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Standard Designation:
BPV Section IX
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

Section IX, Weld Metal Deposit Analysis as a Variable for Welder

Performance Qualification for Gas Tungsten-Arc Welding, QW-356
11/17/1983

BC79-046*
IX-79-52R

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In QW-356 (GTAW) of Section IX, no reference is made to weld
metal analysis (as described by A-Numbers) as being an essential variable.
Does this mean that a welder may qualify with one F-No. 6 electrode and
automatically be qualified for the use of all other F-No. 6 electrodes
(regardless of A-Number designation) provided all other essential variables
of QW-356 are satisfied and provided the initial test conditions conform to
the requirements set forth in QW-310.4 (for carbon steel bare wire) or QW310.5 (for stainless steel bare wire)?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-432

Record Number:

BC80-435*

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/17/1983
IX-80-52R

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: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX,QW-407.1(b), PWHT

Record Number:

BC82-097*

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

09/20/1982
IX-81-30R

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Question (1): A manufacturer's WPS to weld P-No. 4 to P-No. 4 metals

specifies a minimum preheat temperature of 150C (302F) with PWHT at
593C: (1099F) to 650C (1202F). The supporting PQR to this WPS
shows PWHT was performed at 700 C (1292F) to 720C (1328F). Does
the PWHT of the PQR support this WPS?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): When qualifying a WPS, a welded tensile test specimen of

SA-106 Gr. A (48,000 psi UTS) failed at 45,600 psi, which is 95% of the
UTS of the pipe, the UTS of the failed specimen conforms to QW-153(d).
May this WPS be used to weld P-No. 1 to P-No. 1 metals using 70,000 psi
filler metal which is other than the A-Number and F-Number shown on the
PQR?
Reply (2): No. See QW-404.4.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Use of Consumable Inserts

Record Number:

BC82-245

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

07/02/1982
IX-83-06

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A consumable insert is fused between two test coupons using
GTAW process and no filler wire, the remaining passes deposited by the
SMAW process. For welder qualification, is the welder qualified to make a
field weld with the GTAW process and using bare wire (E 70S2) over the
consumable insert?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): If the GTAW process has qualified the welder to make such a
deposit over the consumable insert, although he has not made a deposit in
the qualification test, then would the welder's qualification of the GTAW
process allow the welder to make a deposit with the GTAW process and the
use of bare filler wire without the consumable insert having been preplaced?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-452

Record Number:

BC82-246

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

07/02/1982
IX-83-07

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder has been qualified for a thickness of deposited weld
metal from 1/16 in. to 3/4 in. for a particular welding process. A 3/4 in.
thick pipe is to be welded in production, using a single-vee butt joint, with
the same process for which the welder is qualified. Is a second welder

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required to deposit the weld reinforcement, or is it permissible for the

welder who completes the weld to deposit the reinforcement?

Reply: A second welder is not required to deposit the weld reinforcement. It

is permissible for the welder who completes the weld to deposit the weld
reinforcement.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-451

Record Number:

BC82-265

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

07/02/1982
IX-83-08

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welding procedure for a particular process has been qualified
on 3/8 in. thick material. Weld reinforcement was removed during
preparation of test specimens for mechanical testing. A 3/4 in. thick pipe is
to be welded in production using this qualified procedure. May the finished
weld include the reinforcement permitted by the Code [for example, Section
VIII, Division 1, UW-35(c)], or must the finished weld be flush with the
surface of the base metal?
Reply: The finished weld may include the reinforcement permitted by the
applicble Code.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-282.6(m)

Record Number:

BC82-279

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

07/02/1982
IX-83-09

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Under the requirements of QW-282.6(m), does a 15% change in
the amount of dust recorded on the PQR mean that an allowable range for
particle fines is the amount of dust plus or minus 15% of that amount, or the
amount of dust plus or minus 15%?
Reply: QW-282.6(m) requires that the allowable range for particle fines be
the amount of dust plus or minus 15%.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.4

Record Number:

BC82-299

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

07/02/1982
IX-83-10

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Question: A procedure was qualified with 521 bare wire (now classified as
ER 90S-B3 or ER 90S-B3L). Is procedure requalification required when ER
90S-B3 or ER 90S-B3L is substituted for 521 bare wire?
Reply: No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.13 and QW-404.28

Record Number:

BC83-563

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/13/1984
IX-83-100

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder successfully qualifies using a P-No. 1 test coupon and a
carbon steel consumable insert A-No. 1. Is he qualified to weld stainless
steel P-No. 8 production welds using a stainless steel consumable insert
A-No. 8?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-310.5(c) and QW-311(a)

Record Number:

BC83-529

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/16/1984
IX-83-101

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Can the thickness of the test metal used for qualifying a
corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay procedure, to weld on a base metal
thickness of 25 mm (1 in.) or greater, be more than the base metal thickness
used for production?
Reply (1): Yes. See QW-214.1.

Question (2): Do the requirements of QW-311 apply to procedure

qualification?
Reply (2): No.

Question (3): Does a welder/welding operator who qualifies for a groove

joint also qualify for welding corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay, or vice
versa?
Reply (3): No. See QW-311.

Question (4): If a welder successfully qualifies a fillet weld procedure, does

this also qualify him for performance?
Reply (4): Yes. See QW-203 and QW-301.2.

Question (5): Is a welder who is qualified to weld P-No. 8 to P-No. 8 base

metal with an F-No. 5 electrode using SMAW also qualified to weld

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combinations of P-No. 6 and P-No. 7 base metals with F-No. 5 electrodes

using SMAW?
Reply (5): Yes, within the limits of the essential variables of QW-353.

