ASME IX Interpretation-Part3

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Standard Designation:
BPV Section IX
Edition/Addenda:
Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:
Section IX, QW-310.1 and QW-457.3
Record Number:
BC-80-616
Date Issued:
Interpretation Number :
11/07/1980
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Assuming the thickness limitations are met, is a welder who
qualifies on pipe over 2-7/8 in. O.D. qualified to weld on any pipe over
2-7/8 in. O.D. (i.e., qualification on 10 in. O.D. pipe qualifies a welder to
weld on 3 in. O.D. pipe)?
Reply: Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-628
Date Issued:
11/12/1980
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A in. thick butt welded coupon is prepared by depositing
1/8 in. of GTAW and 3/8 in. of SMAW. What is the maximum thickness
qualified using this coupon?
Reply (1): For the example cited in Question (1), the range of thickness of
base metal qualified is 3/16 in. to 1 in. The range of thickness of deposited
weld metal qualified for GTAW is 1/16 in. to in. and for SMAW is 1/16
to in.
Question (2): A WPS is being written for groove welding of pipe to utilize a
GTAW root pass and SMAW fill. An existing PQR covering a in. thick
test plate utilizing SMAW are used to qualify the WPS. What is the
maximum thickness qualified?
Reply (2): Utilizing the two PQR's as described in Question (2) would yield
the following results: the range of thickness of base metal qualified is 1/16
in to in. and the range of thickness of deposited weld metal for GTAW is
1/16 in. to in. and for SMAW is 1/16 in. to in.
ATTENTION
The foregoing Interpretation has been further considered, and the following
corrected Interpretation sent to the inquirer.
https://cstools.asme.org/Interpretation/InterpretationDetail.cfm
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Correction Issued: March 5, 1981
Question (2): A WPS is being written for groove welding of pipe to utilize a
GTAW root pass and SMAW fill. A previously qualified PQR welded on a
in. thick test plate using GTAW and a previously qualified PQR welded
on a 3/8 in. thick test plate using SMAW are to be used to support the
combination WPS. What are the maximum thickness ranges of the
combination WPS? Reply (2): Based on Question (2), the deposited weld
metal thickness range for the GTAW is 1/16 in. through in. and for the
SMAW is 1/16 in. through in. The base metal thickness range for the
combination WPS is 1/16 in. through in.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Weld Procedure for Tack Weld
Record Number:
BC-80-674
Date Issued:
12/08/1980
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When the tack welds are to be a part of the completed production
weld, what are the procedure and performance qualification requirements
for such welds?
Reply: Tack welds which form a part of the completed weld are considered
a part of the overall production weld, and their qualifications are
automatically obtained in meeting the requirements of Section IX for
production or performance welding in regards to thickness, or diameter, or
both.
ATTENTION
corrected Reply sent to the inquirer.
Correction Issued: May 13, 1981
Reply: Tack welds which form a part of a completed weld must be welded
using a qualified WPS and a qualified welder. The procedure qualification
requirements shall be in accordance with QW-202, and the performance
qualification requirements shall be in accordance with QW-302.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-410.10
Record Number:
BC-79-664
Date Issued:
11/05/1979
IX-79-100
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-410.10 states that a change from a single electrode to a
multiple electrode or vice versa is an essential variable when applied to
electroslag or electrogas welding. What are the requirements when
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changing from two to three electrodes or three to four electrodes or vice

versa with regard to requalification?
Reply: QW-410.10 requires requalification for any change in the number of

electrodes used in the electroslag or electrogas welding processes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Welder or Welder Qualification Operator
Record Number:
BC-79-665
Date Issued:
11/05/1979
IX-79-101
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In certain instances when tubing is being manufactured by the
material manufacturer, seam welding is employed without the addition of
filler metal. Must the welding operator be qualified in accordance with
Section IX?
Reply: The materials specification which covers the product being produced
will contain any requirements with respect to qualification of the welding
operator who operates the production machinery.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Postweld Heat Treatment
Record Number:
BC-78-488
Date Issued:
11/07/1979
IX-79-102
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: How much may the PWHT temperature of WPS qualification
coupons differ from the PWHT temperature of the vessel?
Reply: The PWHT of the qualification test coupons and the PWHT of the
vessel must be of the same type of PWHT as outlined in (a), (b), (c), or (d)
of QW-407.1. The PWHT of the qualification test coupons should meet the
PWHT requirements of either Section I, III, or VIII within these limits and
shall qualify for the other Code sections.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Procedure Qualification
Record Number:
BC-79-689
Date Issued:
11/07/1979
IX-79-103
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When using SMAW, does a procedure qualification on P-No. 1 to
P-No. 8 using F-No. 5, A-No. 8 electrodes, and on P-No. 1 to P-No. 43
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using F-No. 43 electrodes also qualify P-No. 1 to P-No. 1 with these

electrodes?
Reply: No. QW-403.11, an essential variable for SMAW, states: "A change
from a base metal listed under one P-Number in QW-422 to a base metal
listed under another P-Number ..." Therefore, a change such as that
indicated in the question, requires a separate qualification.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-79-663
Date Issued:
11/09/1979
IX-79-104
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): WPS #1 was written and qualified for a base metal with a
thickness of 1.5 in. The processes and depth of deposit to complete the joint
are GTAW for the first 0.500 in.; GMAW for the second 0.500 in.; and
SMAW for the final 0.500 in. Can the PQR supporting this WPS be used to
support the following single process WPS's? (a) WPS #2-Straight GTAW
with a thickness range of 1/16 in. to 1 in. (b) WPS #3-Straight GMAW with
a thickness range of 3/16 in. to 2 in. (c) WPS #4-Straight SMAW with a
thickness range of 3/16 in. to 3 in.
Reply (1): No. In WPS #2, #3, and #4 the thickness range of the deposited
weld metal will be 3/16 in. to 1 in., and the base metal thickness range wilt
be 3/16 in. to 3 in.
Question (2): A welder needs to be qualified for SMAW, GMAW, and

GTAW, used either separately or in combination. Can he be qualified using
WPS #1?
Reply (2): QW-306 states: "A welder qualified in combination on a single
test coupon is qualified to weld in production using any of his processes
individually or in different combinations provided he welds within his
limits of qualification with each specific process."
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Thickness of Base Metal Qualified
Record Number:
BC-79-699
Date Issued:
11/09/1979
IX-79-105
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: The base metal thickness qualification ranges given in QW-451.1
are further limited by QW-403.7. When qualifying a procedure with a test
coupon thickness greater than 1-1/2 in. but less than 8 in., what is the
maximum base metal thickness qualified?
Reply: The maximum base metal thickness qualified is twice the test
coupon thickness, but in no case greater than 8 in.
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Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-79-651
Date Issued:
11/14/1979
IX-79-106
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is it permissible to write two separate WPS's, including
different identity numbers, for different welding processes and then perform
one multiprocess test weld in accordance with the variables of these two
WPS's resulting in one multiprocess PQR?
Reply (1): QW-201.3 permits the use of separate WPS's to make one joint
employing several procedures.
Question (2): A procedure has been written and qualified for a doublegroove weld. The base metal is 2 in. thick and the root face is 1/8 in. wide
and is joined by in. of SMAW. The two remaining grooves are each
joined by in. of SAW. May this qualification be used for separate
procedures for SMAW for a base metal thickness range of 3/16 in. to 1 in.
and SAW for a base metal thickness range of 3/16 to 3 in.?
Reply (2): The thickness range given above for SMAW is correct; however,
the base metal thickness range for the SAW procedure would be 3/16 in. to
1 in.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Qualification of Multiprocess Procedures, QW-201.3
Record Number:
BC-79-723
Date Issued:
11/28/1979
IX-79-107
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Two procedures have been qualified, one with SMAW, the other
with GTAW. Both were qualified with the same base metal and base metal
thickness. May these two procedures be combined (e.g., one layer of
GTAW, followed by a layer of SMAW, etc.) for use on single production
joint without qualification?
Reply: Yes, provided the thicknesses for both the base metal thickness and
the deposited weld metal thickness remain within ranges established in the
single process PQR's.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Identification of Essential and Nonessential Variables
Record Number:
BC-79-722
Date Issued:
12/03/1979
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IX-79-108
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it required by Section IX that every applicable essential and
nonessential variable be identified on a single document called a WPS, or
may the variables be addressed on one or more documents identified on the
WPS form for use in conjunction with the WPS?
Reply: The format of the WPS may be any which will fulfill the needs of
the stamp holder: a single document, a series of documents properly
referenced together, a welding drawing, etc. The WPS, regardless of the
format selected, shall include all essential, nonessential, and, when required,
supplemental essential variables for the process or processes within the
document or documents comprising the WPS.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Dimensional Tolerances of Test Specimens, QW-462
Record Number:
BC-79-724
Date Issued:
12/10/1979
IX-79-109
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What are the dimensional tolerances for tensile and bend test
specimens in QW-462, where such tolerances are not specified?
Reply: Section IX does not specify exact dimensional tolerances for bend
test, but recommends that standard commercial machining tolerances be
observed. Where the tensile test has rectangular cross sections, it is
necessary to take dimension measurements for the purpose of cross
sectional area calculations.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Base Metal Thickness for Welder Qualification
Record Number:
BC-79-726
Date Issued:
12/10/1979
IX-79-110
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Where a fabricating operation involves the mechanical removal
of some of the deposited weld metal subsequent to the completion of the
welding operation, what is the weld metal thickness to be observed in
establishing the qualification limit for welders?
Reply: The thickness of weld metal deposited by the welder is that which
must be observed in establishing the qualifications of the welder.
Subsequent weld metal removal is not a factor in the establish-ment of this
qualification.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
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Date Issued:
Record Number:
Section IX, Performance Qualification for Hard Facing Weld Metal

