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Standard Designation:
BPV Section IX
Edition/Addenda:

2013

Subject Description:

SC IX; QW-201 and QW-300.3

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

QW-201; QW-300.3
08/27/2013
13-939

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question 1: When preparing Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and
Welding Performance Qualification (WPQ) test records in accordance with
the requirements of QW-200 and QW-300, is it required to use the word
Certify on the PQR and WPQ documents?
Reply 1: Yes.

Question 2: Are Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs) required to be

certified?
Reply 2: No.

Question 3: Is it required that a manufacturer or contractor be an ASME

certificate holder in order to certify qualification records?
Reply 3: No.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-452.3

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW 452.3 Groove-Weld Diameter Limits

08/27/2013
13-1154

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question 1: Does QW-452.3 apply to welding operators?

Reply 1: No.

Question 2: Does QW-452.3 apply to welders?

Reply 2: Yes

Question 3: If a welder qualifies by making a groove weld on NPS 2 pipe, is

the welder qualifed to weld NPS 3/4 pipe (outside diameter 1.04 in.)?
Reply 3: Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

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Edition/Addenda:

2013

Subject Description:

SC IX; QW-405 - string/weave technique

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

QW-405

12/05/2013
13-1559

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A procedure qualification test coupon is performed in the 6G
position, using a manual or semi-automatic welding process, with weld
progression being vertical uphill.
Question (1): When notch toughness qualification is not applicable, does a
change from stringer bead to weave technique require requalification?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): When notch toughness qualification is applicable, does a

change from stringer bead to weave technique require requalification?
Reply (2): Yes
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-261

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; Stud Welding Procedure Qualification per QW-261

08/27/2013
13-568

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: The requirements in QW-261. Stud Welding, essential
variable QW-402.8 address the stud size and shape. Essential variable QW403.17 addresses base metal and stud material P-Numbers, however, there
are no requirements regarding base metal thickness.
Question: Is the base metal thickness a variable for stud welding?
Reply: No
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QG-108

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2010 Edition, 2011 Addenda

BPV Section IX; QG-108 - Current Edition
08/27/2013
13-1044

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In the 2013 Edition of Section IX, QG-108 requires that all new
qualifications of joining processes and personnel be in accordance with the
current edition. In previous editions of Section IX, the foreword indicated
that new editions became mandatory six months after date of issue. Does
that requirement apply to the 2013 edition?
Reply: Yes.

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Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-404.4 and QW-404.30

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-404.4 and QW-404.30 (Change in F Number and Base Metal

Thickness Range)
08/27/2013
13-161

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A WPS with supporting PQR was written and qualified
without impact testing in 1978 to the 1977 Code without addenda on a NPS
2 (EN50) diameter x 0.432 inch (11 mm) wall thickness pipe. The
procedure was qualified in 6G position using an E6011 (F-No. 3) electrode
on the root pass and completed with two fill passes with E7018 (F-No. 4)
electrode. The deposit thickness for the root and fill passes was not recorded
on the PQR or specified individually on the WPS.
Question 1: Provided the WPS and PQR meet all requirements of the 1977
edition of ASME Section IX Code may the WPS continue to be used
without revision for work being completed to the 1977 ASME Code?
Reply: Yes

Question 2: May a new WPS be written or revised without specifying weld

metal thickness range for each welding electrode (E6011 & E7018) with the
WPS prepared to the 2010 edition of ASME Section IX Code with 2011a
addenda using the PQR qualified to the 1977 Code?
Reply: No

Question 3: Is the deposit thickness required to be recorded individually on

the PQR and WPS for each F Number electrode used for the root pass
deposited with the E6011 electrode and the fill passes deposited with E7018
electrodes qualified to the 2010 edition of ASME Section IX Code with
2011a addenda?
Reply: Yes
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-404.12

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2010 Edition, 2011 Addenda

BPV Section IX; QW-404.12 - Hardfacing Filler Metal Classification
08/27/2013
13-727

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A PQR shows SFA-5.21 metal cored filler metal classification
ERCCoCr-A was used to qualify GTAW hard-facing overlay WPS. Does
this PQR support a GTAW hard-facing overlay WPS using SFA-5.21 bare
(solid) filler metal classification ERCoCr-A?
Reply: No.

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Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-202.2

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-202.2 - WPS Qualification Using Bar Stock Test Coupon

02/27/2014
13-634

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A test coupon is prepared using 2" diameter bar stock with a
3/8" deep circumferential groove that is welded flush with the OD of the
bar. A 1-1/4" diameter hole is bored in the center, effectively making the
test coupon a 2" OD "pipe" having a 3/8" wall thickness.

Question: Does Section IX address the qualified base metal thickness range
for test coupons prepared using bar stock.?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-322.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-322.1(a) - Expiration of Qualification

05/29/2014
14-255

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A welder/welding operator is required to weld with a process
within a six month period, in order to maintain qualification to use that
process. A welder/welding operator takes a performance qualification test
using a process for which the welder is already qualified (e.g. SMAW), but
with different essential variables (e.g. different F-number, progression,
etc.). During the performance of the test, the organization responsible for
supervising and controlling the test, visually examines the weld and
determines that it meets the visual acceptance criteria of QW-194.
Subsequently, the test coupon is subjected to volumetric NDE or
mechanical testing, and fails to meet the acceptance criteria.
Question: May a failed performance qualification test, utilizing a process
for which the welder/welding operator is currently qualified, satisfy the
requirements of QW-322.1(a) for maintaining continuity?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-404.14

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-404.14 - Essential Variables

02/20/2014
14-370

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

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Background: A welding procedure was qualified to ASME Section IX for

the GTAW process using ER70S-2 filler metal, a double V-groove joint
design and with multiple passes as specified in the PQR.

Question: Does listing the filler metal classification, double V-groove joint
design and that multiple passes are required, on both the WPS and PQR
satisfy the requirement to address the addition or deletion of filler metal in
QW-404.14?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-301.4

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-301.4 - Record of Tests

02/20/2014
14-371

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: Welders are qualified using a qualified WPS at the time of
their welding tests, in accordance with the requirements specified in QW300.2 and QW-301.2.

Question: Is it a requirement of ASME Section IX that the WPS followed at

the time of a welders qualification test be listed on the Welder Performance
Qualification report for that welder?
Reply: No

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-161.1, QW-161.5 and QW-462.2

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-161.1, QW-161.5 and QW-462.2

03/03/2014
14-438

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does QW-161.1 require that the entire length of the weld of a
corrosion resistant weld metal overlay bend test specimen be within the bent
portion of the specimen after testing?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does QW-161.5 permit the use of longitudinal bend

specimens in lieu of the transverse side bends for procedure qualification of
a corrosion resistant weld metal overlay in which the weld metal and base
metal differ markedly in bending properties?
Reply (2): No, see Figure QW-462.5(d).

