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Standard Designation:
BPV Section IX
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:
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.

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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
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-202.2 and QW-301

Record Number:

BC83-237

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/02/1984
IX-83-103

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Do the requirements of QW-202.2 apply in the manufacturing
of Section IV HLW water heaters where pressure retaining fillet welds are
used?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is a welder who welds a fillet procedure qualification test

coupon, which successfully qualifies a fillet weld procedure in accordance
with QW-202.2, qualified to weld pressure retaining fillet welds in
production in accordance with QW-203 and QW-301.2?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-451 and QW-452

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Date Issued:

05/02/1984

Interpretation Number :

IX-83-104

Record Number:

BC83-349

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does the procedure or performance qualification test, where
viewing windows are cut from a consumable insert, qualify the WPS or the
welder when the windows are later welded using a consumable insert of the
same chemical composition?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does the same procedure or performance qualification test

mentioned in Question (1) qualify the WPS or the welder when the
windows are later welded in an open butt joint?
Reply (2): No.

Question (3): If a second procedure or performance qualification test

utilizing an open root is combined with a procedure or performance
qualification test utilizing a consumable insert, may the production weld
utilize viewing windows that are subsequently welded either with
consumable inserts of the same composition or using an open butt joint?
Reply (3): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-451

Record Number:

BC83-471

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/02/1984
IX-83-105

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: To qualify a welding procedure with an open butt joint, a 2 in.
thick coupon was welded open butt and filled partially to 5/8 in. using the
GTAW process. Is it a requirement of Section IX to fill the entire base
metal thickness (2 in.) instead of 5/8 in. to qualify base metal maximum
thickness to 4 in. and weld metal maximum thickness to 1-1/4 in. using the
GTAW process for open butt welding?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.18

Record Number:

BC83-630

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/02/1984
IX-83-106

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): P-No. 3 and P-No. 5 base materials are to be joined in
production. May P-No. 1 material be substituted for P-No. 3 or P-No. 5 for
a welder performance qualification test?

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Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does the P-No. 1 substitution apply for a procedure

qualification test? Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Open Butt Welds

Record Number:

BC83-550

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/03/1984
IX-83-107

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A welder is qualified on a 2 in. NPS pipe test coupon using
the GTAW process, and also on a 6 in. NPS pipe test coupon using the
SMAW process. If a branch connection is to be welded where the branch
connection fitting has a diameter between 1 in. and 2-7/8 in., and the run
pipe has a diameter greater than 2-7/8 in., may the welder weld this joint
using the GTAW process completely?
Reply (1): The welder may use the GTAW process for the qualified
thickness.

Question (2): May the welder weld the joint mentioned in Question (1)
using the GTAW process for the root and the SMAW process for the fill?

Reply (2): The welder may make the root weld with the GTAW process but
may not fill any portion of the remaining groove weld using the SMAW
process.
Question (3): May the welder weld the joint mentioned in Question (1)
using the SMAW process completely?
Reply (3): The welder may not use the SMAW process only.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-304

Record Number:

BC83-639

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/03/1984
IX-83-108

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Based on the two qualifying tests listed below, is a welder
qualified to weld, in all positions, a P-No. 8, 10 in. diameter pipe with a
wall thickness of 1c in. using the SMAW process? Test 1 was performed on
6 in. diameter pipe and Test 2 was performed on plate.
Variable Test 1 Test 2 Base metal P-No. 1 P-No. 8 Filler metal F-No. 4
F-No. 5 Process SMAW SMAW Position 6G 1G Thickness 0.864 in. 0.250
in.
Reply: No.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-466.3

Record Number:

BC83-689

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/03/1984
IX-83-109

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): In QW-466.3, does the bender of the guided-bend wrap
around jig have to be calibrated to the specimen thickness plus 1/16 in.
distance between the roller and mandril?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): If the bender of the guided-bend wrap around jig in QW-466.3
is properly set to test 3/8 in. thick specimens, may 1/4 in. thick specimens
be tested without resetting the roller?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-150 and QW-462.1

Record Number:

BC83-692

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/03/1984
IX-83-110

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A PQR is run using pipe with an outside diameter greater than
3 in. and a thickness of 1 in. or less. If tension tests are performed per QW462.1(a) and the results meet the acceptance criteria of QW-153, will the
minimum requirements for QW-150 be met?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): If the thickness is greater than 1 in., will the minimum
requirements for QW-150 be met?
Reply (2): No.

Question (3): If everything is the same as in Question (1) except that the
outside diameter is smaller than 3 in., will the minimum requirements for
QW-150 be met? Reply (3): No.
Question (4): What tolerance is allowed on the 3/4 in. dimension in QW462.1(b)?
Reply (4): Section IX does not specify dimensional tolerances for this
tensile test.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

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Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.1(c)

Record Number:

BC84-001

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/03/1984
IX-83-111

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): For procedure qualification, does a change from automatic
GTAW to manual GTAW, or vice versa, constitute a change in the welding
process?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Is an additional procedure qualification test required for

automatic welding when previous PQR coupons were welded manually,
using the same process within the same essential variables?
Reply (2): No.

