ASME SECTION IX INTERPRETATIONS

NOTE: THESE INTERPRETATIONS ARE FOR ASME COMMITTEE USE ONLY. THEY ARE NOT TO BE DUPLICATED OR USED FOR OTHER THAN ASME COMMITTEE BUSINESS. WARNING: THERE MAY BE SOME TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS IN THIS DOCUMENT. PLEASE REVIEW THE ACTUAL INTERPRETATION FOR THE EXACT WORDING. TO GET A PRINTED COPY OF AN INTERPRETATION, FIRST HIGHLIGHT THE PORTION DESIRED, THEN GOTO File ON THE TOOLBAR, THEN Print... , THEN HIGHLIGHT THE DOT AT THE (Selection BUTTON, FINALLY PRESS THE OK BUTTON. BE CAREFUL NOT TO PRINT THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT (1 Page). Interpretation: IX-01-14 Subject: QW-500, The Use of SWPSs Date Issued: September 25, 2001 File No: 01-332 Question: May a manufacturer or contractor adopt and use SWPSs in accordance with the rules of Article V for work on Code items built to an edition or addenda prior to the 1998 edition with the 2000 Addenda, provided the construction code does not prohibit the use of SWPSs? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-01-15 Subject: QW-300.2, Employers Responsibility Date Issued: September 15, 2001 File No: 01-641 Background: Section IX requires that the manufacturer, contractor, assembler, or installer be responsible for conducting tests to qualify the performance of welders which his organization employs in construction of weldments built in accordance with the Code. It also requires that the manufacturer, contractor, assembler, or installer provide supervision and control over welders while they are welding test coupons for performance qualification. Question (1): An employee of a contractor provides supervision and control over a welder during welding of a test coupon, but that welder is not an employee of the contractor at the time of the test. Is it required that the welder be an employee of that contractor at the time of qualification testing? Reply (1): No. Question (2): Must the welder be an employee of any manufacturer or contractor at the time of qualification testing? Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: IX-01-16 Subject: Code Case 2142-1 and 2143-1 Date Issued: December 18, 2001 File No: 01-641 Background: The submerged are welding process is being used to deposit corrosion-resistant weld overlay for Section III, Subsection NB fabrication using a NI-Cr-Fe alloy strip filler metal and flux combination. The strip filler metal does not meet the chemical requirements of Code Case 2142-1 (bare electrode and rod), but both filler metal and weld deposit meet the chemical composition limits of Code Case 2143-1 (covered electrodes). Question (1): Must the Ni-Cr-Fe alloy strip filler metal used for the SAW process meet the chemical composition requirements of Code Case 2142-1 to be classified as F-43 for procedure and performance qualifications? Reply (1): Yes. Question (2): May Ni-Cr-Fe alloy filler metal that is not designated as F-43 per Code Case 21421 be used for welding if the welding procedure is qualified separately per QW-404.37? Reply (2): Yes. Question (3): If the Ni-Cr-Fe alloy strip filler metal meets the chemical composition requirements of Code Case 2143-1 and was produced to the requirements of SFA-5.14, except for the chemical analysis, may the filler metal be classified as F-43 for procedure and performance qualification? Reply (3): No. Question (4): If the Ni-Cr-Fe alloy strip filler metal is not classified in an SFA specification, and is not covered in Code Case 2142-1 or 2143-1, is it permissible to identify the filler metal and flux on the WPS, PQR and WPQ by the manufacturers brand names? Reply (4): Yes. Interpretation: IX-01-17 Subject: QW-202.2(b), QW-202.3(b) and QW-407.4 Date Issued: December 18, 2001 File No: 01-615 Background: A groove weld procedure qualification test coupon 1.5 in. thick was welded with the SMAW process using multiple passes of in. max. thickness. The test coupon was given a subsequent post weld heat treatment exceeding the upper transformation temperature prior to the completion of mechanical testing. Question: May this PQR be used to support the weld of partial penetration groove welds per QW-202.2(b) or weld repair and buildup welds per QW-202.3(b) on base material thickness exceeding 1.65 in.?

Reply: No. Per QW-407.4, a procedure qualification test coupon receiving a post weld heat treatment in which the upper transformation is exceeded, the maximum qualified thickness for production welds is 1.1 times the thickness of the test coupon. Interpretation: IX-01-18 Subject: QW-153.1, Acceptance Criteria for Tensile Strength Date Issued: December 18, 2001 File No: 01-772 Question: Does the minimum specified tensile strength in QW/QB-422 supersede the AS/SB material tensile strength for procedure qualification? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-01-19 Subject: QW-202.4(b), Dissimilar Base Metal Thickness Date Issued: December 18, 2001 File No: 01-811 Question: Does QW-202.4(b) permit the maximum weld deposit thickness limit to be extended beyond the limit specified in QW-451.1? Reply: No. QW-202.4 applies only to the base metal thickness limits. Interpretation: IX-01-20 Subject: QW-100.3 and QW-420.1, P-Number Reassignment Date Issued: December 18, 2001 File No: 01-813 Question (1): May a procedure qualification record subject to variable QW-407.1(a) that included only a PWHT below the lower transformation temperature be used to support a WPS with PWHT above the upper transformation temperature and a subsequent PWHT below the lower transformation temperature? Reply (1): No. Question (2): Does Section IX address the values to be used as transformation temperature? Reply (2): No. Interpretation: IX-01-21 Subject: QW-151.1(d), Reduced Section Plate; QW-200.4(b), Combination of Processes; QW-322, Expiration and Renewal of Qualifications Date Issued: January 19, 2002 File No: 01-035

Background [(1), (2), (3)]: A welder is qualified for manual SMAW and GTAW, and semiautomatic FCAW and GMAW. Question (1): Do welders maintain their qualifications for manual SMAW and GTAW by welding with either semiautomatic GMAW or FCAW? Reply (1): No. Question (2): Do welders maintain their qualifications for both SMAW and GTAW by welding with only one of the processes during the six-month period? Reply (2): No. Question (3): Do welders maintain their qualifications for semiautomatic GMAW and FCAW by welding with either GMAW or FCAW during the six-month period? Reply (3): Yes. Background [(4)]: A WPS was qualified using a Trade Name wire-flux combination that conforms to a classification in ASME Section II, Part C. Question (4): Does the substitution in the qualified WPS of a different Trade Name wire-flux combination that conforms to the same SFA Specification and classification in ASME Section II, Part C require requalification? Reply (4): No. Background [(5)]: The tensile specimens of a 60 mm PQR test plate was divided into three pieces. The sum of the thickness of the three specimens was less than 60 mm. Question (5): What is the allowable percentage thickness reduction from the original base metal thickness? Reply (5): Section IX does not address this issue. Interpretation: IX-01-22 Subject: QW-100.3 and QW-420.1, P-Number Reassignment Date Issued: March 11, 2002 File No: 01-679 Question: May a previous qualified WPS, written to permit the welding of P-No. 5, Group 1 material to P-No. 5, Group 4 material prior to the establishment of P-Nos. 5A, 5B and 5C be used to weld SA-213 T22 to SA-213 T91 materials? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-01-23 Subject: QW-202.4, Dissimilar Base Metal Thicknesses Date Issued: March 11, 2002

File No:

01-789

Question: A WPS is qualified to weld base material from 1.6 mm to 20 mm. May that WPS be used for welding a part 30 mm thick that has been tapered to 15 mm thick to another 15 mm part? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-01-24 Subject: QW-200.4, Impact Test Qualification of Multi-process Welds Date Issued: March 11, 2002 File No: 01-814 Question: A welding procedure qualification is made using multiple welding processes on a single test plate for an application where notch-toughness testing is required. The weld coupon was welded with two passes, each of GTAW and FCAW, and the remainder with SAW process. Is it required to take multiple sets of weld metal impact test specimens to include all welding processes, when all welding could not be included in a single set of specimens? Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-01-25 Subject: Section II, Part C Date Issued: March 11, 2002 File No: 01-815 Question: Does Section II, Part C mandate the use of SFA-5.01? Reply: No. Interpretation: IX-01-26 Subject: QW-100.3, The Use of the Referenced Edition of the Code Date Issued: March 11, 2002 File No: 01-826 Background: A designer specifies a specific year of the ASME Code to be complied with for the fabrication of a component, i.e., including 96 Addenda, and this component is installed in 2003. Question (1): What year of Section IX does the installer use for qualifying welders/welding operators? Reply (1): Welders are qualified in accordance with the current edition and addenda of Section IX in effect at the time of the qualification. See QW-100.3.

Question (2): What year of Section II does the installer use for purchasing welding materials? Reply (2): Section IX does not address this issue. The question should be addressed to the applicable construction code. Interpretation: IX-01-27 Subject: QW-452.1, Nominal Coupon Thickness Date Issued: March 11, 2002 File No: 02-111 Question: A welder welds a NPS 6 Schedule 80 test coupon that is 0.432 in. thick. He uses one welding process, one set of essential variables, and deposits at least three layers of weld metal in that test coupon. Is that welder qualified to weld maximum to be welded? Reply: No. The nominal coupon thickness must be at least in. thick in order for a welder to be qualified for maximum to be welded.

Interpretation: IX-01-28 Subject: QW-409.4, Electrical Characteristics Date Issued: May 22, 2002 File No: 02-2691 Question: Does QW-409.4 apply to the current type used to preheat the filler metal wire when welding GTAW Hot-Wire Automatic or machine corrosion-resistant overlay? Reply: No. Interpretation: IX-01-29 Subject: Section II, Part C, SFA Specifications, Marking of Packages Date Issued: October 3, 2002 File No: 02-2692 Background: ASME Section II, Part C, SFA Specifications state in the Marking of Packages paragraphs that the AWS specification and classification designations must be marked on the outside of each unit package. Question (1): Must filler metal procured to an ASME SFA specification be marked with the ASME SFA specification, such as ASME SFA-5.XX? Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Is marking the package with the AWS specification and classification, such as AWS A5.XX EXXXX required? Reply (2): Yes. Question (3): May the material manufacturer add the ASME specification (e.g., SFA-5.XX) to the required AWS markings on the unit container? Reply (3): Yes. Interpretation: IX-01-30 Subject: QW-403.5, Base Metal Requirements Date Issued: December 30, 2002 File No: 02-2693 Question: When impact testing of a heat-affected zone is required for nonferrous base materials of the same P-Number, does a PQR with a UNS number designation (e.g., SB-619, UNS N06022) qualify a WPS that specifies a different UNS number designation (e.g., SB-619 UNS N10276) within the same P-Number? Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-01-31 Subject: QW-423, Alternate Base Materials for Welder Qualification Date Issued: December 30, 2002 File No: 02-2694 Question (1): May a welder who has qualified on a P-Number base metal within the left column of QW-423, weld any combination of P-Number base metals in the corresponding row of the right column, within the limits of the other essential variable limits qualified? Reply (1): Yes. Question (2): May a welder who has qualified on a P-Number base metal within the left column of QW-423, weld one of the P-Number base metals in the corresponding row of the right column to any other (dissimilar) P-Number in the corresponding row of the right column, within the limits of the other essential variable limits qualified? Reply (2): Yes. Question (3): May a welder who has qualified on a P-Number base metal within the left column of QW-423 welded to an unassigned base metal, weld any combination of P-Number base metals in the corresponding row of the right column to the unassigned metal, within the limits of the other essential variable limits qualified? Reply (3): Yes.

Interpretation: IX-01-32 Subject: QW-200.4(b), Root Pass Procedure Qualification Date Issued: December 30, 2002 File No: 02-3449 Question: Do the provisions of QW-200.4(b) permit a GTAW procedure qualification test weldment performed on a 13 mm thick coupon to support depositing a root pass in a production joint of the qualified base metal having a thickness of 8 mm when impact testing is required? Reply: No. See QW-403.6. Interpretation: IX-01-33 Subject: QW-283, Welds with Buttering Date Issued: December 30, 2002 File No: 02-3896 Background: In all cases described below, the manufacturers develop and follow WPSs and PQRs based on the test coupons welded. The minimum buttering thickness in all cases will be greater than 3/16 in. Question (1): Manufacturer A qualifies a WPS by buttering the ends of the test coupons, which are the same material. The buttered ends are heat treated, then the weld is completed using the same filler metal as was used for the buttering. Manufacturer B welds a groove weld test coupon of the same best metal using the same process, filler metal and other essential variables as manufacturer A. That test coupon is heat treated in the same manner as the heat treatment used for the buttering by manufacturer A. May manufacturer A weld parts that were buttered by manufacturer B? Reply (1): Yes. Question (2): Manufacturer C welds a groove weld test coupon using the same base metal, process, filler metal, and other essential variables as manufacturer A. That test coupon is heat treated in the same manner as the heat treatment used for buttering by manufacturer A. May manufacturer A weld parts that were buttered by manufacturer C? Reply (2): Yes. Question (3): Manufacturer A receives parts that have been buttered by both manufacturers B and C. May the parts buttered by manufacturer B be welded by manufacturer A to parts buttered by manufacturer C? Reply (3): Yes. Question (4): Manufacturer D receives parts that have been buttered by manufacturers A, B and C. May manufacturer D weld the buttered parts together using a buttered groove weld test

coupon qualified using the same base metal, process, filler metal, and other essential variables as manufacturer A? Reply (4): Yes. Question (5): Manufacturer D receives parts that have been buttered by manufacturers A, B and C. May manufacturer D weld the buttered parts together using a groove weld test coupon qualified in accordance with QW-283.4(b) using the same process, filler metal, and other essential variables that manufacturer A used to join the buttered parts (i.e., the as-welded portion of the test) using a base metal that nominally matches the chemical analysis of the buttering used by manufacturer A, B, or C? Reply (5): Yes. Question (6): Manufacturer E welds a groove weld test coupon of another base metal using the same filler metal as manufacturer A. That test coupon is heat treated and tested in accordance with QW-202.2(a). May manufacturer F, who has welded a test coupon in accordance with QW283.4(b), join parts buttered by manufacturer E? Reply (6): Yes. Interpretation: IX-01-34 Subject: QB-203.1, Limits of Qualified Flow Positions for Procedures, and QB-408.4, Joint Design; QB-303.3, Limits of Qualified Positions, and QB-408.1, Joint Design Date Issued: March 13, 2003 File No: 02-3541 Background (1): QB-203.1 states: Qualification in pipe shall qualify for plate, but not vice versa. Horizontal-flow in pipe shall qualify for flat-flow in plate. QB-408.4 states: A change in the joint type, e.g., from a butt to a lap or socket, from that qualified. For lap or socket joints, a decrease in overlap length from that qualified. Question (1): Do procedure qualifications in plate lap joints qualify for tube-to-tube socket joints for brazing procedure qualifications? Reply (1): No. Background (2): QB-303.3 states: Qualifications in pipe shall qualify for plate, but not vice versa. Horizontal-flow in pipe shall qualify for flat-flow in plate. QB-408.1 states: A change in the joint type, i.e., from a butt to a lap or socket, from that qualified. For lap or socket joints, an increase in lap length of more than 25% from the overlap used on brazer performance qualification test coupon. Question (2): Do performance qualifications in plate lap joints qualify for tube-to-tube socket joints for brazer performance qualifications? Reply (2): No. Interpretation: IX-01-35