Question (6): Is QW-310.5(c) applicable only when the filler metal does not
belong to F-Nos. 41 through 45?
Reply (6): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-451.1

Record Number:

BC83-551

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1984
IX-83-102

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In Note (1) of QW-451.1, QW-403.2, .3, .6, .9, and .10 are listed.
Do these variables apply to and further restrict the thickness of deposited
weld metal qualified, even though they are base metal variables?
Reply: No. In Note (1) of QW-451.1, only QW-407.4 applies to both base
metal and deposited weld metal thickness.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.11, QW-407.4

Record Number:

BC82-300

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

07/02/1982
IX-83-11

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): There exists a PQR for P-No. 5 to P-No. 5 materials with
PWHT of 1400F. Can this PQR be used in accordance with QW-403.11 to
support a WPS for P-No. 5 to P-No. 1 materials with a PWHT to be
conducted at 1400F?
Reply (1): No. PWHT of P-No. 1 material at 1400F is between the upper
and lower transformation temperatures. QW-407.1(a)(5) requires separate
qualification for this condition.

Question (2): For the PQR and WPS described in Question (1), is the
maximum base metal thickness of the WPS limited to 1.1 times the base
metal thickness of the PQR per QW-407.4 since the critical temperature of
the P-No. 1 material has been exceeded?
Reply (2): The critical temperature range of the P-No. 1 material has not
been exceeded; therefore, QW-407.4 does not apply.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

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Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200

Record Number:

BC82-341

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

07/02/1982
IX-83-12

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A manufacturer has written and qualified a WPS for use at a
particular jobsite. Assuming there are no changes in the essential or
supplementary essential variables, is it necessary for this manufacturer to
requalify the procedure for use at other jobsites?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-321

Record Number:

BC82-346

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

07/02/1982
IX-83-13

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder failed a radiographic performance qualification test and
subsequently received further training. If he again attempts to qualify, must
he be retested in accordance with QW-321?
Reply: No, since he has received further training he may be tested in
accordance with QW-304.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-450

Record Number:

BC82-302

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/17/1982
IX-83-14

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A welder is qualified by depositing 2 mm of GTAW on a 2

mm base metal, and 10 mm of SMAW on a 10 mm base metal. Is this
welder qualified to make a combination weld deposit of 4 mm GTAW root,
and 16 mm SMAW fill on a 20 mm base metal?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): A welder is qualified in combination by depositing 2 mm of

GTAW root using a consumable insert, and 8 mm of SMAW fill on 10 mm
base metal. If the welder then qualifies on an open butt joint by depositing 2
mm of GTAW on a 2 mm base metal, could he make a combination weld
deposit of 4 mm GTAW root, and 16 mm SMAW fill on a 20 mm base
metal, using either a consumable insert or open butt?
Reply (2): Yes.

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Question (3): Would a 1 in. procedure test coupon having 3/4 in. GTAW
and 3/4 in. SMAW weld deposits qualify a procedure for 8 in. maximum
base metal and 8 in. deposited weld metal thicknesses with either or both
processes?
Reply (3): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-463.1(b), QW-211

Record Number:

BC82-388

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/17/1982
IX-83-15

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it acceptable to prepare more than one coupon and remove part
of the required specimens (including impact tests) from each coupon when
qualifying a Welding Procedure Specification?
Reply: Yes. See the provisions for small diameter pipe in QW-461.1(e) and
QW-462.3(a) and the provisions for impact specimens in QW-170.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-452

Record Number:

BC82-396

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/17/1982
IX-83-16

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is a welder who passes a groove-weld test for all positions (6G or
2G and 5G) qualified to make fillet welds on all diameters of pipe and tube?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-100.1

Record Number:

BC82-422

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/17/1982
IX-83-17

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A manufacturer has a mass production, assembly-line type of
facility. A welder makes the same type of weld in the same process using
the same type and size electrodes in the same position. The welder only has
control over the current, voltage, and travel speed variables of a WPS. Does
this manufacturer meet the requirements of QW-100.1 by only supplying
the welder with information needed from the WPS rather than the entire
WPS?

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Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-451.1

Record Number:

BC82-423

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/17/1982
IX-83-18

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A groove-weld test coupon consisting of 3/8 in. thick base metal
having the same P-Numbers is welded using the GMAW short circuiting
mode process to deposit a 1/8 in. thick root pass and using a second welding
process to complete the weld. What are the thickness ranges of base metal
and deposited weld metal for which the procedure is qualified?
Reply: The base metal thickness range qualified is restricted by essential
variable QW-403.10 from 1/16 in. to 0.4125 in. The deposited weld metal
thickness range qualified for the GMAW short circuiting mode process is
restricted by Note (1) of QW-451.1 and QW-451.2 from 1/16 in. to 0.1375
in. The deposited weld metal thickness range qualified for the second
process is from 1/16 in. to 1/2 in.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-304

Record Number:

BC82-440

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/17/1982
IX-83-19

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Can a welder be qualified by radiographic examination when
using a combination of the following welding processes: GTAW, 2 passes;
GMAW (short circuiting), 1 pass; and GMAW (spray arc), balance?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403

Record Number:

BC82-496

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/17/1982
IX-83-20

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May an existing PQR for joining P-No. 4 to P-No. 7 base
materials with an E 309 filler metal, also qualify a WPS for welding P-No.
4 to P-No. 4 base materials and P-No. 7 to P-No. 7 base materials using the
same filler metal with all other essential variables remaining the same?
Reply: No.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-300

Record Number:

BC82-499

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/17/1982
IX-83-21

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A company has a testing laboratory qualify a welder to a
qualified procedure meeting their requirements. The welder works for that
company for about 30 days and quits. May another company with similar
welding requirements buy a copy of his qualification (which is good up to
90 days) from the testing laboratory or must he be requalified by the second
company?
Reply: The welder must be retested by the second company. QW-103.1 and
QW-300.2 state that responsibility for welder qualification rests with the
manufacturer or contractor and cannot be delegated to another.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.22, QW-452.3

Record Number:

BC82-516

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/17/1982
IX-83-22

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it permissible for a welder to weld a consumable insert in a
in. diameter pipe on the following two separate qualifications with all other
performance variables being the same? Test (1) - GTAW, open butt root,
in. diameter pipe Test (2) - GTAW, consumable insert root, 1 in. diameter
pipe
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-452.3

Record Number:

BC82-530

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/17/1982
IX-83-23

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder is qualified with a given procedure to 1/2 in. thickness
in all positions. The welder is then given a procedure qualification test plate
to weld in the flat position to extend the WPS to 2 in. maximum thickness.
Is the welder then performance qualified to weld up to 2 in. in all positions?
Reply: No. See QW-301.2.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-432

Record Number:

BC82-588

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/17/1982
IX-83-24

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In QW-432.1, SFA-5.4 filler metals are listed as F-No. 4 for
ferritic materials and F-No. 5 for austenitic materials. How are SFA-5.4
martensitic filler materials to be categorized relative to QW-432.1?

