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Standard Designation:
BPV Section IX
Edition/Addenda:

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

Section IX, QW-407.4, Postweld Heat Treatment

Record Number:

BC91-614

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/28/1992
IX-92-33

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Can a PQR conducted on a 2 in. thick base metal with notch
toughness required and PWHT above the upper transformation temperature
be used to support a WPS on a in. thick base metal with all other essential
variables, including notch toughness, unchanged?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-200.2(b) and QW-300.2; Manufacturer's and Contractor's
Responsibility
12/20/1991
BC91-415
IX-92-25

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): According to QW-200.2(b), may a manufacturer or contractor
provide guidelines for a procedure qualification, and a WPS, and a welder
to a test lab, then audit on random basis and certify the procedure?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): According to QW-300.2, may a manufacturer or contractor

provide acceptance and rejection criteria, a WPS, and a welder performance
for a qualification test to a test lab then audit on a random basis and accept
responsibility for the performance qualification test?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-306; Combination of Welding Process

Record Number:

BC91-470

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

12/20/1991
IX-92-26

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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When a welder has been qualified using a single welding process
and later takes a test using a combination of welding processes, which
includes the previously qualified process, and does not pass, does this affect
the earlier qualification?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section II, Part C, SA 5.4 - Table 4

Record Number:

BC91-471

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

12/20/1991
IX-92-27

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Should the footnotes a, b, and c of Table 4 read as follows: a) See
Section 10 and 14.2 b) See Section 11.1 and 14.3 c) See Section 11.2 and
Figs. I and 3?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-281.2(f); Corrosion-Resistant Weld Metal Overlay Essential Variables
12/20/1991
BC91-472
IX-92-28

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay procedure
qualification test joint 2 in. in thickness that was postweld heat treated
(PWHT) for 2 hr (1 hr per in.) qualify a PWHT of a 5 in. thick material for
5 hr (1 hr per in.)?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-151.3 and QW-462.1, Tension Tests and Test Specimens

Record Number:

BC91-473

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/28/1992
IX-92-29

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): For plate coupon, welded by one process and procedure, may
either reduced-section specimens conforming to the requirements given in
QW-462.1(a) or turned specimens conforming to the requirements given in
QW-462.1(d) be used for tension test specimens?
Reply (1): Yes.

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Question (2): For a 2 in. plate test coupon welded with one process and
procedure, may two turned 0.505 tensile specimens conforming to QW462.1(d) be used for each tension test?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): In performing tension tests on a 2 in. test coupon welded with
one process and procedure using turned specimens conforming to QW462.1(d) and spaced in accordance with QW-151.3(b), is it acceptable if
portions of weld deposit are not included in the tension tests?
Reply (3): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.1, General Welding Procedure Qualifications

Record Number:

BC91-587

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/28/1992
IX-92-30

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does QW-200.1(c) require that there be a history of changes such
as margin notes or other record documenting what specific changes were
made in the essential, nonessential, or supplemental variables each time a
WPS is revised?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-310, Qualification of Test Coupons

Record Number:

BC91-613

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/28/1992
IX-92-31

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a welder repair the root pass from the root side of a Welder
Performance test coupon and be qualified to weld without backing?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-351, General Welding Variables for Welders

Record Number:

BC91-631

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

02/28/1992
IX-92-32

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Question: When using a single test coupon for welder performance

qualifications, is it necessary to determine the deposited weld metal
thickness for each process the welder uses to weld the single test coupon?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-451, Groove-Weld Procedure Qualification Thickness
Limits and Test Specimens
02/28/1992
BC91-586
IX-92-34

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Tables QW-451.1 and QW-451.2 state limits for base metal
and deposited weld metal thickness. Where QW-250 lists variables
applicable to thickness, do these variables supersede the limits of QW-451.1
and QW-451.2?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Tables QW-451.1 .and QW-451.2 do not give a minimum

deposited weld metal thickness. When the variable QW-403.6 states a
minimum base metal thickness, does this minimum also apply to deposited
weld metal?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-452.1, Transverse Bend Test for Performance Qualification
Thickness Limits and Test Specimens
02/28/1992
BC91-277
IX-92-35

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Even though QW-484 does not provide space for documenting
conformance of the test coupon groove with the requirements of QW-452.1,
Notes 8 or 9, does a signed Record of Welder/Welding Operator
Performance Qualification form indicate that these requirements have been
met?
Reply: Yes.

Note: However, at the present moment, QW-484 is under consideration for

possible revision.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

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Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

Section IX, QW-452.1, Transverse Bend Test for Performance Qualification

Thickness Limits and Test Specimens
02/28/1992
BC91-616
IX-92-36

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Interpretation IX-83-90 states:

"Question (1): Can a double-beveled plate, 1 in. thick with each beveled
groove being 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."

