a a AWS B2.4:2012 An American National Standard Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification for Thermoplastics — Gp Sate Soe" ansiyAWS B2.4:2012 An American National Standard Approved by the American National Standards Institute April 10, 2012 Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification for Thermoplastics Supersedes AWS B2.4:2006 Prepared by the American Welding Society (AWS) B2 Committee on Welding Qualification Under the Direction of the AWS Technical Activities Committee Approved by the AWS Board of Directors Abstract This specification provides the requiremes ‘operators for manual, semiauto fusion, hot gas, socket fusion, butt contact fusion, infrared, extrusion welding, flow fusion weldin, ‘welding. Base materials, filler materials, qualification variables, and testing requirements are also American Welding Society®AWS B2.4:2012 International Standard Book Number: 978-0-87171-811-2 American Welding Society 950 N.W, LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126 © 2012 by American Welding Society All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America Photocopy Rights. No portion of this standard may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, including mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. 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In such cases, any changes in those AWS: standards must be approved by the governmental body having statutory jurisdiction before they can become a part of those laws and regulations. In all cases, these standards carry the full legal authority of the contract or other dacument that invokes the AWS standards, Where this contractual relationship exists, changes in or deviations from requirements of an AWS standard must be by agreement between the contracting parties. AWS American National Standards are developed through a consensus standards development process that brings together volunteers representing varied viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus, While the AWS administers the process and establishes rules to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not independently test, evalu- ate, or verify the accuracy of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained in its standards AWS disclaims liability for any injury to persons or to property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance on this standard. AWS also makes no guarantee or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein In issuing and making this standard available, AWS is neither undertaking to render professional or other services for or ‘on behalf of any person or entity, nor is AWS undertaking to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to someone clse, Anyone using these documents should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate, sock the advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances. It is assumed that the use of this standard and its provisions is entrusted to appropriately qualified and competent personnel ‘This standard may be superseded by the issuance of new editions, This standard may also be corrected through publication ‘of amendments or errata. It may also be supplemented by publication of addenda. Information on the latest editions of AWS standards including amendments, errata, and addenda are posted on the AWS web page (Wwww.aws.org). Users should censure that they have the latest edition, amendments, errata, and addenda. Publication of this standard does not authorize infringement of any patent or trade name. Users of this standard accept any and all liabilities for infringement of any patent or trade name items, AWS disclaims liability forthe infringement of ‘any patent or product trade name resulting from the use of this standard ‘The AWS does not monitor, police, or enforce compliance with this standard, nor does it have the power to do so. On occasion, tex, tables, or figures are printed incorrectly, constituting errata, Such errata, when discovered, are posted con the AWS web page (www.aws.org) Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements ofthis standard may only be obtained by sending a request, in writing, to the appropriate technical committee. Such requests should be addressed to the American Welding Society, Attention: Managing Director, Technical Services Division, 550 N.W. Leleune Road, Miami, FL 33126 (see Annex C). With regard to technical inquiries made concerning AWS standards, oral opinions on AWS standards may be rendered. ‘These opinions are offered solely as a convenience to users of this standard, and they do not constitute professional advice, Such opinions represent only the personal opinions of the particular individuals giving them, These individuals do not speak on behalf of AWS, nor do these oral opinions constitute official or unofficial opinions or interpretations of AWS. In addition, oral opinions are informal and should not be used as a substitute for an official interpretation. ‘This standard is subject to revision at any time by the AWS B2 Committee on Welding Qualification. It must be reviewed every five years, and if not revised, it must be either reaffirmed or withdrawn, Comments (recommendations, additions, fr deletions) and any pertinent data that may be of use in improving this standard are required and should be addressed to AWS Headquarters. Such comments will receive careful consideration by the AWS B2 Committee on Welding Qual fication and the author of the comments will be informed of the Committee’s response to the comments. Guests are invited to attend all mectings of the AWS B2 Commitice on Welding Qualification to express their comments verbally. Procedures for appeal of an adverse decision concerning all such comments are provided in the Rules of Operation of the Technical Activities Committee. A copy of these Rules can be obtained from the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.AWS B2.4:2012 ‘This page is intentiosAWS B2.4:2012 Personnel AWS B2 Committee on Procedure and Performance Qualification 41.4. Fluckiger, Chair JL, Cooley, Ist Vice Chair E,W. Beckman, 2nd Vice Chair A. Diaz, Sectetary D.M. Allbritien L.P.Connor D.W. Craig W.D. Doty E.H. Gray B. J. Hable M. Herile K.G. Kolford R.A. LaFave K.¥. Lee G.S. Michels A.S. Olivares LE Pike W.M. Ruof. J.J. Sekely M.R. Stone G.M. Wisbrock, I R.K. Wiswesser laho National Labovatory J.C. and Associates, Incorporated International Training Instinute American Welding Society GE Equipmen Services—Rail Consultant Computer Engineering, Incorporated Doty and Associates, Incorporated US. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Ford Motor Conipany Arise, Incorporated laho National Laboratory Consultans US. Deparoment of Transportation Summit Consulting HSB Global Standards NASA Langley Research Center Bechtel Plam Machinery, Incorporated Welding Services, Incorporated Canadian Welding Bureau Consultans Welder Training and Testing Insiiture Advisors to the AWS B2 Committee on Procedure and Performance Qualification W.L. Ballis J.D. Duncan N.K. Kanaya B.B, MacDonald A.W, Sindel CLE, Speader, Ir W.J. Sperko RE Waite Consultant Consultant BEAR Testing Laboratory Consultant Alstom Power Thermal Systems Consultant Sperko Engineering Services Consultant AWS B2F Subcommittee on Plastic Welding Qualification LT Hutton, Chair J. Leary, Ist Vice Chair G. Hopkins, 2nd Vice Chair S.P. Hedrick, Secretary K, Argasinski R. Basile M. Callahan D. Chandler ARKEMA Incorporated Widos Welding Plastek Werks American Welding Society Solvay Solexis Incorporated AB Plastics United Association Local 290 Engiplast IncorporatedAWS B2.4:2012 AWS B2F Subcommittee on Plastic Welding Qualification (Continued) J. Craig P. Demehko J.J. Fluckiger S.M Gardiner D. P.Glavin BB, MacDonald P.-E Manin G. Sample J, Sciadini K.C. Thomas. MJ. Troughton D. Ziegler P.Zitkus, McElroy Manufacturing, Incorporated Solvay Solexis Incorporated Kaho National Laboratory IPS Corporation United Association Local 449 Consultant United Association Georg Fischer Tech South, Incorporated Quadrant EPP Twi Wegener Welding LLC Wegener Welding LLC Advisors to the AWS B2F Subcommittee on Plastic Welding Qualification J. Hessel R. James A. Lopez Jud. Sekely G.M. Wisbrock, Ir Hessel Ingenieurtechnik GmbH International Training Instivate Dow Chemical Welding Services, Incorporated Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire ControlAWS B2.4:2012 Foreword ‘This foreword is not part of AWS B2.4:2012, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification for Thermoplasties, but is included for informational purposes only ‘This specification provides requirements for welding procedure and welding performance qualification. It is the intent that this specification be referenced by other documents, such as codes, standards, specifications, and contracts. This specilication defines and establishes qualification variables. The criterion for determining if a welding condition is a pro- ‘cedure qualification variable is whether or not a change in that condition beyond the allowable tolerance affects the prop- erties of a sound weld to the extent that the properties may not meet the specified minimum, Qualification requirements are based on the premise that the referencing document will specify fabrication, design, base material, filler material, preheat, interpass temperature, nondestructive examination, and (est requirements applicable to the product. Welding procedure and performance qualifications which meet the requirements of other documents are acceptable, provided they also meet the requirements of this specification. This revision is the second edition of Specification for Welding Pro- cedure and Performance Qualification for Thermoplastics and supersedes the edition published in 2006. The major change from the frst edition isthe inclusion ofthe solvent cement welding process. Revisions are identified by a vertical line in the margin next to the text. The matrices in 4.7 and 4.8 were changed to reflect the changes in the listing of ther- ‘moplastic welding processes in 1.1. Changes were also made to Tables 4.1, 5.1, $.2, and 5.3. Table 4.6 was renumbered a Table 4.7, and a new Table 4.6 was added. Tables A.