Question (3): Is a new procedure qualification test and record required for
manual welding when previous PQR coupons were welded automatically,
using the same process within the same essential variables?
Reply (3): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.32

Record Number:

BC84-038

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/03/1984
IX-83-112

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is a welder who qualified prior to the Summer 1983 Addenda
with the GMAW-S process, 0.432 in. deposited weld metal thickness,
required to requalify to weld up to a maximum deposited weld metal
thickness of 0.864 in. after the Addenda becomes effective?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322

Record Number:

BC84-055

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/03/1984
IX-83-113

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder is presently qualified for a given WPS to perform
GTAW of P-No. 1 to P-No. 1 pipe using an F-No. 6, A-No. 1, SFA-5.18,
AWS Classification ER-70S-2 filler metal. The welder is also qualified for
another WPS to perform GTAW of P-No. 8 to P-No. 8 pipe using an F-No.
6, A-No. 8, SFA-5.9, AWS Classification ER-308 filler metal. All other
essential variables are the same. The welder has maintained his qualification
with the GTAW process using the ER-70S-2 filler metal on P-No. 1 base

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metals. The welder has not used the P-No. 8 to P-No. 8 WPS for more than
6 months. Is the welder required to renew his qualification prior to using the
GTAW, P-No.8 to P-No.8 WPS?
Reply: No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-202.3

Record Number:

BC84-070

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/03/1984
IX-83-114

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Must a weld buildup (other than corrosion-resistant or hardfacing weld metal overlay) on P-No. 1 materials using austenitic stainless
steel (or nickel alloy) filler metal be qualified with a groove weld per QW202.3?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-162.1, QW-466.1, and QW-200.3

Record Number:

BC83-279

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

07/03/1984
IX-83-115

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is it acceptable to perform alternate bend tests as specified in
ASTM A 488 if the requirements of QW-162.1, QW-466.1, QW-466.2, and
QW-466.3 cannot be met due to high yield-to-tensile strength ratio of either
the base or the weld deposited metal?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Can the material-number groupings of ASTM A 488 be used

for those metals not listed in Section IX?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-356 and QW-403

Record Number:

BC84-054

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

07/03/1984
IX-83-116

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Question (1): May an existing PQR for joining P-No. 22 to P-No. 23 base
materials using an F-No. 22 filler metal also be used for joining P-No. 25 to
P-No. 25 base materials?
Reply (1): No. See QW-403.11.

Question (2): May an existing welder qualification for joining P-No. 22 to

P-No. 23 base material also qualify for joining P-No. 25 to P-No. 25 base
rnaterials?
Reply (2): Yes. See QW-403.18 and QW-423.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322

Record Number:

BC84-133

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

07/03/1984
IX-83-117

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In accordance with QW-322(a) or (b), is there a maximum time
period following the expiration of performance qualifications whereby
renewal may be made using a single test joint?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QB-406.1 and QB-406.3

Record Number:

BC84-183

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

07/03/1984
IX-83-118

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Regarding QB-406, does a change in fuel gas require a new
procedure qualification provided all other essential variables remain
unchanged?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): In accordance with QB-406, is a new procedure qualification

required for oxygen-fuel or air-fuel mixture ratios?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-151.1 (d)

Record Number:

BC84-253

Date Issued:

07/03/1984

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Interpretation Number :

IX-83-119

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): In accordance with QW-151.1 (d), may tensile test specimens
be thermally cut when multiple specimens are to be used?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): May multiple specimens (80-120 mm thick) be thermally cut

and further machined in the heat affected zone for the tests?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-151.2 and QW-163

Record Number:

BC83-474

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

07/09/1984
IX-83-120

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is it a requirement of QW-151.2(a), (b), and (c) that the test
specimen thickness be equal to the test coupon thickness?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): A groove weld bend test specimen is evaluated in accordance

with QW-163 and contains two cracks of a 1/8 in. and a 1/16 in. dimension.
Does this specimen meet the acceptance criteria of QW-163?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): In accordance with QW-163, are open defect sizes evaluated
individually?
Reply (3): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-311

Record Number:

BC84-134

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

08/22/1984
IX-83-121

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): May a welder who qualifies the corrosion-resistant weld metal
overlay procedure in accordance with QW-214 be qualified to use that
procedure without additional testing?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is it the intent of Section IX to permit qualification of

corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay welders by using pipe test coupons
rather than requiring flat plate test coupons?
Reply (2): Yes.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-451.1

Record Number:

BC83-645

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-122

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does QW-403.6 apply when supplemental essential variables are
not a consideration for the welding process being used?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-202.4