Overlay, QW-312
12/10/1979
BC-79-727
IX-79-111
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What essential variables should be used when qualifying welders
and welding operators for hard facing weld metal overlay?
Reply: The essential variables for welders and welding operators for hard
facing weld metal overlay are identical to those controlling the welding
procedure specification QW-282.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-320
Record Number:
BC-79-752
Date Issued:
12/26/1979
IX-79-112
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In accordance with Section IX, if a welder is active in a specific
welding process, does his qualification in that process remain for as long as
he is active in that process?
Reply: Assuming the manufacturer has qualified the welder in accordance
with one of his qualified welding procedure specifications and there is no
specific reason to question his ability to make welds with the process, the
welder's qualification in a specific process will remain for as long as he is
active in that process in the employ of the manufacturer. If for any reason
the welder does not use the welding process for a period of three months,
which can be extended to six months if another welding process is being
used by the welder, he must be requalified in accordance with QW-322.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Procedure Qualification
Record Number:
BC-79-753
Date Issued:
12/26/1979
IX-79-113
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A procedure has been qualified for welding P-No. 8 material to
P-No. 8 material using a flux-core self-shielded electrode, F-No. 6 and
A-No. 8. May a revised WPS be prepared without requalification, if it is
desired to use different base metal-filler metal combinations than those
shown on the qualified WPS? These different base metal-filler metal
combinations do not require changes to the P-Number for the base metal or
the F-Number and A-Number for the filler metal and all other essential
variables remain the same.
Reply: A WPS, revised as indicated in the question, may be used without
requalification.
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Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Regarding the Ranges for Preheat and Interpass Temperature
Record Number:
BC-79-444
Date Issued:
08/23/1979
IX-79-81
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A procedure has been qualified for an interpass temperature range
of 100F to 350F. Is it permissible to use this qualification for a procedure
with an interpass temperature range of 32F min. to 250F max. for material
1 in. and under?
Reply: Yes
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Regarding Heat Treatment of Test Coupons
Record Number:
BC-79-488
Date Issued:
08/29/1979
IX-79-82
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A procedure is being qualified using 2-1/4 in. thick test coupons.
After welding, these coupons are cut into 1 in. thick strips to facilitate
testing. These strips are then heat treated along with a completed vessel.
After the application of heat treatment, the necessary tests are made per
Section IX. Would this method of preparing the test coupon qualify the
procedure for a thickness of 4-1/2 in.?
Reply: Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Regarding Amendments to a Qualified WPS
Record Number:
BC-79-505
Date Issued:
08/29/1979
IX-79-83
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a previously qualified WPS which does not include notch
toughness requirements be employed for weldments in which notch
toughness is a requirement?
Reply: The previously qualified WPS may be employed provided it is

revised to include the Supplementary Essential Variables for notch
toughness requirements for the process or processes covered by that WPS.
The new PQR, in addition to previous PQR's qualifying the revised WPS,
should also be included.
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Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Procedure and Performance Qualification
Record Number:
BC-79-504
Date Issued:
08/30/1979
IX-79-84
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A company has the necessary equipment and personnel to
conduct the required tests for performance and procedure qualifications
according to Section IX. Must this company be certified to conduct this
testing?
Reply: No.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Regarding Thickness Qualification of Procedures
Record Number:
BC-79-508
Date Issued:
09/04/1979
IX-79-85
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A procedure is qualified to a thickness range of 2T, per QW403.7, using PWHT below the critical range. Is a procedure tested with
PWHT above the critical range followed by PWHT below the critical range
also qualified to a thickness range of 2T per QW-403.7?
Reply: No, see QW-407.4 for qualification ranges for procedures receiving
PWHT above the critical range.
Edition/Addenda:
Date Issued:
Record Number:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Clarification of QW-281.4(f), Regarding the Current Range for
Use with Corrosion Resistant Weld Metal Overlay
09/12/1979
BC-79-443
IX-79-86
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In reference to corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay essential
variable QW-281.4(f), does the phrase "...beyond the range specified" refer
to the current range specified in the Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)
or the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)?
Reply: The range referred to above is that which is listed on the WPS;
therefore any WPS written and supported by a specific PQR must remain
within 10% of the range listed on that PQR or be requalified.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
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Section IX, General Questions
Record Number:
BC-78-287
Date Issued:
09/13/1979
IX-79-87
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Why have Monel welding electrode classifications SFA-5.11,
ENiCu-2 and ENiCu-4 been dropped from the Code?
Reply (1): The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code adopts AWS filler
metal specifications. In the case of this particular specification (SFA-5.11),
the AWS Filler Metal Committee eliminated the two classifications of
electrodes in question as they are no longer produced. This elimination
occurred in the 1976 Edition.
Question (2): If I have a procedure qualified in 1974 using ENiCu-2
electrodes, must I requalify so that I may use ENiCu-4 electrodes?
Reply (2): Yes.
Question (3): Will the F-Number for either electrode now be classified as
special?
Reply (3): ENiCu-2 and ENiCu-4 are not now classified in the F-Number
tables and would have to be handled in accordance with special
requirements as now provided for in Section IX for materials without
F-Numbers.
Question (4): When is QW-192.4 to be used?
Reply (4): The acceptance criteria of QW-192.4 are employed in evaluating

the test specified in QW-202.3 when studs are welded to materials other
than P-Number 1.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-79-235
Date Issued:
09/13/1979
IX-79-88
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Welding procedures have been qualified on 18 in. diameter x
1.781 in. wall material, using a combination of processes; the GTAW
process for the root and two layers, and the SMAW process for the balance.
The PQR stated that the "thickness range this test qualifies" is 0.187 in. to
3.562 in. based on QW-451.1. Is it acceptable to write a WPS using a
combination of processes (GTAW-Root and two layers, SMAW-Balance)
with a qualified thickness range of 0.187 in. to 3.562 in. using the
previously mentioned PQR as justification?
Reply: Yes.
BPV Section IX
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Edition/Addenda:
Section IX, Joint Classification
Record Number:
BC-79-510
Date Issued:
09/13/1979
IX-79-89
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Figure UA-002 of Section VIII, Division 1, shows some
acceptable types of tube-to-tubesheet welds. When qualifying a welding
procedure, should types (2), (3), (4), and (7) be tested as groove welds or
fillet welds?
Reply: The welding procedure qualification test for types (2), (3), (4), and
(7) of Fig. UA-002 of Section VIII, Division 1, should be qualified by a
groove weld employing a butt weld test plate for qualification of partial
penetration welds, in accordance with QW-202.2
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Renewal of Performance Qualification, QW-322
Record Number:
BC-79-600
Date Issued:
09/17/1979
IX-79-91
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What are the radiographic and/or mechanical tests required to be
performed on the single test joint (plate or pipe) for the purpose of
requalification of a welder or welding operator who has not used a specific
process for a period of 3 months or more?
Reply: The types of tests required for renewal of qualification of a
performance qualification are described in QW-302. The period of
qualification may be extended to 6 months for a specific process providing
that the welder or welding operator has used some other welding process
during the preceding 3 months.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Sections IX and VIII, Division 1, Impact Testing, QW-403.6 and UHA-51
Record Number:
BC-79-366
Date Issued:
09/25/1979
IX-79-93
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Do weld metal (SMAW or SAW) impact tests for vessels
fabricated under UHA-51, Section VIII, Division 1, require to be qualified
for each thickness welded when less than 5/8 in. as described in QW-403.6?
Reply: Impacts on weld metal would be as required by UHA-51 of Section
VIII. The 2T rule applies below 5/8 in.; however the thickness qualified is
the minimum thickness that can be used in production. For example: a 1 in.
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test plate qualifies impacts from 5/8 in. to 2 in. A 3/16 in. test plate qualifies
3/16 to 3/8 in. and a 5/16 in. T plate would qualify 5/16 in. - 5/8 in. T.
Edition/Addenda:
Date Issued:
Record Number:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-403.5 Qualification of Welding Procedure with Notch
Toughness in Materials of the Same P-Number but Different Group
Numbers
10/09/1979
BC-79-630
IX-79-94
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it the intent of QW-403.5 to permit qualification of two
different Group number materials within the same P-Number welded to
themselves by welding one Group material to the other Group material and
impact testing the heat affected zone on both sides of the weld and the weld
metal?
Reply: Yes, provided the same essential variables, including electrodes of
filler metals, are used when welding each base metal Group to itself.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-303
Record Number:
BC-79-305
Date Issued:
02/19/1980
IX-80-05
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is a welder who has been qualified by a groove weld in plate
or pipe larger than 2-7/8 in. O.D. qualified to make a groove and/or fillet
weld, as shown in Fig. UW-16.1, sketch (g), joining a 2-3/8 in. O.D. pipe or
nozzle neck to a shell or head?
Reply (1): Yes, provided the groove is in the shell or head, and the shell or
head is 2-7/8 in. O.D. or larger.
Question (2): Does qualification in any position by groove weld (butt joint)
in pipe larger than 2-7/8 in. O.D. qualify a welder to make a groove and/or
fillet weld joining a nozzle neck less than 2-7/8 in. O.D. to a shell or head,
in any position?
Reply (2): Yes, for the positions delineated in QW-461.2 provided the
groove is in the shell or head, and the shell or head is 2-7/8 in. O.D. or
larger.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Qualification of Tube-to-Tubesheet Welds
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Date Issued:
02/19/1980
IX-80-06
Record Number:
BC-80-36
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: For pressure vessels constructed in accordance with Section VIII
Division 1, what essential and nonessential variables and tests are required
for the procedure and performance qualification for tube-to-tubesheet
welding?
Reply: The essential variables are dependent upon the welding process and
are given in QW-252 through QW-260. The type and number of tests
required are given in QW-451 for procedure qualification and QW-452 for
performance qualification.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Preparation of Root Bend Specimens
Record Number:
BC-79-516
Date Issued:
09/13/1979
IX-79-90
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): We understand the backside of a root bend specimen should
be machined flat per QW-462.3(a). Is that correct?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): We understand the root side of a pipe bend having a backup
bar should be machined flush with the inside surface of the specimen per
Note (1) of QW-462.3(a). Any banding which sometimes occurs [refer to
QW-462.1(c)] should be removed, along with the backup bar flush with the
surface of the specimen. Is this correct?
Reply (2): Yes.
Question (3): Is it the intent that the R = 1/8 in. max. be applied to the
corners on the outside of the bend, that this radius should be smoothly
rounded so as not to introduce notches?
Reply (3): Yes.
Question (4): To remove machine tool or grinding marks on the outside of a