| and A.2 in Annex A were changed and anew Annex B with new QTR and WPS samples was added. Figures 4.6, 4.7. 4.8, and 4.19 were changed. Welding Procedure Qualification ‘The purpose of a welding procedure qualification is to provide test data for assessing the properties of a welded joint. ‘The proof of production weld soundness is determined by the type and extent of testing and examination applied to the production product. Product acceptance criteria must be detailed in the referencing document. This specification also provides for welding procedure qualification of special test weldment/coupons by performing tests simulating service conditions, which may include impact loading, flexural loading, static loading, or cyclic loading. The details of testing and examination of special test weldment/coupons shall be specified by the referencing document, Weldting Performance Qualification ‘The purpose of welder qualification testing isto determine the ability of welders of make sound welds and the ability of ‘welding operators to operate the welding equipment, Performance qualification for welders and welding operator shall bbe determined by mechanical testing and visual examination of weldment/coupons. Materials Base materials and filler materials have been grouped into categories that will minimize the mumber of performance qualification tests required. Substitution of one base material or filler material for another, even when within the allow- able rules, should only be made after an evaluation of the factors involved. For some materials, additional tests may be required, Materials not listed require separate qualification, ‘Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this standard are welcomed. They should he sent to the Secretary, AWS B2 Commitice on Welding Qualification, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. Leleune Road, Miami, FL. 33126.AWS B2.4:2012 ‘This page is intentiosTable of Contents Personnel, Foreword. List of Tables. List of Figures. 1. Scope and General Provisions LL Scope... : 1.2. Responsibilities. 13. Effective Date... LA Safety 2. Normative References. 3. Terms and Definitions. 4. Procedure Qualification 4.1 General se 4.2. Welding Procedures Qualified by Employers 4.3 Evaluation of Test Weldment/Coupons. 44 Qualification Thickness Limitations 4.5. Special Test Weldment/Coupon Acceptance Criteri 4.6 Test Weldment/Coupons and Test Evaluation 4.7 Welding Procedure Specification Data . 4.8. Procedure Qualification Variables. 5. Performance Qualification, 5.1 General 5.2. Qualification by Standard Test. 5.3. Test Weldment/Coupons. 5.4 Examination Procedures and Acceptance Criteria 5.5. Performance Qualification Variables 6. Examination Structure. 6.1 Examination Basis Documents 6.2 Examination Structure, ‘Annex A (Informative)—Recommended Hot Gas Welding Conditions. ‘Annex B (Informative}—Sample PQTR and WPS ‘Annex C (Informative}—Guidelines for Preparation of Technical Inquiries AWS B2.4:2012 Page No.AWS B2.4:2012 Figure 41 42 43 44 45 46 4q 48 49 4.10 4M 42 4.13 Par Als 4.16 4iT 418 419 5 52 List of Tables Page No. ‘Test Methods Required for Procedure Qualification ....... 7 Thickness Limitations fr Procedure Qualification 7 Minimum Short Term Weld Factors. 8 Dimensions of Test Arrangement and Test Specimens — os Ram Displacement Corresponding to Bend Angle of 160° in “No Failure” for Calculation of the Mean Value 8 Cross-Head Speeds for Some Thermoplastic, 2 Symbols and Designations. 22 ‘Testing Requirements for Performance Quilificato 28 Pipe Group Qualification ns 28 Base Material for Performance Qualification 29 AWS Recommended Welding Congitions—Fan Welding (HF)..s.sssnsnnonsvserserssnecosee 33 ‘AWS Recommended Welding Conditions —Sped Welding (HS) 3 List of Figures Page No. Preparation of Test Piece (Bend or Tensile Specimens) ‘Typical Bevel Profile for Sheet {>0,000 in to 050 in (>2.3 mm to 13 mm) in This Typical Bevel Profile for Sheet [>0.50 in (>13 mm) in Thickness] orn Location of Control Specimens and Tensile Specimens from Pipe Weldment/Coupons Cross Sections of Specimen Cut from Pipes. Geometry of Chamfer ‘Sketch of Test Arrangement. ‘Schematic Diagram of the Determination of Bend Angle and Ram Displacement... ‘Minimum Bend Angle for PE (Density 20.94) Minimum Bend Angle for PP-B and PP-H. Minimum Bend Angle for PP-R Minimum Bend Angle for PVC-U (Unplasticized). ‘Minimum Bend Angle for PVDF. ‘Minimum Ram Displacement for PE (Density 20.94) Minimum Ram Displacement for PP-B/PP-H Minimum Ram Displacement for PP-R ‘Minimum Ram Displacement for PVC-U (Unplasticized). Minimum Ram Displacement for PVDF .. ‘Test Preparation for Waisted Specimens so ' a 7: Performance Qualification Method for Standard Test 26 Location of Horizontal and Vertical Positions Bend Specimens Blanks 30 20 21AWS B2.4:2012 Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification for Thermoplastics 1. Scope and General Provisions 11 Scope. This standard provides the requirements for qualification for welding thermoplastic materials. It addresses requirements for procedure and performance qualifications, This standard is intended for use where referenced by prod- uct or fabrication code, specification, contract document, or internal decuments such as quality control or quality assur- ance manuals, The requirements imposed by the Referencing Document supersede the requirements of this standard, ‘This standard is intended for use with the following thermoplastic welding processes: Socket Fusion Welding (SEW) Heated Too! Butt Welding (HT) Flow Fusion Welding (FEW) Electrofusion Welding (EFW) Infrared Welding URW) Hot Gas Welding (HGW) Speed Welding (HS) Fan Welding (HF) Extrusion Welding (EX) Solvent Cement Welding (SCW) ‘This standard is intended for use with new construction but may be applicable for retrofit, reconstruction, or repair pro- cedures, Thermoplastic applications that are bonded to backing materials are not addressed in this standard. This standard makes sole use of U.S. Customary Units. Approximate mathematical equivalents in the International Sys- tem of Units (SD) are provided for comparison in parentheses or in appropriate columns in tables and figures. 1.2 Responsibilities 1.2.1 Employers shall be responsible for the welling performed by their organization, including the use of the general provisions ofthis standard, the use of qualified welding procedures, the use of qualified welders, and the use of qualified ‘welding operators 1.2.2 Its the employer's responsibility to assure that Welding Procedure Specifications meet all requirements of the Referencing Document. 1.3 Effective Date. When not otherwise specified by the Referencing Document, the edition of this specification to be used should be established in accordance with the following: (1) Buitions may be used at any time after the effective date of issue; (2) Latest edition ofthis document should be used for new contracts; and 3) Baitions established by contract date may be used during the entire term of the contract, oF the provisions of later ceditions may be used when agreed upon by the contracting patties.AWS B2.4:2012 14 Safety 1.4.1 Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard: some safety and health information is provided, but such issues are not fully addressed herein. 2 Safety and health information is available from the following sources: American Welding Society (1) ANSI249.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes (@) AWS Safety and Heath Fact Sheets @) Other safety and health information on the AWS website ‘Material or Equipment Manufactures (1) Material Safety Data Sheets supplied by materials manufacturers (2) Operating Manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers Applicable Regulatory Agencies Other safety documents (1) Guide to the Safe Handting of Fluormpolymer Resins,' should be referred to when processing fluoropolymer materials @) ASTM F 402, Practice for Safe Handling of Solvent Cements, Primers, and Cleaners Used for Joining Thermo- plastic Pipe and Fittings should be referred to when the solvent cement welding process. 1.4.3 Work performed in accordance with this standard may involve the use of materials that have been deemed haz- ardous, and may involve operations or equipment that may cause injury or death. This standard does not purport to ‘address all safety and health risks that may be encountered. The user of this standard should establish an appropriate safety program to address such risks as well as to mect applicable regulatory requirements. ANSI 249.1 should be con- sidered when developing the safety program. 2. Normative References ‘The standards listed below contain provisions, which, through reference in this text, constitute mandatory provisions of this AWS standard. For undated references, the latest edition ofthe referenced standard shall apply. For dated references, subsequent amendments 10, or revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. AWS documents! (1) AWS A3,0M/A3.0, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions, Including Terms for Adhesive Bonding, Brazing, Soldering, Thermal Cuating, and Thermal Spraying 2) AWS GI.10M, Guide for the Evaluation of Hot Gas, Hot Gas Extrusion, and Heated Too! Butt Thermoplastic Welds (3) AWS B4.0, Standard Methods for Mechanical Testing of Welds Other documents (4) ASTM C 904, Terminology Relating to Chemical-Resistara Nonmetallic Materials (5) ASTM F 412, Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Spstems Published by the Society of Plastic Industry, 1801 K Street NW, #600, Washington, DC 20006. ASTM standards are published by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, ® AWS standard are published by the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeTeune Road, Miami FL 33126,AWS B2.4:2012 (6) ASTM D 2855, Standard Practice for Making Solvent-Cemented Joints with Pols(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Pipe and Fisings (7) ASTM C 1147, Testing of Welded Joints of Thermoptasties (8) ASTM D 1599, Standard Test Method for Resistance to Short-Time Hydraulic Pressure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fisings (0) ASME RTP-1, Reinforced Thermoset Plastic Corrosion Resistant Equipment’ (10) ASME B31.3, Process Piping (LD EN 13067, Plasties Welding Personnel—Qualifcation Testing of Welders—Thermoplastics Welded Assemblies> (12) EN 128141, Testing of welded joints of thermoplastics semi-finished products—Bend test (13) ISO 13955, Plasties pipes and finings — Crushing decohesion test for polyethylene (PE) electrofusion assemblies* (14) ISO 13954, Plastics pipes and fistings — Peel decohesion test for polyethylene (PE) electrofusion assemblies of nominal outside diameter greater than or equal 10 90 mm. 3. Terms and Definitions 341 The welding terms used in this specification are defined in AWS A3.0, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions, Including Terms for Adhesive Bonding, Bracing, Soldering, Thermal Cutting, and Thermal Spraying, ASTM C-904, Ter- ‘minology Relating to Chemicat-Resistant Nonmetallic Materials, and ASTM F 412, Standard Terminology Relating 0 Plastic Piping Systems. 