Welding Procedure Qualification Steps
As a summary, welding inspector may be
involved with each of the following steps or
only a few depend on the structure of the
particular organisation
Select welding variables
Check equipment and materials for suitability
Monitor weld joint fit up as well as actual welding,
recording all important variables and observations� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Welding Procedure Qualification Steps
Select, identify the required test specimens
Test and evaluate specimens
Review test results for compliance with applicablecode requirement
Release approved procedure for production
Qualify individual welders in accordance with thisspecification
Monitor the procedure during production to assurethat it continues to produce satisfactory results� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
QUALIFICATION OF
WELDER
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Welder Qualification
An important document to “Determine whether
individual welders have sufficient skill to produce
satisfactory welds using a qualified procedure”
Starting point is having a qualified procedure, then,
test welders
Like procedure qualification, essential variables are
existed, they are include:� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Welder QualificationWelding position
The range of qualification may vary with thedifferent weld configuration including
plate groove
plate fillet and
pipe groove (BS EN)
Example on qualification on plate groove onlyprovides limited coverage for welding on pipe
Welder is automatically qualified for allpositions of plate if he/she is being qualifiedon plate groove in 3G and 4G positions� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Welder Qualification
Joint configuration
An essential variable
Standard test plates and pipe are used to approximately the necessary configuration
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Welder QualificationElectrode type and size
Re-qualification is required for some
processes if a change in the type of
electrode specified
In case of SMAW, qualification with an
electrode with higher number (F4) will
automatically qualify with lower number (F1)� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Welder QualificationBase metals and thickness
Another important essential variable
Determines what type of base metals and theirextent of thickness will be coverage from aspecific qualification test
Refer AWS D1.1, qualification on 3/8” test platewill qualify a welder for welding material up to 3/4”thick and so called as a limited thicknessqualification
Successful qualified on a 1” test plate will qualifyfor any thickness greater than 1/8” and termed asunlimited thickness qualification� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Welder QualificationSpecific welding technique
Considered as essential variables
Typical technique related essential variablesmay include
Direction of welding (down hill or uphill)
Change in welding processes
Change in welding position
Change in base metal type� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
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BE EN 287-1 : 2011
Qualification test of welders –
Fusion Welding
Part 1 Steels
BS EN 287-1 : 2011List essential variables and range of qualification
Welding processes (ISO 857)
Product Type (Cover range between plate & pipe)
Type of weld (Cover range between butt & fillet weld)
Material groups
Filler material
Dimensions (thickness cover range)
Welding position (EN ISO 6947)
Weld details
Test Pieces Joint Configuration� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
BS EN 287-1 : 2011Examination and acceptance Criteria
Preparation of test specimens (DT)
Test methods
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Type of WeldButt weld cover butt weld in any type of joint except
branch connection
Butt welds do not qualify fillet welds or vice versa
When a welder is qualified by butt weld test, a
supplementary fillet weld test piece can be welded which
shall be in a plate thickness of at least 10mm and
completed using a single layer in the PB position. For this
supplementary test the welder shall become qualify for
all fillet welds as given for the butt weld qualification� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
SummaryInspector may be asked to witness theactual welding to verify procedurecompliance as well as note the ability of thewelder
Removal and evaluation of test specimensare according to the applicable code
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SummaryOnce qualified, the welder will bepermitted to weld as long as that weldingdoes not exceed the limited of essentialvariables involve positions, thicknesses,electrodes, etc.
Welder may, however, be required to re-qualify or undergo training ifunsatisfactory performance is noted bythe inspector or other supervisorypersonnel.� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Welder Qualification
Test Certificate
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Q & A
The End
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Electrode Classification Groupings
AWS
Electrode Classification
Group
Designation
Order of Removal
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Type and Number of Test Specimens Required for Type and Number of Test Specimens Required foASME Procedure Qualification of Butt Welds
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Order of RemovalTypical API Procedure Qualification Coupon
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Order of RemovalTypical API Procedure Qualification Coupon
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Order of RemovalTypical API Procedure Qualification Coupon
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Order of RemovalTypical API Procedure Qualification Coupon
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