Question (3): Does the General Note of QW-462.2 apply to corrosion

resistant weld metal overlays?
Reply (3): No.

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Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-452. - Performance qualification Thickness Lim

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-452 and QW-461.9: WPQ -Range for Qualification

09/11/2014
14-439

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A welder qualified on two pipes. One pipe was welded in the
1G position, 8.6 (219 mm) OD x 29/32 (23 mm) with 5/32 (4 mm)
GTAW and 3/4 (19 mm) SMAW deposit.

Question (1): Is the welder qualified for all position SMAW with maximum
to be welded for pipe OD > 1 (25 mm)?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Is the welder qualified for all position GTQ with 11/32 (8
mm) maximum deposit to be welded for pipe OD > 1 (25 mm)?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-193

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-193 - Tube-to-tubesheet mockup test

09/11/2014
14-497

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Per QW-193.1, is the tubesheet mockup thickness required to be
2 in. (50 mm) for qualification?
Reply: The tubesheet mockup thickness is not required to be thicker than
the production tubesheet nor greater than 2 in. (50 mm) in thickness.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-420

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

Interpretation: SC IX; QW-420, QW/QB-422, P-Numbers (SA-336 F304H)

05/29/2014
14-510

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: Prior to the 2007 Edition, Table QW/QB-422 listed SA-336
F304H UNS S30409 with P-No. 8 Group-No. 1. SA-336 F304H UNS
S30409 was replaced by SA-965 F304H UNS S30409 in the 2007 Edition
of Section IX in order to reflect the Section II, Part A material specification
changes.

Question: Is SA-336 F304H UNS S30409 considered P-No. 8 Group-No. 1?

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Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW 403.6

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2011a

SC IX; QW-403.6 - Range thickeness

09/11/2014
14-537

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A welding procedure with impact testing was qualified using a
test coupon of 6mm. Does this qualify 3-12mm thickness, since the 6mm
thickness is less than inch (6.35mm)?
Answer: No, See Nonmandatory Appendix G.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-163 Acceptance Criteria Bend Tests

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-163: Acceptance Criteria Bend Tests

05/29/2014
14-557

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does the acceptance criteria for the convex surface of guided
bend test specimens, which states a maximum acceptable discontinuity
length of 1/8 inch (3 mm) apply to each specimen individually?
Reply (1): Yes

Question (2): Is the acceptance criteria for the convex surface of guided
bend test specimens, which states a maximum acceptable discontinuity
length of 1/8 inch (3 mm), the cumulative total length permitted on all of
the specimens required for a single qualification?
Reply (2): No
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-194 Visual Examination Performance

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-194: Visual Examination Performance

09/11/2014
14-558

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A performance coupon is welded and visual inspection reveals
significant face and root reinforcement.
Question: Does Section IX state limits on face or root reinforcement for
groove weld coupons used for welder qualification?

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Reply: No, Section IX establishes minimum acceptance criteria for the

qualification of welding personnel.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-200.2(f) and QW-451.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-200.2(f) and QW-451.1

09/11/2014
14-786

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: One PQR was qualified with GTAW on a test plate thickness
of 3/8 (0.375). A second PQR was qualified with SMAW on a test plate
thickness of 3/4 (0.75).
Question: Can a WPS supported by both PQRs be qualified for
1/16 (0.0625) to 3/4 (0.75) without the minimum thickness applicable
to the SMAW process being restricted to 3/16 (0.1875) per QW-451.1?
Reply: No
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

Para QW 217 (a) or (b)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-217(a) and (b)

09/11/2014
14-934

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A full penetration butt weld joining SA-516 Gr. 60 plates clad
with SA-240 316L is to be completed. Is the corrosion resistant weld metal
overlay covering the carbon steel butt weld and joining the clad surfaces
required to be deposited following a corrosion resistant overlay Welding
Procedure Specification which has been qualified in accordance with the
rules of ASME Section IX?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-122.1, QW-303.1, Table QW-461.9, Figure QW-461.

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

Section IX; QW-122.1, QW-303.1, Table QW-461.9, Figure QW-461.1 Position of 1G Pipe Weld
09/11/2014
14-973

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question 1: For performance qualifications on pipe in the 1G rotated test
position, must production welding be limited to a weld axis of plus or minus
15 degrees from the top (0 degree) position of the pipe?

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Reply 1: Yes

Question 2: Is the direction of pipe rotation in a flat position pipe weld an

essential variable for performance qualification?
Reply 2: No.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-452.1(b)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-452.1(b) - Welding of Joint by more than one Welder

09/11/2014
14-1080

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Can Welder 1 and Welder 2, both qualified to deposit 1/2" (13
mm) using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process, each deposit
1/2 in. (13 mm) into a 1 in. (25 mm) groove-weld thickness, with Welder 1
depositing the first 1/2 in. (13 mm) of weld metal and Welder 2 depositing
the remaining 1/2 in. (13 mm) of weld metal?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW 151.2 (d)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-151.2(d) - Reduced Section Tension Tests on Pipes

09/18/2014
14-1087

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: ASME Section IX, QW-151.2(d), on Reduced Section
Tension Test on Pipe, specifies that When multiple specimens are
necessary, the entire thickness shall be mechanically cut into a minimum
number of approximately equal strips of a size that can be tested in the
available equipment. However, substantial cross sectional area is lost while
splitting the entire thickness for multiple specimens, resulting into untested
area at the mid-thickness. By allowing specimens from adjacent areas, full
thickness will get tested. Other international standards allow the same.
Question: Is it permissible to take specimens from adjacent locations, one
sample representing the outer thickness and the other, the inner side of the
thickness, with overlapping areas in the mid-thickness, instead of cutting
the entire thickness at one location into multiple strips, for one set of
reduced section tension test specimens?
Reply: No.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-409.22 and Table QW-453

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:

2013

SC IX; QW-453 and QW-462.5(a) - Hardfacing Hardness Test Locations

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Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

11/26/2014
14-1107

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it required that hardness testing per QW-453 and QW-462.5(a)
shall be located at the area where the highest amperage readings were
observed on the test coupon?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-200.2(b) & Form QW-483

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-200.2(b) & Form QW-483 - Certification of the PQR

09/18/2014
14-1236

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it a requirement that the laboratory performing the mechanical
testing of the PQR coupon certify and sign the PQR, in addition to it being
certified and signed by the Organization?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-350,QW-356

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-350 & QW-354 - Welder Qualification for GTAW process

09/18/2014
14-1393

Question(s) and Reply(ies): TBD

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-217(a)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-217(a) - Welding Procedure Qualification with Cladding Plate

11/12/2015
14-1402

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): When constructing a vessel using clad plate, a WPS is to be
qualified following the provisions of QW-217(a), since the strength of the
cladding will be considered in the design calculations. Does the tensile
testing acceptance criteria of QW-153.1(b) apply?
Reply (1): No.