3.2 Supplemental Definitions. Some AWS A3.0, Siandard Welding Terms and Definitions, Including Terms for Adhe- sive Bonding, Brazing, Soldering, Thermal Cutting, and Thermal Spraying, exceptions, within the context of this stan- dard, ae listed below with their definitions, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). A common thermoplastic used to make light, rigid, molded products such as piping. It is a copolymer made by polymerizing styrene and acrylonitrile in the presence of polybutadien ambient temperature. Environmental conditions corresponding to the usual alinospheric conditions in laboratories with ‘uncontrolled temperature and humidity. Generally, the air temperature range extends from 69°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). bladder. A device that can be used in the flow fusion or electrofusion welding process that is pressurized to make con- tact with the inner walls of the weld zone prior to the commencement of the weld process to ensure a bead free weld zone on the inner diameter of the pipe. control specimen. The specimen from the hase matcrial tested to determine the tensile strength for the purpose of deter- ‘mining an acceptable tensile. CPYC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride). A PVC (polyvinyl chloride) that has been chlorinated via a free radical chloi- nation reaction, crystallinity. A state of molecular orientation in some resins which denotes an orderly compact structure of the molecu- lar chains forming the polymer. Normally can be attributed to the formation of solid crystals having a definite geo- ‘metric form, clastic deformation. The part of the deformation under load which is recoverable when the load is removed, ‘ASME standards ar available from ASME Intemational, Thre Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016. ® european standerds are published hy the European Commitice for Standardization, 38 tue de Stassart, B-10S0, Brussels, Belgium, 180 standards are published by the Intemational Organization for Standards, 1 rue de Varembé, Case postale 56, CH-1221 Geneva 20, Switzerland.AWS B2.4:2012 elasticity. The property of a substance which enables it to return toils original shape and size after removal of a deform- ing force, electrofusion welding (EI ‘an electrically resisti FW). A thermoplastic welding process where the heat for welding is provided by energizing coil in the weld zone, ‘employer. The contractor or manufacturer that adopts this specification for welding procedure and performance qualifi- cation. Closely related companies, including those with different names, for which effective control of welding is as ‘one organization, shall be considered as one employer, extrusion welding (EX). A joinin pieces to produce the weld. process in which molten thermoplastic material is Forced against preheated work- fan welding (HF). A hot gas welding method where the weld rod is fed into the joint without the aid of a welding noz- le; the pressure is applied directly to the welding rod by the welder. flow fusion welding the welding process. 'FW). A thermoplastic welding process for sheets or pipe where the melt is constrained during frechand welding, See fan welding (HF). heated tool butt welding (HT). A method for joining the ends of thermoplastic pipe or fittings in which a hot tool is placed between the pipe ends for a predetermined heating time and then the ends are pushed together with a predeter- mined amount of force until the joint cools. hot gas welding (HGW). A thermoplastic welding process in which the parts are softened by bot gas from a welding ‘2un and joined together. infrared welding (RW). A thermoplastic welding method in which the heat for welding is generated by infrared radiation, NPS. Nominal pipe size performance qualification variable. A controllable detail which, if changed beyond the limitations specified in this specification, requires requalification of the welder or welding operator. pipe, Used to refer to thermoplasti pipe and tube, pipe group (PG). A category of thermoplastic pipe dimensions with similar phy’ ‘parameters and skills. cal attributes requiring similar welding polymerization. A chemical reaetion in which the molecules of a monomer are linked together to form large molecules ‘whose molecular weight is « multiple of that of the original substance. When two or more monomers are involved, the process is called copolymerization or heteropolymerization. PP (polypropylene). A tough, lightweight polyolefin plastic made by the polymerization of high-purity propylene gas in the presence of an organomateriallic catalyst at relatively low pressures and temperatures. PE (polyethylene). polyolefin composed of polymers of ethylene. It is normally a translucent, tough, waxy solid ch is unaffected by water and by a large range of chemicals, There are three general classifications: low-density, medium-density, and high-density. Performance Qualification ‘Test Record (PQTR). A written record of a test administered to a welder or a welding ‘operator to determine their capacity to perform a specific welding application, Welding performance qualification tests are specific to a WPS. preheat temperature. The temperature of the base material in the welding area immediately before any wel performed, ng is procedure qualification variable. A controllable detail which, if changed beyond the limitations of Essential Procedure Qual ion of the WPS. PVC (polyvinyl chloride). A thermoplastic compound, pipe, and fitings material composed of vinyl chloride; a color- less solid with outstanding resistance to water, alcohols, and concentrated acids and alkalies. Classified as: plast-AWS B2.4:2012 ized, unplasticized, and high impact: PVC-P, PVC-U, and PVC-HI. (This document does not address PVC-P and PVC-HL) PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride). A thermoplastic prepared from vinylidene fluoride, It has substantially higher strength, wear resistance, and creep resistance than other fluoropolymers but relatively high dielectric constant and loss factor PYDF-C (polyvinylidene fluoride copolymer). Copolymer of PVDF. ‘qualification variable. Sce performance qualification variable and procedure qualification variable. qualified welding procedure. A welding procedure specification (WPS) meeting the qualification requirements of this specification based on qualification tests of weldments. Welding procedures qualified by an employer shall be for the employer's own use. ‘qualifier. The employer, organization, or individual specified by the referencing document as responsible for conducting ‘and supervising qualification testing, Referencing Document. The fabrication code, specification, contract document, or internal document such as quality ‘control or quality assurance manuals that invokes this specification, sheet. Used to refer to calendared, extruded, and/or compression molded products. socket fusion welding (SFW). A heated tool welding process variation in which the tool is configured to heat the out- side of one workpiece and the inside of the other solvent cement welding (SCW). A method for joining certain thermoplastic (PVC, CPVC, and ABS) pipe and fitings in which primer and solvent cement containing chemical solvents are used to dissolve the surfaces of the pipe OD and the fitting socket to fuse the surfaces together to form a pipe joint assembly. solvent welding (SC). See solvent cement welding (SCW). specimen blank. That portion of a test weldment/coupon removed for the production of a specimen. In some eases, the specimen blank is also the specimen, speed welding (HS). hot gas welding process variation in whi filler rod while heating the workpieces and foreing the plas the welding tip is used to feed and heat the welding filler into the fusion zone. stress crack. Extemal or intemal crack in plastic caused by tensile stresses less than that of its short term mechanical strength. The development of such cracks is frequently accelerated by the environment to which the plastic is exposed. The stresses which cause cracking may be present intemally or externally or may be combinations of these stresses. The appearance of a network of fine cracks is crazing. Also sce environmental stress cracking and thermal stress cracking (TSC). test weldment/eoupon, Workpieces joined by welding to qualify welding procedures, welders, or welding operators. ‘thermal stress cracking (TSC). Crazi to excessive temperatures. ‘and cracking of some thermoplastic polymers which results from overexposure thermoplastic. (Adjective) Capable of being repeatedly softened by heat and hardened by cooling. (Noun) A material that will repeatedly soften when heated and harden when cooled. Mast polymers used for bottles are thermoplastics, ‘TPM Number. A designation used to group like thermoplastic materials based on weldability consistent with the M Number established in the AWS B2.1 standard, rate strength. The maximum unit stress a material will withstand subjected to an applied load in compression, te sion or shear test. virgin material, A plastic material that has not been subjected to use or processing other than that required for its initial manufacture ‘waisted specimen. Tensile test specimen for butt fusion joints which has a minimum in width at the weld line in order to ‘promote failure in the weld. ‘welding variable, Any controllable detail of a welding procedure which is required to be addressed on the WPS.AWS B2.4:2012 4, Procedure Qualification 4.1 General ‘The employer is responsible for qualifying their welding procedures. 