Subject: Date Issued: File No:

QW-451.1, Procedure Qualification Thickness Limits March 13, 2003 02-4075

Question (1): A test coupon is prepared as follows: A 1.75 in. plate is welded to 1.75 in. plate with 1 in. thick weld. Per QW-451.1, is 8 in. the maximum thickness range of base metal qualified? Reply (1): Yes, except that further limits or exceptions may apply as stated in Notes (1) and (5) of QW-451.1. Question (2): Using the same test coupon as Question (1), where a single process was used to deposit the entire weld thickness, is 8 in. the maximum thickness of the weld metal permitted per QW-451.1? Reply (2): Yes, except that further limits or exceptions may apply as stated in Notes (1) and (5) of QW-451.1. Interpretation: IX-01-36 Subject: QW-301.4, Record of Welder Performance Qualification Date Issued: March 13, 2003 File No: 02-4198 Background: For welders performance qualification, a multiple layer groove weld is made on a single test coupon using one welder for first layer and another welder for the second. Question: QW-301.4 requires a record of welder performance qualification. May a single form be used to record the essential variables, the type of test and test results, and the ranges qualified in accordance with QW-452 for each welder and welding operator? Reply: Section IX specifies information required to be recorded, but does not specify the format of the records. Interpretation: IX-01-37 Subject: QW-404.33, Change in SFA Specifications for Filler Metal Classification Date Issued: May 19, 2003 File No: 03-263 Question: Does the expression a change in the SFA specification filler metal classification refer to a change in the AWS classification? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-01-38 Subject: Section II, Part C, SFA 5.1, Table 1 Date Issued: May 19, 2003 File No: 03-274 Question: May a welder qualify with E7018 electrode using either uphill or downhill progression?

Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-01-39 Subject: QW-401.3, Supplemental Essential Variable (Procedure) Date Issued: May 19, 2003 File No: 03-469 Background: A company has qualified a PQR to satisfy all testing requirements other than notch toughness for welding P1 Group 2 to P1 Group 2 by the SAW process. Another test coupon is subsequently prepared using the WPS written on the original PQR and an additional PQR is then qualified with only testing for notch toughness, as allowed by the Code, to supplement the original PQR for welding with impact requirements. However, the preheat value (an essential variable) used to qualify the original PQR was 150F. The preheat temperature was less than 150F. Question: May the supplemental PQR with reduced preheat be used with the original PQR to support a WPS for notch toughness application? Reply: Yes, provided that the requirements of QW-406.1 are met. Interpretation: IX-01-40 Subject: QW-201/QW-201.1, Manufacturers or Contractors Responsibility Date Issued: May 19, 2003 File No: 03-740 Background: Several manufacturing organizations within the same company perform welding procedure qualifications in accordance with Section IX. Each manufacturing organization performs these activities in accordance with specific Quality Assurance Program(s)/Quality Control System(s) that comply with their ASME Construction Code Certificate(s) of Authorization and describe operational control of qualifications. Question: Is it permitted for any of the manufacturing organizations within the company to use WPSs and PQRs qualified by any of the other manufacturing organizations? Reply: Yes, this is permitted by QW-201. Interpretation: IX-04-01 Subject: QW-151.3, Tension Test Turned Specimen Date Issued: September 15, 2003 File No: 02-3586 Background: ASME Section IX, Paragraph QW-151.3(b) states, " For thicknesses over 1" (25 mm), multiple specimens shall be cut through the full thickness of the weld with their centers parallel to the metal surface and not over 1" (25 mm) apart. The centers of the specimens adjacent to the metal surface shall not exceed 5/8" (16 mm) from the surface." Question (1): Does the specified distance between specimens of 'not over 1" apart' refer to the distance between the centers of the specimens?

Reply (1): Yes. Question (2): How many tension tests would be required for a 2-1/2" thick groove welding procedure qualification test coupon welded full thickness? Reply (2): Two. See QW-451.1. Question (3): When reduced section turned tension test specimens are used in accordance with QW-462.1(d) for a 2-1/2" thick groove welding procedure qualification test coupon welded full thickness, what is the minimum number of specimens that must be removed for each tension test set? Reply (3): Three. Interpretation: IX-04-02 Subject: QW-258.1 and QW-410.38 Date Issued: September 15, 2003 File No: 03-1029 Background: The elctroslag welding process is used to apply a corrosion-resistant overlay. The essential variables in QW-258.1 apply. QW-410.38 is listed as an essential variable for corrosionresistant overlay. Question (1): When a single layer is recorded in the PQR, is a WPS qualified for application of multiple layers? Reply (1): No. Question (2): When multiple layers are recorded in the PQR, is a WPS qualified for application of single layer? Reply (2): No. Interpretation: IX-04-03 Subject: QW-407.1 , Postweld Heat Treatment Date Issued: September 15, 2003 File No: 03-1212 Question (1): May a procedure qualification record subject to the variable QW-407.1(a) which qualified P-No. 8 to P-No. 8 with no PWHT support a WPS with PWHT? Reply (1): QW-407.1(a) does not apply to P-No. 8 materials. See QW-407.1(b). Question (2): Would application of controlled and monitored heat to the weld and surrounding area for the correction of distortion in P-No. 8 material be considered a PWHT operation? Reply (2): See QW-407.1(b).

Note: This interpretation originally appeared in Volume 54. The P8 has been corrected by Errata to read P-No. 8. Interpretation: IX-04-04 Subject: QW-401.3 Supplemental Essential Variable Date Issued: September 15, 2003 File No: 03-1246 Background: A WPS is supported by three PQRs. Two PQRs are recorded on 12 mm and 28.5 mm thick coupons using tensile, bend, and impact testing specimens. A third PQR was made using 5 mm thick plate using the same welding parameters, but only impact specimens were tested. Question (1): May these PQRs be combined to support a WPS for welding 2.5 mm through 57 mm material requiring notch toughness testing? Reply (1): No. Question (2): May these three PQRs be combined to support welding base metal thicknesses of 4.8 through 57 mm with or without notch toughness? Reply (2): Yes. Note: This interpretation originally appeared in Volume 54. The WP in Question (1) has been corrected by Errata to read WPS. Interpretation: IX-04-05 Subject: QW-200.2(f) and QW-451 Date Issued: December 30, 2003 File No: 03-1583 Question: Two separate PQRs with identical welding process exist for a 6 mm and an 8 mm base metal thickness. May these PQRs support a WPS, with all the essential and supplementary essential variables unchanged, to weld a 28 mm thick production joint? Reply: No, see QW-451. Interpretation: IX-04-06 Subject: QB-151.3, QB-451.3, and QB-462.1(e) Date Issued: December 30, 2003 File No: 03-1664 Background: Two tubes under 3" diameter are separately torch brazed into each end of a coupling using face fed filler in the same position with all the remaining brazing variables the same for both joints. The coupon is pulled to failure which occurs in the weaker of the two brazed joints. The resulting ultimate tensile strength exceeds the minimum specified values listed in QW/QB422. Question (1): Does one tensile specimen, as shown in QB-462.1(e), brazed in this manner, fulfill the requirement in QB-451.3 for two tension tests?