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Question (2): If the reply to Question (1) is "No", is the tensile testing
acceptance criteria based upon the tensile strength of the base metal
substrate per QW-153.1(a)?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-322.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013 Edition

SC IX; QW-322.1 - Expiration of Qualification

11/26/2014
14-1451

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A Welder is qualified performing a groove weld using
combination of the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Shielded
Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process(es). The welder then performs
separate fillet welds using the GTAW and SMAW processes within the
required six (6) month period to extend his qualifications. QW-322.1 (a) (1)
states that all a welder has to do is too weld with the process for which he
was qualified, under the supervision and control of the qualifying
organization(s) to extend his qualification for an additional six (6) months.
Question: May a welder qualified to weld a groove weld using the
combination of the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process and the
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process extend his qualifications for
an additional six (6) months by welding separate fillet welds with the
GTAW process and the SMAW process?
Reply: Yes
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-193.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-193.1 - Tube to tubesheet welding procedure qualification

02/02/2015
14-1571

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: Ten mockup welds are required to qualify each tube-totubesheet procedure. The mockup assembly shall essentially duplicate the
tube hole configuration and tube-to-tubesheet joint design within the limits
of the essential variables of QW-288.

Question: When performing tube to tubesheet welding procedure

qualifications may the ten required consecutive welds be made in a straight
line on the tubesheet test assembly, rather than the actual production
tubesheet hole pattern, provided the ligament dimensions are correct?
Reply: Yes

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX
2013

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Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-403.6

Date Issued:

12/01/2014

Subject Description:
Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

SC IX; QW-403.6 - Qualified Base Metal Thickness with Impacts

14-1618

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A SMAW procedure qualification test coupon consisting of
two plates with the same P-Number but different Group numbers, and of
different base metal thicknesses is groove welded. The thinner plate, T1 =
0.24 in. thick, and the thicker plate, T2 = 3/8 in. thick. Impact testing is
required.
Question 1: Does this test coupon qualify the WPS for a base metal
thickness range of 0.120 in. to 0.75 in.?
Reply 1: No.

Question 2: Does this test coupon qualify the WPS for a base metal
thickness range of 0.120 in. to 0.480 in. for the T1 Group Number, and
0.375 in. to 0.75 in. for the T2 Group Number?
Reply 2: Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-403.5

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2010

SC IX; QW-403.5 - Procedure Qualification with Dissimilar Base Materials

12/01/2014
14-1656

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A test coupon has been welded using SA-333 Gr. 6 (P-No.1
Group 1) to SA-350 Gr. LF2 (P-No.1 Group 2) resulting in an impact tested
(weld and both heat-affected zones) Procedure Qualification Record.

Question: May a WPS be written, supported by this PQR using the variables
qualified, for welding all P-No.1 Group 2 materials to themselves, e.g. API
5L X65?
Reply: Yes

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QG-102

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QG-102 - Procedure Qualification Record

12/01/2014
14-1772

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it permissible to reference and attach a test report to a PQR
form in lieu of transferring the test results to the PQR?
Reply: Yes.

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Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-253.1,QW-256.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-253.1,QW-256.1 - Weld overlay procedure qualification

12/01/2014
14-1777

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: Material for the shell of a heat exchanger is SA516, Gr.70
(impact tested) plus 3 mm Monel Clad. Nozzles are SA333,.Gr. 6 and
SA350, LF2, CL1 which are required to be impact tested and post weld heat
treated. The cladding has been stripped from the longitudinal seam of the
shell. The stripped back areas need to be re-clad with monel. The welding
procedures for the shell and nozzles are qualified with impact testing.
Fabrication is to ASME Section VIII, Division 1.
Question: Is it acceptable to perform a weld overlay qualification on the
outside diameter of a pipe though in the actual job it is needed on the inside
diameter?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-199

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-199 - Upset Welding

12/01/2014
14-1851

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a WPS for Upset Welding (UW) be qualified in accordance
with the rules of ASME Section IX?
Reply: No

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-288.1(c)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-288.1(c) Tube-To-Tubesheet Essential Variables - qualified

tube wall thickness
12/01/2014
14-1909

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does a tube-to-tubesheet PQR with specified tube wall thickness
of 2.77 mm qualify a tube-to-tubesheet WPS of any specified tube wall
thickness greater than 2.5 mm?
Reply: Yes.

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Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-153(c)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-153(c) - Room Temperature Tensile strength

05/26/2015
14-1933

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does QW-153.1(c) allow the minimum room temperature tensile
strength of a procedure qualification weld test specimen to be less than that
specified for the base material welded, (other than as provided for in the
applicable ASME B&PV Code Section)?
Reply: No

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

Para./Fig./Table No:

BPV Section IX

Subject Description:

QW-423.1

Record Number:

12-2295

Date Issued:

Interpretation Number :

06/10/2013
IX-13-13

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In accordance with QW-423.1, may P-No. 1 base materials be
substituted for P-No. 8 base materials when following a P-No. 8 to P-No. 8
WPS for the purpose of a welder qualification, when variable QW-403.18
applies?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-408.2

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-408.2, Shielding Gas Variable

12/01/2014
14-1943

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: For a single shielding gas or combination of shielding gases, is a
change in the purity of the shielding gas an essential variable?
Reply: No

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-407.2

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

2013

SC IX; QW-407.2
12/01/2014
14-2010

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Interpretation Number :

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A PQR is completed with PWHT at 625C for 4 hours holding
time where supplementary essential variable QW-407.2 applies.
Question (1): For a PQR, may PWHT at 625C for 4 hours total holding
time be completed in either a single cycle of 4 hours or in 2 cycles of 2
hours holding time?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is the WPS qualified to complete an initial weld with PWHT
at 625C for 2 hours holding time followed by 1 repair weld completed on
the weld with a PWHT holding time after the weld repair of 2 hours at
625C resulting in a total PWHT holding time of 4 hours?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-408.9

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-408.9
02/02/2015
14-2025

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does QW-408.9 require backing gas (gas purge) to be applied for
fillet (attachment) welds with P-No. 4X base metal and F-No. 4X weld filler
metal when the WPS was qualified with a groove weld with backing gas?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-193

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-193 - Test of Tube-to-Tubesheet Joint

12/01/2014
14-2048

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When performing a tube-to-tubesheet procedure qualification test
in accordance with QW-193, is it required to perform only the macro
examination required by QW-193.1.3?
Reply: No. The test acceptance criteria specified in QW-193.1.1 through
QW-193.1.3 shall apply.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-401.3, QW-407.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

2013

SC IX; QW-401.3, QW-407.1

02/02/2015

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Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

14-2118

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A WPS for P-No. 1 material includes a postweld heat
treatment between 635 deg C and 665 deg C and is supported by a PQR
which includes toughness testing at -46 deg C. The application requires
toughness testing at -51 deg C so an additional test coupon was welded and
postweld heat treated at 620 deg C. Both 620 deg C and 665 deg C are
below the lower transformation temperature of the P-No. 1 material being
welded.
Question 1: Does the additional qualification weld postweld heat treated at
620 deg C need to include the tension test and bend test specimens to
support the WPS?
Reply 1: No.

