SECTION IX

Subject Interpretation File No.

QW-100.3 and QW-200.2, Procedure Qualification Record Time Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IX-04-10 BC04-601
QW-200.4, Combination of Welding Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IX-04-08 BC03-1770
QW-403.6, QW-451, and QW-401.3; Notch Toughness Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IX-04-04 BC03-1246
QW-403.9, Base Metal Thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IX-04-09 BC04-065
Interpretation: IX-04-04

Subject: QW-403.6, QW-451, and QW-401.3; Notch Toughness Testing

Date Issued: September 15, 2003
File: BC03-1246

Backgraound: A WPS is supported by three PQRs. Two PQRs are recorded on 12-mm and 28.5-mm
thick coupons using tensile, bend, and impact testing specimens. A third PQR was made using 5-mm thick
plate using the same welding parameters, but only impact specimens were tested.

Question (1): May these PQRs be combined to support a WPS for welding 2.5 mm through 57 mm
material requiring notch toughness testing?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): May these three PQRs be combined to support welding base metal thicknesses of 4.8 mm
through 57 mm with or without notch toughness?
Reply (2): Yes.

Note: This interpretation originally appeared in Volume 54. The “WP” in Question (1) has been corrected
by Errata to read “WPS.”

Interpretation: IX-04-08

Subject: QW-200.4, Combination of Welding Procedures

Date Issued: April 1, 2004
File: BC03-1770

Question: A combination weld process PQR was qualified using the GTAW for the root pass, SMAW,
and SAW. May this PQR support a WPS for welding with only one or two of the processes shown on the PQR?
Reply: Yes, provided the following are met:
(a) The remaining essential, nonessential, and supplementary essential variables, when applicable, are
applied.
(b) The base metal and deposited weld metal thickness limits of QW-451 are applied.
Interpretation: IX-04-09

Subject: QW-403.9, Base Metal Thickness

Date Issued: April 1, 2004
File: BC04-065

Question: An EGW procedure was qualified on 3⁄8-in. thick base material completing the weld joint in
one single pass. Is the WPS qualified to make a weld deposit greater than 1⁄2 in., in one pass, in base metal
greater than 1⁄2 in. in thickness?
Reply: No.

Interpretation: IX-04-10

Subject: QW-100.3 and QW-200.2, Procedure Qualification Record Time Limits

Date Issued: June 10, 2004
File: BC04-601

Question: Is there a time limit on the validity of a PQR?

Reply: PQRs always remain valid but may only be used to support WPSs, provided they meet the
requirements of the 1962 or later Edition of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section IX. See QW-
100.3.