4.1.2 Tests previously approved for use by an employer that meet other codes or specifications may be used by the employer to support a WPS in accordance with this specification. The procedure qualification record(s) (PQR) shall address all qualification variables (see 4.8 Procedure Qualification Variables) applicable to the welding process(es) used ‘and the test results shall meet all requirements of this specification, If all the requirements are not met, another qualifiea- tion test must be conducted for the additional requirements, following the qualification variables of the original PQR. A POR supplement shall be prepared to document the additional tests results, ‘There are no required formas for WPSs or PQRS. Any format may be used providing all applicable information is recorded, including a certifying statement acknowledging the validity of the data and certifying that the weldments le and tested in accordance with the requirements of AWS B2.4, Specification for Welding Procedure and Per- formance Qualification for Thermoplastics (see Annex B). A matrix indicating data to be included in the WPS for a pro- ‘cess or combination of processes is provided in 4.7 Welding Procedure Specification Data. A PQRs shall not be revised except to correct errors or add new or omitted information, All such changes shall be xl dated on the PQR. ‘A WPS may require the support of more than one PQR, while one PQR may support a number of WPSs. Con patible PQRS using different qualification variables may be combined to support one WPS. Compatibility shall be deter- ‘mined based on either experience or testing, or both. 4.1.6 WPSs and PQRS shall be identified according to a system that allows permanent traceability from the WPS to its supporting PORs. A change in a WPS beyond that allowed in 4.8 Procedure Qualification Variables shall require requalification of the procedure and preparation of a new or revised WPS. Other changes shall not require requalification, provided such changes are documented either in a new or revised WPS. 4.2 Welding Procedures Qualified by Employers 4.2.1 The qualification variables for the various processes used in making a procedure qualification test weld are listed in 4.8 Procedure Qualification Variables. 4.2.2 ASTM C-1147, Testing of Welded Joints of Thermoplasties, ASME RTP-1, Reinforced Thermoset Plastic Cor- ‘rosion Resistant Equipment, and ASTM D 2855, Standard Practice for Making Solvent-Cemented Joints with Pols( Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Pipe and Fiuings, may be used for mechanical testing of welds made for Procedure Qualification. However, in instances where the provisions of AWS B2.4 are in conflict, the provisions of AWS B24 shall take prece- dence, The test results shall be recorded on or appended to & PQR containing the actual qualification variables. 4.2.31 the tes results meet the acceptance criteria specified, the employer shall sign and date the PQR indicating that the PQR is an accurate record of the welding and testing of the procedure qualification test weldmenJcoupon. The employer may then prepare and issue an approved WPS. The emplayer shall sign and date the WPS to signify accep- tance of responsibility for use ofthe WPS in production, 4.2.4 Each WPS shall be supported by one or more PQRs, and shall specify a range or a single value for each welding ‘variable applicable to the welding process identified in 4.7 Welding Procedure Specification Data. Additionally, a WPS shall specify a range or a single value for each qualification variable for the weld process used as identified in 4.8 Proce- dure Qualification Variables. 4.2.6 Special test weldmenv/coupons may be used for procedure qualification, when permitted by the Referencing Document, and shall be governed by the limits on qualification variables given in 4.8 Procedure Qualification Variables. 4.2.7 This specification recognizes two types of special test weldment/coupo (1) Simulaied Service Test Weldmen/Coupons. These are test weldmenticoupons in which qualification requires tests simulating service conditions. Tests may include chemical compatibility, and thermal stability, and/or static, or eyelic loading to simulate the type of loading that the weldment will encounter in service. Proof tests such as hydrostatic or leak tests may also be appropriateAWS B2.4:2012 (2) Prototype Structure Test Weldment/Coupons, These ate test weldmenticoupons in which a prototype of the actual \weldment is subjected to laboratory or field tests of both in which itis loaded and demonstrated to perform the function for which it was designed. 4.2.8 During the welding of procedure qualification weldments, welders, and welding operators shall be under the full control and supervision of the employer. Only activities 1, 5,6, and 7 listed below may be subcontracted by the employer. (1) Preparation of test materials for welding @) Insituction of the welder oF welding operator on use ofthe welding procedure (@) Performance of welding 4) Recording of actual qualification variables usd in the test See 4.8) (6) Preparation of test specimens from the completed weldment (6 Performance of examinations and tests ( Documenting of test results (8) Cenitication ofthe final PQR 4.3 Evaluation of Test Weldment/Coupons. Test weldment/coupons shall be subjected to the applicable tests in Table 4.1. The type, number, location, and evaluation criteria for tests shall be as given in 4.6, except that for special test weld- ment/coupons the evaluation of the weldment shall be in aecordance with the Referencing Document. 44 Qualification Thickness Limitations 44.1 Limitations on the thickness ranges qualified by procedure qualification tests are given in the following tables: (1) Table 4.1, Test Methods Required for Procedure Qualification (2) Table 4.2, Thickness Limitations for Procedure Qualification Table 4.1 Test Methods Required for Procedure Qualification Groove Welds Butt Fusion Eleetrofusion Solvent Cement Visual Examination Ye: Yes ‘Tension Test Yes Yee Macro-Cross Section Yes Yes Bond Test Yes Yes Peel Decobesion Test (ISO 13954) Yes for diameters > in (127 mm) Crush Test 180 13955) ‘Yes for diameters $3 in (127 mm) Burst Test” Yes Hydrostatic Pressure Test” Yes Tension et specified in Table $1 for material TPM umber 4 pips) shall be conducted in asconfance with 4.6.10 Tensile Eneray Weld Paton, For SCW (Solvent Cement Welding) either bus test oe hydrostatic pressure test may be wed Table 4.2 Thickness Limitations for Procedure Qualification ase Material Thickness Quatitied “Test Weldment/Coupon Thickness (T) Minimum Maximum Tin 38 in 3.2 mm 1095 mm) 1/16 in (1.6 mm) UnlimitedAWS B2.4:2012 (3) Table 4.3, Minimum Short Term Weld Fa | G)Table 4.4, Dimensions of Bend Test Arrangement and Test Specimens (5) Table 4.5, Ram Value isplacement Corresponding to Bend Angle of 160° in “No Failure” for Calculation of the Mean Table 4.3 imum Short Term Weld Factors* ‘Thermoplastic Materials Abbreviation Name Hot Gas Welding Extrusion Welding PE Polyethylene os, 08 PEA, Perfluoroalkoxy 09 NA MEA, Periluoromethy!vinylether 09 NA ETE. Ethylene Tetaluoroethylene 09 NA ECTFE Ethylene Chlorotrifluoroethylene 09 NA FEP, Perfluoro (Ethylene Propylene) 09 NA pp Polypropylene: os, 08 PVDF Polpvinylidene Fluoride os, os Pvc Polyvinylchloride os, NA cre Chlorinated Polyvinylehloride 07 NA "See 468) Table 4.4 Dimensions of Bend Test Arrangement and Test Specimens. ‘Test Specimen Distance Wak) in (mm) Minimum Between Axes Diameter Length (L;) of Rolles(L,)—_ of Ram (a) ‘Thickness (s) Nominal Value in (mm) Pipe Plate in (mm) in (mm) inom Less than 0.16 100.197 3105) O1xd 07870) 5.9(150) 3.14 (80) 0157 @) Over 0.197 100.393 (5 to 10) 1x? 078720) 787 200) 3154.90) 0314) (Over0.393 100.390 (10 0 15) O1xd* 0.7870) 787200) 3.93100) 0492 (12.5) Over 0.590 10 0.787 (15 20) O4xd! 1180) 9840250) 4.72(120) 0.620 (16), Over0.787 10 1.18 (2010 30) O1xd* —_LI8G0) 181.00) 6.29.60), 0.98405) ‘Nomina pipe diameter. aa pipe sh 1.787 (20), Min 0.236 (8. Table 4.5 Ram Displacement Corresponding to Bend Angle of 160° in “No Failure” for Calculation of the Mean Value ‘Thickness (T) of Test Specimen in (eam) Bend Angle (@)() Ram Displacement) in (mam) Less than 0.16 10 0.197 (3105) Over 0.197 100.399 (5 to 10) (Over 0.393 100.590 (10 o 13) (Over 0.590 10 0.787 (15 0.20) Over 0.787 to 1.18 20 t0 30) 160 160 160 160 160) 236 (60) 275 00) 334 (85) 669.4170) 5.90 (150),AWS B2.4:2012 44.2 The limitations in the tables above are based upon the Following criteria: (1) The size and number of passes ofa fillet weld, (2) The base material and weld material thicknesses for groove welds, and (3) The base materials thickness for sheet materials. 44.3 Complete penetration groove welds shall also qualify partial penetration groove welds within the qualification limits given in Table 4.3, and fillet welds in all thicknesses and diameters. 44d In addition to the welding data required to be included in the WPS by 4.7 Welding Procedure Specification Data, when multiple processes or multiple filler material classifications are used in a single test weldment/coupon, the thickness ranges permitted for use in the WPS shall apply separately to each welding process and filler material classifi- cation. The weld deposit thickness for each welding process and each filler material classification used in the qualifica- tion test shall be recorded on the PQR. 44.5 In addition to the procedure qualification variables required to be recorded on the PQR by 4.8 Procedure Qual fication Variables, the weld deposit thickness for each welding process and cach filler material classification shall be recorded on the POR. 4.5 Special Test Weldment/Coupon Acceptance Criteria 4.$.1 Special test weldment/coupons shall be examined and tested as specified by the Referencing Document. When a test in Table 4.1 is specified by the Referencing Document, the acceptance criteria shall be as required in this specific tion, The eriteria for other tests shall be as specified in the Referencing Document. 