Question 2: Does the additional qualification weld postweld heat treated at

620 deg C need to include the toughness specimens tested at -51 deg C to
support the WPS for the specific application?
Reply 2: Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-404.12 (e)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-40412(e) - Electrode for Non Impact Job

05/26/2015
14-2178

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a WPS qualified with impact testing and E7018-1 electrodes
be revised to allow welding with E7018 electrodes for non-impact testing
applications?
Reply: Yes

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-402.2

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-402.2 - Backing

08/24/2015
14-2200

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A company is electron beam welding and all the welds
deposited in the assembly are partial penetration welds. Table QW-260
considers QW-402.2 for the addition or deletion of backing an essential
variable. The definition of backing in QG-109.2 states backing is material
used to facilitate a complete joint penetration.
Question: Is a partial penetration electron beam weld considered a weld
with backing?

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Reply: Yes
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QF-301.4; QF-305.1(a); QF-132

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QF-301.4 and QF-305.1(a) - Fusing Machine Operator Qualification

02/02/2015
14-2234

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: QF-304.1, Record of Tests, requires that fusing machine
operator performance qualification (FPQ) tests shall include the qualified
ranges of essential performance variables, the type of tests performed, and
test results for each fusing machine operator. QF-305.1(a), Testing, requires
that qualification testing shall be performed on test coupons in accordance
with QF-311 and the following requirements: (a) The data required by QF130 shall be recorded for each fusing machine operator.
Question: Are the variables listed in QF-132, Data Acquisition Record
Review, required to be recorded for the fusing machine operator
performance qualification record?
Reply: No.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-193.1.3(d)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-193.1.3(d) - Macro Specimen of Tube-to-tubesheet Joint

02/02/2015
14-2262

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A Manufacturer qualifies a tube-to-tubesheet weld procedure

using a 10 tube mockup assembly per QW-193 with groove weld design
where the depth of groove weld preparation is 2.0 mm. The tubesheet was
cross-sectioned and the welds were examined per the requirements of QW193.1.3. The requirements of QW-193.1.3(a-c, e) were met. All
qualification cross-sectioned welds were found to have a minimum
penetration depth of 1.7 mm (i.e. complete penetration to within 0.4 mm of
the root of the weld).

Question: Are the tube-to-tubesheet welds acceptable per the requirement of

paragraph QW-193.1.3(d)?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-407.1(b)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

2013

SC IX; QW-407.1(b) - PWHT within a specified range

05/26/2015

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Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

14-2264

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A WPS exists for welding P-No. 45 material and is supported
by a PQR that has a PWHT temperature of 2100F. Essential variable QW407.1 applies. The existing WPS requires PWHT at 2100F.

Question: May a new WPS be written with a PWHT temperature of 1625F

using an existing PQR that records a PWHT temperature of 2100F and was
welded using a WPS with a specified PWHT range of 2100F?

Reply: No, the PWHT temperature must be within the specified temperature
range qualified by the PQR.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-451 & QW-452.3

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

ASME Section IX, Tables QW-451.1, QW-452.3 and Table QW-461.9.

applicability to typical nozzle welds
02/02/2015
14-2343

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A 1.125 in. OD stub tube having a wall thickness of 0.180 in.
is to be welded into a header having a wall thickness of 2.677 in. The weld
detail will apply a partial penetration groove weld in combination with an
external fillet weld such as shown in Fig. UW-16.1, sketch (u) of Section
VIII, Division 1 (2013 Edition). The weld will be completed in the flat
position by a welder qualified on a weld test coupon prepared using plate
and welded in the 2G position.

Question (1): Do the procedure qualification limits of Table QW-451.1

require the WPS selected to deposit the weld joint described above to be
qualified for a base metal thickness range (T) encompassing the thicknesses
of both the stub tube and the header?
Reply (1): Yes. See also paragraph QW-202.2(b).

Question (2): Do the performance qualification limits of Table QW-452.3

and Table QW-461.9 require a welder assigned to deposit the weld joint
described above to be qualified for small diameter welds in pipe or tube?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-215.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-215.1 - EB Welding

03/03/2016
14-2449

BPV IX-16-

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If a production weld includes a lap over, is it required that the
PQR test coupon include a lap over?

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Reply: Yes
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-360 and QW-382

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-360 and QW-382 - Hardfacing Operator Performance Using

Powder Filler Metal
08/24/2015
14-2453

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: The inquirer seeks to perform a machine PAW hard-facing in
conformance with Section IX requirements. The inquirer has qualified their
operators and WPS in accordance with Section IX requirements. Powder
from for filler metal is not covered in SFA 5.21 nor any other SFA
specification. The powder filler metal conforms to the chemical
composition of SFA 5.21 solid and bare electrodes.

Question: Does performance qualification for machine PAW hard-facing

using a powder filler metal conforming to the chemical composition of one
AWS classification, within a SFA specification, qualify for all other powder
filler metals conforming to the chemical composition of an AWS
classification within the same SFA specification?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-407.2

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-407.2 - PWHT Time and temperature range

02/02/2015
15-32

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does a PQR with impact requirements, PWHT at 600 - 620C
and 5 hours of soak time, support a WPS with impact requirements and the
same PWHT temperature range with a soak time of 1 hour?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-306

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2010

SC IX; QW-306 - Welder Qualifications for Combination Welding Used for

Single Process Welding
05/26/2015
15-35

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A welder was qualified for groove welds using a combination
of welding processes, with manual GTAW process for the root pass without

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backing and SMAW process for remainder of the passes. Production

welding will be performed using a separate qualified groove weld WPS that
uses the SMAW process only for the root pass without backing and for the
remaining passes.
Question 1: Is the welder qualified to perform welds using only one of the
qualified processes, within the limits of qualification for each welding
process?
Reply 1: Yes.