Record Number:

BC84-092

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-123

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does QW-202.4 apply to welder performance qualification?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322

Record Number:

BC84-149

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-124

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May the provisions of QW-322 be used to renew the performance
qualifications of a welder who has been laid off for a period of 10 months?
Reply: Yes, provided the original qualifications were conducted by the
same manufacturer or contractor as required by QW-301.2.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-282

Record Number:

BC84-151

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

10/03/1984
IX-83-125

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Question (1): In accordance with QW-282.2(d), when a hard-facing weld

metal overlay procedure specification has been qualified in the horizontal
and vertical welding positions and the welding is to be done in the flat
position, must another welding procedure qualification test be accomplished
in the flat position?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): A hard-facing weld metal overlay procedure specification has

been qualified in the 5G position. Does this qualify the welding procedure
specification for use on flat, vertical, and overhead hard-facing of plate?
Reply (2): No. See QW-282.2(d).
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Qualification Thickness

Record Number:

BC84-221

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-126

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): May a welding procedure which is qualified on a 3/8 in. thick
coupon be used to weld a 1/4 in. deep scar on a shell which is 1 in. thick?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): May a GTAW welding procedure which is qualified on a 3/8

in. thick coupon be used to weld the root pass up to a 1/4 in. maximum
thickness in weld metal on base material 1 in. thick where the remainder of
the joint is welded with a qualified SMAW welding procedure and the
actual weld metal thickness of the GTAW weld is documented as not
exceeding 1/4 in.?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.8

Record Number:

BC84-224

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-127

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does QW-403.8 apply to deposited weld metal thickness as
shown on Form QW-482 for the GMAW, GTAW, SAW, and SMAW
processes?

Reply (1): No. Deposited weld metal thickness is addressed by QW-404.30

and QW-404.32.
Question (2): Is the thickness for deposited fillet weld metal as shown on
Form QW-482 the effective throat of the weld as defined in the various
codes of construction?

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Reply (2): No. This entry refers to leg lengths.

Question (3): If the construction code establishes limitations on deposited

weld metal thickness for groove or fillet welds, must these limitations be
shown on the WPS including PWHT exemptions?
Reply (3): No.

Question (4): If the welder's performance qualification test coupons place

limitations on his deposited weld metal thickness for groove welds, must
these limitations be shown on the WPS?
Reply (4): No.

Question (5): If the welder's performance qualification test coupons place

limitations on his pipe diameter range for groove or fillet welds, must these
limitations be shown on the WPS?
Reply (5): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322 and QW-304.1

Record Number:

BC84-226

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-128

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a welder who has been qualified previously, but who has not
welded in the past 6 months, be requalified in accordance with QW-304.1?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-281.2(e)

Record Number:

BC84-251

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-129

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In QW-281.2(e), does any increase in specified maximum
interpass temperature require requalification, or only an increase in excess
of 100F?
Reply: All increases in maximum specified interpass temperatures require
requalification.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-407

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Date Issued:

10/03/1984

Interpretation Number :

IX-83-130

Record Number:

BC84-252

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In QW-407.1, does a change in soaking time at the specified
postweld heat treatment temperature require requalification of the welding
procedure? Supplementary essential variables for notch toughness are not a
requirement.
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-422

Record Number:

BC84-365

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-131

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): May dual stamped A53/A120 CW pipe be used for weld test
coupons?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May dual stamped A53/A120 CW pipe be treated as a P-No. 1

material, A53 Type F?
Reply (2): Yes, provided that the requirements of the ASTM specification
are identical (excluding editorial differences) or more stringent than the
ASME specification for the grade, class, or type produced, and provided
that the material is confirmed as complying with the ASTM specification.
Question (3): May a welder of dual stamped A53/A120 CW pipe be
qualified in accordance with Section IX?
Reply (3): Yes. See QW-403.18.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-311

Record Number:

BC84-366

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-132

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does a welder/welding operator who qualifies for a groove joint
qualify for welding corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

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

Section IX, QW-300.2

Record Number:

BC84-370

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-133

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a group of welders transfer their performance qualifications
from a previous employer to a new company formed by those welders?
Reply: No. See QW-300.2.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-312(a) and QW-461.9

Record Number:

BC84-396

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-134

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Do the essential variables listed in QW-282 also apply to the
performance qualification of QW-312(a)?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Do the parameters of QW-461.9 apply for hard-facing

performance qualification?
Reply (2): No.

Question (3): May the requirements of QW-423.1 be used in hard-facing

performance qualification?
Reply (3): No.