Reply: SFA-5.4 martensitic filler materials should be categorized as F-No.

4.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200

Record Number:

BC81-160

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/28/1982
IX-83-25

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A parent company has WPS's qualified by a wholly owned
subsidiary. Both parent company and subsidiary have "N" Certificates of
Authorization. If the parent company changes its name, is it necessary to
change the WPS's to reflect the new name on the revised Certificates of
Authorization?
Reply (1): No, provided there is documented traceability from the new
company name to the WPS qualified under the old company name.

Question (2): A WPS is qualified using a filler material not listed in ASME
Section II, Part C. Does the WPS have to be requalified if a later edition of
Section II, Part C, incorporates this material?

Reply (2): No, provided all filler material specification requirements remain
the same.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-409 and QW-200.2

Record Number:

BC82-182

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/08/1982
IX-83-26

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is it a requirement of Section IX that the voltage and
amperage used to make the welding procedure qualification be recorded on
the Procedure Qualification Record (PQR), or on other documents that are
retained by the Certificate Holder, when the shielded metal-arc or gas
tungsten-arc welding process is used and impact testing is not required?

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Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Is it a requirement of Section IX that the actual dimensions of

the tensile test specimens and the actual tensile test loads be recorded on the
PQR, or on other documents that are retained by the Certificate Holder,
when the actual tensile test results are recorded on the PQR?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-254

Record Number:

BC82-713

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/15/1982
IX-83-27

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In Section IX, Summer 1982 Addenda, QW-254 lists QW-404.9
as an essential variable for SAW and lists QW-404.12 as a nonessential
variable for SAW. Is changing from an electrode classification in an SFA
specification to any other electrode classification an essential variable?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-461.9

Record Number:

BC82-748

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/15/1982
IX-83-28

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Apart from welding in 2FR position itself, what other positions
qualify a welder for 2FR?

Reply: Positions 2F, 4F, 5F (see QW-461.6) and all groove-weld positions
except 1G (see QW-461.5 and QW-303.1) will qualify a welder for 2FR.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-407.1 and QW-407.2

Record Number:

BC82-763

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/15/1982
IX-83-29

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: For procedure qualification under QW-407.1 and QW-407.2, is
"post heating" at 572 18F for 7 hr for the purpose of hydrogen removal
immediately following welding considered to be a "postweld heat
treatment" below the lower transformation temperature per QW-407.1(a)

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(2)? Both "post heating" and "postweld heat treatment" are independently
defined in QW-492.
Reply: No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-407.1

Record Number:

BC82-243

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/16/1982
IX-83-30

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If a weldment undergoes annealing, then normalizing (heat
treatment above the critical range) followed by heat treatment below the
critical range, will a welding procedure qualified with normalizing followed
by heat treatment below the critical range meet the requirements of QW407.1 where no impact requirements exist?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-301.2

Record Number:

BC82-395

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/16/1982
IX-83-31

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does a welder who successfully welds a fillet weld procedure
qualification test coupon, also qualify and/or satisfy the performance
qualification requirements?
Reply: Yes. See QW-301.2.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-301.4

Record Number:

BC82-598

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/16/1982
IX-83-32

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A manufacturer maintains performance qualification records in a

central file which is not accessible to production personnel. A computer
printout is supplied to the production personnel listing welders' names and
their qualifications. Are the requirements of QW-301.4 ("...ranges
qualified...") satisfied if an additional document, listing the limitations of
the ranges qualified in the performance qualification, is provided?
Reply: Yes.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-409.1

Record Number:

BC82-617

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/16/1982
IX-83-33

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When qualifying a WPS using a combination of SMAW and
SAW with notch toughness a requirement, is it a requirement of the Code
that QW-409.1 permits increases in heat input or volume of deposited weld
metal for a WPS qualified with a postweld, grain refining, austenitizing heat
treatment?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, P-Number Listings for Castings

Record Number:

BC82-514

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1983
IX-83-34

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Two casting material specifications have the same chemical and
processing requirements. One of the specifications requires a tensile
specimen, the other does not. The specification requiring a tensile specimen
has been assigned a P-Number, the other specification has not. Can the
specification not listed in QW-422 be considered the same P-Number as the
material listed in QW-422?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-407.4 and QW-403.11

Record Number:

BC82-599

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1983
IX-83-35

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In accordance with QW-403.11, a PQR using P-No. 5 material
which has been postweld heat treated (PWHT) at 1400F is to be used to
back up a WPS for P-No. 1 to P-No. 5 material with PWHT. Does the
maximum base metal thickness on the WPS have to be limited to 1.1 times
the base metal thickness on the PQR since the lower critical temperature of
the P-No. 1 material has been exceeded?
Reply: Yes.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-451

Record Number:

BC82-757

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1983
IX-83-36

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does a 0.375 in. thick groove-weld coupon for weld procedure
qualification qualify a 0.500 in. thick shell to 3.000 in. thick end plate
groove-weld joint?
Reply: No. See QW-202.4(b).

