Before we explain further, first of all we want you to know that, these 3 terms will be used a lot. So for that, you need to familiarize yourself with these terms as an initial preparation to become a qualified welder.
The 3 terms are:
- WPQ – Welder Performance Qualification
- WPS – Welding Procedure Specification
- PQR – Procedure Qualification Record
Then, you need to remember this:
- Performance – Welder
- Procedure – Weld recipe
Next, what is the PURPOSE of a welder’s qualification?
A Quality Weld
A qualified welder using a qualified weld procedure with appropriate environment; result in a GOOD WELD.
Practical definition:
Qualified: One who has been approved by test (s).
Good: One which meets the weld procedure.
Welder Qualification Methods
- QW-300.1 – A welder or welding operator may be qualified by:
a. Radiography/UT of a test coupon.
b. Radiography/UT of his initial production weld.
c. Or, bend test on a test coupon.
2. Test Coupon – Bend Test (QW-302.1/3)
a. Number and Typed of Bends – at least 2 bends.
b. Specimen shape and locations – (QW-463.2 [a-h])
3. Test Coupon – Volumetric NDE (QW-302.2)
-Minimum length = 6″
-For pipe – Full circumference
4. 1st Production Weld – Volumetric NDE
-Welders – minimum length = 6″ (QW-304.1)
-Welding Operators – minimum length = 3ft (QW-305.1)
Welders – Know This!
QW-301.3
Each welder shall be assigned a unique identifying symbol, number or letter to use when stamping or recording the work performed by the welder.
QW-302.2
Welders may be qualified using radiography as allowed by QW-304 & QW-305.
QW-304.2
When a welder fails qualification using radiography the entire section of the joint made by the welder be removed or completely radiographed and the defective areas repaired by a qualified welder.
QW-306
a. Welders may be qualified using separate coupons for each process or by welding with multiple processes in a single coupon as long as all the requirements of Section IX are met.
b. Failure of any portion of a combination test in a single coupon constitutes failure of the entire coupon.
Expiration of Qualification QW-322.1
a. Welder has not used the Process for 6 months.
b. Reason to question welder’s ability.
Fail a Qualification Test QW-321.1/2/3
a. Retest using same test – i.e. if failed bends, then must pass bends – can’t substitute RT.
b. Do twice as much – Originally 6” weld tested, now have to pass 12” weld.
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