bend specimen for high alloy weldments, such as stainless steel, is it proper
to further smooth the outside surface on a bend (test) specimen by some
technique such as sanding with 240 grit equipment? We understand this is
industry practice.
Reply (4): Section IX does not specify the method of surface finishing of
bend test specimens. Bend test specimens should be surface finished so as
to preclude any machine tool or other similar mechanical marks resulting in
failure of the bend test because of improper specimen preparation.
Question (5): Is it the intent of Section IX that T in the table of QW-462.3
(a) be equal to t for pipe thicknesses 3/8 in. or less in thickness in the "All
other Metals" column and that the machining shown in the sketch is to be
done so this is accomplished?
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Reply (5): Yes.

ATTENTION
The foregoing interpretation has been further considered and the following
was added as a clarification and sent to the inquirer.
Clarification of Question (3) and Reply (3) Issued: February 15, 1980
Question (3): Must the 1/8 in. maximum radius applied to the corners of the
transverse face and root bend specimens shown in QW-462.3(c) be
smoothly rounded so as not to introduce notches?
Reply (3): Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
Date Issued:
Record Number:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Thickness Limitations for Procedure When Notch Toughness is
Required, QW-403.5 and QW-403.6
09/25/1979
BC-78-791
IX-79-92
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): When impact test requirements are specified, does QW-403.5
apply in addition to QW-403.11 (for SMAW, SAW, GMAW, and GTAW)
or instead of QW-403.11?
Reply (1): QW-403.5 applies in addition to QW-403.11. QW-403.11 is an
essential variable so its requirements must be met.
Question (2): A test on P-No.1 Gr. 2 has qualified P-No.1 Gr. 2 to itself and
P-No.1 Gr. 1 to itself as permitted in QW-403.11. When impacts are
required, which makes QW-403.5 an essential variable, will the original
P-No.1 Gr. 2 test without impacts plus a P-No.1 Gr.1 test, with impacts
only, be sufficient to qualify P-No.1 Gr.1 and P-No.1 Gr.2 to P-No.1 Gr. 2?
Reply (2): P-No. 1 Gr. 1 to itself is fully qualified; a new "impact only" test
is required for P-No. 1 Gr. 2 which then also qualifies P-No. 1 Gr. 1 to
P-No. 1 Gr. 2 as permitted in QW-403.5.
Question (3): Will a test on in. T material with impacts plus an "impact
only" test on 3/16 in. T material qualify the range 3/16 in. T to 1 in. T?
Reply (3): No. The 3/16 in. T plate qualifies to 2T which covers 3/16 in. to
3/8 in.; a plate just over 3/8 in. is needed to qualify 3/8 in. to 5/8 in. T. The
in. test qualifies 5/8 in. to 2T.
Question (4): If weld coupons are made using in. thick plates separately
for GTAW and SMAW processes (both multipass), can a in. thick
production plate be welded using GTAW for the root pass only and SMAW
for the subsequent passes?
Reply (4): Yes; however, each process shall deposit a minimum of 3/16 in.
per QW-451.
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Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-37
Date Issued:
02/19/1980
IX-80-07
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In the Winter 1978 Addenda to Section IX, QW-451.1 was
revised to allow a maximum base metal thickness qualification of 8 in. for a
test coupon of a thickness of 1.5 in. or greater when using SMAW, SAW,
GTAW, or GMAW (except the low voltage short-circuiting type). A
procedure was qualified prior to this Addenda using a test coupon of base
metal thickness greater than 1.5 in. Can this PQR now be used to qualify a
procedure up to an 8 in. maximum base metal thickness?
Reply: Yes, provided one of the welding processes specified in Note (7) is
used to join the base metals.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Welder Performance Qualification
Record Number:
BC-79-341
Date Issued:
02/27/1980
IX-80-08
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is a welder required to take a "small diameter" pipe test to
weld a "saddle in" [full penetration through shell as in Fig. UW-16.1, sketch
(c) of Section VIII Division 1] when the diameter of the hole in the head or
shell is less than 2-7/8 in. O.D.?
Reply (1): No, when the weld preparation is made in the head or the shell.
Question (2): Is a welder required to take a "small diameter" pipe test to

weld a "saddle on" (full penetration through the nozzle as in Fig. UW-16.1,
sketch (a) of Section VIII - Division 1) when the diameter of the nozzle is
less than 2-7/8 in. O.D. and the weld prep is made on the nozzle?
Reply (2): Yes.
Question (3): What thickness of plate (test coupon) would a welder have to
make his performance qualification test welds on to qualify for production
welding of two 1 in. plates to be attached perpendicularly to each other by
two partial penetration welds of 3/8 in. each?
Reply (3): The performance qualification test coupon would have to be a
minimum of 3/16 in. thick.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
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Date Issued:
03/20/1980
IX-80-09
Record Number:
BC-79-287
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): When is requalification of the WPS required with respect to
the "specified PWHT temperature range" in QW-407.1?
Reply (1): The 1979 Summer Addenda to Section IX eliminated the

statement "specified PWHT temperature range" and established four (4)
PWHT conditions for procedure requalification: (a) No PWHT; (b) PWHT
below the critical range; (c) PWHT above the critical range (e.g.,
normalized); d) PWHT above the critical range followed by PWHT below
the critical range (e.g., normalized and tempered). The PWHT conditions
listed in QW-407.1 establish the critical range as the basic criteria for
requalification. The respective Code Sections establish the minimum
PWHT temperature to be used in construction.
Question (2): When a WPS is qualified in accordance with the exceptions to

QW-403.11 and QW-302.12, using the PWHT temperature for P-No.5 (3%
max. Cr content), is requalification required when joining P-No. 5 metals to
a lower P-Number, such as P-No. 3 or P-No. 4?
Reply (2): No, provided the PWHT temperature used for the P-No. 5
qualification is not above the critical temperature range of the P-No. 3 or
P-No. 4 metals.
Edition/Addenda:
Date Issued:
Record Number:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-201 Use of Welding Procedure Qualification by Related
Companies
10/10/1979
BC-79-85
IX-79-95
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Must the controlling company have the same Code Symbol
Stamps as the company they are supplying WPS's and PQR's?
Reply (1): No. If a particular book Code requires additional tests for a
particular application, responsibility for determining WPS suitability
remains with the Certificate Holder responsible for the production weld.
Question (2): Must there be a corporate QA/QC Manual describing the
organizational control before this option may be used?
Reply (2): No. A "Corporate" Manual is not required. The Manuals of all
interfacing organizations must include the required controls. This may be
accomplished in a Corporate Manual.
Question (3): May the controlled company provide some of their WPS's and
PQR's?
Reply (3): Yes. These would be handled routinely and need not involve the
QW-201 controls.
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Question (4): What is the extent of "the controlling company must have the
authority to control"? Does this include absolute control for selection of
WPS, repair weld, process and filler metal to be used? Does this include
provisions for the controlling company to hire and fire welders?
Reply (4): The intent of QW-201 relates only to control of qualification of
weld procedures. Responsibility for production welding must remain with
the Certificate Holder having responsibility for the component.
Question (5): Must the controlled company report to the controlling
company all discrepancies whenever welding will be involved?
Reply (5): No. See No. (4) above.
Edition/Addenda:
Date Issued:
Record Number:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-201 Use of Welding Procedure Qualification by Related
Companies
10/10/1979
BC-79-85
IX-79-96
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May QW-201 and QW-300.2 be extended from two companies of
different names to include divisions of other units of the same company?
Reply: Yes. It is the intent of QW-201 that WPS's and PQR's may be used
by two or more companies of different names within one organization or
two or more divisions of a corporation. Similarly, QW-300.2 permits welder
performance qualifications to be used by two or more companies of
different names within one organization or two or more divisions of a
corporation. The Q.C. Manual(s) must describe the operational control of
production weldments and which division or company is responsible for
qualification of procedures and/or welders and welding operators. The
Certificate Holder responsible for certifying the Data Report shall retain
responsibility for Code compliance of production welds and all procedure
and qualification records. Compliance with these requirements is expected
to be one of the items in a quality control system that will be reviewed at
the time of a survey or joint review for new Certificates of Authorization or
renewal of expiring Certificates. At intervals between renewal of
Certificates, proposed changes in the accepted Quality Control System
manual must be reviewed and approved by the Authorized Inspection
Agency prior to implementation. There is no need to receive additional
acceptance or permission from ASME. It is the duty of the Authorized
Inspector to determine that the described control is being maintained.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Essential Variables for Performance Qualification
Record Number:
BC-79-631
Date Issued:
10/10/1979
IX-79-97
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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is a welder who satisfactorily accomplishes a welder performance
test using GTAW process on P-No. 1 material with an F-No. 6 (A-No. 1)
filler metal also qualified by virtue of the above test to use the GTAW
process with an F-No. 6 (A-No. 8) filler metal, with all other essential
variables being the same?
Reply: Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Repair Welding on Pressure Castings
Record Number:
BC-76-617
Date Issued:
10/15/1979
IX-79-98
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What are the limits on qualifying both procedure and
performance for the repair welding of castings used for pressure
containment?
Reply: The procedure qualification employed in repair of castings is