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404

Record Number:

BC82-770

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1983
IX-83-37

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If a WPS qualified in accordance with the requirements of
Section IX lists E7018A-1 as the filler metal, would a new WPS be required
if E7015A-1 were used in production welding and all other variables remain
the same?
Reply: Yes. See QW-200.1.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-151

Record Number:

BC82-771

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1983
IX-83-38

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A manufacturer qualifies a WPS using a 1/4 in. root pass in a 3
in. thick plate coupon. Is it acceptable to machine the 3 in. thick coupon to
1/4 in. thick tensile specimens, or must 3 in. thick tensile specimens be
taken if the WPS is to be qualified to weld a 1/4 in. root pass in 3 in. plate?
Reply: One-quarter inch thick tensile specimens may be used.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:
Date Issued:

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-201
01/19/1983

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Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BC82-792
IX-83-39

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: For organizations which invoke the requirements of Section IX
but are not required by their code to have any interface with the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee, may the requirements of QW-201
be satisfied by having the manager of a subsidiary company state in an
official letter that the subsidiary company is under the operational control of
the parent company for welding procedure qualifications?
Reply: ASME cannot determine rules for organizations not involved with
Code applications.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, Q-11(5), Welder Qualification, 1971 Edition, Winter 1973
Addenda
01/19/1983
BC82-794
IX-83-40

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is it a requirement of Section IX, 1971 Edition, Winter 1973
Addenda, that a welder performance qualification test on alloy steels (Q-23,
nominal not to exceed 6%) can be substituted for carbon steels, and vice
versa?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): A welder performs a qualification test on A-588. (Note that

there is no P-Number assigned to this material.) Is he also qualified to weld
P-No. 1 materials, provided all essential variables are met?

Reply (2): Yes, provided the manufacturer has qualified welding procedures
for A-588 and P-No. 1 materials.
Question (3): Is it a requirement of Section IX, 1971 Edition, Winter 1973
Addenda, for procedure qualification of impact tested material [Q-11(b)(5)]
that the voltage, amperage, and travel speed are within the range specified
in the Welding Procedure Specification?
Reply (3): Yes.

Question (4): According to Section IX, 1971 Edition, Winter 1973

Addenda, do the Procedure Qualification Records have to demonstrate the
most extreme ends of the specified ranges of the WPS?
Reply (4): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:
Date Issued:

BPV Section IX
Section IX, Q-11(b)(3), 1971 Edition, Winter 1973 Addenda
01/19/1983

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Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BC82-796
IX-83-41

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): In accordance with Section IX, 1971 Edition, Winter 1973
Addenda, where impact testing is required, is it permissible to exceed the
maximum specified interpass temperature on the WPS in the welding of the
test coupon for qualification?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): In accordance with Section IX, 1971 Edition, Winter 1973
Addenda, Q-11(b)(3), if the original WPS does not specify maximum
interpass temperature, would the insertion on the WPS of the measured
temperature encountered during qualification be in violation of Section IX?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-310.4

Record Number:

BC82-803

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1983
IX-83-42

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A welder is qualified to a qualified welding procedure
(SMAW) process, to weld P-No. 5 to P-No. 5 base metal, using an F-No. 4
filler metal. By virtue of this qualification and the provisions of QW-310.4,
is the noted welder qualified to weld P-No. 1 to P-No. 1 base metal
(SMAW) process, using F-No. 4 filler metal (all other performance
essential variables being the same, i.e., position, thickness, etc.)?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Is the data contained on the required Performance

Qualification Record (WPQ), which was generated as proof of the welder's
qualification for welding P-No. 5 to P-No. 5, considered to be acceptable
proof of qualification for welding P-No. 1 to P-No. 1?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-451.1

Record Number:

BC82-822

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1983
IX-83-43

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does QW-451.1, Note (3), permit either side or face and root
bends for coupon thicknesses of 1/16 in. to 3/8 in., inclusive?
Reply (1): No. See revision of Note (3) published in the Winter 1982
Addenda to Section IX.

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Question (2): A test coupon has GTAW root and SMAW fill. How many
and what type of bend tests are required to meet QW-451.1, Note (4)(c)?
Reply (2): For one or two processes, two root and two face bends or four
side bends are required.

Question (3): A test coupon is made with three or more processes. How
many and what type of bend tests are required to meet QW-451.1, Note 4
(c)?
Reply (3): Four side bends.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-461.9

Record Number:

BC82-838

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/19/1983
IX-83-44

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Must the range of diameters of pipe to be welded in
production be listed on the WPS?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does QW-461.9 define the limits of production positions

qualified for procedure qualification?
Reply (2): No. QW-461.9 applies to performance qualification.

Question (3): Must the position of welding be defined in the WPS?

Reply (3): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Welding of Non-Code Materials

Record Number:

BC82-385

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/20/1983
IX-83-45

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does a non-Code material, such as AISI 1018, used for
attachments to vessel walls constructed of materials which are Code
materials, such as P-No. 1, require a separate procedure qualification?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-404.9

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Date Issued:

03/11/1983

Interpretation Number :

IX-83-46

Record Number:

BC82-751

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): If a particular submerged-arc wire/flux combination does not
conform to an SFA specification classification, may one use that wire/flux
combination, and by what paragraph?

Reply (1): Yes, by the provisions of QW-404.5 which requires an

A-Number or the nominal chemical composition of the weld deposit to be
stated. This composition may also be designated by the manufacturer's trade
designation, AWS classification, or established procurement documents.
Question (2): If a particular submerged-arc wire/flux combination does not
conform to an SFA, may the user perform the test required by the
appropriate SFA specification, and then consider the combination to be
classified?
Reply (2): No.

Question (3): If a particular submerged-arc wire/flux combination is used

for procedure qualification, that combination is recorded on the PQR by
manufacturer's trade name, and the WPS limits welding to that particular
wire/flux combination by manufacturer's trade name, must the SFA
specification classification, F-Number, and A-Number be recorded on the
PQR and WPS?

Reply (3): No, provided the requirements of QW-404.4 and QW-404.5 are
met.

Question (4): The previous edition of SFA 5.17 and 5.23 do not indicate the
"as-welded" or "heat treated" condition as part of the wire/flux
classification. May the old designations be used on new WPS's or new
PQR's?

