PART QW WELDING

ARTICLE I
WELDING GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
QW-100 GENERAL of the Code require notch toughness qualification of
the WPS, the applicable supplementary essential variables
Section IX of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel must be addressed in the WPS.
Code relates to the qualification of welders, welding The purpose for qualification of a WPS is to determine
operators, brazers, and brazing operators, and the procedures that the weldment proposed for construction is capable
that they employ in welding and brazing according of providing the required properties for its intended
to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and application. Welding procedure qualification establishes
the ASME B31 Code for Pressure Piping. It is divided the properties of the weldment, not the skill of the
into two parts: Part QW gives requirements for welding welder or welding operator.
and Part QB contains requirements for brazing. Other The Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) documents
Sections of the Code may specify different requirements what occurred during welding the test coupon
than those specified by this Section. Such requirements and the results of testing of the coupon. As a minimum,
take precedence over those of this Section, and the the PQR shall document the essential variables and
manufacturer or contractor shall comply with them. other specific information identified in Article II for
each process used during welding the test coupon and
QW-100.1 A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) the results of the required testing. In addition, when
is a written document that provides direction to the notch toughness testing is required for procedure quali-
welder or welding operator for making production welds fication, the applicable supplementary essential variables
in accordance with Code requirements. Any WPSs for each process shall be recorded.
used by a manufacturer or contractor that will have
responsible operational control of production welding QW-100.2 In performance qualification, the basic
shall be a WPS that has been qualified by that manufacturer criterion established for welder qualification is to determine
or contractor in accordance with Article II, or it the welder’s ability to deposit sound weld metal.
shall be an AWS Standard Welding Procedure Specifi- The purpose of the performance qualification test for the
cation (SWPS) listed in Appendix E and adopted by welding operator is to determine the welding operator’s
that manufacturer or contractor in accordance with mechanical ability to operate the welding equipment.
Article V.
Both WPSs and SWPSs specify the conditions (including QW-100.3 Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
ranges, if any) under which welding must be written and qualified in accordance with the rules of
performed. These conditions include the base metals this Section, and welders and welding operators of
that are permitted, the filler metals that must be used automatic and machine welding equipment also qualified
(if any), preheat and postweld heat treatment requirements, in accordance with these rules may be used in any
etc. Such conditions are referred to in this construction built to the requirements of the ASME
Section as welding “variables.” Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code or the ASME B31
When a WPS is to be prepared by the manufacturer Code for Pressure Piping.
or contractor, it must address, as a minimum, the However, other Sections of the Code state the conditions
specific variables, both essential and nonessential, as under which Section IX requirements are mandatory,
provided in Article II for each process to be used in in whole or in part, and give additional require-
production welding. In addition, when other Sections

1
QW-100.3 2001 SECTION IX QW-122.1

ments. The reader is advised to take these provisions to qualify the welding procedures he uses in the construction
into consideration when using this Section. of the weldments built under this Code, and
Welding Procedure Specifications, Procedure Quali- the performance of welders and welding operators who
fication Records, and Welder/Welding Operator Performance apply these procedures.
Qualification made in accordance with the
requirements of the 1962 Edition or any later Edition QW-103.2 Records. Each manufacturer or contractor
of Section IX may be used in any construction built shall maintain a record of the results obtained in welding
to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code or the procedure and welder and welding operator performance
ASME B31 Code for Pressure Piping. qualifications. These records shall be certified by the
Welding Procedure Specifications, Procedure Quali- manufacturer or contractor and shall be accessible to
fication Records, and Welder/Welding Operator Performance the Authorized Inspector. Refer to recommended Forms
Qualification made in accordance with the in Nonmandatory Appendix B.
requirements of the Editions of Section IX prior to
1962, in which all of the requirements of the 1962 QW-110 WELD ORIENTATION
Edition or later Editions are met, may also be used. The orientations of welds are illustrated in QW-
Welding Procedure Specifications and Welder/Welding 461.1 or QW-461.2.
Operator Performance Qualification records meeting
the above requirements do not need to be amended to QW-120 TEST POSITIONS FOR GROOVE
include any variables required by later Editions and WELDS
Addenda. Groove welds may be made in test coupons oriented
Qualification of new Welding Procedure Specifications in any of the positions in QW-461.3 or QW-461.4 and
or Welders/Welding Operators and requalification as described in the following paragraphs, except that
of existing Welding Procedure Specifications or an angular deviation of ±15 deg from the specified
Welders/Welding Operators shall be in accordance with horizontal and vertical planes, and an angular deviation
the current Edition (see Foreword) and Addenda of of ±5 deg from the specified inclined plane are permitted
Section IX. during welding.