4.6 Test Weldment/Coupons and Test Evaluation 4.6.1 Groove test weldment/coupons shall be large enough to provide the necessary test specimens. Multiple test ‘weldmenvcoupons may be necessary’ to provide all the required specimens. The test piece preparation for weldments is illustrated in Figure 4.1, 0in (254 mm) TEST PIECE BEFORE CUTTING 5in (127 mm) pi = 17 in 40 mm) ——>} i | Sin 27 mm in a (254 mm MIN FOUR (4) 5 in 17 n (127 men x 490 mm) TEST PIECES | ‘TWO (8) FOR HORIZONTAL WELDING TWO (2) FOR VERTICAL WELDING ONE (1) CONTROL PIECE Figure 4.1—Preparation of ‘Test Piece (Bend or Tensile Specimens)AWS B2.4:2012 4.6.2 Test Preparation, Start with a minimum of 10 in by 40 in (254 mm by 1016 mm) piece of plastic sheet of the type and thickness to be tested. Cut the sheet as shown in Fig. 4.1 t0 yield five pieces, four measuring 5 in by 17 in (125 mm by 430 mm) and one measuring 5 in by 10 in (127 mm by 254 mm). Two 5 in by 17 in (125 mm by 430 mm) pieces will be used for horizontal welding and two 5 in by 17 in (125 mm by 430 mm) pieces for vertical welding. The 5 in by 10 in (125 mm by 254 mm) sample will be cut into Control Specimens. For bend test specimens where the thick- ness is greater than 0.590 in (15 mm), (est specimens shall be cut per Table 4.4. Control Specimens will be used as the basis for determining the tensile test requirement of the weldment. Label each piece as to type of plastic, method of ‘welding, orientation of welding, and welder identification, 4.6.3 Edge Preparation. Bevel one 17 in (450 mm) edge of each 5 in by 17 in (125 mm by 430 mm) piece in prepar tion for welding. Beveling shall be done using suitable apparatus such as routers, joiners, or saws, that accurately rel methods utilized in the field. Typical bevel profiles for the various sheet thicknesses are ilustrated in Figures 4.2 and 4.3, 4.6.4 Prior to removing specimen blanks from the completed test weldment/coupon, the weld shall be visually exam- ined on all accessible surfaces and shall meet the following criteria: (1) There shall be no evidence of cracks, incomplete fusion, or incomplete joint penetration; (2) Undereut or surface porosity is not permissible, and (3) Acceptance criteria shall reference AWS G1.10M, Class 1 welds as a minimum, 4.68 After visual examination, the test weldmentcoupon shall be evaluated using the tests required in Table 4.1 ‘Control specimens shall be removed from the locations shown in Figure 4.1 for sheet and Figure 4.4 for pipe. The prep- aration and dimensions of specimens shall be as provided in Figure 4.1 and/or Figure 4.5 of this specification, Gite Y — L o.062 0 (1.6 mm) NOMINAL "Note: Sheet wicth between 0,09 in (2.3 mm) and 0.5 in (13 mm) in thickness. Figure 4.2—Typical Bevel Profile for Sheet [>0.090 in to 0.50 in (>2.3 mm to 13 mm) in Thickness] 60°~70" my Lo 62 in (1.8 mn) NOMINAL ‘Note: Shoot with greater than 0.5 in (13 mm) in thickness Figure 4.3—Typical Bevel Profile for Sheet [>0.50 in (>13 mm) in Thickness]AWS B2.4:2012 CCut 1 in 101m (25 mmx 250 mm) piece in the shaded area fora total Of sx pieoos at 60° apart throughout the pipe creumforonce, Figure 4.4—Location of Control Specimens and Tensile Specimens from Pipe Weldment/Coupons Note: See Table 44 Figure 4.5—Cross Sections of Specimen Cut from PipesAWS B2.4:2012 4.6.6 Weld Test Specimens. For each of the horizontally and vertically welded test pieces, cut and discard a 1 in (25 mm) stip off each end of the 17 in by 10 in (425 mm by 250 mm) welded specimen resulting in a piece 15 in by 10 in G80 mm by 250 mm). From this remaining piece, cut at least five (5) 1 in + 0.01 in (25 mm + 0.25 mm) wide by 10 in (250 mm) long strips for tensile testing and at least six (6)—three (3) specimens for face, three (3) specimens for oot (dimensions in accordance with Table 4.4)—for bend testing, The specimens shall be conditioned for a minimum of 16 hours at 73°F + 4°F (23°C + 2°C) prior to bending, 4.6.7 Control Specimens 4.6.7.1 Sheet. Cut at least five (5) pieves off the 5 in by 10 in (125 mm by 250 mm) control specimen to the same dimensions as welded test specimens. 4.6.7.2 Pipe. Cut | in by 10 in (25 mm by 250 circumference, n) pieve for a foal of six pieces at 60° apart throughout the pipe 4.6.7.3 Condition all specimens for evaluation for 16 hours at 73° + 4°F (23°C # 2°C). 4.6.8 Test Procedure—Tension Test 4.6.8.1 Control Specimens. Measure the width and thickness of the test pieces tothe nearest 0.001 in (0,025 mm) atthe one-third intervals ofthe length not held by the grips. Record the respective measurements, calculate the respective cross-sectional areas, and calculate the average cross-sectional area of test pieces. Conduct the tensile test using a suit- able test machine pulling ata eross-head speed chosen so that the yield strength is obtained in approximately one minute. If necessary the eross-head speed shall be determined by a protest. The cross-head speed af some thermoplastics are given in Table 4.6, The test and control specimen shall have the same gauge length. 4.6.8.2 Test Specimens. Measure width and thickness of the test pieces to the nearest 0.001 in (0.025 mm) at the ‘one-third intervals of that length not held by the grips. Do not measure thickness within 1/4 in (6 mm) of the weld bead area, Record the respective measurements, calculate the respective cross-sectional areas and calculate the average cr0ss- sectional area of test pieces. 4.6.8.3 Caleul (1) Calculate the tensile yield strengths of each specimen as follows: S=PIA where: = tensile yield strength, psi (MPa) P = load, bt (N) at yield A= average cross-sectional area, in? (mm?) (2) Average cross-sectional area is the product of the average width and average thickness for each individual speci- ‘men as measured in 4.6.8.1 and 4.6.8.2. (3) Control Sirength, Calculate the average sheet tensile yield strength of the five control specimens. Table 4.6 Cross-Head Speeds for Some Thermoplastics Material “est Speed infin (mm/min) PEHD 250) PP, PVDF 08 20) pvc 0.400)AWS B2.4:2012 (4) Short Term Weld Factor. Calculate the short term weld factors for each vertically and horizontally welded speci men as follows: Weld Strength. psi (MPa) Short ‘Term Weld Factor = 0.94) 0 6 0 000 046 924 092 o40 049 056 068 072 a8 080 096 104 112 120 @ @ fe fi) Ga CH) Ge) He em 2) ie) Ge) Ge) GO, TEST SPECIMEN THICKNESS, in (mm) Figure 4.10—Minimum Bend Angle for PP-B and PP-H 16BEND ANGLE, DEGREES BEND ANGLE, DEGREES 0 908 016 924 022 049 O48 056 068 072 OB 088 096 104 112 120 @ @ ®ve Ga ts) Ge We eo ea ey Ge Ge) Gor TEST SPECIMEN THICKNESS, in (mm) Figure 4.11—Minimum Bend Angle for PP-R Bow 4 XW, HW. 0 008 a8 924 022 a40 O48 O56 064 072 O80 988 096 104 112 120 (HO) Ga Cis) (He) (8) em) ey (a) Ge) a) Gor TEST SPECIMEN THICKNESS, in (mm) Figure 4.12—Minimum Bend Angle for PVC-U (Unplasticized) AWS B2.4:2012AWS B2.4:2012 BEND ANGLE, DEGREES 0 908 016 924 022 049 O48 056 068 072 OB 088 096 104 112 120 @ @ ®ve Ga ts) Ge We eo ea ey Ge Ge) Gor TEST SPECIMEN THICKNESS, in (mm) Figure 4.13—Minimum Bend Angle for PVDF 24 () e $ Be 3 exw, HW. © 008 0:1 024 032 a40 048 056 084 O72 O80 089 096 104 1.12 120 @ & @ & Go Ga Ga Ge) Ga eo) Gr Ge G8) Ga) Go) ‘TEST SPECIMEN THICKNESS, in (rm) Figure 4.14—Minimum Ram Displacement for PE (Density 20.94)RAM DISPLACEMENT, in (rm) RAM DISPLACEMENT, in (om) 02 ° Figure 4.15—Minimum Ram Displacement for PP-B/PP-H 24 () o4. a9) Bow xv, HOW @ & & & co Ca co Ge) Ha) GO) Ga BH Gs) Gs) LO) ‘TEST SPECIVEN THICKNESS, in (=m) Bow t eur, How © 008 0:1 024 032 a40 048 056 084 O72 O80 089 096 104 1.12 120 @ & @ & Go Ga Ga Ge) Ga eo) Gr Ge G8) Ga) Go) ‘TEST SPECIMEN THICKNESS, in (rm) Figure 4.16—Minimum Ram Displacement for PP-R AWS B2.4:2012AWS B2.4:2012 ecw e & 2 8 as 3 02 ° co) 2) Cia) Hie) (8) BO) G2 Hy GB) GB) SO) ‘TEST SPECIVEN THICKNESS, in (=m) Displacement for PVC: U (Unplasticized) (2) 06. a5) How ecw o4 (9) RAM DISPLACEMENT, in (om) © 008 0:1 024 032 a40 048 056 084 O72 O80 089 096 104 1.12 120 @ & @ & Go Ga Ga Ge) Ga eo) Gr Ge G8) Ga) Go) ‘TEST SPECIMEN THICKNESS, in (rm) Figure 4.18—Minimum Ram Displacement for PVDF 20AWS B2.4:2012 ' 32in (60mm) Dain (tommy Falta? Fetart Tle }_—_____1__ .2in (50 mn) Koy 2° extensometer gauge length "Note: I the heles interfere with the tes, they can be omitted. Figure 4.19—Test Preparation for Waisted Specimens ‘The test is applicable to co-axial or co-planar welded assemblies made from thermoplastic materials filled or unfilled, but not reinforced, irespective of the welding process used. The configuration ofthe specimen is designed to force the iin the weld zone. Fixing of the test specimen to the tester allows the testing of specimens cut from pipe and flat specimens to be tested with minimal distortion of the test specimen, 4.6.10.2 The test specimen is extended along its major longitudinal axis at constant speed until the test specimen fractures. During this procedure the load and extension sustained by the test specimen is measured and the energy required to break i calculated Conduct the tensile test using a suitable test machine pulling at a cross-head speed of 0.2 in/min = 0.01 inimin (S mm/ min = 0.25 mm/min) Table 47, 4.6.10.3 Symbols and designations are give’ aAWS B2.4:2012 Table 4.7 Symbols and Designations ‘Symbols and Abbreviations Designations Units ie “The tensile energy welding factor — zg “The value of energy to break the welded test specimen used inthe ealeuation off, fbb) “The value of energy to break the unwelded test specimens taken from the same test ft) pies, used in ealevation off, o [Nominal thickness of the test pioce in (mm) D, [Nominal outside diameter of the tube in (mm) 4.6.104 Sampling Procedures. The test specimens (welded and unwelded) shall be cut perpendicular to the ‘welded joint no sooner than eight hours after welding, Each test specimen shall be marked in order to ident its original position within the tes piece No heat treatment or mechanical straightening operations shall be carried out on the test specimen. 4.6.10.5 Dimensions of Test Specimens, The dimensions of test specimens are given in Figure 4.19, 4.6.10.6 Cutting of Test Specimens. The tensile test specimens shall be cut with parallel sides as shown in Figure 4.19. During cutting, heating of the test specimen shall be minimized. The radius portions of the test specimen shall be ‘smooth but the surface finish of the other remaining edges is not critical. After cutting, a visual examination of the weld shall be carried out and recorded. 