Reply (4): The old designation may be used on new WPS's supported by old
PQR's. The old designation may not be used on new PQR's or WPS's
supported by them.
Question (5): In the latest edition of SFA 5.23, the heat treatment condition
for the filler metal is specified for various classifications. Must the WPS
designate this same heat treatment, or may other heat treatments described
in QW-407.1 be specified?
Reply (5): The heat treatments specified in SFA 5.23 are for classification
of filler metal only, and they have no relationship to heat treatment
specified in a WPS or qualified in a PQR.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.13

Record Number:

BC82-790

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

03/11/1983
IX-83-47

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Question: Does the combination of the below two PQR's support a new
WPS covering GTAW welding of plate thickness 1/6 in. to 2 in. using open
butt groove joint?

Variable WPS No. 1 WPS No. 2 Joint Open groove Open groove Root
Consumable insert F-No. 6 ERXXX Remainder F-No. 6 ERXXX F-No. 6
ERXXX Base metal thickness 1 in. 1/4 in. Base metal limits 3/16 in. to 2 in.
1/16 in. to in. Tee-weld thickness 3/16 in. to 2 in. 1/16 in. to in.
Reply: No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-214.1

Record Number:

BC82-870

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/11/1983
IX-83-48

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Can a qualification done on a 4-3/4 in. (120 mm) plate in
accordance with QW-214.1 be used to clad on production base metal of
1-5/8 in. (42 mm), 2 in. (52 mm), and 4 in. (100 mm)?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): What is the maximum production base metal thickness on

which this procedure can be used?
Reply (2): There is no maximum thickness limit.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QB-402.3

Record Number:

BC82-871

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/11/1983
IX-83-49

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is the thickness range (as stated in QB-402.3) of a Brazing
Procedure Specification (BPS) to be used on a piping or tubing system,
applicable only to piping or tubing, or does it also apply to the fittings
(elbows, tees, etc.) and components (valve, filters, etc.) used in the socket
type (lap) connections of that system?
Reply: No, the thickness range also applies to fittings and components.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:
Date Issued:

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-405.2
03/11/1983

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Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BC82-872
IX-83-50

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: We are required to fabricate 18 in. diameter pipe manufactured
from plate of A-537 to A-710 metal. Will the following qualifying
conditions meet the requirements of QW-405.2 for all position welding
where impacts are required, provided all other variables remain the same?

Joint - open butt groove Plate - A-537 to A-710 Position - 3G Root- E7010,
G downhill Hot pass - E7010, G downhill Remainder- E8018, C3 uphill
Reply: Yes, except the E7010G passes are not qualified for vertical uphill
progression.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-466

Record Number:

BC82-881

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/11/1983
IX-83-51

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-466 gives several diagrams of devices for bending of bend
test specimens. May any device which bends the specimen around a radius
as small as that required by the tables in QW-466 be used, provided the
entire weld is included in the bent portion?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-191

Record Number:

BC83-001

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/11/1983
IX-83-52

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): For welder/welding operator performance qualification
coupons with nominal outside diameters of 3-1/2 in, (89 mm) or less, is it
permissible to radiograph the circumferential butt weld using a double-wall
technique, single-wall viewing with a source side penetrameter placed on
the I.D. of the pipe?
Reply (1): No,

Question (2): For welder/welding operator performance coupons with

nominal outside diameters of 3-1/2 in, (89 mm) or less, is it permissible to
radiograph the circumferential butt weld using a double-wall offset
technique, double-wall viewing with a source side penetrameter placed on
the outside of the coupon, opposite the film?
Reply (2): No,

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-484 and QW-461.9

Record Number:

BC83-002

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/11/1983
IX-83-53

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it a Section IX requirement that welders are not allowed to
weld in qualified position unless all of the qualified positions are indicated
on the manufacturer's records of welder qualification test as shown in QW484?
Reply: No, the actual test position in which qualification was done shall be
recorded on the Performance Qualification Record.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.2(b)

Record Number:

BC83-042

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/11/1983
IX-83-54

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it permissible to revise a WPS which utilizes SMAW or
GTAW, and change the current and/or voltage range(s) outside of the
limitations of the original WPS and outside of the current and/or voltage
range(s) recorded on the applicable Procedure Qualification Record,
without performing an additional procedure qualification test
(supplementary essential variables are not a factor of this inquiry)?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-351

Record Number:

BC83-059

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/11/1983
IX-83-55

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Based on the qualification under the two conditions below, is
the welder qualified to weld over 1 in. diameter pipe using F-No. 1 through
F-No. 4 electrodes by the SMAW process?
Variable Condition 1 Condition 2 Joint Open groove Open groove Backing
None Argon gas Base metal A-53 P-No. 1 A-335 P-No. 22 Diameter 5 in.
Sch. 60(.432) 2 in. Sch. 40(.219) Electrode F-No. 4 E7018 F-No. 5 E309
Position 6G 6G
Reply (1): Yes, provided the pipe O.D. is 2-7/8 in. or greater.

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Question (2): Based on the qualification under the two conditions shown in
Question (1), is the welder qualified to deposit F-No. 5 weld metal to a
thickness of 0.864 in. by the SMAW process?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.11

Record Number:

BC83-078

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/11/1983
IX-83-56

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A Welding Procedure Specification has been developed joining
P-No. 4 to P-No. 5. Will this procedure qualification test also qualify a
welding procedure using identical essential variables for welding P-No. 4 to
P-No. 4 materials?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-304

Record Number:

BC83-079

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/11/1983
IX-83-57

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does QW-304 limit the use of radiographic examination for
qualification using GMAW to those electrodes designated as SFA-5.18?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322

Record Number:

BC83-086

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/11/1983
IX-83-58

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What is the definition of the word "process" as it is used in QW322?
Reply: The word "process" refers to those welding processes for which
welding variables have been established in QW-350 and QW-360.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

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Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.9

Record Number:

BC82-614

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/14/1983
IX-83-59

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it permissible to change designators ("X's") within a

classification in Table 4 in SFA-5.17, and Table 7 in SFA-5.23, without
requalifying the procedures? An example of this would be changing from
F7AZ-EM12K to F7AZ-EM13K?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-163

Record Number:

BC82-749

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/01/1983
IX-83-60

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): For guided-bend specimens, corner cracks of what length are
permitted?
Reply (1): Corner cracks may be of any length.