controlled, with regard to thickness qualification, by QW-451, and the third
paragraph and its subparagraphs of QW-202.2. All other applicable
essential and nonessential variables for the process or processes employed
apply. Performance qualification is controlled by QW-452 for the weld
metal thickness qualification and the appropriate essential variables for the
process in which the welder is qualified.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Qualifications for Butt Welding 2 in. NPS and Smaller Pipe
Record Number:
BC-79-632
Date Issued:
10/15/1979
IX-79-99
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it permissible for a welder's small diameter qualification (one
qualification for welding process used), to be extended to encompass all
filler metals and base metals of which he satisfactorily performs a large
diameter (6 in. NPS) qualification?
Reply: No.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-463.l(a)
Record Number:
BC-79-794
Date Issued:
01/02/1980
IX-80-01
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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Regarding QW-463.1(a), if the seam has been welded
alternatingly from both sides, which side of the welded plate has to be
considered as the root side and which side is the face side?
Reply: According to QW-161, the face surface is that surface having the
greater width of weld.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Welding of Nozzles
Record Number:
BC-79-336
Date Issued:
01/10/1980
IX-80-02
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What requirements of Section IX govern the procedure
qualification of ANSI B 16.11 half coupling (nozzle) attached to a flange
(shell) by a full penetration weld?
Reply: QW-202.2 and QW-451 govern the qualification of the base metal
thickness of both the half coupling and the flange, as well as the deposited
weld metal thickness.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-408.2 Regarding Shielding Gas Composition
Record Number:
BC-79-707
Date Issued:
01/29/1980
IX-80-03
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it permissible to change from a single gas to any other single
gas or to a mixture of gases, or to change the specified percentage
composition of gas mixture exceeding 2% of any gas, or to omit the
shielding gas without requalification?
Reply: No.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Multiprocess Procedures
Record Number:
BC-80-12
Date Issued:
02/15/1980
IX-80-04
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A Manufacturer is qualifying welding procedures that require
impact testing. The procedures are multiprocess (GTAW-SMAW), and the
base metal thickness is 0.280 in. QW-403.6 places a restriction on minimum
thickness qualification as it applies to a given procedure test coupon. When
preparing the thickness range for the WPS, does the minimum thickness
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requirement apply to each process individually, as used in the procedure

qualification test?
Reply (1): QW-403.6 restricts the base metal thickness range to 0.280 in.
for both processes. The deposited weld metal thickness range for each
process shall be in accordance with QW-451.
Question (2): Does the requirement specified in QW-404.24 preclude

deleting one of the processes (QW-201.3) in welding a particular production
joint?
Reply (2): No.
Question (3): If one of the processes (SMAW) in a particular production

joint is deleted (as allowed in QW-201.3), does the minimum thickness
requirement become the thickness of the remaining process as specified on
the PQR?
Reply (3): No. The base metal minimum thickness shall remain 0.280 in.
when using this WPS/PQR, even when one process is deleted as allowed in
QW-201.3.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-216.2(d)
Record Number:
BC-80-140
Date Issued:
03/24/1980
IX-80-10
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does QW-216.2(d) require a complete chemical analysis of a
welding qualification sample, or may the chemical analysis be limited to
specific chemicals designated on the WPS?
Reply: The analysis shall be for those elements listed in the WPS.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-35
Date Issued:
03/25/1980
IX-80-11
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A manufacturer provides his welders with a WPS and a "Welding
Plan"; this additional document contains all the basic information needed to
perform the welding. This information includes all essential and
nonessential variables. Could this "Welding Plan" be considered an
amendment to the original WPS?
Reply: The WPS can be composed of one or more documents to meet the
needs of the manufactur-ers. If any part of the WPS is revised, it is
considered as a new WPS and may or may not require requalification,
depending on the classification of the variable or variables affected.
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Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-310
Record Number:
BC-80-153
Date Issued:
04/08/1980
IX-80-12
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If a welder is qualified using GTAW (short-arc) with a F-No. 6,
A-No. 8 filler metal, is he also qualified to use a F-No. 6, A-No. 1 filler
metal with this process?
Reply: Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-170
Date Issued:
04/09/1980
IX-80-13
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Where notch toughness is a requirement of the referencing
Section of the Code and the provisions of QW-407.2 apply, is 1 hr at
temperature of PWHT for the procedure qualification test using 1 in. thick
P-No. 4 material essentially equivalent to 2 hr of PWHT during actual
fabrication where the material is P-No. 4 and the thickness is 2 in., provided
the other variables are the same?
Reply: No, QW-407.2 was revised in the Winter 1979 Addenda of Section
IX to require that the aggregate time at the temperature of PWHT of the
procedure qualification test be at least 80% of the aggregate time of PWHT
to be used in fabrication.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Welder Performance Qualification
Record Number:
BC-80-271
Date Issued:
04/29/1980
IX-80-18
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is a welder who has been qualified by a groove weld in plate
or pipe larger than 2-7/8 in. O.D. qualified to make a groove and/or fillet
weld, as shown in Fig. UW-16.1, sketch (g), joining a 2-3/8 in. O.D. pipe or
nozzle neck to a shell or head?
Reply (1): Yes, provided the groove is in the shell or head, and the shell or
head is 2-7/8 in. O.D. or larger.
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Question (2): Does qualification in any position by groove weld (butt joint)
in pipe larger than 2-7/8 in. O.D. qualify a welder to make a groove and/or
fillet weld joining a nozzle neck less than 2-7/8 in. O.D. to a shell or head,
in any position?
Reply (2): Yes, for the positions delineated in QW-461.2 provided the
groove is in the shell or head, and the shell or head is 2-7/8 in. O.D. or
larger.

weld a "saddle in" (full penetration through shell as in Fig. UW-16.1, sketch
(c) of Section VIII - Division 1) when the diameter of the hole in the head
or shell is less than 2-7/8 in. 0 .D.?
Reply (3): No, when the weld preparation is made in the head or the shell.

weld a "saddle on" [full penetration through the nozzle as in Fig. UW-16.1,
sketch (a) of Section VIII - Division 1] when the diameter of the nozzle is
less than 2-7/8 in. O.D. and the weld prep is made on the nozzle?
Reply (4): Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-34
Date Issued:
04/10/1980
IX-80-14
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does the critical range in QW-407.1(b) refer to the postweld
heat treatment range specified on the WPS?
Reply (1). Yes.
Question (2): Is it permissible to postweld heat treat a test coupon used to

qualify a WPS at a temperature below the specified range on the WPS?
Reply (2): QW-407.1 establishes four postweld heat treatment conditions,

each requiring a separate PQR. It is not permissible to PWHT a test coupon
used to qualify a WPS below the range specified on the WPS, since QW200.2 requires all essential and nonessential variables of a WPS be followed
in welding a test coupon. PWHT of a production weld below the
temperature range specified on the WPS is permissible provided: (1) notch
toughness is not a requirement; and (2) the PWHT is within one of the four
conditions given in QW-407.1.
ATTENTION
The foregoing interpretation has been further considered and the following
corrected interpretation sent to the inquirer.
Correction Issued: June 18, 1980
Question (1): Does the critical range in QW-407.1(b) refer to the postweld
heat treatment range specified on the WPS?
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Reply (1): No; this refers to the metallurgical transformation temperatures

for materials exhibiting such.
Question (2): Is it permissible to postweld heat treat a test coupon used to
qualify a WPS at a temperature below the specified range on the WPS?
Reply (2): Yes; when it falls within the condition given in QW-407.1(b), the
PWHT is included in a new WPS and the construction Code permits it.
Edition/Addenda:
Date Issued:
Record Number:
BPV Section IX
Section IX. Clarification of QW-281.4(f) Regarding Current Range for Use
With Corro-sion-Resistant Weld Metal Overlay
05/09/1980
BC-79-443
IX-80-26
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In reference to corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay essential
variable QW-281.4(f), does the phrase beyond the range specified refer to
the current range specified in the Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) or
the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)?
Reply: The range referred to above is that which is listed on the WPS.
Supporting PQR's must be within the specified range.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Performance Qualification Using Radiography
Record Number:
BC-79-289; W-80-4
Date Issued:
05/16/1980
IX-80-27
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When qualifying welders and welding operators by radiography,
as permitted in QW-190, may a film side penetrameter be used when
double-wall technique, single wall viewing is used? The welders and
welding operators are qualified on pipe. The majority of the welds in
production (when radiography is required) will be inaccessible for source
side penetrameter placement.
Reply: A film side penetrameter must be used for double-wall technique,

single-wall viewing of 3 in. nominal O.D. pipe or tube. All other cases
require a source side penetrameter for qualification of welders and welding
operators. It is assumed the performance test coupon is accessible and does
not comply with the circumstances outlined in T-237.1.2 of Section V.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-200, QW-200.1, QW-201.1, and QW-400
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Date Issued:
04/16/1980
IX-80-16
Record Number:
BC-80-171
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): If a WPS states in QW-402 that a metallic backing strip is to
be used, and the PQR states a metallic backing was used, must it be stated
in QW-410 of the WPS that nonmetallic or nonfusing metal retainers may
not be used?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Is it necessary to update PQR's (Q-1 Forms) made prior to the
1977 Edition of Section IX?
Reply (2): No.
Question (3): Is it necessary to record all of the nonessential variables for a

particular process on the PQR?
Reply (3): No; only the essential variables are required to be recorded on
the PQR. Any additional information may be included at the option of the
manufacturer.
Question (4): A WPS for GMAW (short circuiting mode) states that a
SFA-5.18 E70S-3 electrode is to be used. Is it necessary to state that an
SFA-5.28 electrode may not be used?
Reply (4): No.
Question (5): QW-410.7 is a nonessential variable for GMAW, GTAW,