4.6.10.7 Mechanical Testing (1) Test specimens shall be conditioned at a temperature of 73°F # 4°F (23°C + 2°C) for not less than 16 hours for test specimen thickness less than or equal t0 0.5 in (12 mm), or for not less than 16 hours for test specimen thi sreater than 0.5 in (12 mm). Unless otherwise specified, the temperature of the est specimen at the beginning of the test shall be 73°F 4°F (23°C 22°C), (2) An extensometer shall be attached to either side of the specimen waisted section, between the loading holes (see Figure 4.19) to measure true elongation of the specimen during the tet. (3) The complete load/extension curve and failure mode (brittle, ductile, or mixed) shall be recorded for each specimen, (4) At least five test specimens shall be tested for each welded uunwelded test piece, (5) Welded and unwelded test specimens shall be of the crosshead displacement shall be continuous, uniform and in 1e geometry and shall be tested at the same speed. ‘The scordance with 4.6.10.2. 4.6.10.8 Determination of the Tensile Energy Welding Factor. In order to determine the tensile energy welding factor, welded and unwelded test specimens shall be teste. »AWS B2.4:2012 ‘The tensile energy welding factor is determined from the arithmetic mean values of the energy to break of the welded test specimens (E,) and the unyelded test specimens (E,) ‘Tensile energy welding factor, f. = ave E,Jave E, ‘The values of £,, and £, are determined from the areas under the load/extension curves of the welded and unvelded test specimens, respectively, and can be determined using an electronic integrator, planimeter, counting squares, or weighing the cut-out curve. ‘Atleast ten test specimens (five welded and five unwelded) shall be used in the evaluation of the tensile energy welding. factor. No test specimen shall be disregarded unless failure oceurs at the loading holes. 4.6.10.9 Test Report, The test report shall refer to this standard and it shall include at least the following information: (1) Description and identification of the test piece and test specimens; (2) Visual examination of weld: (3) Beads removed or nots (4) Weld type: (5) Nominal outside diameter of the tube, if applicable; (6) Number of test specimens; (7) Appearances of all su faces ofthe test specimens, (e.g, flaws, scratches, visual imperfections); (8) Thickness of test specimen: (9) Type of extensometer (10) Temperature of the test specimen atthe beginning of the test (21) Room temperature during the test; (12) The crosshead speed: (3) Visual examination of the ruptured surface (failure mode); (14) Calculated individual energy to break valued (E,,and E,)s (15) Calculated values ofthe tensile energy welding factor (f.) (16) Identification ofthe laboratory; (17) Date of the test and (18) Name and signature of the person responsible for the test report 4.7 Welding Procedure Specification Data. The following matrix indicates the welding data to be included in a WPS for each welding process. A WPS may be presented in any format, written or tabular, provided the data required in this matrix are included (see 4.1.3), The WPS may list variables recorded on the PQR within the full range permitted for a qualification variable and practical limits determined by the employer for other than qualification variables, 23AWS B2.4:2012 ‘Thermoplastic Welding Processes (sce 1.1) zou gnu xm 47.4 Joint Design, (1) Joint type and dimensions (2) Cleaning and facing (3) Treatment of backside, method of gousing/preparation G) Backing badder, if used 4.7.2 ase Material (1) Type and grade 2) Thickness range qualified (tubular only) @) Diameter (tubular only) 4.7.3 Filler Material (1) Type and grade 2) Filler material size or diameter 47.4 Position (1) Welding position(s) 4.75 Temperature Factors (1) Workpiece emperature (2) Interpass temperature maximum (if applicable) (G) Heating source(s) temperaturesfindicators (4) Heat soak time (5) Cooling time (6) Change over time * * * v| {> |x| * * x] | x| |x| > |] «| 4.7.6 Pressure Factor (1) Preheat pressure 2) Welding pressure x * 47.7 Welding Gas (1) Welding gas and flow rate range 4.7.8 Electrical (1) Current (2) Voltage range * 4.7.9 Variables (1) Welding process and whether manual, semiautomatic, mechanized, or automatic (2) Single or multe pass (6) Heat source to work distance 4) Cleaning (6) Shoefbladder type (6) Travelspeed range for mechanized or automatic welding (2) Environmental conditions al wx) | w]e] > ||| o> x¢| oe] | oe] |e] x xAWS B2.4:2012 48 Procedure Qualification Variables. The following matrix lists the procedure qualification vatiables to be recorded ‘on the PQR for each weldi cedure (see 2.1.7). The PQR shall list the values of the actual variables used, within the limits of the ‘The key to the entries in the body of the table is as follows: (Q—Qualification variable for all applications process. A change in a procedure qualification variable requires requalification of the pro- ployed. Thermoplasti Welding Processes (Gee 11) z ax E FE Ww 48.1 Joint Design. (1) Joint type and dimensions (2) Cleaning and facing (G) Treatment of backside, method of gousing/preparstion (4) Backing bladder, wed 48.2 Base Material (1) Type and grade (2) Thickness range qulitied (tubular only) {G) Diameter (tubular only) 10 lo 48.3 Filler Material (1) Type and grade (2) Filler materia size or diameter 48.4 Postion (1) Welding position(s) 448.5 Temperature Factors (1) Welding temperature within the Timits (2) Tnterpass temperature maximum (G) Heating source(s} temperatures (4) Heat soak time (6) Cooling time (6) Change overtime Ie} Jo} lo} i olelcle|||o lolelolo|| |o lolelcle|| lo 48.6 Pressure Factor (1) Prebeat pressure Welding pressure i ico) lolo! 48.7 Welding Gas (1) Welding gas and flow rate range 48.8 Electrical (1) Conent amperage (2) Voltage range lo|o| loo] le|o| lo|o| 48.9 Variables (1) Welding process and whether manus, semiautomatic, ‘mechanized, or automatic (2) Single or mulple pass (3) Heat source to work distance 4) Cleaning (6) Shoefbladdr type (6) Travel-speed range for mechanized or automatic welling (1) Environmental concitions ° © © Iolo} | lo] 1 lo|olelo} | lol | Jolo| 1 lol 1 lololelole} 1 lalolelolo}ifc] fele} jel fell) jilelifelole! fi) fete] |i} lo} ilelefe xm 25AWS B2.4:2012 5. Performance Qualification 5.1 General 5.1.1 Qualification of welders and welding operators requires that a weldment be made ‘and be prepared and tested in accordance with the requirements of this spet ‘gas welding parameters. ‘cording to a qualified WPS jon. See Annex A for recommended hot 5.1.2 The test consists of theoretical and performance test which shall be supervised. See Figure 5.1 for selection of performance qualification method, The theoretical test shall cover at a minimum: safety, fundamentals of the welding process, and materials (see Clause 6) Personnel currently qualified by the employer to meet the requirements of other codes or specifications are con- sidered qualified under AWS B2.4 provided the basis for their qualification meets all requirements of this specification. In such cases, a certification form shall be initiated and signed by the employer attesting to compliance with this spe cation. Ifan existing form is used, the certifying statement shall be added or appended. If a new form is issued, it shall reference any prior certification form which shall be attached to oF traceable from the new form, Quali The welder or welding operator undertaking the theoretical examination and performance qualification tests shall be under the ful supervision and control of the qualifier during the welding of test weldmenU/coupons. ion tosting shall be by standard testing (see $.2). THEORETICAL EXAMINATION + PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION BY STANDARD TEST(S) REQUIRED + WELDER OR WELDING OPERATOR PREPARES A TEST WELOMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH A QUALIFIED. \WPS AND AFTER SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF THE ‘THEORETICAL EXAMINATION + EXAMINE AND/OR TEST THE WELDMENT AND DOCUMENT THE RESULTS: + IF ACCEPTABLE, APPROVE THE PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION RECORD Figure 5.1—Performance Qualification Method for Standard Test 26AWS B2.4:2012 ‘The qualification test for each welder of welding operator shall be documented by the qualifier for both accept able and unacceptable test results. There is no required format for Performance Qualification Test Records (PQTR). The documentation shall identify at a mininaum: (1) The WPS used, (2) The qualificati (3) The test and examination methods used and results, variables in 5.5 Performance Qualification Variables, (4) The limits of qualification for the welder or welding operator, and (5) Certification by a qualifier. the qualifier after satisfactory completion of a theoretical examination and performance test. Qualification records shall reference and may include mechanical test and nondestructive examination test reports that ate signed by others. Aceeptance of test results is the responsibilty of the qualifier. Qualification records shall be signed and dated by | ‘A welder or welding operator who fails the performance test may be retested atthe option of the qual (1) oF @) below: using ‘ment/coupons for each test failed, Both test weldment/coupons shall be acceptable for the welder or welding operator to quality. (2) Provided there is evidence, satisfactory to the qualifier, that the welder or welding operator has had further train- ing or practice, one test weld for each test failed is permitted, (1) If a retest is permitted by the qualifier without further training or practice, it shall consist of two test weld | 5.1.9 The performance qualification of a welder or welding operator shall be affected when one of the following con- ditions occurs: (1) When he or she has not welded with a process during a period of six months, his or her quali cess shall expire, ations for that pro- (2) Requalification as a result of (1) is permitted by having the welder or welding operator make one test weld ‘mend/coupon using the same process, Ir the test weldment/coupon meets the requirements of this specification, then all Of the welder’s or welding operator's previous qualifications for that process, materials, thickness, product forms, and other variables are reinstated (3) When there is a specific reason to question his or her ability to make welds that meet the specification, the quali cations which support the welding he or she is doing shall be revoked. All other qualifications not questioned remain in effect (4) Requalification as a result of 3 is permitted by having the welder or welding operator successfully complete per formance qualification tes(s) that support the qualification(s) questioned, (5) Theoretical examination is required for requalification asa result of 3 above, (6) Duration of welder qualification is one year. Maximum duration of welder qualification is two years ifsupporting documentation shows 9 months welding during the preceding 12 month period. If extension applies, all other conditions of 5.1.9 remain, (7) Welders qualified to earlier editions of B2.4 are also qualified to the current edition. 