Question (2): For guided-bend specimens, are corner cracks originating

from a defect acceptable?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): For guided-bend specimens, should corner cracks originating

from a defect be considered?
Reply (3): Yes.

Question (4): For guided-bend specimens, what is the acceptance criteria for
corner cracks on corrosion-resistance overlay?
Reply (4): 1/16 in.

Question (5): Is grinding of corrosion-resistant overlay weld ripples on weld

specimens acceptable?
Reply (5): Yes.

Question (6): Is cold straightening of overlay bend specimens

objectionable?

Reply (6): Section IX neither requires nor prohibits cold straightening.

Note: In the original letter of March 14, 1983, sent to the inquirer, Reply (4)
read incorrectly as 1/6 in., rather than 1/16 in. as shown above.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

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Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.9

Record Number:

BC82-831

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/14/1983
IX-83-61

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does QW-404.9 allow a change of electrode classification for the
electrodes listed in SFA-5.9 without requalification of the procedure,
provided the flux does not change?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section III, Division 1, - NX-4331, Conformance to Section IX
Requirements; NX-4362, Essential Variables for Automatic and
Semiautomatic Welding
03/28/1983
N183-004
IX-83-62

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is it permissible when qualifying welding of specially
designed seals to the requirements of Section III, NB-4362, to use types of
base metal specifications listed in QW-422 of Section IX for grouping of
P-Number base metals for qualifications?
Reply (1): No, P-Number equivalents may not be used.

Question (2): When qualifying a welding procedure, do the requirements of

Section IX have precedence over the requirements of Section III of the
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code?
Reply (2): No, a welding procedure is qualified in accordance with Section
IX as supplemented or modified by NX-4000.
Question (3): Is it permissible to use SA-213 Type 304 and SA-312 Type
304 material for qualification tests in lieu of SA-182 F-304 and SA-336
F-304 for seal weld qualification when SA-336 F-304 and SA-182 F-304
are the materials that will be used in the production weld?
Reply (3): Yes.

Note: This Interpretation also appears as III-1-83-104.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, SMAW Performance Qualification

Record Number:

BC83-122

Date Issued:

05/09/1983

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Interpretation Number :

IX-83-63

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder is qualified welding P-No. 5 to P-No. 5 with the
SMAW process and F-No. 4 filler metal. Is this welder qualified to weld
P-No. 1 to P-No. 1 metal using the SMAW process and F-No. 4 filler
metal?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-451

Record Number:

BC83-222

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/09/1983
IX-83-64

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A 1-1/2 in. thick double V-groove joint test coupon was
welded using SMAW for 3/4 in. and GTAW for 3/4 in. What is the range of
base metal qualified?
Reply (1): Per QW-451, the range of base metal qualified is 3/16 in. to 8 in.
Question (2): What is the range of deposited weld metal qualified for each
process?
Reply (2): Per QW-451, the maximum range of deposited weld metal
qualified is 8 in. with no minimum limitation.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-462.1(a)

Record Number:

BC83-225

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/09/1983
IX-83-65

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-151.1 states that the reduced-section specimen conforming
to QW-462.1(a) may be used for tension tests. It goes on to state: "A single
specimen of full-plate thickness shall be used for thicknesses up to and
including 1 in." If the original thickness of a test coupon is measured to be
0.500 in., is a test specimen prepared according to QW-462.1 (a) and
measured to be 0.499 in. thick acceptable?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-452.1 and QW-452.3

Record Number:

BC83-058

Date Issued:

05/10/1983

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Interpretation Number :

IX-83-66

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Can pipe groove qualification per QW-452.3 and thickness limit
qualification per QW-452.1 be combined to qualify a welder over 1 in. O.D.
and thickness range 1/16 in. to unlimited for a process, if a welder has been
qualified on 2 in. Schedule 80 and 6 in. Schedule XXH for that process?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-452

Record Number:

BC83-123

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/10/1983
IX-83-67

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: For pressure vessels constructed in accordance with Section VIII,
Division 1, what type of performance qualification should be made when
qualifying a welding operator with a tube end welding gun?
Reply: At the present time, Section IX has no special performance
qualification requirements for welding operators to make tube-to-tubesheet
welds with a tube end welding gun. See QW-361.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-201

Record Number:

BC83-040

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/27/1983
IX-83-68

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A contractor's association desires to standardize procedure and
performance qualification such that, after initial qualification, a welder can
transfer from one organization to another without requalification. Is this
acceptable under the requirements of QW-201?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-410.25

Record Number:

BC83-233

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/27/1983
IX-83-69

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-410.25 states: "A change from manual or semiautomatic to
machine or automatic welding and vice versa." This variable is a
nonessential variable for procedure when using the SMAW, SAW, GMAW,

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and GTAW processes. Should this also be an essential variable for

performance for these processes?

Reply: No. QW-492 gives definitions for both welders and welding
operators. These definitions, in conjunction with the requirements of Article
III, provide separate performance qualification requirements for welders
and welding operators.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-310.5(c)

Record Number:

BC83-270

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/27/1983
IX-83-70

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A manufacturer has qualified WPS for welding P-Nos. 41
through 45 with the SMAW process using the appropriate filler metals. May
a welder be qualified using the SMAW process for welding P-Nos. 41
through 45 by welding a test coupon of these P-Numbers or combinations
thereof, or P-No. 1 welded to itself or to any of the above P-Numbers using
the filler metal of the qualified WPS?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-402.10

Record Number:

BC83-230

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/28/1983
IX-83-71

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A procedure was qualified using a carbon steel material which
was welded using the SMAW process on a double-welded butt joint. The
qualified procedure specified a range of root gaps from 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm.
During production welding, the root gap is sometimes less than the range
indicated on the WPS. Must the procedure be requalified to include these
root gaps less than 1.5 mm.?