Question (4): For procedure qualification, may the requirements of QW461.9 be used in lieu of QW-282.2(d)?
Reply (4): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.5

Record Number:

BC84-397

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-135

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When the code of construction exempts the heat affected zone
from notch-toughness testing, is it necessary to provide an additional
qualification test for each base metal Group Number in accordance with
QW-403.5 if all other variables remain the same?
Reply: No. See QW-401.3.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QB-402.2

Record Number:

BC84-398

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-136

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it permissible to qualify a brazing procedure joining a Code
approved SA specified pipe or tube to a part made of ASTM B-16 Alloy
C36000 (free cutting brass), which is not a material listed in QB-422, with
an assigned P-Number? The procedure qualification would be valid only for
the non-Code material and alloy number designated in conjunction with a
Code listed material of the same P-Number as that qualified.
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.18

Record Number:

BC84-399

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/03/1984
IX-83-137

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is a welder qualified to weld P-No. 4 or P-No. 5 base material if
performance qualification tests were made using P-No. 1 base material?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section III, Division 1, and Section IX (All Editions), NX-4321 Required
Qualifications
10/09/1984
N 184-058
IX-83-138

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does NX-4321 of Section III, Division 1, and Section IX provide
for the positive identification of the welder or the welding operator taking
the performance qualification test?
Reply: Yes.

Note: This interpretation also appears as III-1-83-264.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

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

Section IX, QW-462.1(d)

Record Number:

BC83-629

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/26/1984
IX-83-139

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Can tensile results computed from a turned specimen which
does not meet the machining tolerances given in QW-462.1 (d) be used for
procedure qualification?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Are the machining tolerances given in QW-462.1(d)

mandatory?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.5

Record Number:

BC84-250

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/26/1984
IX-83-140

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Under the requirements of QW-404.5, can the A-Number be
obtained by assuming a welding filler metal's chemical composition (as
manufactured), as given by Section II, Part C, is close enough to the
deposited weld metal chemical composition to be used in QW-442?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.5

Record Number:

BC84-250*

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

12/04/1985

IX-83-140R

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Under the requirements of QW-404.5, can the A-Number be
obtained by assuming a welding filler metal's chemical composition (as
manufactured), as given by Section II, Part C, is close enough to the
deposited weld metal chemical composition to be used in QW-442?
Reply: No, except as defined in Interpretation IX-81-44.

Note: This interpretation should have appeared in Interpretations No. 16 -Section IX, covering interpretations issued from July 1, 1984, through
December 31, 1984, and revised interpretations issued from July 1, 1984,
through February 8, 1985.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-451

Record Number:

BC84-434

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/26/1984
IX-83-141

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A WPS was qualified using 1-1/8 in. thick base metal test plates
intended for use in making repair welds on castings. May this WPS be used
to fill a 1/4 in. deep excavation on a 3 in. thick section of a sand casting?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-191

Record Number:

BC84-548

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/26/1984
IX-83-142

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does QW-191 require that the radiographer hold SNT
certification to a manufacturer's written practice?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-351

Record Number:

BC84-581

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/26/1984
IX-83-143

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Can weld reinforcement be considered for determining the
deposited weld metal thickness per QW-351, provided that the full weld
reinforcement is included in either the side bend tests (where side bends are
permitted by QW-452) or the radiographic examination (where permitted by
QW-304)?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-462.3(a) and (b)

Record Number:

BC84-583

Date Issued:

11/26/1984

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Interpretation Number :

IX-83-144

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does Section IX, QW-462.3(a) and (b), require that test
specimens joined in combination meet the y dimension of P-No. 23, if
P-No. 23 is joined to P-No. XX?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does Section IX require that back gouging of the second side
prior to welding be an essential variable for welder/operator qualification?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-407.2

Record Number:

BC84-584

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/26/1984
IX-83-145

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-407.2 of the 1980 Edition of Section IX (including 1981
Winter Addenda) specifies the lower limit of PWHT time on the PQR as at
least 80% of that encountered in actual fabrication. Is there a limit on the
maximum PWHT time on the PQR?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-408.9

Record Number:

BC84-619

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/26/1984
IX-83-146

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): May a GTAW PQR for P-No. 4X to P-No. 4X qualified with
a backing strip and without gas backing be used to support a WPS for a gas
backed open butt joint?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): May a GTAW PQR for P-No. 4X to P-No. 4X with an open
butt gas backed joint be used to support a WPS for a groove with a backing
strip without gas backing?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

BPV Section IX
Section IX, AWS Number Change and PQR

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Date Issued:

03/22/1985

Interpretation Number :

IX-83-147

Record Number:

BC84-249

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When the AWS classification is changed with no change in
mechanical properties or chemical composition, may a Manufacturer use a
PQR referencing the old classification to support a new WPS referencing
the new classification?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.6

Record Number:

BC84-417

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/22/1985
IX-83-148

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A PQR was qualified to the 1980 Edition of Section IX, where
the base metal thickness is 5/8 in. (16 mm) or greater. Regarding the use of
QW-403.6, can that PQR be used to support a 1983 SI Edition WPS where
the minimum base metal thickness is 15 mm?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-301.2