PAW, and SAW. Is this variable for automatic or machine welding or must
it be applied to manual and semiautomatic welding also?
Reply (5): These variables apply to automatic or machine welding. The

Committee has approved revisions to QW-410.7 along with QW-410.10 and
QW-410.15 to indicate that they apply only to automatic or machine
welding. These revisions will appear in the Summer 1980 Addenda to
Section IX.
Question (6): If a variable is listed among the variables in QW-400, but is
not listed in the welding variable tabulation given in QW-415, does this
imply the variable applies to all processes or that it does not apply to any
process?
Reply (6): The variables applying to a particular process are given in QW252 through QW-261 and QW-280 for hard facing and corrosion-resistant
weld metal overlay. These are the only variables that apply to a particular
process. The listing in QW-415 is provided only as a guide to the user.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Variables Used for Procedure Qualification
Record Number:
BC-80-191
Date Issued:
04/28/1980
IX-80-17
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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Must a WPS include root spacing where an extreme range of
thicknesses (0.035 in. to 2 in.) is given in the WPS?
Reply (1): Root spacing is a nonessential variable for all processes listed in
QW-250 except EBW and stud welding; therefore, root spacing must be
included in the WPS.
Question (2): QW-409.3 covers the addition or deletion of a pulsing current

which is used in GTAW. If a manufacturer does not possess a pulsing unit,
must his WPS address this variable?
Reply (2): Yes. The WPS must state that pulse current is not permitted to
preclude its use if future purchased equipment were of a pulsing current
type.
Question (3): If a manufacturer does not use consumable inserts, must his
WPS address this variable?
Reply (3): Yes. The WPS must state that consumable inserts are not
permitted.
Question (4): Does QW-410.7 apply only to automated or machine
welding?
Reply (4): Yes. The Committee has approved a revision to clarify this
variable. It will appear in the Summer 1980 Addenda to Section IX.
Question (5): If a gas backing is used, may this be listed under the QW-402
area of QW-482 under backing material?
Reply (5): Yes.
Question (6): Must the PQR include a description of the guided bend test
used to qualify a procedure?
Reply (6): No. Certification by a stamp holder that has welded and tested
the procedure qualification test in accordance with Section IX is all that is
required. Any additional description of' the test, including the tensile test,
other than the required results are at the option of the stamp holder.
Question (7): Must the WPS list the specific cleaning method to be used, or
is a statement such as "the area to be welded must be cleaned prior to,
between passes, and after completion of the weld" sufficient?
Reply (7): The WPS must state the type of cleaning required and/or
allowed.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Preparation of the WPS and Procedure Qualification Tests
Record Number:
BC-80-212
Date Issued:
05/02/1980
IX-80-20
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Can a contractor, performing work for a utility, allow another
organization to prepare its Welding Procedure Specifications?
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Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Since the answer to the above Question is yes, can the other
organization also conduct the testing needed for qualification of these
Specifications?
Reply (2): QW-201 allows another organization to perform the preparation

of test materials; however, the welders or welding operators used to produce
the weldments to be tested for procedure qualification must be under the
full control and supervision of the contractor. Also, all subsequent work on
preparation of test specimens from the completed weldment and the
nondestructive and mechanical testing of the specimens may be performed
by another organization provided the contractor accepts the responsibility
for such work.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-310.4(b)
Record Number:
BC-80-235
Date Issued:
05/07/1980
IX-80-21
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A contractor has qualified a welder using SMAW with an F-No. 5
electrode on P-No. 1 material. Does QW-310.4(b) permit this welder to use
SMAW with F-No. 4 through F-No. 1 electrodes?
Reply: No.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-234
Date Issued:
05/07/1980
IX-80-22
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If a welder satisfactorily accomplishes a welder performance test
using GTAW with and F-No.6, A-No. 1 filler metal, can he also be
qualified by virtue of the above test to use GTAW with an F-No.6, A-No. 8
filler metal, all other essential variables being the same?
Reply: Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
Date Issued:
Record Number:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Recording of Measured Values of Variables in the PQR, QW200.2
05/08/1980
BC-79-186
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IX-80-23
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it required to record actual values of nonessential variables in
the Procedure Qualification Record?
Reply: No.
Edition/Addenda:
Date Issued:
Record Number:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Requirements for Carrying Out Procedure and Performance
Qualification, QW-201
05/08/1980
BC-79-446
IX-80-24
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A firm has access to the test coupon preparation and testing
equipment necessary to conduct performance and procedure qualification
tests. Must this firm meet any further requirements in order to conduct these
tests required by Section IX?
Reply: No; it is permissible to subcontract any or all of the work of
preparation of test materials for welding and subsequent work on
preparation of test specimens from the completed weldment, performance
of nondestructive examination, and mechanical tests, provided the
manufacturer, contractor, assembler, or installer accepts the responsibility
for any such work. However, the welders or welding operator used to
produce weldments to be tested for qualification of procedures or
performance shall be under the full supervision and control of the
manufacturer, contractor, assembler, or installer during the production of
these test weldments. It is not permissible for the manufacturer, contractor,
assembler, or installer to have the welding of the test weldments performed
by another organization.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Welder Qualification
Record Number:
BC-80-240
Date Issued:
05/08/1980
IX-80-25
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A manufacturer has qualified his welders using radiography and
evaluating these radiographs in accordance with MIL-S-11356D. Can the
manufacturer take these same radiographs, evaluate in accordance with the
radiographic acceptance criteria of Section IX, and based upon this
evaluation, determine if his welders are qualified according to Section IX?
Reply: Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
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Section IX, Welder Qualification
Record Number:
BC-80-91
Date Issued:
05/21/1980
IX-80-28
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Where a welder is making a performance qualification test to a
qualified WPS in which the root pass must be backchipped to sound metal
for completion of the weld, is it a requirement that the initial root pass have
complete penetration?
Reply: It is not required that initial root pass have complete penetration
when it is subsequently backchipped to sound metal for completion of the
weldment. Such qualification will permit the welder to be qualified for
those production weldments in which a backing of the weld groove or
backchipping of the metal root pass is a requirement. Open-type butt joints
are not qualified by the welder under these conditions.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-274
Date Issued:
05/21/1980
IX-80-30
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: For a particular WPS, is a welder who has successfully passed the
necessary qualification tests for two size ranges allowed to weld on a size
not covered by either range but covered by the combination of ranges?
Reply: No.
Edition/Addenda:
Date Issued:
Record Number:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Welding Qualification of Dissimilar Base Metal Thicknesses,
QW-202.2
05/27/1980
W-80-10, BC-80-219
IX-80-31
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When qualifying a procedure for joining a 1 in. thick member to a
2-3/4 in. thick member forming a tee joint, may the PQR test coupon be
based on the 1 in. member or must the 2-3/4 in. member also be considered?
Reply: QW-202.2 requires both thicknesses be covered when qualifying the
procedure within the ranges of QW-451.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
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Section IX, QW-302.2 for 2G/5G Pipe Welds
Record Number:
BC-79-792
Date Issued:
06/18/1980
IX-80-32
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): When using radiography for performance qualification of a
single pipe test coupon [QW-463.2(f) or (g)] to qualify for all position
welding, is it a requirement of Section IX that the "tie-in" region of the
2G/5G position be considered in the radiographic evaluation?
Reply (1): Yes
Question (2): If the radiographic examination test results are acceptable for
one of the two pipe positions [QW-463.2(f) or (g)], is the welder considered
qualified for that position?
Reply (2): Yes.
Question (3): If the radiographic examination test results are not acceptable
for one of the two pipe positions [QW-463.2(f) or (g)], must a retest be
performed in both positions?
Reply (3): No.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-206
Date Issued:
06/18/1980
IX-80-33
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a weld, for which notch toughness is required, qualified in
the vertical position, using a root pass made in the downward progression,
which is removed to sound metal, cover passes made in the vertical
downward progression and all other passes made in the vertical upward
progression and be used in production for all positions?
Reply: No.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Regarding QW-405.2
Record Number:
BC-80-252
Date Issued:
06/18/1980
IX-80-34
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Supplementary essential variable QW-405.2 states: "Verticaluphill qualifies for all positions." Does a procedure qualification made in
the 6G position qualify a welding procedure for all positions if the impact
test specimens are taken from that area of the coupon which was welded in
the vertical-uphill position?
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Reply: Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Welder Qualifications
Record Number:
BC-80-237
Date Issued:
06/18/1980
IX-80-35
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Welders have been qualified using 6 in. NPS XX strong pipe
in the 6G position on single vee joints, open butt or with backing rings. The
production weld is pipe runs 2-1/2 in. NPS (2-7/8 in. O.D.) and greater. The
branch connections are 2 in. NPS and less, and are solid bosses or bonney
forge sockolets with the weld preparation on the branch connection. Do the
welders have to requalify for the 3/4 in. through 2 in. NPS connections per
QW-403.16 and QW-452.3?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Is the requirement retroactive to the addition of QW-403.16?