Question: Can a double-beveled plate, 1 in. thick with each beveled

groove being in., be welded by two individual welders, one on each side
of the plate and each with a deposited weld metal qualification of 0.864 in.,
provided each welder does not exceed 0.864 in.?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-151 and QW-451, Tension Test Specimens and GrooveWeld Procedure Qualification Thickness Limits and Test Specimens
02/28/1992
BC92-097
IX-92-37

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Do paragraphs QW-151.1, QW-151.2, QW-151.3, and QW151.4 define the number of tension test specimens required for each tension
test as specified in QW-451.1 and QW-451.2?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Do Tables QW-451.1 and QW-451.2 specify the minimum

required number of tension and guided bend tests needed for various groove
welded coupons, regardless of diameter when pipe or tube is used?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-200, General Welding Procedure Qualifications
05/28/1992

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Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BC91-630
IX-92-38

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A welder was monitored while performing production welding
and was found to be welding above the amperage range listed on the WPS
for a specific electrode diameter (SMAW process).
Question: Does Section IX require the WPS to be amended or requalified,
as applicable, when a variable is not followed such as welding above or
below the established amperage or voltage range listed on the WPS?
Reply: The disposition of nonconformances is not within the scope of
Section IX.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-300.3, Simultaneous Qualification of Welders

Record Number:

BC92-121

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/28/1992
IX-92-39

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: Three contractors desire to use the same WPS and
simultaneously qualify welders in accordance with QW-300. Each
contractor has a pre-existing PQR covering the scope of the WPS. Each
contractor's name and corresponding PQR number is entered on the WPS
and separate signature blocks are provided for each contractor. This method
of weld procedure and welder performance qualification and operational
controls is described in the QC system for each contractor.
Question (1): May the WPS described be used to simultaneously qualify
welders?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May the WPS described be used for production welding by all
three contractors?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-409.1, Electrical Characteristics

Record Number:

BC92-110

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/28/1992
IX-92-40

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): When notch toughness tests are a requirement, and option
QW-409.1(a) is chosen as a means of determining heat input, must the
actual voltage, amperage, and travel speed used be recorded on the PQR?
Reply (1): Yes.

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Question (2): When notch toughness tests are a requirement, and option
QW-409.1(b), bead size, is chosen as a means of determining heat input,
must the actual bead width and height deposited to ascertain "Volume of
Weld Metal" deposited be recorded on the PQR?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): May either of the above methods be substituted for the other,
when writing a WPS that has notch toughness requirements, by estimating
the values of the "other" method [i.e., using option (a) (with estimated
amps, volts, and travel speed) when option (b) (actual Volume of Weld
Metal) was used when the test coupon was welded]?
Reply (3): No.

Question (4): When notch toughness tests are a requirement, and option
QW-409.1(b), bead size, is chosen as a means of determining heat input,
can any electrode diameter be used as long as the volume of deposited weld
metal, which is recorded on the PQR, is not exceeded?
Reply (4): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-461.9, Performance Qualifications - Position and Diameter
Limitations
05/28/1992
BC92-035
IX-92-41

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Are welders qualified on plate in 2G, 3G, and 4G positions
qualified to weld on pipe less than 24 in. OD in the 5G position?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.4(a), Combination of Welding Processes

Record Number:

BC92-011

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/30/1992
IX-92-42

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a single set of weld metal impact test specimens be used to
qualify two or more processes or procedures?
Reply: Yes, provided weld metal from each process or procedure is
included in each specimen.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

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

Section IX, QW-492, Definition of Machine Welding

Record Number:

BC92-100

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/30/1992
IX-92-43

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is a GMAW spot welding process in which all variables are
preset, except for placement of the nozzle against the material and
activation of the trigger by the operator, considered machine welding?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-251.4 and QW-280, Special Processes

Record Number:

BC92-168

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/30/1992
IX-92-44

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): According to the 1990 Addenda of Section IX, are there any
supplementary essential or nonessential variables required to be addressed
in a WPS for the special processes described in QW-280?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): According to the 1991 Addenda of Section IX, are there any
supplementary essential or nonessential variables required to be addressed
in a WPS for the special processes described in QW-251.4?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-303.2 and QW-452.4, Fillet Welds

Record Number:

BC92-238

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/30/1992
IX-92-45

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When Section IX requires separate performance qualification for
fillet welds on small diameter pipe, does the same requirement apply to
longitudinal fillet welds (such as the attachment of gussets in the
longitudinal direction)?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

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

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Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

Section IX, QW-303.3 and QW-461.9, Special Positions for Performance

Qualification
09/30/1992
BC92-265
IX-92-46

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is a welder who is qualified to weld groove welds in a special
orientation also qualified to weld in the 1G position?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322.2, Renewal of Qualification

Record Number:

BC92-266

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/30/1992
IX-92-47

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May the renewal of welder and welding operator performance
qualification be done on production work?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-407.2, Postweld Heat Treatment

Record Number:

BC93-586

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/22/1993
IX-92-84

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A PQR was welded on a 2 in. thick P-No. 1, Gr. 2 material
and post weld heat treated at 1150"F for six hours (3 hrs/in.) with
supplementary essential variable requirements.

Question: Will this PQR support a WPS for a production weld in 2 in. thick
P-No. 1, Gr. 2 material that is PWHT at 1150F for 2 hours (1 hr/in.)?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-201, Manufacturer's or Contractor's Responsibility

Record Number:

BC95-482

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

03/19/1996
IX-95-27

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Question: May a subcontractor use a WPS supported by a PQR which was

qualified by the contracting company and subsequently supplied to the
subcontractor?
Reply: No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.10, Short Circuiting Mode

Record Number:

BC96-002

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/19/1996
IX-95-28

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Are the base metal thickness restrictions for the GMAW process
short circuiting mode stated in QW-403.10 and QW-404.32 also applicable
to fillet weld tests, either in procedure qualifications (QW-451.3, QW451.4) or in performance qualifications (QW-452.4, QW-452.5, and QW452.6)?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-466, Test Jigs

Record Number:

BC92-267

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/30/1992
IX-92-48

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In determining the appropriate test jig dimensions of QW-466 to
use for bend tests, is it permissible to use the dimensions corresponding to
P-No. 35 material when the filler metal is a F-No. 36, even though the base
material is other than a P-No. 35 material?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-466, Test Jigs

Record Number:

BC92-268

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/30/1992
IX-92-49

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In qualifying a welding procedure which utilizes a F-No. 36 filler
of ER CuAl-A1 (SFA 5.7) for corrosion resistant weld metal overlay of a
P-No. 1 carbon steel material, is the required mandrel diameter for side
bend testing 4t as determined from column A of QW-466.1, QW-466.2 or
QW-466.3?

