Welder Performance Qualification WPQ

API 577
: WELDER PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION (WPQ)

REVIEWING A WPQ
VERIFYING THE QUALIFICATION RANGE
WELDER PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION (WPQ)
 The WPQ addresses all essential variables listed in QW-350 of ASME Section IX.
 The performance qualification test coupon is to be welded according to the qualified
WPS, and the welding is supervised and controlled by the employer of the welder
 The qualification is for the welding process used, and each different welding process
requires qualification.
 A change in any essential variable listed for the welding process requires the welder to
re-qualify for that process.
 QW-352 through QW-357 in ASME Section IX, list the essential variables and
referencing code paragraphs for different welding processes. The variable groups
addressed are: joints, base metals, filler metals, positions, gas, and electrical
characteristics.
 The record of the WPQ test includes all the essential variables, the type of test and test
results, and the ranges qualified. The format of the WPQ is not fixed provided it
addresses all the required items. An example form is available in ASME Section IX
Form QW-484 in nonmandatory Annex B.
 Mechanical tests performed on welder and welding operator qualification test coupons
are defined in ASME Section IX, QW-452 for type and number required
 If radiographic examination is used for welder or welding operator qualification of
coupons, the minimum length of coupon to be examined is 6 in. (152.4 mm), and
includes the entire weld circumference for pipe coupons
 Coupons are required to pass visual examination and physical testing, if used.
Alternately, welders and welding operators making a groove weld using SMAW, SAW,
GTAW, and GMAW (except short-circuit mode) may be qualified using radiography of
the first production weld
 For welders, a minimum of 6 in. (150 mm) length of the first production weld must be
examined for performance qualification while a minimum of 3 ft (0.91 m) length must be
examined for welding operators.
 welders or welding operators who fail a qualification test and is commonly referred to as
the “two for one rule” whereby the welder/operator must be tested on twice the original
extent of tests
 Welders or welding operators who fail the second test typically have to be sent for
retraining but no clear guidance is provided to inspectors on what constitutes retraining,
Documented evidence of retraining and production of acceptable practice welds should
be presented to the inspector before allowing a further test.
 Welder performance qualification expires if the welding process is not used during a six-
month period
 The welder’s qualification can be revoked if there is a reason to question their ability to
make welds.
 A welder’s log or continuity report can be used to verify that a welder’s qualifications are
current.
API 577 : WELDER PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION (WPQ)
REVIEWING A WPQ
REVIEWING A WPQ
 Prior to any welding, inspectors should review welders’ WPQ to verify they are
qualified to perform the welding given its position and process. When reviewing a
WPQ, items to check include:
a) welders name and stamp number;
b) welding process and type;
c) identification of WPS used for welding test coupon;
d) backing (if used);
e) P-number(s) of base metals joined;
f) thickness of base metals and diameter if pipe;
g) filler metal SFA number;
h) filler metal F-number;
i) consumable insert (if used);
j) deposited thickness (for each process used);
k) welding position of the coupon;
l) vertical weld progression;
m) backing gas used;
n) metal transfer mode (if GMAW);
o) weld current type/polarity (if GTAW);
p) if machine welded—refer to QW-484 for additional values required;
q) guided bend test type and results, if used;
r) visual examination results;
s) additional requirements of the construction code;
t) testing organization identification, signature, and date;
u) radiographic results (if used).
 The following ASME Section IX references should be used to verify the qualification
range:
a) base metal qualification—QW- 423.1 and QW-403.15;
b) backing—QW-350 and QW-402.4;
c) deposited weld metal thickness qualification—QW-452.1 (if transverse bend tests)
and QW-404.30;
d) groove weld small diameter limits—QW-452.3 and QW-403.16;
e) position and diameter limits—QW-461.9, QW-405.3 and QW-403.16;
f) F-number—QW-433 and QW-404.15
LIMITATIONS FOR WELDER QUALIFICATIONS
 Limitations for welders or welding operators are discussed in ASME Section IX,
Para. QW-305
API 577 : WELDER PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION (WPQ)
REVIEWING A WPQ

Welder Performance Qualification WPQ

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API 577

: WELDER PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION (WPQ)

WELDER PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION (WPQ)

VERIFYING THE QUALIFICATION RANGE

LIMITATIONS FOR WELDER QUALIFICATIONS

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