welding if the welding procedure is qualified separately per QW-404.37?

Reply (2): Yes.

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asme ix welder qualification interpretation

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