Under what circumstances is welding procedure qualification carried out?
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I would like to ask everyone: Under what circumstances is welding procedure qualification necessary? For example: in the container manufacturing industry, under what circumstances is it necessary to conduct welding procedure qualification? During the container repair phase, under what circumstances is it necessary to carry it out? What requirements are there in pipeline construction projects? And what requirements should be set when repairing pipes? In my opinion, a mature welding process does not require process qualification – it is sufficient to follow the established welding procedures, as in the case of ordinary carbon steel welding. However, process qualification is needed only when dealing with special materials or under special welding conditions. I’m not sure if this is accurate I would appreciate your advice as well. What are the **criteria** used? I hope experts can provide guidance. Thank you!
In the industries involved in the manufacturing, installation, repair, and modification of pressure-bearing special equipment, new welding procedure qualifications must be carried out when there is no existing welding procedure qualification, or when the existing one does not cover the relevant circumstances. Others’ weld assessments belong to them; only one’s own work is one’s own
Our company must develop its own welding procedure qualification; we cannot use the established procedures of other companies.
Even within the existing scope of process qualification, if the welding method or process parameters are changed, re-qualification is required
For example: When adding a pipeline, pipe replacement is required; with the same material and the same manufacturing process, is it necessary to conduct an evaluation in such cases? Please specify the conditions under which an evaluation is required. If a different welding rod is used and an evaluation is needed, how long will that take? Will the time available on site be sufficient? I hope everyone will discuss this issue based on what is practically feasible in the field, thank you
Pipelines are subject to pipeline regulations, while containers are subject to container regulations; they are different. However, the welding procedure qualification must be carried out by the construction unit itself, covering the welding procedures for all products.
In accordance with NB/T47014 regulations
Process qualification is used to prove the manufacturing capability of this plant. Before starting production in the pressure vessel industry, when it comes to welding, the first things to consider are weld qualification and the availability of qualified welders.
First of all, this weld procedure qualification is for your own company. . Secondly, it applies to the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of special equipment. All welding involved follows standards. . For example, NB/T47014 – for certain materials, there are special standards. Once again, the welding procedure qualification is unrelated to whether you are working on containers or pipelines, or whether it is for manufacturing or maintenance purposes. . . Finally, when is process qualification needed? 1. Welds of compression members, welds joined to compression members, fit-up welds incorporated into the welds of permanently compressed members, surfacing and repair welding on the surface of compression members, or repairs to the aforementioned welds. Qualified WPS is required to support welding. Then a qualified PQR is needed to write the WPS. 2. One unit of WPS can be used to weld many materials and in many specifications; there is an issue related to coverage. It’s also something that can’t be explained in just a few words. You can give a specific example and explain what your assessments are and what welding method you plan to use. Let’s see if it covers it.
Process qualification is not determined by the length of time or whether it can be done in time. I have limited experience with pipelines, but the pressure-bearing equipment in our organization is manufactured in accordance with the requirements of NB/T47014-2011 \"Welding Procedure Qualification for Pressure-Bearing Equipment\". It’s not just about changing the welding rod (model); there are many other rules and regulations as well.
Another example: A pressure vessel in a factory requires weld repair. In this case, if the same welding electrodes and materials are used, is it necessary to conduct an assessment? If the conditions change, such as when different materials are used for reinforcement, is an assessment still required? Who will be responsible for the evaluation? Who will conduct the review? What are the requirements from the owner? How will the construction unit carry it out? Who will prove the feasibility of the evaluation results? Furthermore, in actual domestic production facilities, there are hardly any requirements for evaluating welding processes when carrying out tasks such as repair welding and maintenance. It is hoped that, by considering practical situations and combining standards with real-world conditions, we can identify the gaps between current practices and relevant standards and regulations, after which we can propose feasible corrective measures. Don’t let standards be just standards – work should be done!