WPS, PQR, WPQ as per ASME SEC IX

This is an introductory course to provide the basic understanding of the proper use and interpretation of ASME Section IX – Welding Qualifications Code and its related ASME construction codes. To accomplish this objective, the course starts with a two-day review of the ASME Section IX, followed by one-day study of the base metal metallurgy and welding metallurgy that ASME Section IX is based on. The fourth day explores the welding portions of related ASME construction codes and how ASME Section IX interacts with each, including the metallurgy previously covered through a series of workshops.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Inspectors, welders, welding supervisors, quality control personnel, technologists, and engineers involved with new welding procedures and welder qualifications for new fabrication, repairs, maintenance, and inspection for pressure vessel or piping should attend this course. This course is also designed to assist Pressure Equipment Inspector. However, being an exam candidate is not required. This course is also recommended for general knowledge and as an introductory course for novice code users.

TOPICS

Safety Codes Acts
– Overview of Pressure Equipment Safety Regulations
– Pressure Welders Regulation

General Review to ASME IX
– General requirements
– Procedure qualifications
– Performance qualifications
– Welding data

ASME Section IX – WPS, PQR, WPQ Reviews
– Several workshops will be conducted to allow each participant to develop the required skills to review WPS, PQR, and WPQ documents.

Basic Metallurgy of Carbon and Alloy Steels and their effects on hardenability and weldability
– Material test reports and their meaning

Welding Metallurgy of Carbon and Alloy Steels
– The various weld zones and metallurgical heat affected zones using fundamental principles of welding metallurgy
– Use of carbon equivalence to predict weldability
– Hydrogen-assisted cracking related to welding (e.g., toe cracking, cold cracking, delayed cracking, HAZ cracking, and underbead cracking, etc.)
– Preheating and post-weld heat treatment in practical terms to avoid cracking and improve weldability

Base Metal and Filler Metal Specifications (ASME Section II Parts A and C)
– Classification of steels—UNS, SAE, ASTM, ASME
– ASME SA-106, SA-516, SA-333, SA-387, and SA-312
– AWS classification of filler metals, SFA No., F No., and A No.
– ASME SFA-5.1 and SFA-5.5

Developing a WPS/PQR for ASME Section VIII-1, B31.1, B31.3
– Each attendee will participate in a group workshop to write new construction and maintenance welding procedures in accordance with ASME Section VIII
– Pressure Vessels, ASME B31.1 – Power Boilers and ASME B31.3 – Process Piping
– These welding procedures will be reviewed and discussed in detail during the class

ASSIGNMENTS, TUTORIALS AND WORKSHOP

Several workshops covering WPS, PQR, and WPQ sample exam questions will be conducted with take-home assignments handed out during class. Take-home assignments are reviewed in the following mornings.

Each attendee will participate in a group workshop to write new construction and maintenance welding procedures in accordance with ASME Section I – Power Boilers, ASME Section VIII – Pressure Vessels, ASME B31.1 – Power Boilers, and ASME B31.3 – Process Piping. These welding procedures are reviewed and discussed in detail during the class.

REQUIRED CODE DOCUMENTS

All participants must bring the ASME Section IX Code to this class.