Reply (1): Yes, see QB-463.1(e). Question (2): Since the same inside diameter, outside diameter, cross-sectional area ultimate load, ultimate tensile strength, and type of failure exist for both lap joints, may the same values be recorded for the two tension tests on the Brazing PQR? Reply (2): Yes. Interpretation: IX-04-07 Subject: QW-310.1, QW-452.3 and QW-461.9 Date Issued: December 30, 2003 File No: 03-1686 Question: Does QW-310.1 apply if the pipe coupon is welded in the 6G position? Reply: No. Interpretation: IX-04-08 Subject: QW-200.4, Combination of Welding Procedures Date Issued: April 1, 2004 File No: 03-1770 Background: A combination weld process PQR was qualified using the GTAW for the root pass, SMAW and SAW. Question: May this PQR support a WPS for welding with only one or two of the processes shown on the PQR? Reply: Yes, provided the following are met: a) The remaining essential, nonessential and supplementary essential variables, when applicable, are applied. b) The base metal and deposited weld metal thickness limits of QW-451 are applied. Interpretation: IX-04-09 Subject: QW-403.9, Base Metal Thickness Date Issued: April 1, 2004 File No: 04-65 Background: An EGW procedure was qualified on 3/8 in. thick base material completing the weld joint in one (1) single pass. Question: Is the WPS qualified to make a weld deposit greater than 1/2 in., in one pass, in base metal greater than 1/2 in. in thickness? Reply: No. Interpretation: IX-04-10 Subject: QW-100.3 and QW-202.2, Procedure Qualification Record Time Limits

Date Issued: File No:

June 10, 2004 04-601

Question: Is there a time limit on the validity of a PQR? Reply: PQRs always remain valid, but may only be used to support WPSs, provided they meet the requirements of the 1962 or later Edition of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section IX. See QW-100.3. Interpretation: IX-04-11 Subject: QW-451.1, Procedure Qualification Thickness Limits and Test Specimens and QW-202.4, Dissimilar Base Metal Thicknesses Date Issued: December 22, 2004 File No: 04-599 Background: A procedure qualification test coupon using the same P-Number material and consisting of two plates of different thicknesses are welded together, where the thicker of the two plates (T2 = 1-1/2 thick) has been tapered on a 4:1 taper down to the thinner plate thickness (T1 = 1 thick). Question (1): Does this test coupon qualify the WPS for a base metal thickness range of 3/16 to 8? Reply (1): See Interpretation IX-86-43, Question (2). Background: A procedure qualification test coupon using the same or different P-Number materials and consisting of two plates of different thicknesses, T2 = 1-1/2 thick and T1 = 1 thick welded with a single process. The thicknesses meet on the same plane with neither plate being tapered. The joint is welded in accordance with the sketch below.

Question (2): Does this test coupon qualify the WPS for both base metals for a thickness range of 3/16 to 8 on both sides of the weld joint? Reply (2): Yes. Question (3): Does this test coupon qualify the WPS for both base metals of different P Numbers for a thickness range of 3/16 to 8? Reply (3): No. QW-202.4 requires both base metal thicknesses be in accordance with QW451.1. Base metal T1 is qualified 3/16 to 2 and base metal T2 is qualified 3/16 to 8, except as permitted by QW-202.4(b)(1).

Interpretation: IX-04-12 Subject: QW-409.1, Electrical Characteristics, Heat Input Date Issued: December 22, 2004 File No: 04-1013 Question (1): Does QW-409.1 require that the highest heat input, to be recorded on the PQR, be calculated on the parameters used at the location where the HAZ impact specimens are removed? Reply (1): No. Question (2): GTAW is a non-consumable electrode welding process that would record zero for the per unit length of electrode in QW-409.1(b). Therefore, can the weld volume method detailed in QW-409.1 be used to control the heat input for a non-consumable electrode welding process such as GTAW? Reply (2): See Interpretation IX-92-40. Interpretation: IX-04-13 Subject: QW-322.2, Renewal of Qualification Date Issued: December 22, 2004 File No: 04-1457 Background: A welder has been qualified for the GMAW process (short circuiting transfer mode). The required mechanical bend tests were performed and found to be acceptable. The welder did not weld with this process during the following six-month period, resulting in expiration of the qualification. Question: May a welders qualification be renewed by radiographing a production weld performed with the GMAW process (short circuiting transfer mode)? Reply: No. See QW-322.2(a). Interpretation: IX-04-14 Subject: QW-200.2, Procedure Qualification Record and QW-409.1, Electrical Characteristics, Heat Input Date Issued: December 22, 2004 File No: 04-1592 Question (1): Procedure Qualification tests were conducted with notch toughness testing. When documenting the PQR with actual variables (Amps, Volts, Travel Speed) that were recorded during welding of the test coupon, is it required that a single value be recorded for these variables in the PQR? Reply (1): No. See QW-200.2(b).

Question (2): Must the volts, amps and travel speed used to calculate heat input for each process per QW-409.1 be measured in the same weld pass or unit length of weld?

Reply (2):

Yes.

Interpretation: IX-04-15 Subject: QW-407.2, Base Metal Thickness Qualification and QW-407.2, PWHT Temperature and Time Range Date Issued: December 22, 2004 File No: 04-1595 Question (1): Will a procedure qualification test coupon on 1.5 in. thick P-No. 1, Gr. 2 material and post weld heat treated at 1100 deg. F. for 1.5 hours with supplementary essential variable requirements met, support a WPS with supplementary essential variable requirements for production welding on 8 in. thick P-No. 1, Gr. 2 material that is PWHT at 1100 deg. F. for 3.5 hours? Reply (1): No. Question (2): Based on the conditions stated in Question 1, could the PWHT time on the 8 in. thick weldment be increased to 4 hours and 10 minutes at 1100 deg. F. and still be in compliance with Code requirements? Reply (2): No. Interpretation: IX-92-69 Subject: QW-409.1, Electrical Characteristics Date Issued: May 19, 2005 File No: 05-635 Note: Interpretation IX-92-69 has been withdrawn Interpretation: IX-04-16 Subject: QW-403.5, Qualification of Dissimilar Group Number Base Metals Date Issued: March 8, 2005 File No: 04-1418 Question (1): A PQR is qualified with impact testing using API 5L X56, which is an S-No.1, Group 2 material. Does that PQR support a WPS for impact tested welding API 5L X52 and X46 which are S-No.1, Group 1 materials? Reply (1): No. Question (2): Does a PQR qualified with impact testing conducted using an unassigned material welded to an S-No.1, Group 2 material support a WPS for welding the same unassigned material to S-No.1, Group 1 material? Reply (2): No. Interpretation: IX-04-17

Subject: Date Issued: File No:

QW-409.8, QW-256, SFA Specifications, GTAW Electrode Characteristics March 8, 2005 05-24

Question: May current levels outside the range of SFA 5.12 Table AI for specific tungsten electrode diameters be specified in a WPS in accordance with Section IX? Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-04-18 Subject: QW-200.4(b), Combination Procedure Qualification Records Date Issued: March 8, 2005 File No: 05-25 Background: A combination GTAW and SMAW WPS is supported by two PQRs. PQR A is welded with SMAW to join 38 mm (1- in.) thick plates with 38 mm (1- in.) of SMAW deposit. PQR B is welded with GTAW and SMAW to join 13 mm ( in.) thick plates, with 3 mm (1/8 in.) of GTAW deposit, and 10 mm (3/8 in.) of SMAW deposited. Question (1): Do PQRs A and B qualify the combination WPS for a base metal thickness range of 5 mm (3/16 in.) to 200 mm (8 in.) when impact testing is not required? Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Do PQRs A and B qualify the combination WPS for a maximum deposited weld metal thickness of 6 mm ( in.) for the GTAW process and 200 mm (8 in.) for the SMAW process? Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): When impact tests are performed for both PQRs with acceptable results, do PQRs A and B qualify the combination WPS for a base metal thickness range of 13 mm ( in.) to 200 mm (8 in.) when impact testing is required? Reply (3): Yes.

Interpretation: IX-04-19 Subject: QW-404.36, Filler Metals, Testing of Recrushed Slag Date Issued: March 8, 2005 File No: 05-26 Question: Does QW-404.36 require that each batch or blend of recrushed slag, as defined in SFA-5.17, be tested in accordance with Section II, Part C regardless of the source of slag? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-04-20 Subject: QW-407.1, Welding Procedure Specification, Postweld Heat Treatment Date Issued: March 8, 2005

File No:

05-293

Question: A WPS for joining P-No.4 to P-No.4 specifies that the PWHT be performed at 1125 deg. F +/- 25 deg. F, which is below the lower transformation temperature for the material. May this WPS be revised to specify a PWHT performed at 1225 deg. F +/- 25 deg. F, which is also below the transformation temperature, without requalification of the procedure? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-04-21 Subject: QW-184 and QW-322.1, Production Welds, Revoking Welder Qualifications Date Issued: May 19, 2005 File No: 05-528 Question (1): A welder qualified for fillet welds by a qualification test on a plate groove weld is required to weld a fillet weld of 3/8 in. (10 mm) leg on a nozzle to shell weld. Is the welder required to produce fillet welds with legs having a maximum difference in length of 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) as per QW-184? Reply (1): No, QW-184 does not apply to production welds.

Question (2): The same welder, qualified as per previous question, produces fillet welds with one leg size twice the size of the other (3/8 versus 3/4 in.). Is this cause for questioning his/her ability to weld within the qualification parameters and revoke his/her qualification for fillet welds, in terms of QW-322.1(b)? Reply (2): Section IX does not establish criteria for revoking welder qualifications.

Interpretation: IX-04-22 Subject: QW-407.4, Qualified Thickness Range when Exceeding the PWHT Upper Transformation Temperature Date Issued: May 27, 2005 File No: 04-1301 Question: When variable QW-407.4 applies per QW-250 for test coupons with postweld heat treatment exceeding the upper transformation temperature is the maximum thickness qualified 1.1 times the thickness of the test coupon for ferrous P number materials; P-No.1 through P-No.7 and P-No. 9A through P-No11B? Reply: Yes Interpretation: IX-04-23 Subject: QW-211 and QW-310.2, Procedure Qualification for Groove Welds with Backing (2004 Edition) Date Issued: August 18, 2005 File No: 05-784 Background: A performance qualification test is performed using solid round bar machined to 42.20 mm (1.66 in.) O.D. with a machined circumferential weld groove that is 14.6 mm (0.575 in.) deep and has integral backing. Welding is performed in the 6G test position with a single

welding process. At least three weld layers are deposited. The test coupon will be subjected to radiographic examination. Question: May the test coupon described above be used for a performance qualification test in the 6G position welded with a single process to qualify for all position welding of unlimited weld metal thickness with backing and for all diameters 25 mm (1 in.) O.D. and greater? Reply: Yes, however, multiple test coupons are required to provide a minimum weld length of 150 mm (6 in.) for radiographic examination and the radiographic examination requirements of QW-191 are met. Interpretation: IX-04-24 Subject: QW-461.9, Performance Qualification Position and Diameter Limitations (2004 Edtion) Date Issued: November 15, 2005 File: 05-1195 Question: A welder was qualified on pipe 5/8 thick in the 6G position using the GTAW process without backing for his root pass, and SMAW with F4 filler metal to complete the joint. He is also qualified to weld using SMAW on plate in the 1G position without backing. May this welder deposit a root pass using SMAW with F4 filler in the 6G position without backing? Reply: No. Interpretation: IX-04-25 Subject: QW-151.3 and QW-451, Tension Test Requirements for Turned Specimens (2004 Edition) Date Issued: November 17, 2005 File No: 05-1404 Background: A test coupon of 1 1/8 thickness was welded. Only two (2) turned 0.505 inch diameter tension specimens were prepared and tested. The test results were acceptable for the specimens tested. Question (1): Do the tension tests performed satisfy the requirements of QW-150 and QW-451? Reply (1): No. Question (2): Are the requirements of QW-150 and QW-451 satisfied if the WPS and this PQR supports is limited to a base metal thickness range of 3/16 to 2 inches instead of a base metal thickness range of 3/16 to 2-1/4 inches that would have been permitted had a sufficient number of tension specimens been tested? Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: IX-04-26 Subject: QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors Responsibility (2004 Edition) Date Issued: February 22, 2006 File No: 05-1196 Background: Two independent companies A and B form a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) to perform work requiring ASME Section I Code Stamp. The LLP has obtained valid ASME Certificates of Authorization. Each company also has valid, existing ASME Certificates of Authorization. The organization effective operational control of welding procedure qualification is described in each of the partners Quality Control System Manuals and the LLPs Quality Control System Manual. The welding procedure qualification tests and production welding are under the full supervision and control of the same individual representing both the LLP and company A. Question: May the LLP use PQRs qualified by company A after the formation of the LLP? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-04-27 Subject: Units of Measurement Date Issued: February 22, 2006 File No: 05-1215 Question (1): Is it acceptable to maintain welder performance qualification records in SI units, with a conversion table as part of the welding manual to ensure that qualification limits are not exceeded? Reply (1): Yes. Code Case 2523 provides information about when such conversions are required and the requirements for performing such conversions. Question (2): Is it acceptable to maintain welding procedure specifications that are dual dimensioned with SI units primary and US Customary units in parenthesis, with a conversion table as part of the welding manual to ensure that qualification limits are not exceeded? Reply (2): Yes. Code Case 2523 provides information about when such conversions are required and the requirements for performing such conversions. Interpretation: IX-04-28 Subject: QW-405.2, Welding Position (2004 Edition) Date Issued: June 21, 2006 File No: 06-323 Question (1): If a Stud Welding Procedure Qualification is performed in the 4S position does the same procedure qualification qualify for the 1S position? Reply (1): No.