Question 2: Is the welder qualified to perform welds using the SMAW

process for the root pass without backing?
Reply 2: No.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-193.1, QW-288.1(i), QW-424.2

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-193.1 - Welding procedure qualification for overlay material

cladding tubesheet
05/26/2015
15-123

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: QW-191.1 states, "The cladding may be represented by the
base material of essentially equivalent chemical composition to the cladding
composition."
Question: Does the word "cladding" in QW-193.1 include weld metal
overlay material?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-163

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-163 - Bend Test Discontinuities

05/26/2015
15-224

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does the acceptance criteria for the surface of a guided bend
test specimen apply prior to bending?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does the acceptance criteria for the convex surface of the
guided bend test specimens apply to the specimens after bend?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

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Edition/Addenda:

2011a Addenda

Subject Description:

SC IX; QW-171.2 - Impact Test Acceptance Criteria

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

QW-171.2

05/26/2015
15-346

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): A WPS has been qualified with impact testing at -46C. The
filler metal is classified with impact testing at -30C. Is the WPS qualified
in accordance with Section IX down to -46C ?
Reply (1): Yes

Question (2): Is it required that the same brand and batch number of weld
consumable, as used in weld procedure qualification impact testing, be used
for production welds ?
Reply (2): This is not addressed in ASME IX.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-200.4

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-200.4 - Combination of Welding Processes

05/26/2015
15-347

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A PQR consisting of a 20mm base metal thickness test coupon
is welded with the GTAW process for the root and subsequent passes up to
10mm weld deposit thickness, followed by the SMAW process for the fill
and cap passes for the remaining 10mm weld deposit thickness.
Question (1): May the PQR be used to support a WPS for the SMAW
process alone up to 20mm weld metal thickness and welding the root pass
without backing?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May the PQR be used to support a WPS for the SMAW
process alone up to 20 mm weld metal thickness with back welding?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-405.2

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-405.2 - Range of Position in WPS

05/26/2015
15-349

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A test coupon was welded in the 1G position and impact
testing was performed.

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Question: May a WPS supported by that PQR permit welding in the

horizontal position when impact testing is applicable?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-408.2

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-408.2 - Shielding gas, Mison Ar

05/26/2015
15-371

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a shielding gas containing 99.97% Argon and 0.03%NO be
considered a single shielding gas?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW 163

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-163: Acceptance Criteria Bend Tests

05/26/2015
15-654

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: If a guided bend specimen displays multiple open discontinuities
on the convex surface after bending, each having a length less than 1/8 in.
(3 mm), but whose cumulative length exceeds 1/8 in. (3 mm), is the
specimen acceptable?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-193

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013 Edition

SC IX; QW-193 and QW-193.1.3 - Macro Examination of Tube-toTubesheet Mock-up Welds

08/24/2015
15-872

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A tube-to-tube-sheet welding procedure is qualified by

welding a 10 tube mock-up per the requirements of QW-193.1. Per the
requirements of QW-193.1.3, the mockup welds are sectioned through the
center of the tube for macro?examination. The four exposed surfaces are
smoothed and etched to give a clear definition of the weld and heat?affected
zone.

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Question: Does a qualification of the welding procedure require macro

examination of 40 tube-to-tubesheet polished weld faces from the 10 tube
mock-up welds?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-402.4 and QW-402.5

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-402.4 and QW-402.5

08/24/2015
15-887

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Does QW-402.4 require a WPS using SMAW with backing,
to be revised or amended before it can be used to weld a production weld
without backing?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does QW-402.4 require a WPS using SMAW without

backing, to be revised or amended before it can be used to weld a
production weld with backing?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): Does QW-402.5 require a WPS using GTAW without

backing, to be revised or amended before it can be used to weld a
production weld with backing?
Reply (3): Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

Table QW-258.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; Table QW-258.1

08/24/2015
15-953

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: An ESW Welding Procedure Qualification (PQR) for
corrosion resistance weld overlay was completed to the requirements of
QW-258.1 without a supplementary device for controlling the magnetic
field acting on the weld puddle commonly known as magnetic steering. The
deletion of a supplementary device for controlling the magnetic field acting
on the weld puddle is an essential variable (QW-410.40) per Table QW258. 1.
Question: May a WPS be written for Corrosion Resistant Weld Overlay
using ESW with the addition of a supplementary device for controlling the
magnetic field acting on the weld puddle, be supported by the PQR
described in the background?
Reply: Yes

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Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-288.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-288.1(b) - Tube-to-Tubesheet Qualification

11/12/2015
15-954

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When a tube-to-tubesheet weld was qualified with a groove depth
of 2.4 mm and subsequent production tube-to-tubesheet welds were made
using a groove depth of 1.4 mm with the same groove type and no decrease
in the groove angle from the procedure qualification, is requalification
required for a reduction in groove depth?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-288.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-288.1(d) - Tube-Tubesheet Qualifications

11/12/2015
15-955

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When a tube-to-tubesheet weld was qualified with a tube
diameter of 20 mm and wall thickness of 2.1 mm and subsequent
production tube-to-tubesheet welds were made with a tube diameter of 25.4
mm and a wall thickness of 2.1 mm, is requalification required for an
increase of tube diameter?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-403.6 and QW-451.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-403.6 and QW-451.1

08/24/2015
15-958

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A welding procedure specification is being qualified in

accordance with a construction code requiring impact testing for WPS
qualification. However, the base material and, by extension, the HAZ are
exempt from impact testing by the construction code, so impacts are
required for weld metal only. The procedure qualification test will be
performed on a plate coupon that is 1 inch thick.
Question: Is the base metal thickness range qualified based only on the
dimensions specified in Table QW-451.1?
Reply: No, QW-403.6 applies.

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Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-403.10

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-403.10
08/24/2015
15-1048

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A test coupon was welded using short circuit GMAW for the
root pass and SMAW for the fill and cap. The corresponding PQR was used
to support a WPS for SMAW only.
Question: Does QW-403.10 limit the base metal thickness of the SMAW
WPS to 1.1T?
Reply: No
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QG-106

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QG-106 - Full Supervision & Control During Qualification

05/13/2015
15-1137

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Is it the intent of QG-106.1(a) that personnel who produce test
joints for procedure qualification shall produce those joints under the full
supervision and control of the qualifying organization?
Reply (1): Yes

Question (2): Is it the intent of QG-106.2(a) that personnel who produce test
joints for performance qualification shall produce those joints under the full
supervision and control of the qualifying organization?
Reply (2): Yes
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-404.35

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-404.35
05/13/2015
15-1138

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is it the intent of ASME Section IX, QW?404.35, that
requalification is required when there is a change to a larger number in the
indicator for impact toughness, indicating classification at a lower impact
testing temperature (e.g. a change from F7A2-EM12K to F7A4-EM12K)?
Reply: No.

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Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-202.2 (c)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-202.2(c) - Tube fillet

08/25/2015
15-1198

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: The requirements for tube-to-tubesheet procedure

qualification are provided in paragraph QW-202.6, including the
requirements for procedure qualification when a tube-to-tube sheet weld is
completed with a fillet weld joining a tube to tubesheet.

Question 1: When the applicable Code section specifies that QW-193 is

required for tube-to-tubesheet demonstration mockup qualification tests,
may qualification of tube-to-tubesheet welds be qualified as a fillet weld per
Paragraph QW-202.2(c)?
Reply 1: No.

Question 2: When the applicable Code section does not specify that QW193 is required for tube-to-tubesheet demonstration mockup qualification
test, may a pressure retaining fillet weld for welding a tube to tubesheet be
qualified as a fillet weld per paragraph QW-202.2(c)?
Reply 2: No.