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Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.6, Base Metals

Record Number:

BC92-217

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/30/1992
IX-92-50

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) notch toughness requirements are
applicable, does QW-403.6, base metal thickness requirements, apply?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-451.3 and QW-462.4, Fillet Weld Test SpecimensProcedure, and QW-452.4, Performance Qualification Thickness Limits and
Test Specimens
09/30/1992
BC92-276
IX-92-51

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If a welder performs a procedure qualification per QW-462.4(d)
using 2 in. NPS pipe and passes, is he qualified for all diameters as outlined
in QW-451.3?
Reply: No, per QW-452.4 he is qualified down to 1 in. O.D.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-462.5, Corrosion-Resistant Overlay Cladding/Hard-Facing
Overlay, Chemical Analysis Specimen
12/14/1992
BC92-252
IX-92-52

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May only one chemical analysis specimen be removed from the
vertical portion of a 6G positioned hard facing welded PQR coupon when
the weld travel direction is reversed every other weld pass resulting in weld
beads deposited in vertical-upward and vertical-downward direction?
Reply: Yes, provided a chemical analysis represents each vertical travel
direction.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

Section IX, QW-452.1, Groove Weld Procedure Qualifications Thickness

Limits and Test Specimens
12/14/1992
BC92-254
IX-92-53

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder has qualified on 3 in. O.D. in. wall pipe in the 1G
position. He has also qualified on 1 in. O.D. 1/8 in. wall pipe in the 6G
position. Is he qualified to weld 1 in. O.D. in. wall in all positions?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-214.3, Corrosion-Resistant Weld Metal Overlay

Record Number:

BC92-305

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

12/14/1992
IX-92-54

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Prior to the 1991 Addenda, did QW-214.3 address the number of
chemical analysis tests required for Corrosion Resistant Weld Metal
Overlay utilizing the GTAW Machine Welding Process in the 5G or 6G
position?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-103.2, Records

Record Number:

BC92-307

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

12/14/1992
IX-92-55

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it acceptable to satisfy the requirements of QW-103.2 for
record maintenance, certification, and accessibility by means of an
electronic storage medium, e.g., computer database?

Reply: Section IX does not address the media in which records are required
to be maintained.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-451.3, Fillet Weld Tests

Record Number:

BC92-308

Date Issued:

12/14/1992

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Interpretation Number :

IX-92-56

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder performs a fillet weld procedure qualification in
accordance with QW-451.3, which fails; therefore, neither the procedure
nor the welder are qualified. Is it permissible for the welder to then perform
a successful groove weld procedure qualification test and be qualified for
grooves and fillets?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, 1989 Edition A91 Addenda, QW-253, QW-256, and QW-406.3,
Maximum Interpass Temperature
12/14/1992
BC92-354
IX-92-57

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: According to the 1991 Addenda of Section IX, is it permissible to
revise a WPS by increasing interpass temperature to more than 100F above
that recorded on the supporting PQR when supplementary essential
variables do not apply without requalification?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-364, Friction Welding

Record Number:

BC92-357

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

12/14/1992
IX-92-58

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: For performance qualification, is a friction weld operator required
to requalify for each seat size and base metal combination to be qualified to
operate the machine?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-306, Combination of Welding Processes, QW-452.1 and
QW-452.3, Performance Qualification Thickness Limits and Test
Specimens
02/22/1993
BC92-206
IX-92-59

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: The combination of welding processes and pipe diameters
listed below were used for performance qualification:

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(1) 2 in. Sch. 80 (.218) pipe with open butt using GTAW process. (2) 2 in.
Sch. 160 (.343) pipe with consumable insert and fill pass using the GTAW
process and the remainder welded with SMAW process. (3) 6 in. XXS
(.864) using SMAW process with backing.

Question: Using the combinations listed in the Background, in accordance

with QW-306, Note 2 of QW-452.1 to determine maximum thickness
qualified, and QW-452.3 for minimum diameter qualification, is the welder
qualified to weld on unlimited thickness and diameters above 1 in., using
either an open butt joint or a consumable insert with the root layer deposited
with the GTAW process and the remainder deposited with the SMAW
process?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-214, Corrosion-Resistant Weld Metal Overlay

Record Number:

BC92-421

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/22/1993
IX-92-60

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay is deposited in a
base material groove to a depth that is not included in the design
calculations must the deposit be tested as a groove weld?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section II, Part C, SFA 5.13, Specification for Solid Surfacing Welding
Rods and Electrodes
02/22/1993
BC92-422
IX-92-61

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May powdered filler metal be classified under Section II, Part C,
SFA 5.13?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-408.2, Shielding Gas

Record Number:

BC92-425

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/22/1993
IX-92-62

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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): When changing shielding gases of a specific mixture, is it
permissible to adjust the nominal percentage(s) of the minor component(s)
by +/- 20% without requalifying the procedure?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): In addition, when the absolute value of +/- 20% times the
nominal percentage of a minor component is less than 1%, would it be
permissible to make a +/- 1% adjustment to the gas mixture?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-153.1, Tensile Strength

Record Number:

BC92-452

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/22/1993
IX-92-63

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welding procedure qualification test coupon is welded using
P-No. 23, SB-209, alloy 6061 aluminum base material in the ("o") temper.
After welding the test coupon, it is subjected to a "T-6" heat treatment. To
establish acceptability of tensile tests per QW-153.1, may the tensile
requirements of QW-422 for SB-209, alloy 6061 (T4 and T6 tempers in the
welded condition) be used?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-322, Expiration and Renewal of Qualification

Record Number:

BC92-464

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/26/1993
IX-92-64

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A welding operator is in. the process of renewing his/her
qualification using machine GTAW welding equipment. During the process
the machine malfunctions and burns through the root pass of the test
coupon. No operator error is noted. Following the malfunction, the test
coupon is repaired using a manual GTAW process. After the repair the
machine welding equipment is used to complete the rest of the test coupon.
Question: May a welding operator performance test coupon being welded
for qualification or renewal be repaired prior to testing using a manual
welding procedure?
Reply: No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

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

Section IX, QW-423.1, Alternate Base Metals for Welder Qualification

Record Number:

BC93-148

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/26/1993
IX-92-65

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In QW-423.1, is P-No. 42 included in P-No. 4X?

Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-201, Manufacturer's or Contractor's Responsibility

Record Number:

BC93-377

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/26/1993
IX-92-66

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: Company A and Company B merge divisions to form a new
Company, C.
Question (1): May the new Company, C, use PQRs and WPSs developed
previously by Company A and Company B?

Reply (1): Yes, provided operational control is in accordance with QW-201.

Question (2): May the new Company, C, use the central materials
laboratory of Company A to develop WPSs and PQRs?

Reply (2): Yes, provided operational control is in accordance with QW-201.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-201, Manufacturer's or Contractor's Responsibility

Record Number:

BC93-391

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/26/1993
IX-92-67

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In a contract involving piping construction work, our company
subcontracted the piping prefabrication work to a subcontractor. This
subcontractor is managed by our company but has a different name. The
subcontractor proceeded to qualify welding procedures which were
conducted in the presence and with the approval of our company's welding
engineer who monitored the welding of the test coupons and signed
approval on the PQRs. The Quality Control System of the subcontractor and
our company fully describe the operational control of procedure
qualifications. Was our client right in rejecting the use by our company of
the subcontractor qualified welding procedures for the erection work of the
prefabricated piping?
Reply: This is a contractual issue, which ASME does not address.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-306, Combination of Welding Processes, and QW-451,
Groove Weld Procedure Qualification Thickness Limits and Test
Specimens
06/30/1993

BC92-011A
IX-92-68

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In using a single set of test specimens to qualify two or more
processes or procedures, does Section IX specify a minimum weld deposit
thickness to be included in each test specimen from each of the processes or
procedures?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-409.1, Electrical Characteristics

Record Number:

BC92-011B, BC92-228, BC92-353

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/30/1993
IX-92-69

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it the intent of QW-409.1 that the heat input, to be recorded on
the PQR, be calculated based on the parameters used at the location where
the impact specimens were removed?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.5, Base Metals

Record Number:

BC92-450

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/22/1993
IX-92-70

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): When a procedure qualification with supplemental notch
toughness requirement is conducted with one P-Number material having
multiple certifications in different Group Numbers, are WPSs qualified for
all combinations of the Group Numbers?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): In the above question, does one set of HAZ impact specimens,
when required, satisfy the requirements of Section IX?
Reply (2): Yes.

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Question (3): When a procedure qualification with supplemental notch

toughness requirements is conducted with two materials of different
P-Numbers each having multiple certifications in different Group Numbers,
are WPSs qualified for all combination of the multiple certified Group
Numbers of the first P-Number material to the multiple certified Group
Numbers of the second P-Number material?
Reply (3): Yes.

Question (4): In the above question, does one set of HAZ impact specimens
from each P-Number material, when required, satisfy the requirements of
Section IX?
Reply (4): Yes.

Question (5): In Question (3), are materials from the multiple certified
Group Numbers qualified for welding a P-Number material to itself?
Reply (5): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-302.4, Visual Examination

Record Number:

BC93-365

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/22/1993
IX-92-71

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Are welders or welding operators qualified in accordance with
Section IX prior to the 1992 addenda, for which the results of visual
examination required by QW-302.4 were not documented on the WPQ,
required to requalify in order that visual examination results may be
documented?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-381(c), Corrosion Resistant Weld Metal Overlay, QW-453
and QW-461.9, Performance Qualification
09/22/1993
BC93-392
IX-92-72

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): May welder qualifications for corrosion-resistant overlays per
QW-381 and QW-453 be made on plate, when qualifying for welding on
pipe/tubes parallel to the axis of the pipe/ tubes?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2)(a): Should the side bends required in QW-453 consist of the
base metal plus overlay thickness, after surface conditioning per Note 4 of
QW-453?