5.1.10 Completion of an acceptable procedure or performance qualification test shall qualify the welder or welding ‘operator who welded the test weldmen¥/coupon within the limits of performance qualification variables specified in 5.5 Performance Qualification Variables. Qualification as a welder does not qualify the individual as a welding operator oF 5.1.11 Qualification on a complete joint penetration groove weld also qualifies the welder or welding operator for partial joint penetration groove welds. Qualification on a partial joint penetration groove weld qualifies only for partial joint penetration groove welds 8.1.12 Base materials are grouped for qualification purposes. Such groups are assigned TPM-Numbers in Table $.3, 0AWS B2.4:2012 13 For the welding of base materials, a performance qualification test made for each TPM-Number qualifies the welder to weld any other base material with the same'TPM-Number 5.2 Qualification by Standard Test $.2.1 Qualification requires satisfactory completion of a theoretical written examination and making a standard test, ‘weldmenvcoupon in accordance with a qualified WPS, evaluation of the test weldment/coupon by the methods listed in ‘Table 5.1, and acceptance of the weldment in accordance with the criteria of 5.4 Examination Procedures and Accep- tance Criteria, The number of bend tests required for each position and product form is six. Test weldmentcoupons for 'SCW (Solvent Cement Welding) shall conform to 5.3.6 and the test method shall be in accordance with either 5.2.2 or 523. 5.2.2 Burst Test Method. The test weldment/coupon for SCW only shall be subjected to a burst test in accordance ‘with the applicable sections of ASTM D 1599, Standard Test Method for Resistance to Short-Time Hydraulic Pressure of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fietings. The time to burst in this standard may be extended. The testis suocessful ifthe failure initiates outside of any solvent welded joints 5.2.3 Hydrostatic Pressure Test. The test weldment/coupon for SCW only shall be subjected to a hydrostatic pres sure test with the applicable sections of ASME B31.3, paragraph A328, for not less than one hour with no leakage or separation of joints, 5.3 Test Weldment/Coupons 5.3.1 Qualification is valid only for materials having the same TPM-Numbers. 5.3.2 The filler material, when used, shall be compatible with the ase material Table 5.1 Testing Requirements for Performance Qualification ‘Type of Test Pipe? ‘Sheet Material Electrafusion Visual Examination All Bend Test® TPM Nox. 1.2.3.4.5 ‘Tension Test" TPM Now. 4,6,7.8 Burst Test TPM Nos. 1.2.9 Hydrostatic Pressure Tes’ TPM Nos. 1.2.9 eel Decobsesion Test (ISO 13954) rush Test (180 13955) “Tension et for material TPM number 4 (pipes shall be conducted in accordance with 4.610 (Tensile Energy Weld Factor Tet) "For PG- eco Table), nd et shal Wo used ForSCW (Solvent Cement Welding) ctr tars! et or hydrostatic presse est mit be ase “For wal thickness greater than Tn (30 man) ase test procedure EN 12814-1 or applicable side bend test standard Table 5.2 Pipe Group, Nominal Size Range OD in (mm) Recommended Qualification Dimensions OD in (ram) Pat <4 (S110) 2163) PG2 1.5-6 (50-160) 3190) PGs 412 410.315) 6460) PG §-20 200-500) GIs) Pas 3202500) 24 (630) 28AWS B2.4:2012 Table 5.3 Base Material for Performance Quali ication “Thermoplastic Materials Abbreviation Name ‘TPM Number Pvc-u Polyvinyl Chioride 1 ceve CCiorinated Polyvinylchloride 2 pp Polypropylene. 3 PE Polyethylene 4 PVDF Polyvinylidene Fluoride 3 PVDP-C Type | Polyvinylidene Fluorite Copolymer 5 PVDF-C Type 2,3 Polyvinylidene Fluoride Copolymer 6 ECTRE Ethylene Chiorotrfluorvethylene 7 ETRE, Exhglene Terafluoroethylene 7 MEA Perfluoromethylvinglether 8 FEP Periluoro (Ethylene Propylene) 8 PPA, Perfluoralleoxy 8 ABS Acrylontile-Butadiene-Styrone 9 Nove f materials oe lived are used for quaifision ets, the welder or welding operator sll be qualifid to weld only on the material sed in the text weldmentoupon, 5.3.3 When a welder/welding operator qualifies with sheet material, qualification on vertical, overhead, and horizon- tal welding positions qualifies the welder/welding operator for each position welded. 5.34 When a welder/welding operator qualifies with pipe, qualification on vertical and horizontal pipe positions qualifies the welder/welding operator for each position welded. ‘5.3.5 Figure 5.2 illustrates the location for bend test specimen removal. 5.3.6 SCW test weldment/eoupons shall be fabricated in one pipe size in accordance with the qualified WPS. The size ‘of the pipe and fittings in the test weldment/coupon shall conform to Table 5.2. 5.4 Examination Procedures and Acceptance Criteria. Unless otherwise specified in the Referencing Document, examination procedures and acceptance criteria shall be as specified in the following paragraphs. ‘$4.1 Visual Examination. The test weld may be examined visually by the qualifier at any time, and the test termi- nated at any stage if the necessary skills are not exhibited. The completed test weld shall be visually examined without magnification 5.4.1.1 Standard Test Weldment/Coupons. Acceptance criteria for visual examination of standard test weld- ‘ment/coupons for pipe and shect shall be as follows Prior to removing specimen blanks from the completed test weldment/coupon, the weld shall be visually examined on all accessible surfaces and shall meet the following criteria (A) There shall be no evidence of eracks, incomplete fusion, or incomplete joint penetration. (2) Undereut or surface porosity le. not permi (3) Acceptance criteria should reference AWS G1.10M, Class 1 welds as a minimum (except SCW, which is not covered in AWS GI.10M). $4.2 All testing shall be in accordance with this document. 20AWS B2.4:2012 FACE BEND, ' ~~ oor Beno ROOT BEND FACE BEND SPECIMEN | TSinx on (aamm 453.mm) Figure 5.2—Location of Horizontal and Vertical Positions Bend Specimens Blanks FACE BEND 5. Performance Qualification Variables 5.5.1 Welders. A change in any variable listed below from that which was used in a welder’s qualification test will require requalification of that welder: (2) A change in welding process, (2) The addition or deletion of bladder, @)Ad inge in base material TPM-Number, (4) A change in position from that qualified, or (5) A change in the pipe group (PG) qualified (see Table 5.2), 5.2 Welding Operator. A change in any variable listed below from that which was used in the welding operator's qualification test will require requalification of the welding operator: (1) A change in welding position (2) A change in base material TPM-Number, (8) A change in welding process, (4) A change in the equipment/machine qualified (manufacturer brand or mode), oF (5) A change in the pipe group (PG) qualified 30AWS B2.4:2012 6. Examination Structure 1 Examination Basis Documents, The examination questions and answers may be based upon the following refer- cence information. 2) AWS GI.10M, Guide for the Evaluation of Hot Gas, Hot Gas Extrusion, and Heated Too! Butt Thermoplastic Welds (2) AWS A2.4, Standard Symbols for Welding, Bra (3) DVS Technical Codes on Plastic Joining Technologies (4) Guide to the Safe Handling of Fluoropolymer Resins (5) PPI Handbook of Polyethylene Pipe (6) ASTM F 2620, Standard Practice for Heat Fusion Joining of Polyethylene Pipe and Fitings (7) Technical manuals for operation of applicable equipment g, and Nondestructive Examination 6.2 Examination Structure. The examination will have a minimum of 20 questions, with a minimum of 4 multiple- choice answers per question, and a minimum pass rate of 80%. The subjects and! minimum percentage of questions are as follows: Examination Subject ‘Minimum Percentage of Questions* Safety 10 Materials 10 Process and Equipment 0 AWS and Related Documents 10 "Percentages indicate the minimum percentage in each examination subject and therefore the total given i less than 1004. a1AWS B2.4:2012 ‘This page is intentiosAWS B2.4:2012 Annex A (Informative) Recommended Hot Gas Welding Conditions ‘This annex is not part of AWS B2.4:2012, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification for Thermoplasties, bat is included for informational purposes only Table At AWS Recommended Welding Conditions—Fan Welding (HF) Fores bs Force bs Welding Volume for Weld Rod for Weld Rod Temperature (1) Gas Limin @ Thickness of Thickness of “Thermoplastic FCO, Spsig-lOpsig 0.12! mm) O.16inc4 mm) Polyethylene HD-PE 570-610 (300-320) 40-60 3545 Polypropylene PP-H, PP-B, PPAR 50-600 (305-315) 40-60 3545 Polyvinyl chloride PVC-U 1625-665 (380-350) 40-60 3545 CCilorinated Polyvinyl chloride PVC-C(CPVC) 645-680 G40-360) 40-60 2535 Polyvinlidene aor PVDE {60-700 (380-370) 40-60 3545 Note: Measure 0.2 in mn) msde min orfie of he weld Table A2 AWS Recommended Welding Conditions—Speed Welding (HS) Force bs Force bs Welding Volume for Weld Rod for Weld Rod Temperature () Gas Limin @ Thickness of Thickness of “Thermoplastic FCO, Spvie-l0psig 0.1219 mm) 0.16 in(4 mm) Polyethylene HD-PE ‘610-645 320-40) os Polypropslene PP-H, PP-B, PP-R {610-645 (320-340) 8 Polyvingl chloride PVC {6-700 (350-370) 35-6 CClorinated