Reply: No. However, since QW-402.10 is a nonessential variable for the

SMAW process, the original WPS must be revised or a new WPS written to
encompass these root gaps.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.2

Record Number:

BC83-269

Date Issued:

06/28/1983

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Interpretation Number :

IX-83-72

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When qualifying a Welding Procedure Specification, may the
welding of the test coupons be done by more than one welder?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-466.1

Record Number:

BC82-866

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/29/1983
IX-83-73

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: For WPS qualification of F-No. 35 weld metal on P-No. 1 base
metal (QW-214), is the minimum required thickness of the side-bend
specimen 3/8 in.?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-466.1

Record Number:

BC82-867

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/29/1983
IX-83-74

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: For WPS qualification of F-No. 35 weld metal on P-No. 1 metal
(QW-214), is the maximum mandrel diameter of 6-2/3 t (2 in.) used for
the side-bend tests in QW-466.1, QW-466.2, and QW-466.3?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-463.2(g)

Record Number:

BC83-149

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/29/1983
IX-83-75

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it permissible, when conducting a performance qualification

test using the test assembly shown in QW-463.2(g), to weld the fixed
vertical (2G) portion of the test between the 270 deg. and 360 deg. reference
lines instead of the 225 deg. through 315 deg. reference lines?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

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Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:

Section IX, QB-463, QB-181, QB-452.1, Note (1), and QB-141.4

Record Number:

BC83-248

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/29/1983
IX-83-76

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): QB-463.1 (e) and QB-463.2(c) state: "For coupons 3 in. O.D.
or less, two coupons are required for peel or section tests. One specimen
shall be removed from each coupon." Does this mean there shall be two
horizontal and two vertical coupons, altogether four specimens?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): QB-181, last sentence, states: "The sum of the length of
unbrazed areas on either side, considered individually, shall not exceed 20%
of the length of the joint overlap." If there are four specimens, as per above,
then should there be eight percentages that do not exceed 20%? In other
words, will there be twice as many percentages as specimens?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-351

Record Number:

BC83-253

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/19/1983
IX-83-77

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Can weld reinforcement be considered for determining the test
coupon thickness (or deposited weld metal thickness) per QW-351?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Tables QW-450 vs Fig. QW-461

Record Number:

BC83-300

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/19/1983
IX-83-78

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In QW-451 and QW-452, does t apply to the actual weld metal
thickness deposited in a test coupon or does it apply to the specimen
thickness shown in QW-462?
Reply: As used in QW-451 and QW-452, t applies to the deposited weld
metal thickness within the thickness T of the test coupon.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

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Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-251.2

Record Number:

BC83-358

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/19/1983
IX-83-79

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welding procedure has been previously qualified to satisfy all
requirements, including notch toughness in the weld and heat affected zone.
When there is a change in the supplementary essential variables, is it
necessary only to prepare an additional test coupon with the plate only long
enough to provide necessary notch-toughness specimens?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.4

Record Number:

BC83-388

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/19/1983
IX-83-80

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Do the requirements of Section IX allow the welding of
combined production joints when the individual processes are qualified
separately but one process has a qualified base metal maximum thickness
less than the production base metal thickness?
Reply: No. See QW-200.4.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-451.1

Record Number:

BC83-395

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/19/1983
IX-83-81

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): In the Winter 1982 Addenda to Section IX, the minimum
values for "Thickness t of Deposited Weld Metal Qualified" in QW-451.1
were deleted. Does this mean there are no minimum thickness qualifications
for deposited weld metal?
Reply (1): When determining the minimum thickness qualifications per
QW-451.1, Notes (1) and (2) must also be considered. In those cases where
the further limitation of these Notes does not apply, there is no limit on the
minimum thickness qualification.
Question (2): If impact tests are required for an SMAW procedure
qualification, may the thickness limitations of Note (1) of QW-451.1 be
overridden in determining the minimum deposited weld metal thickness
qualification?

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Reply (2): No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-400

Record Number:

BC83-303

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/20/1983
IX-83-82

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Are the requirements of QW-403.7 met by bend testing in
accordance with QW-451.2?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): If a WPS was qualified for fillet welds only to the
requirements of QW-451.3, would the variables of QW-403.6, QW-403.9,
and QW-403.10 apply if they were made mandatory by the use of the
applicable processes?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): Do the requirements of QW-405.2 apply to fillet welds made

in the vertical position uphill progression (when welding in the 3F or 5F
position)?
Reply (3): Yes.

Question (4): Do the requirements of QW-406.2 pertain to preheat

temperature during welding, and after welding is complete and prior to
postweld heat treatment?
Reply (4): Yes.

Question (5): When QW-404.12 is referenced as a supplementary essential

variable, is requalification required of an SMAW procedure qualified using
an SFA-5.5, E7018-A1 electrode when an SFA-5.5, E7018-C2L electrode is
substituted?
Reply (5): Yes. See QW-404.5.

Question (6): When QW-404.12 is referenced as a supplementary essential

variable, is requalification required of an SMAW procedure qualified using
an SFA-5.5, E7018-XX electrode when an SFA-5.5, E8018-XX electrode is
substituted?
Reply (6): Yes.

Question (7): When QW-404.12 is referenced as a supplementary essential

variable, is requalification required of an SMAW procedure qualified using
an SFA-5.1, EXX18 electrode and an SFA-5.5, EXX18-XX electrode is
substituted?
Reply (7): Yes, except where permitted by QW-404.5.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

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Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:

Section IX, Combination Weld Qualifications

Record Number:

BC83-394

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/20/1983
IX-83-83

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A combination weld is made on a 3/4 in. thick double-Vee
groove-welded test coupon using 1/4 in. GTAW at the root of the doubleVee groove. This weld is completed using 1/4 in. SMAW on one side of the
double-Vee groove weld and 1/4 in. SMAW on the second side, all other
variables remaining the same. What is the maximum deposited weld metal
thickness qualified for each process for both procedure and performance
qualification?
Reply: For the GTAW process, the maximum is 1/2 in., and for the SMAW
process, the maximum is 1 in.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.9

Record Number:

BC83-398

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/20/1983
IX-83-84

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In accordance with QW-404.9, does a change in the wire
classification, with no change in the flux composition, F-Number, or
A-Number, require requalification?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, SI Units in a WPS and PQR

Record Number:

BC83-003

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/29/1983
IX-83-85

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Excluding Manufacturer's Data Reports, is it permitted to use SI
Units in manufacturer's documents such as WPS's and PQR's without the
accompanying U.S. Customary Units?
Reply: Yes. While the Code does not address this subject, it has been an
accepted practice.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

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Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-407.2

Record Number:

BC83-294

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/21/1983
IX-83-86

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does a Welding Procedure Qualification made with nonnormalized base metal of SA-516 specification also qualify for use of
normalized base metal of SA-516, or vice versa?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Use of Base Metal as a Filler Metal

Record Number:

BC83-340

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/21/1983
IX-83-87

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it acceptable to qualify a WPS in accordance with Section IX
using a base metal as a filler metal?
Reply: Yes. See QW-404.4

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-451.1 and QW-452.1

Record Number:

BC83-396

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/21/1983
IX-83-88

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If the deposited weld metal thickness qualification limitations are
changed in Section IX, may earlier qualification thickness limits be revised
on the WPS to conform to the new requirements?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.14

Record Number:

BC83-402

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/21/1983
IX-83-89

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is it permissible to remelt the cover pass of a completed
SMAW weld using the GTAW process without the addition of filler metal?
The WPS for the GTAW process was qualified using filler metal.
Reply (1): No.

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Question (2): A GTAW process has been qualified with the addition of
filler metal. Is it permissible to weld the root of a groove weld using the
GTAW process without the addition of filler metal?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-452.1

Record Number:

BC83-407

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/21/1983
IX-83-90

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Can a double-beveled plate, 1 in. thick with each beveled
groove being of 1/2 in., be welded by a welder qualified to weld a weld
metal deposit of 0.864 in.?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Can the same joint as above be welded by two individual
welders, each with a deposited weld metal qualification of 0.864 in.,
provided each welder does not exceed 0.864 in.?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-304

Record Number:

BC83-528

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/21/1983
IX-83-91

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When qualifying a welder using radiographic examination, as
permitted in QW-304, do the qualified thickness ranges in QW-452.1
apply?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.5

Record Number:

BC83-530

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/21/1983
IX-83-92

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A procedure has been qualified to satisfy all requirements,
including notch toughness, for welding P-No.l, Gr-No.1 to P-No.l, Gr-No.1
base metals. Is it necessary to make a procedure qualification test to

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determine notch toughness only (QW-401.3) for welding P-No.l, Gr-No.2 to

P-No.1, Gr-No.2 base metals, with all other essential variables the same?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Butt Weld Repair

Record Number:

BC83-531

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/21/1983
IX-83-93

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A groove-weld procedure has been qualified for base metal and
deposited weld metal thicknesses of 0.644 in. It is necessary to make a weld
repair of 0.438 in. on a 2 in. thick base metal. Is it necessary to requalify the
procedure in accordance with Section IX for the 2 in. thick base metal?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-451.1

Record Number:

BC83-284

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/13/1984
IX-83-94

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is the procedure qualification thickness in QW-451.1 based on
the test coupon thickness and not on the test specimen thickness?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-151.2(d) and QW-462.1(e)

Record Number:

BC83-301

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/13/1984
IX-83-95

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When QW-462.1(e) is utilized for tensile testing of pipe equal to
or less than 3 in. O.D., are multiple tensile specimens required?
Reply: Yes. See QW-451.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

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Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.9

Record Number:

BC83-442

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/13/1984
IX-83-96

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Would a WPS which was qualified in December 1977 using a
flux classification of F70-EL12 require requalification if the flux
classification were changed to any of the following: F70-EM12K, F72EM12K, or F74-EM12K (provided no other variables are changed and
notch toughness is not a factor)?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Will one PQR (P-No.1 Gr. No. 2 to itself; see PQR No.1
below) meeting notch-toughness requirements of Section VIII, Division 1,
and Section IX support three WPS's (WPS Nos. 1, 2, and 3 below) when all
three specify the same essential, supplemental essential, and nonessential
variables, except group numbers, as the one followed in welding the
procedure qualification test coupon (WPS No. 1)?
PQR No. 1 -- P-No. 1 Gr. No. 2 to itself WPS No. 1 -- P-No. 1 Gr. No. 2 to
itself WPS No. 2 -- P-No. 1 Gr. No. 1 to itself WPS No. 3 -- P-No. 1 Gr.
No. 1 to P-No. 1 Gr. No. 2
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.13 and QW-403.8

Record Number:

BC83-444

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/13/1984
IX-83-97

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does the combination of the two PQR's below support a new
WPS covering the GTAW welding of the root pass in an open single-Vee or
single-J groove weld for the base metal thickness range 1/16 in. to 8 in.?
Variable PQR No. 1 PQR No. 2 Joint Single-J groove Single-Vee groove
Root layer Consumable insert F-No. 6 ERXXX Second layer F-No. 6
ERXXX [Note (1)] F-No. 6 ERXXX Remainder SMAW F-No. 6 ERXXX
Base metal 2.10 in. 0.28 in. Base metal limit T 3/16 in. to 8 in. 1/16 in. to
0.56 in. Deposited weld metal t GTAW 3/8 in. max. 0.56 in. max. SMAW 8
in. max. NOTE: (1) Combined thickness of consumable insert and second
layer is 3/16 in.
Reply: No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:
Subject Description:
Date Issued:

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-303.1
01/13/1984

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Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BC83-450
IX-83-98

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is a welder who qualifies on plate in the 3G and 4G positions
qualified to weld all diameters of tubing/pipe fillet welds?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-100.3

Record Number:

BC83-472

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

01/13/1984
IX-83-99

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In 1983 a PQR was generated by qualifying a WPS to the 1977
Edition of Section IX. Can this WPS be used for fabrication meeting the
requirements of the 1983 Edition of Section IX?
Reply: Yes, provided the PQR and WPS meet all the requirements of the
1983 Edition of Section IX.

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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