Record Number:

BC84-558

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/22/1985
IX-83-149

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): In reference to the 1983 Edition of Section IX, QW-301.2,
may the supervisor conducting the tests set his own visual requirements
prior to the mechanical testing listed in QW-302?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): If the welder is testing under a code -- for example,

ANSI/ASME B31.1 -- is the supervisor conducting the tests supposed to
base his visual requirements on the production weld visual requirements
listed in ANSI/ASME B31.1?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-322(a)

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Date Issued:

03/22/1985

Interpretation Number :

IX-83-150

Record Number:

BC84-617

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If in a single Vee-groove joint, a GMAW root pass is used and
the electrode is F-No. 6, SFA-5.18, AWS E705-3, can the GTAW process
be used to reheat the weld without the use of additional filler wire if the
procedure was qualified using filler wire F-No. 6, SFA-5.18, AWS E70S-2?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-201 and QW-300.2

Record Number:

BC84-620

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/22/1985
IX-83-151

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When one or more related companies of different names within
an organization takes leave, becomes independent, or is no longer related to
the organization, will the previously supplied weld procedure qualifications
in their possession be in effect for their use?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.9

Record Number:

BC84-648

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/22/1985
IX-83-152

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A SAW procedure was run on 1 in. thick base material using a
single pass on each side. Both weld beads were greater than 1/2 in. Is the
maximum base metal thickness qualified equal to 1.1 in.?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): A SAW was run on 5/8 in. thick base material using a single
pass on each side. Both weld beads were less than 1/2 in. Is the maximum
base metal thickness qualified equal to 1-1/4 in.?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-301.1
03/22/1985

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Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BC84-664

IX-83-153

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: The requirements of QW-301.1 are intended to determine the
ability of welders to deposit sound weld metal. If a percentage of coupons
fail due to porosity, does disregarding such porosity meet the requirements
of QW-301.1?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322

Record Number:

BC84-689

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/22/1985
IX-83-154

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): In QW-322, does "renewal" mean the reestablishment of
qualification?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): A welder is qualified only for the SMAW process, and during
a period of 3 months or more, he has not welded. Is his qualification
reestablished if he makes a single test using any thickness, position, or
material for which he was previously qualified?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): Is a record of welder performance qualification tests (WPQ)

required to document the test described in Question (2)?
Reply (3): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-303.1

Record Number:

BC84-692

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/22/1985
IX-83-155

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a groove weld performance on pipe/tube 2-7/8 in. O.D. or
larger qualify a welder to weld partial penetration groove welds on
diameters less than 2-7/8 in. O.D.?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

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Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-160

Record Number:

BC84-697

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/22/1985
IX-83-156

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Can AISI 8630 modified to 1.20 maximum Mn, 1.00 maximum
Ni, 1.20 maximum Cr, and 0.50 Mo be classified as P-No. 11?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-191

Record Number:

BC84-700

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/22/1985
IX-83-157

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a tube or pipe coupon be cut longitudinally in three or more
sections, and then radiographed with the source side being the concave side
of the sections and the penetrameter placed on the source side?
Reply: Yes. See QW-191, Winter 1984 Addenda, Section IX.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-452.3

Record Number:

BC84-368

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/25/1985
IX-83-158

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May two welders, both qualified for a maximum deposit
thickness of 0.864 in., weld on a joint 1.5 in. thick when one welder
deposits metal up to 0.750 in. and the other welder then finishes the joint?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322(a)

Record Number:

BC84-690

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/25/1985
IX-83-159

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a welder maintain his qualification by welding on non-Code
work?
Reply: Yes.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-202.3

Record Number:

BC84-219

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/14/1985
IX-83-160

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): If a procedure for P-No. 1 to P-No. 8 has been qualified on
1-1/2 in. or greater plate using one or more welding processes, may the
resulting WPS be used for weld repair or buildup for either one or both of
the qualified base materials per QW-451.1?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): If a procedure meeting the above conditions was qualified

with buttering per QW-194, may the resulting WPS be used for weld repair
or buildup for either one or both of the qualified base materials per QW451.1?
Reply (2): No.

Question (3): If a procedure for P-No. 1 to P-No. 43 has been qualified on

1-1/2 in. or greater plate using one or more welding processes, may the
resulting WPS be used for weld repair or buildup for either one or both of
the qualified base materials per QW-451.1?
Reply (3): No.

Question (4): If a procedure meeting the conditions in Question (3) above

was qualified with buttering, per QW-194, may the resulting WPS be used
for weld repair or buildup for either one or both of the qualified base
materials per QW-451.1?
Reply (4): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-406.1 and QW-406.2

Record Number:

BC84-618

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/14/1985
IX-83-161

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): When preheat (QW-406.1) is a required essential variable for
procedure qualification, must the preheat temperature be as specified
immediately prior to each arc initiation?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): When interpass temperature (QW-406.3) is a required

supplementary essential variable for procedure qualification, must the
interpass temperature be as specified immediately prior to each arc
initiation?