Polyvinyl chlovide PVC-C (PVC) 700-735 (370-390) oF Folyvinylidene uoride PVDF 60-725 (365-385) os Note: Measured. in (5 mm inside main orifice ofthe wed ip 3AWS B2.4:2012 ‘This page is intentiosAWS B2.4:2012 Annex B (Informative) Sample PQTRs and WPSs ‘This annex is not part of AWS B2.4:2012, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification for Thermoplastics, bat is included for informational purposes only.AWS B2.4:2012 HG or EX Certification Process Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Rov. No_ Dato _ Company Name By Welding Process _ Supporting POR Nos. Joint Design Pressure Factors—NiA Joint Type Dimensions - Cleaning and Facing Welding Gas. Other Preparation Welding Gas & Flow Rate Range. Electrical Required Actual Base Material TPM No. Curront Type and Grade Voltage Range Thicknoss Variables Filler Material, TPM No. Equipment “ype and Grado Modol Thickness Welding Procedure ‘Temperature Factors Welding Temp. within Limits _ Hot Gas Temperature Extrudate Temperature Interpass Temperature Max Heating Source 36 Welding Process Heat Source to Work Distance Cleaning Shoe Tip_ ‘TravelSpeed Range Relative Humility _AWS B2.4:2012 Performance Qualification Test Record (POTR) POTR No. _ Dato _ Company Name By Welding Process _ Supporting WPS Nos. _ Joint Design Pressure Factors—NiA Joint Type Dimensions - Cleaning and Facing Welding Gas. (thor Preparation Welding Gas & Flow Rate Range. Electrical Required Actual Base Material TPM No. Curront Type and Grade Voltage Range Thicknoss Variables Filler Material, TPM No. Equipment “ype and Grado Modol Thickness Welding Procedure ‘Temperature Factors Welding Temp. within Limits _ Hot Gas Temperature Extrudate Temperature Interpass Temperature Max Heating Source Visual Inspection per AWS G1.10M Weld Bead Appearance Data Acquisition Record Reviow. Tensile Test Data Horizontal Weld Strength, psi Vertical Weld Strength, psi Welding Process Heat Source to Work Distance Cleaning Shoe Tip_ ‘TravelSpeed Range Relative Humility _ Test Date Reviewed by Witnessed by _ Control Samples Strength, psi a7AWS B2.4:2012 ‘Average Calculation average strength horizontal _ Weld actor (horizontal wel = ea ronal Weld factor (erica wos) = sueaae ctenathvatial te “= average strength all welds _ CCEEHCE CE) average feng conti Bend Test (minimum 6 samples): Specimens 1-3 face bend or OD; specimens 4-6 root bend or 1D ‘Side Bend Test (minimum 6 samples): Root and face bend not practical due to specimen thickness Results, passfal per AWS B2.4, Figures 4.9-4.18: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Welders Name Identifcation No. Test Conducted by _ Laboratory Test No. _ We certity that the statements in this record are correct and that the test welds were prepared, welded, and tested in accordance with the requirements of AWS 82.4, Date Permission to reproduce granted by the American Welding Society. 2010 rev 38AWS B2.4:2012 Butt HT and IRW Certification Process Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Rov. No_ ‘Company Name Welding Process _ Joint Design Horizontal Position +90° Cleaning and Facing Base Material Material Type Pipe Manutacturor Pipe Material Spectcation Pipe Size Piper DR ‘Temperature Factors Heater Plate Surlace Temp. Boad Size Against Heater For IRW, Distance Between Pipe End and Heater (record distance for both pipe ends) _ ‘Change Over Time Cooling Time. By. Supporting POR Nos._ Pressure Factors Welding Gauge Pressure (Heat Soak) Welding Gauge Pressure (Welding). Welding Gauge Pressure (Cooling) Electrical Required Actual Current Voltage Range Variables Fusion Machine Mir. Model No. Data Aoguisition System Mir Model No. Welding Procedure Data Acauisition Completed Environmental Conditions Welding Process 30AWS B2.4:2012 Butt HT and IRW Certification Process Welding Procedure Specification (POTR) Rov. No_ ‘Company Name By. Welding Process _ Supporting WPS Nos. _ Pressure Factors Joint Design Horizontal Position +90° Welding Gauge Pressure (Heat Soak) Welding Gauge Pressure (Welding) eno ero Welding Gauge Pressure (Cooling) Base Material Electrical Required Actual Material Type Current Pipe Manufacturer _ Voltage Range Variables Pipe Material Specification Fusion Machine Mit, Pipe Size Piper DR Mosel No. Data Acquisition System Mr. Temperature Factors Mode! No. Heator Plate Surface Temp. Welding Procedure Boad Size Against Heater Data Acquistion Completed ‘Change Over Time Environmental Conditions Cooling Time Welding Process Visual Inspection per AWS G1.10M Test Date Weld Bead Appearance Reviewed by. Data Acquisition Record Review _ Witnessed by Tensile Test Data Weld Strength, psi Control Sample Strength, psi 40AWS B2.4:2012 ‘Average Calculation = average strength all welds _ ‘Weld strength = “SYerage stength contol Bend Test (minimum 6 samples): Specimens 1-3 face bend or OD; specimens 4-6 root bend or ID ‘Side Bend Test (minimum 6 samples): Root and face bend not practical due to specimen thickness: Results, passiall per AWS B2.4, Figures 49-418: 1 2 8 4 5 6 Welder’s Namo Identification No. Test Conducted by Laboratory Test No We certily that the statements in this record are correct and that the test welds were prepared, welded, and tested in accordance withthe requirements of AWS B2.4. Date Permission to reproduce granted by the American Welding Society. 2010 revb 41AWS B2.4:2012 ‘This page is intentios 2AWS B2.4:2012 Annex C (Informative) Guidelines for the Preparation of Technical Inquiries ‘This annex is not part of AWS B2.4:2012, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification for Thermoplastics, bat is included for informational purposes only. C1. Introduction ‘The American Welding Society (AWS) Board of Directors has adopted a poliey whereby all official interpretations of AWS standards are handled in a formal manner. Under this policy, all interpretations are made by the committee that is responsible forthe standard, Official communication concerning an interpretation is directed through the AWS staff mem- ber who works with that committee, The policy requires that all requests for an interpretation be submitted in writing. ‘Such requests will be handled as expeditiously as possible, but due to the complexity of the work and the procedures that must be followed, some interpretations may requite considerable time. C2. Procedure Al inquiries shall be directed to: ‘Managing Director Technical Services Division ‘American Welding 550 N.W. Leleune Road Miami, FL 33126 All inguiries shall contain the name, address, and affiliation of the inquirer, and they shall provide enough information for the committee to understand the point of concer in the inquiry. When the point is not clearly defined, the inquiry will be returned for clarification. For efficient handling, all inquiries should be typewritten and in the format specified below. (C21 Scope. Each inquiry shall address one si ‘or more interrelated provisions, The provision(S) shall be ident the standard that contains the provision(s) the inquirer is addressing, e provision of the standard unless the point of the inquiry involves two in the scope of the inquiry along with the edition of €2.2 Purpose of the Inquiry. The purpose of the inguity shall be stated in this portion of the inquiry. The purpose can be to obtain an interpretation of a standard’s requirement or to request the revision of a particular provision in the standard, C2.3 Content of the Inquiry. The inquiry should be concise, yet complete, to enable the committee to understand the point of the inquiry. Sketches should be used whenever appropriate, and all paragraphs, figures, and tables (or annex) that bear on the inquiry shall be cited. If the point of the inquiry is to obtain a revision of the standard, the inquiry shall provide technical justification for that revision. (C24 Proposed Reply. The inquirer should, as a proposed reply, state an interpretation of the provision that is the point of the inquiry or provide the wording for a proposed revision, if this is what the inquirer seeks. 4BAWS B2.4:2012 C3. Interpretation of Provisions of the Standard Interpretations of provisions of the standard are made by the relevant AWS technical committee. The secretary of the committee refers all inquiries to the chair of the particular subcommitiee that has jurisdiction over the portion of the standard addressed by the inquiry. The subcommittee reviews the inquiry and the proposed reply to determine what the response (0 the inquiry should be, Following the subcommittee’s development of the response, the inquiry and the response are presented to the entire committee for review and approval. Upon approval by the committee, the interpretation is an official interpretation of the Society, and the secretary transmits the response to the inquirer and to the Welding Journal for publication. C4. Publication of Interpretations Al oficial interpretations wil appear inte Welding Journal and wil e posted on the AWS web site CS. Telephone Inquiries ‘Telephone inquiries to AWS Headquarters concerning AWS standards should be limited to questions of a general nature (oF to matters directly related to the use of the standard. The AWS Boar! Policy Manual requites that all AWS staff members respond to a telephone request for an official interpretation of any AWS standard with the information that such an interpretation can be obiained only through a written request. Headquarters sta? cannot provide consulting set- vices. However, the staff can refer a caller (o any of those consultants whose names are on file at AWS Headquarters. C6. AWS Technical Committees ‘The activities of AWS technical committees regarding interpretations ae limited strictly (0 the interpretation of provisions of standards prepared by the committees or to consideration of revisions to existing provisions on the basis of new data or technology. Neither AWS staff nor the committees are in a position to offer interpretive or consulting services on (1) specific engincering problems, (2) requirements of standards applied to fabrications outside the scope of the document, cor (3) points not specifically covered by the standard, In such cases, the inquirer should seck assistance from a competent engineer experienced in the particular field of interest