Question (2): If a Stud Welding Procedure Qualification is performed in the 4S and 2S position does the same procedure qualification also qualify for all positions? Reply (2): No. Interpretation: IX-04-29 Subject: QW-407.1(b), Postweld Heat Treatment Date Issued: June 21, 2006 File No: 06-462 Question: Does QW-407.1(b)(2) address the temperature ranges for stress relieving, stabilizing and/or solution annealing heat treatments? Reply: No, QW-407.1(b)(2) addresses PWHT within a specified temperature range. Section IX requires the temperature range to be specified on the WPS and the PQR supporting the WPS be within the specified PWHT temperature range. (See the fourth paragraph of the Introduction.) Interpretation: IX-01-22R Subject: QW-100.3 and QW-420.1, P-Number Reassignment (2004 Edition) Date Issued: September 11, 2007 File No: 01-679, 04-600 Question: May a previously qualified WPS, written to permit the welding of P-No. 5, Group 1 material to P-No. 5, Group 4 material prior to the establishment of P-Nos. 5A, 5B, and 5C, be used to weld SA-213 T22 to SA-213 T91 materials? Reply: Yes, if the WPS is revised to limit the materials qualified for welding to the P- or SNumber(s) and Group number(s) assigned to the specific material(s) originally used for the procedure qualification test coupon in the applicable edition and addenda of Section IX. Interpretation: IX-07-01 Subject: QW-407.1(b), Postweld Heat Treatment (2004 Edition) Date Issued: February 6, 2007 File No: 06-285 Background: A manufacturer has fabricated multi-convolution bellows of SB-409 UNS N08800, N08810 or N08811 (P-No. 45), in accordance with ASME Section VIII Div. 1, and Mandatory Appendix 26, Pressure Vessel and Heat Exchanger Expansion Joints. Although the Code does not require it, the manufacturer performs heat treatment (at 1750 deg. F) subsequent to completing all welding and forming. Question: Is the heat treatment described above considered Postweld Heat Treatment for the purpose of welding procedure qualification in accordance with Section IX, para. QW-407.1(b)? Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-07-02 Subject: QW-201, Manufacturers or Contractors Responsibility (2004 Edition) Date Issued: August 17, 2007 File No: 06-912 Background: Three construction companies have participated in a nuclear power plant construction project as a consortium contractor. They have a unified Quality Assurance Program but the consortium does not hold a Certificate of Authorization. Each of the construction companies holds their own Certificate of Authorization. Question: Does two or more companies of different names in an organization in QW-201 apply to the consortium described in the background? Reply: No. Interpretation: IX-07-03 Subject: QW-409.2, FCAW Mode of Transfer (2004 Edition) Date Issued: August 17,2007 File No: 07-1041 Question: Does QW-409.2, the transfer mode variable, apply to the flux cored arc welding process? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-07-04 Subject: QW-404.23, Filler Metal Product Form (2007 Edition) Date Issued: August 17, 2007 File No: 07-1343 Question (1): Is the requirement to document essential variable QW-404.23 satisfied when the AWS filler metal classification is specified in the WPS and recorded on the supporting PQR? Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does QW-404.23 require the words solid wire, bare wire or flux cored be specified in addition to the AWS filler metal classification in the WPS and supporting PQR? Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: IX-07-05 Subject: QW-100.3 and QW-420.1, Change of P-No. as an Essential Variable with Respect to Reassignment of P-No.5 into P-No. 5A, 5B, and 5C (2004 Edition) Date Issued: September 11, 2007 File No: 04-600

Background: A welding procedure was qualified in 1975 (without impact testing) for joining PNo.5 materials, using SA-213-T9 in the PQR test coupon. P-No.5 has since been deleted, and CrMo materials have been reassigned to P-Nos.5A, 5B, and 5C, with SA-213-T9 being assigned to P-No.5B. It can be demonstrated that SA-213-T9 is now designated as a P-No.5B material. Question (1): QW-100.3 allows the continued use of welding procedures qualified under previous Editions and Addenda of the Code without revision to include any variables required by later Editions and Addenda. Is it the intent of QW-100.3 to allow the use of this WPS to join P-No.5A, .P-No.5B or P-No.5C materials without requalification when toughness is not a consideration? Reply (1): No. QW-100.3 applies when later Code Editions and Addenda have added new variables for a given welding process. While this WPS can be shown to be qualified for welding P-No.5B materials to each other, it is intended that the WPS be editorially revised to show applicability of the WPS to the originally qualified materials under the material grouping assignment found in the applicable Edition and Addenda of Section IX. See QW-420.1 and QW200.2(c). Question (2): Is it the intent of Section IX that the WPS described above is acceptable for joining all materials previously assigned P-No.5? Reply (2): No. Based upon the original PQR, the WPS is qualified only for joining materials assigned to P-No.5B under the current Section IX rules. See QW-403.13. Interpretation: IX-07-06 Subject: QW-407.1 and QW-407.2, Postweld Heat Treatment (2007 Edition) Date Issued: December 11, 2007 File No: 07-1708 Background: A weld test coupon for a PQR was welded using P-No. 1, Group 2 plate material to itself and postweld heat treated at 1110F - 1130F (600C - 610C) for ten hours. The PQR documents all supplementary essential variable notch-toughness requirements. Notchtoughness is required and all qualification ranges are supported by the PQR for production welds. Question: Will this PQR support a WPS that specifies a PWHT temperature range below the lower transformation temperature provided the time at temperature does not exceed 12.5 hours? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-07-07R Subject: QW-404.22, Use of Consumable Inserts (2007 Edition) Date Issued: February 12, 2008 File No: 08-40 Background: QW-356 lists the essential variables for Welder Performance Qualification for manual GTAW. QW-404.22, the use of consumable inserts, is an essential variable for Welder Performance Qualification within QW-356.

An individual performs the following two qualification tests: (a) Groove weld using the GTAW-machine process on a NPS 6 (DN 150) Schedule 40 pipe coupon with a consumable insert. (b) Groove weld using the GTAW-manual process on a NPS 6 (DN 150) Schedule 40 pipe coupon with an open root. Each qualification test is performed independently and welded full thickness by the process used to make the root weld Question (1): Is this individual qualified to weld a NPS 6 (DN 150) Schedule 40 pipe groove weld by making the root weld with the GTAW-machine process with a consumable insert and then completing the weld using the GTAW-manual process? Reply (1): Yes. Question (2): Is this individual qualified to make non-through wall weld repairs using the GTAW-manual process to a NPS 6 (DN 150) Schedule 40 pipe groove weld that was originally performed using the GTAW-machine process with a consumable insert? Reply (2): Yes. Question (3): Is this individual qualified to make through-wall repairs using the GTAWmanual process to the root of a NPS 6 (DN 150) Schedule 40 pipe groove weld that was originally performed using the GTAW-machine process with a consumable insert if the defect removal results in a repair cavity with an open root? Reply (3): Yes. Interpretation: IX-07-08 Subject: QW-200.2(c), Changes to PQR (2007 Edition) Date Issued: February 12, 2008 File No: 08-209 Question (1): Can additional tests and data that are not required by Section IX (i.e., hardness ferrite, corrosion, etc.) be added to a PQR at a later date when the testing was not performed as part of the original PQR, but followed the conditions of the original qualification? Reply (1): Yes. Question (2): If the tests and data noted in Question 1 are added to the PQR, would recertification, including date, be required? Reply (2): Yes. All changes to a PQR require recertification (including date) by the manufacturer or contractor per QW-200.2(c). Interpretation: IX-07-09 Subject: QW-401.3 and QW-403.6, Thickness Range Qualified for Impact Testing (2007 Edition) Date Issued: May 1, 2008