Question 3: When the applicable Code section does not specify that QW193 is required for tube-to-tubesheet demonstration mockup qualification
test, may a nonpressure retaining fillet weld be qualified per paragraph QW202.2(c)?
Reply 3: Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-283.4 (a) & QW-424.2

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-283.4 (a) & QW-424.2 - Replacement of weld metal buttering

with similar P-No base material
08/25/2015
15-1302

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: QW-283.4 requires a requalification of a buttered PQR when
an essential variable is changed in the portion of the weld to be made after
buttering or when a different organization is performing the portion of the
weld to be made after buttering. While QW-283.4(b) and QW-424.2 permit
the buildup or overlay portion of a joint to be substituted in the test coupon
by any P-Number base material that nominally matches the chemical
analysis of the buildup or overlay, QW-283.4(a) does not afford this relief.

Question: When buttering is less than 5 mm in thickness as outlined in QW283.4(a), may any P-Number base material that nominally matches the
chemical analysis of the buildup or overlay be used for requalification?

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Reply: No.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-191.1.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-191.1.1 - Qualification & Certification of RT Personnel

11/12/2015
15-1315

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: QW-191.1.1 states that "the radiographic examination for welders
and welding operators shall meet the requirements of Article 2, Section V".
Does Section IX specify qualification requirements for examination
personnel performing radiographic examinations of qualification test
coupons for welders and welding operators?
Reply: No. See Section V, Article 2, paragraph T-210.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-452 and Table QW-461.9

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

ASME SEC IX

Section IX, QW-452 and Table QW-461.9 Welder Performance

Qualification Thickness, Position and Diameter Limits
11/12/2015
15-1369

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A welder is qualified for GTAW and SMAW on pipe in the
1G position. The actual values qualified are as follows. The pipe outside
diameter is 219 mm and the wall thickness is 23.01 mm. The GTAW weld
deposit thickness is 4 mm and the SMAW weld deposit thickness is 19.01
mm.

Question (1): Is the welder qualified to weld SMAW production welds with
outside diameters over 25 mm in all positions (flat, horizontal, vertical,
overhead)?
Reply (1): No

Question (2): The same welder is also qualified for GTAW on pipe in the
6G position. The actual values qualified are as follows. The pipe outside
diameter is 63.5 mm and the wall thickness is 6.35 mm. The GTAW weld
deposit thickness is 6.35 mm. Is the welder qualified to weld GTAW
production welds with outside diameters over 25 mm with a maximum wall
thickness of 12.7 mm in all positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead)?
Reply (2): Yes
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-303.1 & Table QW-461.9

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:

2013

QW-303.1 and Table QW-461.9 - Welder Qualification Position Limits

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Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

11/16/2015
15-1441

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A welder is qualified for SMAW on plate groove welds in the
2G, 3G and 4G positions for unlimited thickness. A 3 inch outside diameter
piping nozzle is required to be welded to a shell that is over 24 inch
diameter in the vertical position. The shell is beveled for a complete
penetration set-in or stubin welded connection.
Question: Is a welder that is qualified for all positions and unlimited
thickness on plate groove welds also qualified to weld a complete
penetration weld connecting a 3 inch outside diameter piping nozzle to a
beveled shell that is over 24 inch diameter?
Reply: Yes
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW 462.1 (a)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-462.1(a) - Dimensional Tolerance

11/16/2015
15-1458

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: What is the maximum amount of material that may be removed to
accomplish "minimum amount to obtain approx. parallel surfaces" in Figure
QW-462.1(a)?
Reply: Section IX does not specify the amount of material to be removed to
obtain approximately parallel surfaces.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-302

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013 Section IX
SC IX; QW-302 and Figure QW-463.2(e) Welder Performance
Qualification on Pipe
03/03/2016
15-1501

BPV IX-16-

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: Welder performance qualification testing is performed on a 30

inch NPS x 0.500 inch wall pipe coupon in the 5G position with
qualification by bend testing to represent production welding where two (2)
welders complete one (1) circumferential joint. Each welder completes half
the circumference by welding the full thickness from the 6 oclock to the 12
oclock position. Four (4) side bend specimens are removed and tested for
each welder. For each welder, two (2) of the four (4) side bend specimens
are removed from the upper quadrant and two (2) from the lower quadrant
with each specimen aligned between 45 and 60 degrees from the vertical
plane of pipes circumference. Bends meet the requirements of QW-160.
Radiographic examination for each welder meets QW-191.1.2.2 acceptance
criteria.

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Question: Does the welder performance qualification test in the background

meet the requirements of QW-302?
Reply: No. Each welder must complete the entire pipe circumference. See
QW-302.2, QW-302.3, QW-302.4, QW-304.1(a), and published
interpretation IX-10-01.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-202.3; QW-407.4

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-202.3 & QW-407.4 P-No. 10H Thickness Restrictions for Weld
Repair and Buildup
08/27/2015
15-1533

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A weld procedure qualification is conducted using a base
material under P-No. 10H, with a thickness of 1.5". Essential variable QW407.4 applies and restricts the maximum qualified base metal thickness to
1.65" (1.1 x T) when a solution annealing heat treatment is performed after
welding. Paragraph QW-202.3(b) states that, "For other than fillet welds,
the thickness range for base metal and deposited weld metal for each
welding process shall be in accordance with QW-451, except there need be
no upper limit on the base metal thickness provided qualification was made
on base metal having a thickness of 1" (38 mm) or more". QW-451.1 Note
1 states that variable QW-407.4 further restricts the limits in this table.
Question (1): May this PQR be used to support weld repair and weld
buildup on base metal thickness exceeding 1.65 in.?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does the term "weld repair" apply to any repair of a weld after
the weld is completed and final heat treatment is performed?
Reply (2): Section IX does not define weld repair.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-288(d)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-288.1(d) - Tube Diameter Range Qualified

11/16/2015
15-1676

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A tube-to-tubesheet PQR exists that used 19.05 mm diameter
tubes having wall thickness of 2.11 mm.
Question: Can this PQR be used to support a WPS for tube-to-tubesheet
welding 25 mm diameter tubes having wall thickness of 2.11 mm?
Reply: Yes.

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Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QG-108, Construction Code material Code Cases

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013, 2015

SC IX; QW-200.1(c) & QW-424.1

03/03/2016
15-1695

BPV IX-16-

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: Materials approved for use by a Code Case require separate
qualification of the WPS for joining the unassigned material. The Code
Case is subsequently revised multiple times. Some revisions alter the
chemical composition or method of manufacture for the subject material,
and others have no effect on the defining parameters for the material. After
each revision of the Code Case, the WPS is reviewed by the qualifying
organization to determine whether it remains valid for continued use.