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Question (2)(b): When the overlay test specimens are less than 3/8 in. thick,
may the side bend specimen width be the test specimen thickness?
Question (2)(c): May the edges of the overlay be outside of the bent area as
long as at least a 1-1/2 in. width of overlay and HAZ are completely within
the bend?
Reply (2)(a): Yes.

Reply (2)(b): Yes.

Reply (2)(c): Yes.

Question (3): May QW-461.9 Groove-Pipe be used for the position essential
variable rules for welder qualifications on corrosion-resistant overlap?
Reply (3): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-321.3, Welder Qualification After Further Training or
Practice
09/22/1993
BC93-468
IX-92-73

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A welder performance qualification test plate fails to meet the
radiographic requirements for qualification. After further training a new
performance qualification test plate is welded.
Question: May the new test plate be evaluated by bend testing?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QB-402.1, Base Metals

Record Number:

BC93-474

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/22/1993
IX-92-74

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When brazing material used for a procedure qualification test is
not listed in QB-422 or Appendix C, but is similar to P-No. 107 or S-No.
107 materials listed in QB-422 or Appendix C, may this material be
considered as a P-No. 107 or S-No. 107 material in accordance with QB402.1?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

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

Section IX, QW-200.4(b), Combination of Welding Procedures

Record Number:

BC93-490

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/22/1993
IX-92-75

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When writing multi-process welding procedures per QW-200.4
(a), where the tube wall thickness is less than 1 in., using a separate
qualification for the root deposit only, must the root deposit qualification
coupon be 1/2 in. minimum thickness as stated in QW-200.4(b)?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-462, Test Specimens

Record Number:

BC93-515

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/22/1993
IX-92-76

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-462 defines W as "specimen width, 3/4 in." Is 3/4 in. a
minimum or maximum dimension requirement for preparing a reduced
section tensile specimen?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-200.4, Combination of Welding Procedures, and QW451.4, Fillet Welds Qualified by Groove Weld Tests
09/22/1993
BC93-518
IX-92-77

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A butt welding procedure qualification was completed on a
pipe with E6010 electrode (F-No. 3) for the root pass and E7018 electrode
(F-No. 4) for the remaining process. Question (1): Will the above procedure
qualification alone support a WPS to make a fillet weld with E-7018
electrodes (F-No.4) for all the passes for all fillet sizes on all base metal
thicknesses when all the other essential variables under QW-253, SMAW
process, are the same?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Will the above procedure qualification alone support a WPS
to make a butt weld with E-7018 electrodes (F-No. 4) for all the passes
including the root pass within the limits of qualification of QW-451.1 and
within the limits of the essential variables under QW-253, SMAW process?
Reply (2): Yes.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.2(b), Welding Procedure Qualifications

Record Number:

BC93-561

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/22/1993
IX-92-78

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): May a company subcontract weld procedure development and
qualification including certification of the PQR without a company
representative present to witness the welding, testing, and certification?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): May a company subcontract weld procedure development and

qualification including certification of the PQR with a company
representative present to witness the welding, testing, and certification?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX - 1989 Edition, Addenda 91; QW-151.1, Tension Tests, Reduced
Section-Plate, and QW-462.1(a), Test Specimens
09/22/1993
BC93-583
IX-92-79

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is it permissible to reduce a plate test coupon thickness
beyond removing the reinforcement to allow for parallel surfaces?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): What percentage of the thickness is permissible to be removed

for procedure qualification?
Reply (2): The minimum necessary to obtain parallel surfaces.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-103, Responsibility, and QW-201, Manufacturer's or
Contractor's Responsibility
09/22/1993
BC93-584
IX-92-80

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When a company changes names during the course of time must
all the historical documents such as PQRs and WPQs be revised to show
this new name?

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Reply: No, provided there is documented traceability from the new

company name to the WPSs and PQRs qualified under the old company
name.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-103.1 and QW-201, Manufacturer's or Contractor's
Responsibility
10/18/1993
BC92-306
IX-92-81

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): According to Section IX, para. QW-201, is it permissible for a
manufacturer or contractor to have the welding of the test weldments
performed by another organization?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): According to para. QW-201, is it permissible to subcontract

the work preparation of test metal for welding and subsequent work on
preparation of test specimens from the completed weldment, performance
of nondestructive examination, and mechanical test, provided that the
manufacturer or contractor accepts the responsibility for any such work?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): If the manufacturer or contractor writes the WPS and the
welder used to produce weldments to be tested for qualification of
procedures are under full supervision and control of a representative of the
manufacturer or contractor during the production of these test weldments,
may the welder be an employee of another organization?
Reply (3): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, Code Case 2141, Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc
Welding, SFA 5.17 and SFA 5.23
11/22/1993
BC93-434
IX-92-82

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does the "Manufacturer's Data Report" in the Section IX
Code Case 2141 mean the following: (a) Manufacturer's Data Report
required in PG-112 of SC I; (b) Data Report required in NCA-3770 of
Section III; (c) Data Report required in UG-120 of Section VIII, Div. 2; or
(d) Manufacturer's Data Reports required in AS-300 of Section VIII, Div.
2?
Reply (1): A Manufacturer's Data Report form is any data report form that
is required in an ASME Code Book.