Reply (2): QW-403.16 was added to Section IX to clarify the small
diameter requirement. The requirement was added to the Code in the
Summer 1970 Addenda to the 1968 Edition of Section IX. Welders
qualified after 1970 shall include the small diameter requirement of QW452.3 or Q-24.3.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-329
Date Issued:
06/26/1980
IX-80-36
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does QW-404.9 allow a change from SFA-5.17 to SFA-5.23 if
the flux classification is not changed?
Reply: Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Performance Qualification
Record Number:
BC-80-330
Date Issued:
Question(s) and Reply(ies):
06/26/1980
IX-80-37
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Question (1): Does satisfactory completion of performance qualification test

on a pipe 6 in. in diameter qualify a welder to weld any diameter pipe over
2-7/8 in ?
Reply (1): If the qualification test consisted of a fillet weld, the welder
would be qualified to make fillet welds in all thicknesses of material, sizes
of fillet welds, and diameters of pipe over 2-7/8 in. for use within the other
applicable essential variables. If the qualification test consisted of a groove
weld, the limitations of QW-452.3 would be applicable for pipe groove
welds, and the welder would also be qualified to make fillet welds in all
thicknesses and pipe diameters, within the limits of the welding variables in
QW-350.
Question (2): Can a welder "take down" a coupon to clean the weld during a
performance qualification test?
Reply (2): Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QB-406.1
Record Number:
BC-80-331
Date Issued:
06/26/1980
IX-80-38
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is the use of the AWS Brazing Flux Type Number a satisfactory
means of meeting the requirement of QW-406.1 for "the nominal chemical
composition of flux"?
Reply: Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-340
Date Issued:
06/26/1980
IX-80-39
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A 3 in. test coupon was welded using the Gas Tungsten-Arc
Welding (GTAW) process for the first 3/16 in. thickness and the Gas Metal
Arc-Welding (GMAW) process from 3/16 in. to 3 in. thickness. The test
coupon material was 2 Cr-1Mo (P-No. 5). Tension tests, guided-bend
tests, notch-toughness tests, and other tests were performed in accordance
with Section IX, 1974 Edition including Addenda through Winter 1975, and
the welding procedure qualified with the above combination of welding
processes. Is it permissible to utilize the PQR covering the above qualified
combination of welding processes to substantiate a new WPS for the
following production welds: 1/16 to 3/8 in. thick by using the GTAW
process, 3/16 to 5/8 in. thick by using the GMAW process, 1/16 to 3 in.
thick where the first 1/16 in. is deposited using the GTAW process, and the
remaining 3-7/16 in. using the GMAW process?
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Reply: Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-216.2(d)
Record Number:
BC-80-349
Date Issued:
06/26/1980
IX-80-40
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Prior to the Winter 1979 Addenda, a Manufacturer's hardfacing
procedure qualifications included chemical analysis taken on a plane at least
0.020 in. below the surface of the "as welded" and conditioned hardfacing
but no greater in depth than the plane representing the minimum
hardsurfacing thickness of the Welding Procedure Specification. This was
done in accordance with QW-216.2(d) of Section IX prior to the Winter
1979 Addenda and provided a sampling from a plane which was greater in
distance from the base metal than the minimum hardsurfacing thickness
specified. The figure QW-462.5 referred to in QW-216.2(d) of the Winter
1979 Addenda clearly indicates that chemical analysis sampling should be
done at the minimum specified thickness with a limit of the minimum
Specification thickness less 0.020 in. May the procedures qualified prior to
the Winter 1979 Addenda be used in current Code construction?
Reply: Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Impact Test Qualification of Multiprocess Welds
Record Number:
BC-80-253
Date Issued:
07/08/1980
IX-80-41
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: We are qualifying a multiple process procedure on a single test
plate for an application where toughness testing is required. QW-451.2,
Note (5) of Section IX states that toughness testing, if required, shall be
applied with respect to each welding process. When one or more processes
are used in a qualification test plate in a thickness less than 5/8 in., how may
the requirements of QW-451.2, Note (5) be implemented?
Reply: Where the thickness of deposit of one or more processes in a
multiprocess test plate is not of a thickness that permits removal of
toughness test specimens, additional test plates shall be prepared using a
weld deposit thickness of 5/8 in. thick minimum to permit toughness testing
in accordance with QW-451.2, Note (5). Where an autogenous welding
process in a multiple process qualification test plate is used, and it therefore
is not possible to prepare a separate test plate of sufficient thickness to
permit toughness testing, the notch toughness test specimen shall be located
in such a manner in the procedure qualification test plate as to test the entire
thickness of the metal deposited.
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Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-382
Date Issued:
07/23/1980
IX-80-43
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A WPS has been qualified for a P-No. 9B, Group No. 1 steel
using the SAW process to meet specified impact test requirements. Does
QW-403.13 permit this procedure to be used to weld P-No. 9A Group No. 1
steels without requalification provided no other essential or supplementary
essential variables are changed?
Reply: No. QW-403.5 must also be considered.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-383
Date Issued:
07/23/1980
IX-80-44
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-410.7 states: "A change in the width, frequency, or dwell
time of oscillation." Does this supplemental essential variable for GTAW
apply to both automatic and manual welding.
Reply: QW-410.7 applies to automatic or machine welding only.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-413
Date Issued:
08/12/1980
IX-80-47
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Concerning QW-282.4, do subparagraphs (a) through (h) apply
only to SAW, and subparagraphs (i) through (l) apply only to GMAW,
GTAW, and PAW?
Reply: Subparagraphs (a) through (l) of QW-282.4 apply to SAW, GMAW,

GTAW, and PAW excepted as noted in subparagraphs (a) and (i).
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-432
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Date Issued:
08/28/1980
IX-80-52
Record Number:
BC-80-435
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If a welder is qualified to weld with the GTAW process with an
F-No. 6 filler metal of weld metal analysis other than A-No. 8 or 9, is he
qualified to weld with an F-No. 6 filler metal of weld metal analysis A-No.
8 or 9, or vice versa, all other essential variables being the same?
Reply: No.
Edition/Addenda:
Date Issued:
Record Number:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Regarding Variables for Hardfacing and Fully Automatic
GTAW
07/10/1980
BC-80-238
IX-80-42
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): In QW-282.4(f) and (g) it is stated that the welding
parameters must be within the range specified. Does this mean that a range
must be qualified?
Reply (1): No. The qualification must be within the range specified in the
WPS.
Question (2): In QW-282.4(e) the cross-sectional area of the electrode or

filler metal is an essential variable. Does this mean that: (a) each diameter
of filler metal must be qualified independently? (b) the minimum and
maximum diameters of filler metals be qualified separately and all the
diameters which fall between the two are qualified? (c) all diameters being
qualified can be applied on a single part which is being used to qualify the
procedure?
Reply (2): (a) Yes, provided that the nominal cross-sectional area is
changed more than 10%. (b) No. Other essential variables, such as QW282.4(f), (g), and (h), are simultaneously applicable such as to generally
provide this answer. (c) No, except when all diameters are part of a single
procedure being qualified and each diameter is defined with respect to other
essential variables, such as QW-282.4(f), (g), and (h).
Question (3): In QW-282.4(h) it is stated that the travel speed is an essential

variable. Is it therefore necessary to qualify the minimum and maximum
travel independently, or should they be recorded during the qualification of
a single part.
Reply (3): The travel speed used in qualification shall be within 10% of the
range specified in the WPS. If it is necessary to change the travel speed to a
range more than 10% beyond that specified (to a faster or a slower travel
speed), it is necessary to qualify this new travel speed.
Question (4): Also, for hardsurfacing, how should the above Questions be
answered for performance qualifications?
Reply (4): As given above, as further delineated in QW-312.
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Question (5): Another area in which I am unsure of the Code's intent is in

