Help! Is it necessary to conduct new process evaluations when welding different austenitic stainless steels?
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Question 1: There are already qualified welding procedure qualifications for S31603 and S30408, which are used respectively for welding the main structure and the accessories. Is it necessary to conduct new welding procedure qualifications for the Class E welds that connect the main structure and the accessories, as well as those that connect them to the pressure-bearing components? Question 2: According to SH3526-2004 – Welding Code for Dissimilar Steels in the Petrochemical Industry, E308-16 or E316-16 can be used as welding materials. I was also told that it is possible to adopt an approach involving lower-grade welding materials but with higher requirements; in this case, E308-16 would be used as the welding material while S31603 would be used for welding qualification. Is such an approach valid?
Question 1: If the welding procedure qualification for the base metal and attachments already includes Class E welds welded to the pressure-bearing components, there is no need to conduct a new welding procedure qualification. However, if the previous welding procedure qualification did not cover this situation, a new welding procedure qualification is required. Question 2: According to the regulations, E308-16 or E316-16 welding materials can be used for welding. The approach of using low-welding-materials with high requirements is aimed at ensuring the quality of the welds; therefore, E308-16 welding material is used when the welding grade is S31603. Therefore, there is such a saying, but it’s important to consider whether it applies to the specific circumstances. .