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Question (2): Is it required to described this Code Case number on

procurement and/or manufacturer's specifications and certified material test
report of welding consumables?
Reply (2): Section IX does not address procurement and manufacturer's
specifications.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QB-415, Brazing Variables

Record Number:

BC93-527

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/22/1993
IX-92-83

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does ASME Section IX permit braze welding qualifications
using the rules of Part QW, Welding?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May a fabricator qualify hard-facing using the brazing

variables listed in QB-415?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QB-121 and QB-123, Brazing Test Positions

Record Number:

BC93-655

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/22/1993
IX-92-85

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If the test material is oriented at 15 deg. above horizontal (i.e., 75
deg. down from vertical) and the brazing filler metal flows upward by
capillary action through the joint, would the brazer then be qualified for
both the flat-flow and vertical-upflow positions?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-100.3, Welding General Requirements

Record Number:

BC93-658

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

11/22/1993
IX-92-86

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a hard-facing procedure qualification test that was
performed in 1990 on a 1 in. thick test coupon and is used to support a

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welding procedure specification written in 1993 be used to deposit a hardfacing overlay on base material 1 in. to unlimited thickness?

Reply: Yes. QW-100.3 allows welding procedure specification (WPS) to be

supported by procedure qualifications accomplished subsequent to 1962
without amending the WPS to include any variables required by later
Editions and Addenda.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-403.6, Base Metals and QW-409.1, Electrical
Characteristics
02/14/1994
BC93-151
IX-92-87

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: Two PQRs have been qualified to support a WPS with notch
toughness requirements and having a qualified base metal thickness range
from 5/16 in. to 2 in. inclusive. One PQR was qualified on 1 in. thick
material with a maximum heat input of 85,000 J/in. The second was
qualified on 5/16 in. thick material with a maximum heat input of 45,000
J/in. All other essential and supplementary essential variables are the same.

Question (1): Is this WPS qualified for using 85,000 J/in. max. heat input on
thicknesses 5/16 in. to 2 in.?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Is the heat input value of 85,000 J/in. applicable to base metal
thicknesses between 5/8 in. to 2 in. and the heat input value of 45,000 J/in.
applicable to base metal thicknesses between 5/16 in. and 5/8 in.?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-409.1 and QW-409.8, Electrical Characteristics

Record Number:

BC93-593

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/14/1994
IX-92-88

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Section IX, QW-409.8 and QW-409.1, require that the volts and
amps be specified in the WPS. Does Section IX require voltage to be
measured at a specific location in the welding circuit or the current to be
measured using a specific type of meter (RMS, averaging or other type)?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

Section IX, QW-452.1, Groove Weld Procedure Qualification Thickness

Limits and Test Specimens and QW-452.3, Groove Weld Diameter Limits
02/14/1994
BC93-653
IX-92-89

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder has qualified on 3 in. O.D. 1/2 in. wall pipe in the 1G
position and has also qualified on 1 in. O.D. 1/8 in. wall pipe in the 1G
position. Is the welder qualified to weld 1 in. O.D. 3/8 in. wall in the 1G
position?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-461.9; Performance Qualification Position and Diameter
Limitations
02/14/1994
BC93-753
IX-92-90

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welder has passed two separate tests; one on 5/8 in. O.D. by
0.049 in. thick pipe welded in the 6G position using GTAW process, and
another on 1/2 in. thick plate welded in the 1G position using GTAW
process. Do these two tests in combination qualify the welder to weld pipe
of unlimited diameter in all positions up to 1 in. thick using GTAW?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-300, General Welding Performance Qualifications

Record Number:

BC93-755

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

02/14/1994
IX-92-91

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does Section IX prohibit making editorial corrections to welder
and welding operator performance qualification records?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-201, Manufacturer's or Contractor's Responsibility,
Clarification Request to Interpretation IX-92-07 Date Issued Oct. 7, 1991,
File BC91-156

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Date Issued:

05/20/1994

Interpretation Number :

IX-92-92

Record Number:

BC93-678

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is the term "Organization" as stated in QW-201 and
"Company A" in Interpretation IX-92-07 one and the same?
Reply (1): No.

Background: Two companies are contracted by a client company to

undertake pipe work installation on its facility. All stages of the Welding
Procedure Qualification Processes for the two contracted companies are
witnessed by the client companies representative and the documentation
duly stamped and signed as accepted by the client.
Question (2): May these procedures be used by the client company?
Reply (2): No.

Question (3): Does the client company have to requalify these procedures in
order to perform in-house maintenance at a later date using all the same
essential and nonessential variables with its own qualified welders?
Reply (3): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QB-402.1, Brazing Data and Appendix C - Nonmandatory
S-Numbers
05/20/1994
BC93-752
IX-92-93

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does the brazing procedure qualification test with a base
metal assigned one S-Number, or S-Number plus Group-Number, qualify
for all other base metals in the same S-Number grouping?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does the brazing procedure qualification test with dissimilar
metals using one metal listed in one S-Number to one specific metal not
listed in one S or P-Number qualify for the brazing of all other base metals
in the same S-Number to themselves and to the specific base metal without
S or P-Number?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section II, Part C, SFA-5.8

Record Number:

BC93-754

Date Issued:

05/20/1994

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Interpretation Number :

IX-92-94

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May AWS Classification BAg-34 be considered SFA-5.8 filler
metal even though it does not appear in the 1992 ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code Section II, Part C (including the 1992 Addenda)?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200, General Welding Procedure Qualifications

Record Number:

BC94-008

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/20/1994
IX-92-95

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a single WPS be qualified both with PWHT and without
PWHT (two PQRs), thereby allowing the WPS to be used with or without
PWHT?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-300, General Welding Performance Qualifications