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Reply (2): No. Interpass temperature shall be as specified immediately prior

to the start of each pass.
Question (3): If a WPS contains a requirement, such as interpass
temperature control per QW-406.3, that is not identified as an essential,
supplementary essential, or nonessential variable, does Section IX require
either requalification of the procedure or revision of the WPS if the
requirement is changed?
Reply (3): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-311

Record Number:

BC84-663

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/14/1985
IX-83-162

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is it permissible to test welding operators on pipe for
corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay when the production welding is to be
performed on pipe in the 5G position?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): If welders are tested on pipe with the weld deposited in the
horizontal position for corrosion-resistant weld metal overlays, are they
qualified to weld in the flat and horizontal position?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): If welders are tested on pipe in the 5G position for corrosionresistant weld metal overlays, are they qualified to weld in the flat, vertical,
and overhead position?
Reply (3): Yes.

Question (4): Is position an essential variable for welding operators who

perform corrosion-resistant weld metal overlays?
Reply (4): No.

Question (5): When qualifying welding operators on pipe for corrosionresistant weld metal overlays, what is the minimum required width and
length of weld deposit?

Reply (5): The weld deposit must be a minimum of 1-1/2 in. wide by 6 in.
long per QW-311.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-301.4
05/14/1985

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Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BC85-022

IX-83-163

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): If a welding operator is qualified to weld in accordance with
one qualified WPS, is the welding operator qualified to weld all thicknesses
per that process?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is the process the only essential variable for welding
operators?

Reply (2): Yes, except for the special requirements in QW-362 and QW363.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.2(b) and QW-322(a)

Record Number:

BC85-023

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/14/1985
IX-83-164

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Per QW-322(a), is brazing considered a welding process for
the purpose of extending the welder's qualification in other processes?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Given a WPS qualified under the following conditions of

coupon and deposited weld metal thickness, is it acceptable to groove weld
material 1 in. thick where the GTAW root deposit is 0.215 in. thick and the
remaining groove depth of 0.875 in. is to be welded with SMAW?
Procedure qualification conditions: (a) 0.500 in. thick test coupon (b) 0.125
in. deposited weld metal thickness at root using GTAW (c) 0.375 in.
deposited weld metal thickness for fill using SMAW
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-406.1

Record Number:

BC85-024

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/14/1985
IX-83-165

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A PQR is generated that lists 400F as the preheat
temperature. Per QW-406.1, can the WPS require a minimum preheat
temperature of 300F?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Can the preheat temperature in the PQR be a range? Reply
(2): No.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322

Record Number:

BC85-030

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/14/1985
IX-83-166

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A Manufacturer has several WPSs for one process that list the
same P-Numbers but differ in Group Numbers, thicknesses, position, and
other variables. Is a qualified welder that has used only one of these WPSs
required to renew his qualifications to use any of the other WPSs if he has
not welded in accordance with them for a period longer than 6 months?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322

Record Number:

BC85-031

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/14/1985
IX-83-167

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A Manufacturer uses only one welding process but has two
WPSs, one of which has been properly qualified in accordance with Section
IX. If a welder only uses the unqualified procedure for non-Code work for
over 6 months, is he required to renew this qualifications in order to use the
qualified WPS for Code applications?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-408.8

Record Number:

BC85-059

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/14/1985
IX-83-168

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder is qualified on groove joint of a pipe with inert gas
backing. He was allowed to make a production weld on a groove joint
without a gas backing. This production joint is a groove, welded from one
side only, without using a backing ring. The welding procedure used to
make this weld was qualified without inert gas backing. In accordance with
QW-408.8 of Section IX, is the welder qualified to make this weld?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

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Edition/Addenda:

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

Section IX, QW-404.9

Record Number:

BC85-089

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/14/1985
IX-83-169

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: For submerged-arc welding, can a fabricator use a different brand
of flux than that specified in a wire-flux classification for which he is
qualified, without performing a new PQR?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322

Record Number:

BC85-091

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/14/1985
IX-83-170

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If a welder is qualified in the 6G position and welds in the 3G
position for a period of more than 3 months, is his qualification in the 6G
position still valid?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.2(c)

Record Number:

BC85-132

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/14/1985
IX-83-171

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is it permissible to make editorial corrections to a PQR?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is it permissible to add supported data to a PQR as an

addendum?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): Is it permissible to make editorial corrections and add

supported data to a PQR as a revision?
Reply (3): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

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

Section IX, Recording of Data on PQR and WPS

Record Number:

BC85-135

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/14/1985
IX-83-172

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is it necessary to record on the PQR that the single pass
thickness of each manual GTAW or SMAW weld pass in the qualification
test did not exceed 1/2 in.?
Reply (1): Yes. The method of recording information on the PQR may be
by statement, sketch, or other means, as long as the essential variables are
addressed.
Question (2): Is it necessary to specify on the WPS for a manual GTAW
and SMAW procedure that no single pass will exceed 1/2 in. thickness?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): Is it necessary to record on the PQR that a consumable insert

was or was not used for welding the qualification test coupon?
Reply (3): Yes. The method of recording information on the PQR may be
by statement, sketch, or other means, as long as the essential variables are
addressed.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-191.2.2(b)(1) and (3)

Record Number:

BC85-013

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/25/1985
IX-83-173

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder qualification weld is made on a 0.133 in. wall pipe. The
welder performance test is by radiography and reveals one rounded
indication that measures 0.029 in. maximum dimension. Does this
performance qualification test pass the requirements of Section IX?
Reply: No. See QW-191.2.2(b)(1).

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-191

Record Number:

BC84-557

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/26/1985
IX-83-174

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When qualifying welders to perform Section I production
welding, is it permissible to use the maximum reinforcement allowed by
PW-35 of Section I for penetrameter selection?

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Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-409.1

Record Number:

BC85-038

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/26/1985
IX-83-175

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a PQR show a range on travel speed if the speeds reflect
those actually used in the qualification?
Reply: Yes. See QW-200.2(b).

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404.5

Record Number:

BC85-088

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/26/1985
IX-83-176

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does QW-404.5 apply to ferrous materials only?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): is the chemistry of the weld deposit of nonferrous filler metals
an essential variable for procedure qualification?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-405.3 and QW-451

Record Number:

BC85-092

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/26/1985
IX-83-177

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A welder has been qualified on P-No. 1 base metal, 0.375 in.
wall pipe, in the 6G position, with the root pass deposited downhill using
F-No. 3 electrodes, and the remainder of the joint welded uphill using F-No.
4 electrodes. Is the welder qualified to weld in the downhill/uphill
progression using F-No. 3 electrodes, and may his qualification range be
listed as downhill/uphill for F-No. 3?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May the F-No. 4 electrodes be deleted from the uphill portion
of the joint?

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Reply (2): Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.4(a)

Record Number:

BC85-036

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/19/1985
IX-86-01

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Per QW-200.4(a), Summer 1984 Addenda, when a qualified WPS
for a combination process is available, must a new WPS be generated if
only one of the processes is to be used in production, provided all
requirements of Section IX for the process used are met?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QB-203.1 and QB-461

Record Number:

BC85-292

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/19/1985
IX-86-02

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): In accordance with QB-203.1, does qualification in any of the
three flow positions (flat-flow, horizontal-flow, or vertical-upflow) qualify
for the vertical-downflow position?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): In accordance with QB-461, a pipe brazing qualification is in

a fixed horizontal position. Does this limit the qualification to a flat-flow
position, even though there is still a significant area that is, in fact,
horizontal?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): Does a pipe brazing qualification in a fixed horizontal

position qualify for both flat-and horizontal-flow?
Reply (3): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-404

Record Number:

BC85-293

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/19/1985
IX-86-03

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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May welding rods, electrodes, and filler metals not identified as
meeting an SFA specification be assigned F-Numbers, provided the
materials meet another specification in which the mechanical and chemical
properties are the same as specified in a SFA specification of Section II,
Part C?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-407

Record Number:

BC85-304

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/19/1985
IX-86-04

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does it meet the requirements of Section IX to specify in the
WPS that preheat and postweld heat treatment shall be in accordance with
the requirements of UCS-56?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-300.1

Record Number:

BC85-306

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/19/1985
IX-86-05

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When qualifying a welding operator and recording the essential
variables on his record of qualification, is the thickness of base metal or
deposited weld metal an essential variable?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.2(f) and QW-200.4

Record Number:

BC85-328

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/19/1985
IX-86-06

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does the combination of 2 PQRs, each of different processes,
support a WPS combining the two processes in a single joint, with all
essential and supplementary essential variables unchanged?
Reply: No.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322

Record Number:

BC85-560

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

12/02/1985
IX-86-07

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder or welding operator's qualification for a process has
expired because he has not welded within the time periods required by QW322(a) and (b). There is no specific reason to question his ability to make
welds that meet the specification. Does QW-322 prohibit the use of QW321 for retest of qualification where a welder has failed the single renewal
test joint as provided by the last sentence of QW-322?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.4

Record Number:

BC85-134

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

12/04/1985
IX-86-08

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Per QW-200.4(a), may two or more separate WPSs (each
properly qualified to weld the joint individually) be used to weld a single
production joint without writing a new WPS combining the separate WPSs
into a single WPS?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does QW-200.4(a) permit the referencing of a separately

qualified WPS to cover the root pass welding of open root joints in another
WPS?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-462

Record Number:

BC85-200

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

12/04/1985
IX-86-09

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): When a transverse tensile test specimen fractures partly in the
weld metal and partly in the base metal, should both locations of fracture be
described on the PQR?
Reply (1): Yes.

