2/5/2021 WPS Understanding – Part 1 – AMARINE

AMARINE

WPS Understanding – Part 1

Dear all,

This topic we just introduce you How to read, understand & use a WPS ( welding procedure
specification ).

Example WPS for refer (h ps://amarineblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/example-wps-for-

refer.pdf)

Some definitions you need understand before start it.

1. What is WPS?

is a wri en document that provides direction to the welder or welding operator for making
production welds in accordance with code requirements. The completed WPS shall describe all
the essential , non essential and when required supplementary essential variables for each
welding process used in the WPS.

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2. What is PQR ( procedure qualify record )?

is a record of the weld data used to weld a test coupon. It also contains the test results of the tested
specimens. The completed PQR shall document all the essential when required supplementary
essential variables for each welding process used during the welding of test coupon. Non essential
variables used during the welding of the coupon may be recorded.
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3. One question: between WPS & PQR – which one have first?

To come out a WPS we need follow these below steps – 5 steps:

Five Step Process to Qualify a Welding Procedure
1. Understand the intended application for which the WPS will be used
2. Develop a draft procedure
3. Make a qualification weld
4. Test the qualification weld
5. Write up the WPS
Step No. 2: we can understand it is pWPS ( prequalified WPS )
Step No. 3: it is PQR

So, between WPS & PQR: PQR have first.

4. The essential / supplementary essential / non essential:

Essential variable: are those in which a change, as described in the specific variables, is
considered to affect the mechanical properties of the weldment, and shall require requalification
of the WPS.
Non essential variables: are those in which a change as described in the specific variables may
be made in the WPS with out requalification..
Supplementary essential variables: are required for materials for which other sections specify
notch toughness tests and are in addition to the essential variables for each welding process

5. Other definitions will be explain during view an example WPS:

6. Read an example WPS: just talk about basic information on it only.

We a ached an example WPS & explain them one by one (note that to easy follow, we already RED
HIGHLIGHT points on this WPS and they are explained with same RED ALPHABET).

A point: need know what is it first? It is WPS / PQR / WPQR / pWPS / SWPS …

+ WPS: defined as above

+ PQR: defined as above

+ SWPS:

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In an effort to standardize and harmonize the process of WPS approvals,

AWS started writing “Standard Welding Procedure Specifications
(SWPSs)” with input from the pioneers and experts in the welding
industry. An extensive testing program was undertaken whereby; these
SWPSs were then supported by numerous PQRs.
+ WPQR:

Once the procedure is approved it is necessary to demonstrate that all your

welders working to it have the required knowledge and skill to put down a
clean sound weld. If the welder has satisfactorily completed the procedure
test then he is automatically approved but each additional welder must be
approved by completing an approval test to an appropriate standard
+ pWPS:

Some codes, such as AWS D1.1, allow “Prequalified WPS”, whereby it is

established that the WPS wri en per code will produce welds with correct
mechanical and metallurgical properties. It is NOT NEED to prepare a
PQR in such cases. However, the pre-qualified WPS have a specified range
(TABLE 3.X) of parameters under which the weld must be produced.
When welding variables fall outside these ranges, a WPS with supporting
PQR must be prepared.

Note: IT’s rarely to see the pWPS using in real life. Almost we use WPS
for SURE reasons ( with PQR, CLASS/CLIENT approval ) – in D1.1, we
should focus on Clause 4.xx / Table 4.xx.

B point: what code is used for qualified? Currently we have 2 Codes are used common: AWS (
structure ) & ASME ( main for piping )

C point: name for this procedure only.

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D point: this WPS is writen base on what PQR, nomally the PQR will be a ached together with
WPS for review / approval by Class / Client…
E point: welding process. Have some welding processes such as: SMAW, FCAW, SAW, GTAW,
GMAW… ( definination for welding process – pls refer to other topic in this blog – welding
technical )
F point: type of welding process. pls see below:

+ Manual welding: Welding where in entire welding operation is performed and controlled by Hand
[Example : SMAW]

+ Semi automatic welding: Welding with equipment which controls only the filler metal feed. The
advance of welding is manually controlled. [Example: MIG, MAG, FCAW]

+ Automatic welding: Welding with equipment which performs the welding operation with out
adjustment of controls by a welding operator. The equipment may or may not perform the loading
and unloading of the work

+ Machine welding: Welding with equipment that has controls that are manually adjusted by the
welding operator in response to visual observation of the welding with the torch, gun or electrode
holder by a mechanical device. [Example – SAW]

G point:

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This point will show you what type of welding joint design: single belevl, groove… We need to know
this variable is essential or not? How can know? We need open the CODE & check it ( in this case
is ASME IX ). We will refer to QW – 402.

H point: very importance. This one will answer this WPS will be applied for what material type.
How can we know?

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The example WPS mention Base metal is P-No.8, Group-No.:all. We need take care P-No. first. Open
Table QW/QB-422

+ What is P-No.? P numbers are assigned to base metals dependent on characteristics such as
composition, weldability, and mechanical properties where this logically can be done.

+ One question come out: during construction, we need know the material belong to what
specification No. / P-No. / Group-No … and compare it to WPS ( to know this WPS can cover for
this material or not ).

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2/5/2021 WPS Understanding – Part 1 – AMARINE

Pls see next part: Welding understanding – Part 2

(h ps://amarineblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/08/wps-understanding-part-2/)

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