Record Number:

BC94-102

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/20/1994
IX-92-96

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A welder is qualified on a NPS 2 Sch. 40 pipe test coupon
using GTAW 1.6 mm deposited weld metal and SMAW 2.4 mm deposited
weld metal.
Question (1): Is the SMAW portion of the performance qualification
considered welding with backing?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is the welder qualified to weld NPS 4 single welded groove
weld without backing using the SMAW process only?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.4(a), Combination of Welding Procedures

Record Number:

BC94-167

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/20/1994
IX-92-97

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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: According to QW-200.4(a), 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, Appendix C, Nonmandatory S-Numbers

Record Number:

BC94-236

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

05/20/1994
IX-92-98

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May steel produced to ASTM A-108 Grade 1018, UNS G10180,
be considered S-1 material?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-432.6, F-Numbers and Section II, Part C, SFA-5.29, 1992
Addenda
06/10/1994

BC93-762 and BC93-769

IX-92-99

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May AWS 5.24 ER Zr4 be considered as an F-No. 61 filler
metal?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-200.1(b), General Welding Procedure Qualifications and
QW-402.4, Joints
09/21/1994
BC94-104
IX-95-01

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If a WPS states that the GTAW process shall be used on root and
second pass of open root or metal backed groove joints and the SMAW
process shall be used on the remainder of the groove joint, is it necessary to
state that the SMAW portion of the WPS must be performed with backing
(i.e., the GTAW process)?
Reply: No.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-462, Test Specimens

Record Number:

BC94-181

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/21/1994
IX-95-02

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What are the minimum and maximum tolerances for specimens
shown in QW-462, where the figures show "approximate" dimensions?

Reply: As stated in the Foreword, "The Code does not fully address
tolerances. When dimensions, sizes, or other parameters are not specified
with tolerances, the values of these parameters are considered nominal and
allowable tolerance or local variances may be considered acceptable when
based on engineering judgment and standard practices as determined by the
designer."

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-202.2(b), Groove and Fillet Weld Tests and QW-202.3(b),
Weld Repair and Buildup Tests
09/21/1994
BC94-235
IX-95-03

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: Procedure Qualification was performed by making a full
penetration weld on 1 in. thick plate. Paragraph QW-202.2(b) states that
qualification on 1 in. or thicker base metal qualifies for making partial
penetration welds on base metals with no upper limit of base metal
thickness. No minimum thickness of base metal is addressed.

Question (1): Does qualification of 1 in. thick base metal qualify for
making partial penetration groove welds on base metals which are less than
3/16 in. thick?
Reply (1): No. See para. QW-451.1 for minimum base metal thicknesses.

Background: Procedure qualification was performed by making a full

penetration weld on 1 in. thick plate. Paragraph QW-202.3(b) states that
qualification on 1 in. thick or thicker base metal qualifies for making weld
repairs or weld build-ups on base metals of unlimited thickness.
Question (2): Does qualification on 1 in. base metal qualify for making
weld repairs or weld build-ups on base metals which are less than 3/16 in.
thick?
Reply (2): No. See para. QW-451.1 for minimum base metal thicknesses.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

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Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

Section IX, QW-452.3, Groove Weld Diameter Limits and Submerged Arc
Wire Flux Combination
09/21/1994
BC94-296
IX-95-04

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): According to para. QW-452.3 is the inside diameter an
essential variable for performance qualification?
Reply (1): No.

Background: A WPS for SAW process was qualified with a wire flux
combination classified as F6P0-EL8, using one trade name for flux. This
WPS was in use for several years. Now the flux manufacturer has changed
the classification to F7P2-EL8 without changing the trade name of flux. The
flux trade name is mentioned on the WPS and PQR along with the former
AWS classification.
Question (2): Is it required to requalify this WPS due to the change in the
AWS class of the wire flux combination by the flux manufacturer without
changing its Trade Name?
Reply (2): Yes. See para. QW-404.9(a).
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-422, P-Numbers

Record Number:

BC94-365

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/21/1994
IX-95-05

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May SB-564 UNS N08825 be considered as P-No. 45, since it
has identical properties to SB-425 UNS N08825 that is assigned P-No. 45 in
QW-422?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-153.1, Tension Tests

Record Number:

BC94-542

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

09/21/1994
IX-95-06

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If a tensile specimen breaks in the weld metal, below the weld
metal's minimum specified tensile requirement, but not below the minimum
tensile strength specified for the base metal, is the PQR considered
acceptable?
Reply: Yes.

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Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-420.2, S-Numbers

Record Number:

BC94-522

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/17/1995
IX-95-07

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When qualifying a welding procedure using S1 group 2 for API
5LX60 pipe joining to MSS SP-75 or ASTM A860 WPHY-65 fittings, or
when joining WPHY-60 fittings to each other, is it permissible to use the
corresponding S-Number for the fitting as the same grade of high strength
pipe when the physical properties are similar?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-462.4(a), Fillet Weld Procedure

Record Number:

BC94-543

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/17/1995
IX-95-08

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): When T2 is greater than 3/4 in. in Fig. QW-462.4(a), what is
the maximum size fillet weld required?
Reply (1): 3/4 in.

Question (2): In QW-462.4(a), what does "size of fillet = thickness of T2"

mean?
Reply (2): The length of each fillet leg(s) shall be nominally equal to the
thickness of T2.
Question (3): Is there a tolerance for the fillet leg size?