fully automatic gas tungsten arc welding. In QW-356, fully automatic
GTAW is not listed. Does this mean that only the procedure has to be
qualified?
Reply (5): No. Performance qualification for welding operators (fully
automatic processes) shall be in accordance with QW-305 as specified in
QW-361.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-388
Date Issued:
07/31/1980
IX-80-45
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-404.13 is an essential variable for GTAW. This variable
contains the following phrase, "... a change in the consumable insert
composition..." Does this phrase refer to a change from one P-Number to
another P-Number (e.g., a change from a mild steel consumable insert to an
austenitic chromium nickel steel consumable insert) or a change with the
same P-Number (e.g., a change from a IN308 consumable insert to a IN316
consumable insert)?
Reply: P-Numbers apply to base materials only, not welding filler metals.
Welding filler metals are classified in F-Numbers and A-Numbers. Where a
metal is beyond the F-Number or A-Number designation, requalification
would be required for each composition listed.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-462
Record Number:
BC-80-433
Date Issued:
07/31/1980
IX-80-46
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What are the dimensional tolerances for tensile and bend test
specimens in QW-462, where such tolerances are not specified?
Reply: The Code does not specify exact dimensional tolerances for bend
tests, but recommends that standard commercial machining tolerances be
observed. Where the tensile test has rectangular cross sections, it is
necessary to take dimension measurements for the purpose of crosssectional area calculations.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-304 and QW-305
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Date Issued:
08/15/1980
IX-80-48
Record Number:
BC-80-420
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A manufacturer is fabricating slide valves using welding
procedures and welders/ welding operators qualified to Section IX. The
welds are subsequently radiographed per customer specification. If the
manufacturer uses a qualified WPS, may the radiographs used for
inspection of the weldment also be used for the qualification of
welders/welding operators?
Reply (1): Yes. QW-304.1 details the requirements for qualification of

welders on production joints examined by radiography. QW-305.1 covers
these requirements for welding operators.
Question (2): If the welder/welding operator fails the radiographic

examination for performance qualification, must the entire production weld
or only those areas which are found defective be removed and repaired by a
qualified welder/welding operator?
Reply (2): Only those areas found to be defective must be removed and
repaired by a qualified welder/welding operator.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Qualification Thicknesses
Record Number:
BC-80-350
Date Issued:
08/21/1980
IX-80-49
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): In a procedure for a dissimilar thickness joint where one side
of the joint is a cylinder in. thick with a 24 in. I.D. and the other side is a
flange 3 in. thick, also with a 24 in. I.D. forming a corner joint having a
weld thickness of in., what is the minimum thickness which can be used
to qualify the procedure?
Reply (1): The minimum thickness for qualification is 1 in.
Question (2): Two PQRs have been qualified, the first using GTAW on
in. thick material and the second using SMAW on in. material. What is
the maximum base metal thickness which can be welded using a
combination of these two PQR's, in. or 1 in.?
Reply (2): The maximum base metal thickness is in.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Performance Qualification Limits
Record Number:
BC-80-447
Date Issued:
08/26/1980
IX-80-50
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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does the amount of weld metal deposited by a welder
determine the maximum thickness of base metal a welder may weld
regardless of the original test coupon size?
Reply (1): Base metal thickness is not a consideration in performance

qualification; therefore, only the range of thickness of deposited weld metal
qualified is given in QW-452.1.
Question (2): In QW-452.1, does the category, "3/4 in. and over" mean that
a welder depositing a full weld on a 3/4 in. thick test coupon is qualified to
deposit the maximum weld necessary on an unlimited thickness of base
metal?
Reply (2): Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Performance Qualification
Record Number:
BC-80-448
Date Issued:
08/26/1980
IX-80-51
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Are welders who make groove welds attaching nozzle necks
or couplings, that are less than 2-7/8 in. O.D., to shells or heads using the
attachment joint detail shown in Fig. UW-16.1 sketch (a), (b), or (w-3)
required to be qualified on 2 in. or smaller diameter pipe?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Does qualification on plate in the 2G (Horizontal) position

qualify a welder to make the above groove welds when the O.D. of the
nozzle or coupling is 2-7/8 in. and over, in the 1G position or the 2G
position, or both?
Reply (2): Yes.
Question (3): Does qualification on plate in the 3G (Vertical) position

qualify a welder to make the above groove welds when the O.D. of the
nozzle or coupling is 2-7/8 in. and over, in the 1G position only?
Reply (3): Yes.
Question (4): If groove welds attaching nozzle necks or couples to shells or

heads using the attachment joint detail shown in Fig. UW-16.1 sketch (a),
(b), or (w-3), for all diameters through 24 in., are to be made in the 5G or
6G position, is the welder required to be tested on pipe as a test in plate
would not qualify in these positions?
Reply (4): Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
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Date Issued:
08/28/1980
IX-80-53
Record Number:
BC-80-436
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When welding a groove weld procedure qualification test coupon
having a thickness of 1-1/2 in. or greater and using one of the welding
processes of QW-403.7, what is the maximum base metal thickness
qualified by this PQR?
Reply: For the multipass processes of shielded metal arc, submerged arc,
gas tungsten-arc, and gas metal-arc (except low voltage, short-circuiting
type) in which no pass is thicker than 1/2 in., the maximum thickness is 8
in. for test plates up to in 8 in. thick.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-310
Record Number:
BC-80-465
Date Issued:
09/03/1980
IX-80-54
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A procedure has been qualified with an F-No. 4 electrode using
SMAW. Does QW-310 permit this procedure to be used with F-Number
electrodes lower than F-No. 4, all other essential variables being the same?
Reply: No. QW-310 applies only to performance qualification. QW-404.4,

an essential variable for SMAW, requires requalification of a procedure for
changes in the F-Number classification of the electrode.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QB-408.1
Record Number:
BC-80-546
Date Issued:
09/08/1980
IX-80-55
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A Manufacturer has a Brazing Procedure Specification for copper
nickel which is qualified for the range of thicknesses used in construction.
The joint design is a socket connection with a lap which is held within the
required +25%. This is a requirement of QB-408.1 which states: "A change
in the joint design details, i.e., from a butt to a lap or socket, or a change in
lap of +25%." Is the procedure qualified acceptable, or would additional
requalification be required for different lap design details? For example,
in. +25%, in. +25%, 1 in. +25%, etc.
Reply: Yes, the procedure qualified is acceptable for multiple diameter
sockets, provided the change in lap does not exceed +25% and the joint
clearances continue to meet the requirements of QB-408.2.
ATTENTION
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revised Reply sent to the inquirer.
Revision Issued: November 21, 1980
Reply: Yes, the procedure qualified is acceptable. The change in lap of

+25%, shown in QB-408.1, applies to the 4T (design) for each thickness,
not the qualified lap as listed in the PQR. The PQR qualified a design lap of
4T.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-466.1 Guided Bend Jig
Record Number:
BC-80-530
Date Issued:
09/23/1980
IX-80-57
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Are the dimensions shown in QW-466.1 Guided Bend Jig
critical?
Reply (1): As stated in QW-162.1, the test jig should be built in substantial
accordance with QW-466.
Question (2): What does "All others" in the Material column for specimen
thickness 3/8 in. and t refer to?
Reply (2): All material listed in QW-422 not specifically referred to in the
Material column.
Question (3): What is the sample thickness range for this setup (QW466.1)?
Reply (3): Each test jig in QW-466.1 is made for a specific nominal
thickness. The t line allows flexibility in establishing this thickness.
Question (4): Where would correct dimensional data for thicker sections be
found?
Reply (4): See Reply (3).
Question (5): Is a different set of jigs necessary for each pipe wall
thickness?
Reply (5): Yes, when jigs are made to QW-466.1. Adjustable jigs are
marketed to meet the requirements of QW-466.2 and QW-466.3.
Edition/Addenda:
Date Issued:
Record Number:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Use of WPS's and PQR's by a Manufacturer Operating Under
Two Names
09/24/1980
BC-80-521
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IX-80-58
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A Manufacturer is fabricating generators for installation at a
foreign site. A wholly owned subsidiary is manufacturing hydraulic turbines
to be used at this site. The Manufacturer producing the generators is
responsible for the total installation of the turbines and generators. When
working in foreign countries, the Manufacturer uses a different name (this is
done to avoid problems involving taxation). The supervision and
administration of all work is the responsibility of the manufacturer working
under this different name. The personnel involved at site are employees of
the Manufacturer working under this different name. All salaries, benefits,
etc., and their administration and supervision are by the Manufacturer. Can
this Manufacturer prepare a WPS, qualify it in his native country, and use it
as a qualified WPS at a foreign sale?
Reply (1): Yes, provided the company relationship and responsibility for
technical welding control is established in the stamp holders approved QA
system.
Question (2): When working in a foreign country, is it necessary for a

Manufacturer to prepare a WPS and PQR under the name they use when
working in a foreign country, or may they be prepared under the name they
use in their native country?
Reply (2): It is not necessary for a Manufacturer to prepare a WPS and PQR
under the name they use when working in a foreign country.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-538
Date Issued:
09/29/1980
IX-80-59
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): In QW-451.1, is it correct that the T dimension (thickness of
test coupon welded) should be the reported thickness as given by the CMTR
for the test coupon?
Reply (1): The thickness of the test coupon to be recorded on the PQR
should be that given in the CMTR. However, if it is not available or the
applicable dimension is not given on the CMTR, the thickness of the test
coupon can be obtained by direct measurement.
Question (2): Two qualification tests were performed on SA-240 sheet, one
of 0.012 in. thickness and one of 0.026 in. thickness. When both PQR's are
combined to support one WPS, may the total qualified thickness range of
the WPS be expressed as 0.012 in. through 0.052 in.?
Reply (2): Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-432
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Date Issued:
09/30/1980
IX-80-60
Record Number:
BC-80-523
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When referring to the F-Number Tables, QW-432, SFA-5.4 is
listed under both F-No. 4 and F-No. 5. For a particular AWS Classification
of SFA-5.4, how does a Manufacturer determine which of these F-Numbers
to assign to the electrode?
Reply: The F-No. 5 grouping is for low hydrogen austenitic stainless steel
electrodes of SFA-5.4 Specification. Those SFA-5.4 electrodes not falling
into this grouping would be considered F-No. 4.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-616
Date Issued:
11/07/1980
IX-80-61
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Assuming the thickness limitations are met, is a welder who
qualifies on pipe over 2-7/8 in. O.D. qualified to weld on any pipe over
2-7/8 in. O.D. (i.e., qualification on 10 in. O.D. pipe qualifies a welder to
weld on 3 in. O.D. pipe) ?
Reply: Yes.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-625
Date Issued:
11/11/1980
IX-80-62
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If a fillet weld is made on material 0.154 in. thick, does QW202.2 take precedence over QW-403.6 and allow the use of a PQR made on
in. material?
Reply: No. If the requirements of supplemental essential variable QW-403.6