Question: Under the conditions described in the background, do QW-200.1

(c) or QW-424.1 require annotation of the WPS to reflect the WPS remains
qualified for joining the unassigned materials when a Code Case is revised,
if requalification of the WPS is not required?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-407.2

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-407.2 - Tolerance on holding time at PWHT temperature

11/16/2015
15-1721

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When QW-407.2 applies may a production weld joining P No. 1
Gp. 2 material per a qualified WPS be PWHTd for 1 hour holding time at
1150F nominal temperature with a supporting PQR with PWHT completed
for 5 hours holding time at 1150F holding temperature?
Reply: Yes

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-461.9

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-461.9 - Performance Qualification - Position and Diameter

Limitations (Within the Other Limitations of QW-303)
11/16/2015
15-1730

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A welder deposits two (2) weld layers in the 3G vertical-up
position for the entire length of the test coupon, moves the test coupon to
the 2G position and deposits two (2) weld layers for the entire length of the
test coupon, and then moves the test coupon to the 4G position and deposits
one (1) weld layer for the entire length of the test coupon. Question (1):

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When performing a Welder Performance Qualification, may a single weld

test coupon be utilized, moved between the 2G, 3G, and 4G positions, and
welded the full length of the test coupon in each position to qualify the
welder for all positions?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): When performing a Welder Performance Qualification, when

a single weld test coupon is utilized, moved between the 2G, 3G, and 4G
positions, and welded the full length of the test coupon in each position, is
the thickness of the weld metal qualified based on the thickness deposited in
each position?
Reply (2): Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-409.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-256, QW-409.1 & Form QW-482, Weld Travel Speed

11/16/2015
15-1777

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: For welding procedure qualifications using the GTAW
process, QW-409.1, an increase in heat input, is a supplementary essential
variable. QW-409.1(a) requires the weld travel speed to be used in
determining heat input. QW-409.8, current and voltage ranges, is a
nonessential variable and there is not an essential or nonessential variable
that addresses weld travel speed. However, weld travel speed is included on
Form QW-482, Suggested Format for Welding Procedure Specifications.
Question (1): Must the weld travel speed be addressed on the WPS when
supplementary essential variables apply and the method of QW-409.1(a) is
used to control heat input?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is weld travel speed an essential or nonessential variable when

supplementary essential variables do not apply?
Reply (2): No.

Question (3): Is weld travel speed required to be specified on the WPS

when supplementary essential variables do not apply?
Reply (3): No.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-409.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-409.1 - Heat Input

11/16/2015
15-1778

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Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: For welding procedure qualifications using the GTAW
process, QW-409.1, an increase in heat input, is a supplementary essential
variable. QW-409.1(a) requires the weld amperage, voltage and travel speed
to be used in determining heat input. QW-409.8, current and voltage ranges,
is a nonessential variable.
Question: When using the heat input method of QW-409.1(a), is it required
that the amperage, voltage and travel speed values be addressed on the
WPS?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-409.1

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-409.1 - Heat Input

11/16/2015
15-1779

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: For welding procedure qualifications using the GTAW
process, QW-409.1, is a supplementary essential variable. When the heat
input method of QW-409.1(a) is used, the values for current, voltage and
travel speed must be used in determining the heat input. Heat input
calculations using the specified ranges on the WPS for current, voltage and
travel speed may give values that exceed the maximum qualified when the
results are maximized (e.g. using highest current and voltage values with
slowest travel speed).

Question: Is it acceptable to add a statement to the WPS that current,

voltage and travel speed may be adjusted by the welder within the specified
ranges provided the maximum qualified heat input is not exceeded?
Reply: Section IX does not address the method of complying with essential
variable limits.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

Introduction, Part QG-101, Part QW-101, Part QW-25

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QG-101 - Supplementary Essential Variables

03/03/2016
15-2000

BPV IX-16-

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When toughness testing is not required by other Sections of the
Code, but the customer specification requires toughness qualification of the
procedure, do the supplementary essential variables apply?
Reply: Yes, see QG-105.3.

Standard Designation:
Edition/Addenda:

BPV Section IX
2015

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Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-202.4, Dissimilar Base Metal Thicknesses

Date Issued:

11/16/2015

Subject Description:
Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

SC IX; QW-202.4, QW-403.6 - Dissimilar Base Metal Thicknesses

15-2027

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A WPS was qualified by a PQR with base metal thickness of
0.875 in. (T2) welded to a base metal thickness of 0.432 in. (T1) in P-No. 1
Gr. 1 base metal with a single welding process. The thicker member was
tapered at the weld to 0.432 in. to match the thickness of the thinner
member. Both members of the test coupon were impact tested at -20F.

A 6 in. Sch. 80 (0.432 in. nominal wall) nozzle will be welded into a 1.75
in. thick shell using a partial penetration groove weld from both sides with a
weld preparation depth of 9/16 in. Notch toughness requirements at -15F
apply.
Question (1): Is the WPS qualified for welding impact tested base metals
with a thickness (T) range of 0.432 in. to 0.864 in. thickness for T1 welded
to a range of 5/8 in. to 1.75 in. for T2?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is the WPS qualified for deposited weld metal thickness (t)
thru 0.864 in.?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): Is welding of a set-in 0.432 in. thick nozzle with a 9/16 in.
partial joint penetration weld to both sides of a 1.75 in. thick shell plate
qualified based on the above PQRs?
Reply (3): Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-193

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2015

SC IX; QW-193 - Tube-to-Tubesheet Mockup

11/16/2015
15-2169

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: When qualifying a WPS for tube-to-tubesheet welding, a
mockup is required by QW-193.1 to simulate the joint between the tubes
and a thicker (greater than 2 in. total thickness) corrosion resistant alloy
clad carbon steel tubesheet. The material used for the mockup tubesheet is a
solid plate of essentially equivalent chemical composition as the cladding
alloy.
Question: If a solid plate of essentially equivalent chemical composition as
the cladding alloy is used in lieu of a clad plate for the procedure mockup,
is the plate required to be at least 2 in. (50 mm) in thickness for
qualification in accordance with QW-193.1?
Reply: Yes.

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Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-404.12

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2010 Edition, 2011 Addenda

ASME Section IX (2010 Edition, 2011 Addenda); QW-404.12
08/27/2013
15-2184

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: A PQR shows SFA-5.21 metal cored filler metal classification
ERCCoCr-A was used to qualify GTAW hard-facing overlay WPS. Does
this PQR support a GTAW hard-facing overlay WPS using SFA-5.21 bare
(solid) filler metal classification ERCoCr-A?
Reply: No

The published Record # for this interpretation is 13-727.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-404.12

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-404.12 - Electrode Substitution

11/19/2015
15-2223

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): May E8018-C1 electrodes be substituted for E8018-C3
electrodes for an existing welding procedure that is impact tested without
the need for requalification using the E8018-C1 electrodes?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): May E8018-C2 electrodes be substituted for E8018-C3

electrodes for an existing welding procedure that is impact tested without
the need for requalification using the E8018-C2 electrodes?
Reply (2): No.

