Welding Procedure Qualification Steps

As a summary, welding inspector may be

involved with each of the following steps or

only a few depend on the structure of the

particular organisation

Select welding variables

Check equipment and materials for suitability

Monitor weld joint fit up as well as actual welding,

recording all important variables and observations� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

Welding Procedure Qualification Steps

Select, identify the required test specimens

Test and evaluate specimens

Review test results for compliance with applicablecode requirement

Release approved procedure for production

Qualify individual welders in accordance with thisspecification

Monitor the procedure during production to assurethat it continues to produce satisfactory results� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

QUALIFICATION OF

WELDER

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Welder Qualification

An important document to “Determine whether

individual welders have sufficient skill to produce

satisfactory welds using a qualified procedure”

Starting point is having a qualified procedure, then,

test welders

Like procedure qualification, essential variables are

existed, they are include:� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

Welder QualificationWelding position

The range of qualification may vary with thedifferent weld configuration including

plate groove

plate fillet and

pipe groove (BS EN)

Example on qualification on plate groove onlyprovides limited coverage for welding on pipe

Welder is automatically qualified for allpositions of plate if he/she is being qualifiedon plate groove in 3G and 4G positions� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

Welder Qualification

Joint configuration

An essential variable

Standard test plates and pipe are used to approximately the necessary configuration

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Welder QualificationElectrode type and size

Re-qualification is required for some

processes if a change in the type of

electrode specified

In case of SMAW, qualification with an

electrode with higher number (F4) will

automatically qualify with lower number (F1)� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

Welder QualificationBase metals and thickness

Another important essential variable

Determines what type of base metals and theirextent of thickness will be coverage from aspecific qualification test

Refer AWS D1.1, qualification on 3/8” test platewill qualify a welder for welding material up to 3/4”thick and so called as a limited thicknessqualification

Successful qualified on a 1” test plate will qualifyfor any thickness greater than 1/8” and termed asunlimited thickness qualification� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

Welder QualificationSpecific welding technique

Considered as essential variables

Typical technique related essential variablesmay include

Direction of welding (down hill or uphill)

Change in welding processes

Change in welding position

Change in base metal type� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

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BE EN 287-1 : 2011

Qualification test of welders –

Fusion Welding

Part 1 Steels

BS EN 287-1 : 2011List essential variables and range of qualification

Welding processes (ISO 857)

Product Type (Cover range between plate & pipe)

Type of weld (Cover range between butt & fillet weld)

Material groups

Filler material

Dimensions (thickness cover range)

Welding position (EN ISO 6947)

Weld details

Test Pieces Joint Configuration� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

BS EN 287-1 : 2011Examination and acceptance Criteria

Preparation of test specimens (DT)

Test methods

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Type of WeldButt weld cover butt weld in any type of joint except

branch connection

Butt welds do not qualify fillet welds or vice versa

When a welder is qualified by butt weld test, a

supplementary fillet weld test piece can be welded which

shall be in a plate thickness of at least 10mm and

completed using a single layer in the PB position. For this

supplementary test the welder shall become qualify for

all fillet welds as given for the butt weld qualification� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

SummaryInspector may be asked to witness theactual welding to verify procedurecompliance as well as note the ability of thewelder

Removal and evaluation of test specimensare according to the applicable code

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SummaryOnce qualified, the welder will bepermitted to weld as long as that weldingdoes not exceed the limited of essentialvariables involve positions, thicknesses,electrodes, etc.

Welder may, however, be required to re-qualify or undergo training ifunsatisfactory performance is noted bythe inspector or other supervisorypersonnel.� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

Welder Qualification

Test Certificate

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Q & A

The End

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Electrode Classification Groupings

AWS

Electrode Classification

Group

Designation

Order of Removal

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Type and Number of Test Specimens Required for Type and Number of Test Specimens Required foASME Procedure Qualification of Butt Welds

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Order of RemovalTypical API Procedure Qualification Coupon

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Order of RemovalTypical API Procedure Qualification Coupon

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Order of RemovalTypical API Procedure Qualification Coupon

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Order of RemovalTypical API Procedure Qualification Coupon

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