are applicable for a given procedure, then for thicknesses less than 5/8 in.,
the thickness of the test coupon (PQR) is the minimum thickness qualified
for production welds.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Record Number:
BC-80-626
Date Issued:
11/11/1980
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IX-80-63
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Will a procedure qualification not requiring impact testing,
using a P-No. 5 Group No. 1 (3% maximum Cr content) material welded to
itself, also qualify the welding of P-No. 5 Group No. 2 (over 3% Cr content)
material to itself?
Reply (1): Yes, provided no other essential variables are changed.
Question (2): Will a procedure qualification not requiring impact testing,

using a base metal of P-No. 5 Group No. 1 (3% maximum Cr content)
welded to itself, qualify the welding of any P-No. 5 base metal to lower
P-Number base metals?
Reply (2): Only those P-No. 5 base metals with a maximum Cr content of
3% may be welded to lower P-Number base metals for the procedure
qualification cited in the Question.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Preamble
Record Number:
BC-80-627
Date Issued:
11/11/1980
IX-80-64
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In the event that revision or amendment is required for a "prior to
1962" welding procedure specification, must this be rewritten in accordance
with the current Edition of Section IX?
Reply: No. However these revisions or amendments may or may not require
requalification of the WPS, depending on the classification of the variable
or variables affected. If requalification is required, it shall be made in
accordance with the test requirements of the current Edition of Section IX.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-404
Record Number:
BC-80-624
Date Issued:
11/14/1980
IX-80-65
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A Manufacturer has a qualified WPS for welding P-No. 1 to
P-No. 1. The WPS lists a range of low hydrogen electrodes from 3/32 in.
through 1/4 in. diameters with the accompanying required ranges of voltage
and current for each diameter. For SMAW, a change in electrode diameter
is a nonessential variable for diameters less than 1/4 in. Does a welder have
the option of selecting the electrode diameter he wishes to use for the root,
filler and cap passes?
Reply: Section IX has no requirements concerning the above Question.
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Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Weld Procedure for Tack Weld
Record Number:
BC-80-674
Date Issued:
12/08/1980
IX-80-66
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When the tack welds are to be a part of the completed production
weld, what are the procedure and performance qualification requirements
for such welds?
Reply: Tack welds which form a part of the completed weld are considered
a part of the overall production weld, and their qualifications are
automatically obtained in meeting the requirements of Section IX for
production or performance welding in regards to thickness, or diameter, or
both.
ATTENTION
corrected Reply sent to the inquirer.
Correction Issued: May 13, 1981
Reply: Tack welds which form a part of a completed weld must be welded
using a qualified WPS and a qualified welder. The procedure qualification
requirements shall be in accordance with QW-202, and the performance
qualification requirements shall be in accordance with QW-302.
Edition/Addenda:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Nozzle to Shell Connections
Record Number:
BC-80-675
Date Issued:
12/08/1980
IX-80-67
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When nozzle or branch connections are attached to the wall or
head of a pressure vessel, what are the basic criteria establishing procedure
and performance qualification requirements, assuming impact testing is not
a requirement?
Reply: Where the nozzle is attached to the vessel by welding completely

through the thickness of the vessel wall, the procedure shall be qualified for
the thickness of the vessel wall penetrated by the nozzle or attachment.
Where additional metal is placed on either the interior or exterior of the
vessel wall in the form of fillet welds, they shall be considered as having
been qualified by the procedure qualification covering the thickness of the
vessel wall. Performance qualification for this weldment may be made in
plate to cover the appropriate thickness of the vessel wall and the position in
which the weld is being made. Diameter is not a factor. Where the nozzle or
attachment is welded to the vessel wall by welding through the thickness of
the nozzle or attachment, the procedure qualification shall be made for the
thickness of the nozzle or attachment wall at the time of welding.
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Performance qualification for this condition shall be made with the

appropriate diameter pipe weld as required by QW-452.3 with the range of
thickness of weld metal qualified determined by the thickness of the nozzle
or attachment wall at the time of welding. Any fillet welds, both procedure
and performance, will have been qualified when qualifying for the full
penetration welds involved.
ATTENTION
corrected Interpretation sent to the inquirer.
Correction Issued: March 12, 1981
Question: When nozzle or branch connections are attached to the wall or

head of a pressure vessel, what are the basic criteria establishing procedure
and performance qualification?
Reply: For groove weld procedure qualification, the base metal thickness
range for all base metals being joined in addition to the deposited weld
metal thickness range for each process used must be qualified in accordance
with QW-451 (see QW-202.4). Also, see exemptions in QW-202 for fillet
weld procedure qualifications. For groove weld performance qualification,
the deposited weld metal thickness range must be qualified per QW-452,
and where the nozzle or attachment is welded to the vessel wall by welding
through the thickness of the nozzle or attachment, a "set-on connection"
performance qualification shall be made with the appropriate diameter pipe
as required by QW-452.3. Where the nozzle or attachment is welded to the
vessel wall with the weld preparation made on the vessel wall, a "set-in"
connection, diameter is not a factor. See QW-303 for exemptions for fillet
welds.
Edition/Addenda:
Date Issued:
Record Number:
BPV Section IX
Section IX, Flash Butt Welding of Unfired Pressure Vessel Flange Rings
for Use in Section VIII - Division 1 Fabrication
12/09/1980
BC-80-677
IX-80-68
Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When a Section of the Code, such as Section VIII - Division 1,
UW-27(b), permits welding processes not covered by Section IX, what can
be considered as acceptable qualification?
Reply: The intent of the Code is met by performing the mechanical test,
tensile test, and bend test to the standards of Section IX. Since the variables
for such processes are not included in Section IX, the fabricator shall
establish a welding procedure listing those variables which he believes are
needed by the welding operator to assure quality production work.
Copyright 2016 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. No reproduction may be made of this material without
written consent of ASME
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Section IX, QW-310.1 and QW-457.3

Section IX, QW-200.4 and QW-451.1

Correction Issued: March 5, 1981

Section IX, Weld Procedure for Tack Weld

Section IX, QW-410.10

changing from two to three electrodes or three to four electrodes or vice

Reply: QW-410.10 requires requalification for any change in the number of

Section IX, Welder or Welder Qualification Operator

Section IX, Postweld Heat Treatment

Section IX, Procedure Qualification

using F-No. 43 electrodes also qualify P-No. 1 to P-No. 1 with these

Section IX, QW-201.3

Question (2): A welder needs to be qualified for SMAW, GMAW, and

Section IX, Thickness of Base Metal Qualified

Section IX, QW-201.3

Section IX, Qualification of Multiprocess Procedures, QW-201.3

Section IX, Identification of Essential and Nonessential Variables

Section IX, Dimensional Tolerances of Test Specimens, QW-462

Section IX, Base Metal Thickness for Welder Qualification

Section IX, Performance Qualification for Hard Facing Weld Metal

Section IX, QW-320

Section IX, Procedure Qualification

Section IX, Regarding Heat Treatment of Test Coupons

Section IX, Regarding Amendments to a Qualified WPS

Reply: The previously qualified WPS may be employed provided it is

Section IX, Procedure and Performance Qualification

Section IX, Regarding Thickness Qualification of Procedures

Section IX, General Questions

Reply (4): The acceptance criteria of QW-192.4 are employed in evaluating

Section IX, QW-451.1

Section IX, Joint Classification

Section IX, Renewal of Performance Qualification, QW-322

Sections IX and VIII, Division 1, Impact Testing, QW-403.6 and UHA-51

Section IX, QW-303

Section IX, Preparation of Root Bend Specimens

Question (4): To remove machine tool or grinding marks on the outside of a

Reply (5): Yes.

Section IX, QW-451.1

Section IX, Welder Performance Qualification

Question (2): Is a welder required to take a "small diameter" pipe test to

Reply (1): The 1979 Summer Addenda to Section IX eliminated the

Question (2): When a WPS is qualified in accordance with the exceptions to

Section IX, Essential Variables for Performance Qualification

Section IX, Repair Welding on Pressure Castings

Reply: The procedure qualification employed in repair of castings is

Section IX, QW-463.l(a)

Section IX, Welding of Nozzles

Section IX, QW-408.2 Regarding Shielding Gas Composition

Section IX, Multiprocess Procedures

requirement apply to each process individually, as used in the procedure

Question (2): Does the requirement specified in QW-404.24 preclude

Question (3): If one of the processes (SMAW) in a particular production

Section IX, QW-216.2(d)

Section IX, QW-201.1

Section IX, QW-310

Section IX, QW-407.2

Section IX, Welder Performance Qualification

Question (3): Is a welder required to take a "small diameter" pipe test to

Question (4): Is a welder required to take a "small diameter" pipe test to

Section IX, QW-407.1

Question (2): Is it permissible to postweld heat treat a test coupon used to