File No:

08-576

Background: A welding procedure qualification was performed on a 1 in. (25 mm) thick test coupon. Tension and bend tests were performed on the 1 in. (25 mm) plate. A second welding procedure qualification was performed on a 0.24 in. (6 mm) plate and only impact testing was performed. All of the essential and supplementary essential variables remained the same except for the coupon thickness. Question: May the above PQRs be used to support a WPS for materials requiring notch toughness with a qualified thickness range of 0.1875 in. (5 mm) to 2 in. (50 mm)? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-07-10 Subject: QW-201.1 Date Issued: September 18, 2008 File No: 08-1002 Question: Does QW-201.1 allow maintaining effective operational control of PQRs and WPSs under different ownership than existed during the original procedure qualification when the ownership of one company has been transferred more than once? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-07-11 Subject: QW-301.2, Qualification Tests Date Issued: November 26, 2008 File No: 08-1607 Question: Does QW-301.2 require that a person making adjustments to the welding equipment settings, under the supervision and control of the welder or welding operator performing the weld, also be a qualified welder or welding operator? Reply: No. Interpretation: IX-07-12 Subject: QW-466.1 Date Issued: December 3, 2008 File No: 08-1161 Question: In Table QW-466.1, when the material P-No. is assigned as All Others and the material specification of the ASME Code Section II does not have any requirements for reporting elongation, is the manufacturer limited to performing a base metal tension test to determine the proper test jig dimensions A, B, C, and D of Table QW-466.1? Reply: No. Interpretation: IX-07-13

Subject: Date Issued: File No:

QW-483 and QW-484 December 3, 2008 08-1464

Question (1): May the manufacturer or contractor, subcontract the certification of procedure or performance qualification records? Reply (1): No. Question (2): Does Section IX specify the qualifications for the individuals who certify procedure or performance qualification records? Reply (2): No. Interpretation: IX-07-14 Subject: QW/QB-422 Date Issued: June 4, 2009 File No: 09-486 Question: Does the assignment of P-No. 8, Group No. 3 to SA-479, Type XM-19, UNS S20910 include all three (3) of the heat treatment conditions (annealed, hot-rolled and strain-hardened) specified by SA-479? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-10-01 Subject: Article III - QW-302.1 & QW-302.2 Date Issued: August 18, 2009 File: 09-567 Question (1): If radiographic examination per QW-302.2 is done for qualification of 2 welders on a single pipe coupon welded in the 6G position, must each welder complete the entire circumference of the pipe coupon? Reply (1): Yes. Question 2: If mechanical testing per QW-302.1 is done for qualification of 2 welders on a single pipe coupon welded in the 6G position, must each welder complete the entire circumference of the pipe coupon in order to remove the required bend specimens in accordance with QW-463.2(d) or QW-463.2(e)? Reply (2): Yes. Interpretation: IX-10-02 Subject: QW-300.2(b) Date Issued: August 18, 2009 File: 09-747

Question: Is the manufacturer or contractor required to provide full supervision during the performance qualification testing, so that issues such as the essential variables and inspections during the test can be verified and satisfied for each welder or welding operator qualified? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-10-03 Subject: QW-304 & QW-355 - FCAW Date Issued: August 18, 2009 File: 09-1012 Question (1): May radiographic examination meeting the requirements of QW-304 be used to qualify a welder using the Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) process, provided the transfer mode is not the short circuiting mode? Reply (1): Yes. Question (2): When qualifying a welder in accordance with the essential variables listed in QW355 for the Gas Metal-Arc Welding (GMAW) process and the requirements of QW-304 are met, is the welder also qualified for the Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) process if the essential variables are unchanged? Reply (2): Yes. Interpretation: IX-10-04 Subject: QW-100.3 and QW-420.1 Date Issued: November 12, 2009 File: 09-490 Background: A later Edition /Addenda of Section IX assigns a P-number different from that assigned by the Edition/Addenda of Section IX that was in effect at the time of qualification. Question (1): Is it required that the WPS be revised or a new WPS be written to identify the new P-number when the applicable code edition/addenda lists the material under the new P-number? Reply (1): Yes. Question (2): Is it required that the WPS be revised or a new WPS be written to identify the new P-number when the applicable code edition/addenda lists the material under the old P-number? Reply (2): No Question (3): Is it required that a supporting PQR be amended to show the new P-number assignment? Reply (3): No. Question 4: May a supporting PQR be amended to show the new P-number assignment?

Reply (4): Yes. Question (5): May a supporting PQR be amended to show both the old and the new P-number assignments? Reply (5): Yes. Background: A later Edition/Addenda of Section IX assigns a F-number different from that assigned by the Edition/Addenda of Section IX that was in effect at the time of qualification. Question (6): Is it required that the WPS or PQR be amended to reflect the new filler metal F-No. assignment? Reply (6): No. Question (7): May the WPS or PQR be amended to reflect the new filler metal F-No. assignment? Reply (7): Yes. Interpretation: IX-10-05 Subject: QW-452.5 & QW-181.2.1 Date Issued: December 2, 2009 File: 09-1596 Background: A fillet weld performance qualification test is performed using a production assembly mockup. Question: Must a welder or a welding operator using a production mockup assembly be qualified for a change in fillet size, base material thickness, or configuration of the mockup? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-10-06 Subject: QW-452.5 Date Issued: December 11, 2009 File: 08-210 Question: Is it the intent of QW-452.5 to permit welder or welding operator fillet weld performance qualification testing to be conducted using test coupon thicknesses greater than 3/8 thick? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-10-07 Subject: QW-250 Date Issued: December 31, 2009 File: 09-588

Question (1): Is it the intent of the Code that Variables QW-403.6, QW-406.3, QW-409.1, QW410.9, and QW-410.10 apply when specified in QW-250 for P-No. 10H materials? Reply (1): No. Question (2): Is it the intent of the Code that Variable QW-407.4 applies when specified in QW250 for P-No. 10H materials? Reply (2): Yes. Interpretation: IX-10-08 Subject: QW-407.2 Date Issued: February 17, 2010 File: 09-513 Question: May a procedure qualification subject to the variable QW-407.2, for P-No.8 material with solution annealing PWHT at 1060C (1940F) for 1 hour and impact tested, support a WPS for production with both solution annealing at 1060C (1940F) and stabilization heat treatment at 950C (1742F) for 2 hours? Reply: No. Interpretation: IX-10-09 Subject: QB-451.3 and QB-451.5, Workmanship Coupons Date Issued: February 17, 2010 File: 09-883 Question: For components such as valve bodies and seats in which materials of suitable geometry and thickness are not normally available to make up lap joint test coupons as required by QB451.3, is it the intent of the Committee that the materials to be brazed shall be qualified using any convenient thickness and geometry suitable for performing the tension and section testes required by QB-451.3, and that a greater range of base metal thickness may be qualified using workmanship test coupons in accordance with QB-451.5? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-10-10 Subject: QW-163 and QW-466.1 Guided Bend Test Specimen Dimensions Date Issued: February 17, 2010 File: 09-2140 Background: A welding procedure was qualified for welding on thick base metals. Due to the thickness of the test coupon required, the width of the face of the weld is 5 inches. Per QW-163, the weld and heat-affected zone shall be completely within the bent portion of the bend specimen. For a material with 20% or greater elongation, the standard 3/8 thick bend specimen provides a bent portion that is 3.53 inches long on the OD of the specimen.