Question (3): Does QW-404.12 (e) apply only to electrodes in the SFA-5.1
Classification?
Reply (3): No.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-407.9(a)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2015

SC IX; Clarification of QW-407.9(a)

11/19/2015
15-2298

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A corrosion resistant overlay of A-Number 8 has been stress
relieved at 600C for 2 hours.

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Question (1): Does the procedure qualify PWHT at 600C for 2 hours
maximum only?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does the procedure qualify PWHT at 600C for 2.5 hours
maximum only?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-200.2 (f)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-200.2(f)
11/19/2015
15-2317

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: PQR-1 qualified GTAW and SMAW with PWHT, but without
impact testing. Using the same material and thickness, PQR-2 qualified
GTAW and SAW with PWHT, but without impact testing.
Question: Can these two PQRs be used to support a WPS that addresses the
respective essential variables for GTAW, SMAW, and SAW with PWHT
and without impact testing?
Reply: Yes.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW 453 Note 8

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2015

SC IX; QW-453, Note 8 - Performance Qualification for Hard-Facing

03/03/2016
15-2355

BPV IX-16-

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question (1): Are hardness tests required for welder performance
qualifications for hardfacing?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): If a visual examination at 5X finds any cracks in the base

material or heat affected zones, lack of fusion, or other linear defects
exceeding the requirements that are specified in the WPS, is the
qualification rejected?
Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): For performance qualifications, is it required for the overlay

material and base material to meet the liquid penetrant examination
requirements specified in the WPS?
Reply (3): Yes.

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Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-451.1 Note (3)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-451.1 Note (3) - Range of Thickness T Of Base Metal

Qualified with FCAW
03/03/2016
15-2369

BPV IX-16-

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Does Note (3) of QW-451.1 apply to the FCAW process?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-322.a(1) & (2)

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2015

SC IX; QW-322.a(1) & (2) - Supervision and Control by the Qualifying or

Participating Organization
11/19/2015
15-2447

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: In order to meet the QW-322 requirements for supervision and
control, must the organization's representative observing the welder or
welding operator, weld using a process, be an employee of the organization.
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-283

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2015

SC IX; QW-283 - Buttering

03/03/2016
15-2484

BPV IX-16-

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: Company A qualified a WPS joining a P-Number 5A material
to itself in accordance with QW-283 by buttering both groove faces using a
filler metal that does not conform to an AWS classification but is identified
on the PQR by trade name. The buttered ends were postweld heat treated
and machined so that the buttered thickness after machining was not less
than 3/16 inch. The buttered ends were then welded together using a
different filler metal. The required mechanical tests were performed.
Company B qualified a WPS to butter and heat treat the weld ends (but not
perform the groove weld assembling the buttered parts) by making a groove
weld in P-number 5A material using the same process, filler metal, and heat
treatment temperature range that was used for buttering by Company A.
The required mechanical tests were performed. Question (1): Is it required
that the production buttering be made with the same heat of the filler metal
that was used for the buttered portion of the procedure qualification test
coupon? Reply (1): No. Question (2): Is the company B WPS qualified to
butter and heat treat the weld ends of the production parts? Reply (2): Yes,

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provided the thickness of buttering after machining is not less than 3/16
inch. Question (3): May a third company (Company C) use test coupons
that have been buttered, heat treated, and machined by Company A
(following a qualified buttering WPS) to qualify a WPS for only making the
groove weld joining the buttered parts? Reply (3): Yes, provided the
thickness of buttering after machining is not less than 3/16 inch.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-407.2

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2015

SC IX; QW-407.2 - PWHT Time range

03/03/2016
15-2692

BPV IX-16-

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: The range of qualified base metal thickness for a WPS is
determined from Table QW-451.1 based upon the thickness of the PQR test
coupon. During WPS qualifications, PWHT is applied to the PQR test
coupon, at the holding temperature prescribed for the material, for the
minimum holding time required by the construction code for the maximum
qualified base metal thickness. As a result, the required holding time for
PWHT at the holding temperature may vary considerably in production.
The variable description for PWHT under QW-407.2 requires the WPS to
be qualified with PWHT applied to the PQR test coupon essentially
equivalent to that encountered in the fabrication of production welds,
including at least 80% of the aggregate times at temperature(s).

Question (1): Is a WPS qualified for production welding where PWHT is

applied for a holding time that is less than 80% of the holding time recorded
on the PQR?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is a WPS qualified for production welding where PWHT is

applied for a holding time longer than 125% (reciprocal of 80%) of the
holding time recorded on the PQR?
Reply (2): No.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-424

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2015

SC IX; QW-424 - UNS Number and unassigned materials

03/03/2016
15-2766

BPV IX-16-

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: Is a base metal produced to an EEMUA specification with a UNS
number of C7060X an unassigned metal as defined in QW-424.1?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

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Edition/Addenda:

2015

Subject Description:

SC IX; QW-404.5 - A-No. 1 an A-No. 2 on WPS

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

QW-404.5

03/03/2016
16-43

BPV IX-16-

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: May a PQR qualified with an A-No. 1 weld metal support a WPS
for welding both A-No. 1 an A-No. 2 weld metal?
Reply: Yes.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW-200 and QW-300

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2013

SC IX; QW-200 and QW-300 - Use of WPS and PQR by others

03/03/2016
16-104

BPV IX-16-

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A company has a PQR and WPS that were previously
qualified. The company has stopped fabrication activities, but continues
with sales and engineering activities.
Question (1): Can the company allow the use of their PQR and WPS by
another company if neither company is owned by a common parent
company?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Can the company allow the use of their PQR and WPS by
another company if both companies are owned by a common parent
company?
Reply (2): Yes, provided QG-106.1(c) is met.
Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

Para./Fig./Table No:

QW 381.3

Edition/Addenda:

Subject Description:
Date Issued:

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

2015

SC IX; QW-381.3 - Alternative Qualification for Corrosion Resistant

Overlays
03/04/2016
16-170

BPV IX-16-

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Question: When QW-381.3 has been selected as an alternate qualification
for corrosion resistant overlays, must the number and locations for side
bends be in accordance with QW-462.5(c)?
Reply: No.

Standard Designation:

BPV Section IX

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Edition/Addenda:

2015

Subject Description:

SC IX; QW-407.1 - Post Weld Heat Treatment

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

Record Number:

Interpretation Number :

QW-407.1

03/04/2016
16-174

BPV IX-16-

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: A vessel head is fabricated with a longitudinal seam weld. The
head blanks are first welded, heated to 600C 750C, formed and then
subjected to normalizing heat treatment at 900C 930C. The head is then
welded to the pressure vessel shell course and the entire vessel is subjected
to post weld heat treatment at 621C 649C.
Question: If the PQR test coupon supporting the WPS for welding the
longitudinal seam weld described above is subjected to normalizing and
heat treatment below the transformation temperature, does the WPS comply
with the requirements of QW-407.1(a)(4)?
Reply: 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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