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Question (2): When a transverse tensile test specimen fractures partly in the
weld metal and partly in the base metal, does QW-153.1(d) apply?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, Contents of the WPS

Record Number:

BC85-307

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

12/04/1985
IX-86-10

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does a Welding Procedure Specification with an open root butt
and fillet weld joint design require specifying backing material?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QB-408.2

Record Number:

BC85-420

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

12/04/1985
IX-86-11

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does QB-408.2 require that test specimens must be brazed with
joint clearance dimensions representing minimum and maximum joint
clearance intended to be used?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-355

Record Number:

BC85-482

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

12/04/1985
IX-86-12

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is FCAW included with GMAW in QW-355?

Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-301.4
12/04/1985

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Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BC85-507
IX-86-13

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: For welder qualifications using combinations of GTAW root
passes and SMAW fill passes, is it necessary to specifically record the use
of backing for the SMAW passes on the welder qualification record when
the WPS used is referenced on the qualification record and the WPS
describes the GTAW deposit as backing for the SMAW?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-482 and QW-483

Record Number:

BC85-483

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/13/1986
IX-86-14

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it acceptable to indicate on the WPS and PQR that the variable
QW-407.1 is addressed by indicating the letters "NA" to mean PWHT is not
used?
Reply: Section IX does not specify the terminology to be used.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.5

Record Number:

BC85-532

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/13/1986
IX-86-15

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A WPS has been qualified to satisfy all requirements, including
notch toughness, for welding P-No. 1 Gr. No. 1 base metals. Another WPS
has been qualified to satisfy all requirements, including notch toughness, for
welding P-No. 1 Gr. No. 2 base metals. If all the variables, except for the
change in base metal group number in the two WPSs are the same, may a
third WPS be written to permit welding of P-No. 1 Gr. No. 1 to P-No. 1 Gr.
No. 2 base metals using the PQRs from the first two WPSs to support the
third WPS without additional qualification for the change in base metal
group numbers?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-492

Record Number:

BC85-533

Date Issued:

03/13/1986

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Interpretation Number :

IX-86-16

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): According to QW-492, can the definition of an active flux be
interpreted to mean a flux which contains an alloying element(s) which is
transmitted to the weld metal and will affect the properties which the weld
metal is considered to possess, as a result of changes in the welding
parameters (welding amperage and arc voltage)?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): According to QW-492, can the definition of a neutral flux be

interpreted to mean a flux which does not contain any alloying element or
which contains an alloying element(s) which is transmitted to the weld
metal but will not affect the properties which the weld metal is considered
to possess, as a result of changes in the welding parameters (welding
amperage and arc voltage)?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-423

Record Number:

BC85-554

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/13/1986
IX-86-17

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does a welder need to requalify to weld AISI 4140 to API N-80
materials if he is qualified in the same process using P-No. 1 through P-No.
11 test plates?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-194.1

Record Number:

BC85-585

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/13/1986
IX-86-18

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In QW-194.1, is it permitted to use a welding procedure qualified
using P-No. 1 base material buttered with F-No. 43 filler material joining a
P-No. 8 base material to support a welding procedure that will join P-No. 43
base material to P-No. 8 base material?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-322

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Date Issued:

03/13/1986

Interpretation Number :

IX-86-19

Record Number:

BC85-587

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a welder renew his SMAW qualifications in accordance
with QW-322 for his 6G position on a 5 in. Schedule 160 (0.625 in. wall
thickness), after 7 months of work interruption, by welding a 3/8 in. coupon
in the 1G position with SMAW?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-407

Record Number:

BC86-010

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/13/1986
IX-86-20

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A P-No. 1 pipe is butt welded to a P-No. 8 pipe of the same size.
For procedure qualification under QW-407, is "postheating" to 2150F for
the sole purpose of centrifugally casting a metallic liner in the welded pipe
assembly considered to be "postweld heat treatment" above the upper
transformation temperature?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QB-201.3

Record Number:

BC86-058

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/13/1986
IX-86-21

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A brazing procedure qualification is conducted for a lap joint
consisting of a 1/8 in. test coupon brazed to a 1/2 in. test coupon. Are the
following ranges of thickness qualified: thick material: 3/16 in. to 1 in.; thin
material: 1/16 in. to 1/4 in.?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does the above procedure qualification support a BPS for
brazing 1/16 in. material to 1/16 in. material?
Reply (2): No.

Question (3): Does the procedure qualification in Question (1) support a

BPS for brazing 1/4 in. material to 1/4 in. material?
Reply (3): Yes.

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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