Question (1): Does it meet the requirements of ASME Section IX, if the bend radius and bend test specimen thickness are increased, such that 20% outer fiber elongation is achieved, and the OD of the specimen contains the entire width of the weld and HAZ? Reply (1): Yes. Question (2): Does it meet the requirements of ASME Section IX, if a set of multiple specimens having the standard 3/8 thickness and representing the entire width of the weld and both HAZs are removed and tested to meet the requirements for testing the entire width of the weld? Reply (2): Yes. Question (3): Assuming that both of the base metals in the test coupon are of the same P-No., does it meet the requirements of ASME Section IX, to use standard 3/8 thick bend specimens representing at least one HAZ and as much weld metal as possible, when performing the required bend test? Reply (3): No. Interpretation: IX-10-11 Subject: QW-453 Minimum Qualified Thickness for Corrosion Overlay Date Issued: February 17, 2010 File: 09-2141 Question: For corrosion resistant overlay welding procedure qualifications, where a chemical analysis is not required, is there a minimum qualified deposit thickness? Reply: No. Interpretation: IX-10-12 Subject: QW-181.1 & QW-424.1 Procedure Qualification Using Production Assembly Mockup Date Issued: February 17, 2010 File: 10-13 Question: Does ASME Section IX allow the use of materials having the same P-No. as the actual production materials, to produce a test specimen for fillet welding procedure qualification, using a production assembly mockup? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-10-13 Subject: QW-404.5(b), Change in trade designation of filler metal Date Issued: June 25, 2010 File: 09-1368

Background: A PQR using GTAW process was qualified using filler metal classified in accordance with ASME Section II Part C, SFA 5.28, ER80S-G classification, with chemistry meeting A-Number 2. A footnote was used in the PQR to document the filler metal Trade Name used in the qualification. Question: A WPS supported by the above PQR using the same filler metal classification ER80SG and A-No. 2, but with a different Trade Name was specified. When notch toughness (QW404.12) does not apply, does a change in the filler Trade Name specified on the WPS require requalification? Reply: No Interpretation: IX-10-14 Subject: QW-200.4 Date Issued: June 25, 2010 File: 09-2144 Background: A production weld joint was made using a qualified welding procedure, welding P3 to P8 using an unassigned filler metal. In order perform a repair to this joint, a 2nd welding procedure was qualified using an assigned filler metal. Question (1): If the 2nd procedure is qualified by welding P3 to P8, is this procedure qualified to repair the production weld between the P3 & P8 material made with an unassigned filler metal? Reply (1): Yes. However, see QW-431. Question (2): For the same situation as question 1, is this procedure qualified to repair the production weld between the P3 & P8 material if the repair is entirely within the previously deposited weld metal? Reply (2): Yes. However, see QW-431. Question (3): If the 2nd procedure is made by welding P-number material that nominally matches the composition of the unassigned filler metal similar to QW-293.4, is the 2nd procedure qualified to make a repair to the production weld between the P3 & P8 material provided that the repair is entirely within the previously deposited weld metal? Reply (3): Yes. However, see QW-431. Interpretation: IX-10-15 Subject: QW-202.3, Weld Repair and Buildup Date Issued: August 26, 2010 File: 10-359 Question: May a WPS be used to perform a weld repair per QW-202.3 on a groove weld previously welded using the same WPS, without revising the WPS to include the groove design of the repair cavity? Reply: Yes. Also see interpretation IX-79-72.

Interpretation: IX-10-16 Subject: QW-200.1(b), Contents of the WPS; QW-200.2(b), Contents of the PQR; QW-404.24 and QW-404.27, Supplemental Filler Metal Date Issued: August 26, 2010 File: 10-1159 Background: QW-404.24 and QW-404.27 are essential variables for the SAW process. A procedure qualification test was conducted using the SAW process without the use of supplemental filler metal. Question: Is it required that the PQR indicate that supplemental filler metal was not used and must the WPS specify it is not to be used? Reply: Yes. However, Section IX does not specify the manner in which this is documented on the PQR or specified on the WPS. The method of recording information on the PQR and WPS may be by statement, sketch or other means as long as the essential variables are addressed. Interpretation: IX-10-17 Subject: QW-322.1(a) Date Issued: August 26, 2010 File: 10-1161 Background: A welder successfully completes a performance qualification test. During the next six months, the welder used the welding process multiple times during the first four months, but did not use the welding process in the fifth or sixth month. Question: When maintaining the welder's qualification, is the welder continuity based on the last date the welder used the welding process? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-10-18 Subject: QW-256.1; Joining of Clad Materials Date Issued: November 17, 2010 File: 09-994 Background: A composite (clad) material having a carbon steel base and alloy 825 cladding is to be joined by welding. The alloy 825 cladding is not included in the design calculations. The contractor has a PQR for joining the base metal whose qualified ranges are appropriate for welding conditions. The contractor also has a PQR for overlaying carbon steel with alloy 625 filler metal using GTAW, whose qualified ranges of essential special process variables for corrosion resistant overlay welding are applicable to the welding conditions. Question (1): When joining the clad layer of a composite (clad) material using GTAW where the clad thickness is not considered in the design calculations, are the essential special process variables or QW-256.1 applicable to the clad portion of the weld?

Reply (1): Yes. See QW-217 and QW-251.4. Question (2): When completing the clad portion of a weld using the GTAW process, is a WPS qualified to deposit corrosion resistant weld metal using alloy 625 (UNS N06625) filler metal, also qualified for depositing a corrosion resistant weld metal overlay using alloy 825 (UNS N08065) filler metal, when the carbon steel base metal has the same P-No. as the base metal qualified by the WPS? Reply (2): No. See QW-256.1 and QW-404.37. Interpretation: IX-10-19 Subject: QW-2004. - Procedure Qualification, Corrosion Resistant Weld Metal Overlay Date Issued: November 17, 2010 File: 09-2143 Background: A corrosion resistant weld metal overlay was applied to P-No.3 base metal with WPS qualified for the SAW process using an unassigned strip filler metal, with resulting deposit chemistry nominally matching F-No.43 filler metal. It is later determined a greater thickness of corrosion resistant weld metal overlay or a repair to the overlay is needed. An alternate WPS is proposed for depositing the weld metal overlay to increase the overlay thickness or perform the repairs. The alternate WPS was qualified using a different welding process, applying SFA-5.11 ENiCrFe-7 filler metal to produce a corrosion resistant weld metal overlay with a deposit chemistry nominally matching F-No.43 on P-No.3 base metals. Question: Is any WPS qualified for depositing a corrosion resistant weld metal overlay with a known chemistry, also qualified for applying additional layers or repairs to an existing corrosion resistant overlay surface having a nominally matching chemistry? Reply: Yes. Interpretation: IX-10-20 Subject: QW-405.3 Date Issued: November 18, 2010 File: 10-1489 Question: When a welder qualifies with the vertical up progression on weld coupons in the 3G, 5G, or 6G test positions, is that welder qualified to weld with the vertical down progression when QW-405.3 is a performance qualification essential variable? Reply: No.