Reply (3): No. As stated in the 1992 Addenda to the Foreword, when
tolerances are not specified, dimensions are considered nominal and
allowable tolerances or local variances may be considered acceptable when
based on engineering judgement and standard practices as determined by
the designer.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-153, Acceptance Criteria--Tension Tests

Record Number:

BC94-570

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

03/17/1995
IX-95-09

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Question: When welds between base metals of different minimum specified

tensile strengths are being tested and tensile failure occurs in either of the
base metals, does the reference to base metal within QW-153.1(d) mean the
base metal with the lower minimum specified tensile strength?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-200.4, Combination of Welding Procedures

Record Number:

BC94-662

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/17/1995
IX-95-10

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a single process WPS be qualified by a combination process
PQR where no essential variables for the process are changed?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-408, Gas

Record Number:

BC95-002

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/17/1995
IX-95-11

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it required to indicate the purity level by percent composition
or descriptive terms of a single shielding gas on the WPS and on the PQR?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-202.4, Dissimilar Base Metal Thicknesses

Record Number:

BC95-027

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

03/17/1995
IX-95-12

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does QW-202.4 include butt joints and corner joints when
joining dissimilar base metal thicknesses when prepared with a groove?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

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Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

Section IX, 1989 Addenda, QW-203, Limits of Qualified Positions for

Procedures Section II Part C, 1989 Addenda, SFA 5.1 and 5.5
06/15/1995
BC94-035
IX-95-13

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Do the requirements for classification of filler metals in
accordance with ASME Section II Part C apply to the qualification of
welding and brazing procedures in accordance with Section IX?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-300.3, Welding Performance Qualifications

Record Number:

BC95-040

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/15/1995
IX-95-14

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Are there any circumstances under which a non-employee person
or organization can represent one or more participating organizations during
welding of the test coupon in accordance with the requirements of QW300.3?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-160, Guided-Bend Tests and QW-466 Note (b)- Test Jigs

Record Number:

BC95-094

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/15/1995
IX-95-15

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it acceptable to measure the percent elongation of the tensile
specimens in lieu of bend specimens to measure the ductility for welding
procedure qualification acceptance?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-255, Welding Variables Procedure Specifications for
FCAW and QW- 408.2, Gas
06/15/1995
BC95-095
IX-95-16

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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a FCAW welding procedure qualified without shielding gas,
be used with a shielding gas without requalification?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-302.4, Visual Examination

Record Number:

BC95-035

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/19/1995
IX-95-17

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): For the fillet weld coupon in welder performance
qualification, does the macro examination required per QW-452.5 exempt
the visual examination required per QW-302.4?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does the visual examination of the fillet weld test coupon
required per QW-302.4 refer to the final weld face side only?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-409.8, Electrical Characteristics

Record Number:

BC95-220

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/19/1995
IX-95-18

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does Section IX require that a separate amperage range be
specified for each filler metal size listed in the WPS?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-300.3, Welding Performance Qualifications and QW-322.1
(b), Expiration of Welder Qualification
10/19/1995
BC95-221
IX-95-19

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A welder simultaneously qualifies for ten different contractors
in accordance with QW-300.3. QW-300.3 requires the contractor that
rejects a welder to notify the other contractors who participated in the
simultaneous test that the welder's qualification has been revoked. One of
the contractors subsequently revokes the welder's qualification for specific

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reason in accordance with QW-322.1(b). Question (1): Are the other nine
contractors who qualified the welder simultaneously required to revoke the
welder's qualification per QW-322.1(b)?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): When a participating contractor revokes a welder's

qualification for specific reason, does QW-300.3 require the other
participating contractors to retest the welder or welding operator?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-300, Welding Performance Qualification

Record Number:

BC95-302

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/19/1995
IX-95-20

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If the manufacturer or contractor writes the WPS and the welder
used to produce the weldments to be tested for qualification of procedures is
under the full supervision and control of the manufacturer or contractor
during the production of these test weldments, may the welder be a
contracted employee, provided the Quality Control system or Quality
Assurance Program of the manufacturer or contractor describes the control
of contracted welders?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

Section IX, QW-403.5, Base Metals

Record Number:

BC95-318

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

10/19/1995
IX-95-21

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A PQR is qualified in accordance with Section IX, with
supplementary essential variables, using a material from British Standard
1501-224-490A-LT50.

Question: May this PQR be used to support a WPS utilizing a P-Number 1,

Group Number 2 material with supplementary essential variables?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-424, Base Metals Used for Procedure Qualification

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Date Issued:

12/28/1995

Interpretation Number :

IX-95-22

Record Number:

BC95-251

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does a procedure qualification using an unassigned metal to an
assigned P-numbered metal qualify for welding the base metals to
themselves using all the nonessential, essential, and supplementary essential
variables qualified?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

BPV Section IX
Section IX, QW-453 Notes (3) and (10), Thickness Limits and Test
Specimens for Hard-Facing and Corrosion-Resistant Overlays
12/28/1995
BC95-428
IX-95-23

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Notes (3) and (10) of QW-453 require a liquid penetrant
examination of the surface of the test coupon for hardfacing procedure and
performance qualifications respectively. May the acceptance standards of
QW-195.2 or other standards deemed appropriate by the qualifying
organization be used as acceptance criteria?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Must the acceptance criteria be specified on the WPS?

Reply (2): 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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