QW-101 Scope QW-121 Plate Positions

The rules in this Section apply to the preparation QW-121.1 Flat Position 1G. Plate in a horizontal
of Welding Procedure Specifications and the qualification plane with the weld metal deposited from above. Refer
of welding procedures, welders, and welding operators to QW-461.3 sketch (a).
for all types of manual and machine welding
processes permitted in this Section. These rules may QW-121.2 Horizontal Position 2G. Plate in a vertical
also be applied, insofar as they are applicable, to other plane with the axis of the weld horizontal. Refer to
manual or machine welding processes permitted in other QW-461.3 sketch (b).
Sections.
QW-121.3 Vertical Position 3G. Plate in a vertical
QW-102 Terms and Definitions plane with the axis of the weld vertical. Refer to QW-
461.3 sketch (c).
Some of the more common terms relating to welding
and brazing are defined in QW/QB-492. QW-121.4 Overhead Position 4G. Plate in a horizontal
Wherever the word pipe is designated, tube shall plane with the weld metal deposited from underneath.
also be applicable. Refer to QW-461.3 sketch (d).

QW-103 Responsibility QW-122 Pipe Positions

QW-103.1 Welding. Each manufacturer1 or contractor1 QW-122.1 Flat Position 1G. Pipe with its axis
is responsible for the welding done by his organization horizontal and rolled during welding so that the weld
and shall conduct the tests required in this Section metal is deposited from above. Refer to QW-461.4
_____________ sketch (a).
1 Wherever these words are used in Section IX, they shall include
installer or assembler.
 2
QW-122.2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS QW-141.4

QW-132 Pipe Positions

QW-122.2 Horizontal Position 2G. Pipe with its
axis vertical and the axis of the weld in a horizontal QW-132.1 Flat Position 1F. Pipe with its axis
plane. Pipe shall not be rotated during welding. Refer inclined at 45 deg to horizontal and rotated during
to QW-461.4 sketch (b). welding so that the weld metal is deposited from above
and at the point of deposition the axis of the weld is
QW-122.3 Multiple Position 5G. Pipe with its axis horizontal and the throat vertical. Refer to QW-461.6
horizontal and with the welding groove in a vertical sketch (a).
plane. Welding shall be done without rotating the pipe.
Refer to QW-461.4 sketch (c). QW-132.2 Horizontal Positions 2F and 2FR
(a) Position 2F. Pipe with its axis vertical so that
QW-122.4 Multiple Position 6G. Pipe with its axis the weld is deposited on the upper side of the horizontal
inclined at 45 deg to horizontal. Welding shall be done surface and against the vertical surface. The axis of
without rotating the pipe. Refer to QW-461.4 sketch (d). the weld will be horizontal and the pipe is not to be
rotated during welding. Refer to QW-461.6 sketch (b).
QW-123 Test Positions for Stud Welds (b) Position 2FR. Pipe with its axis horizontal and
the axis of the deposited weld in the vertical plane.
QW-123.1 Stud Welding. Stud welds may be made The pipe is rotated during welding. Refer to QW-461.6
in test coupons oriented in any of the positions as sketch (c).
described in QW-121 for plate and QW-122 for pipe
(excluding QW-122.1). In all cases, the stud shall be QW-132.3 Overhead Position 4F. Pipe with its axis
perpendicular to the surface of the plate or pipe. See vertical so that the weld is deposited on the underside
QW-461.7 and QW-461.8. of the horizontal surface and against the vertical surface.
The axis of the weld will be horizontal and the pipe
is not to be rotated during welding. Refer to QW-
QW-130 TEST POSITIONS FOR FILLET 461.6 sketch (d).
WELDS
Fillet welds may be made in test coupons oriented QW-132.4 Multiple Position 5F. Pipe with its axis
in any of the positions of QW-461.5 or QW-461.6, horizontal and the axis of the deposited weld in the
and as described in the following paragraphs, except vertical plane. The pipe is not to be rotated during
that an angular deviation of ±15 deg from the specified welding. Refer to QW-461.6 sketch (e).
horizontal and vertical planes is permitted during
welding. QW-140 TYPES AND PURPOSES OF TESTS
AND EXAMINATIONS
QW-131 Plate Positions
QW-141 Mechanical Tests
QW-131.1 Flat Position 1F. Plates so placed that
the weld is deposited with its axis horizontal and its Mechanical tests used in procedure or performance
throat vertical. Refer to QW-461.5 sketch (a). qualification are as follows.

QW-131.2 Horizontal Position 2F. Plates so placed QW-141.1 Tension Tests. Tension tests as described
that the weld is deposited with its axis horizontal on in QW-150 are used to determine the ultimate strength
the upper side of the horizontal surface and against of groove-weld joints.
the vertical surface. Refer to QW-461.5 sketch (b).
QW-141.2 Guided-Bend Tests. Guided-bend tests
QW-131.3 Vertical Position 3F. Plates so placed as described in QW-160 are used to determine the
that the weld is deposited with its axis vertical. Refer degree of soundness and ductility of groove-weld joints.
to QW-461.5 sketch (c).
QW-141.3 Fillet-Weld Tests. Tests as described in
QW-131.4 Overhead Position 4F. Plates so placed QW-180 are used to determine the size, contour, and
that the weld is deposited with its axis horizontal on degree of soundness of fillet welds.
the underside of the horizontal surface and against the
vertical surface. Refer to QW-461.5 sketch (d). QW-141.4 Notch-Toughness Tests. Tests as described
in QW-171 and QW-172 are used to determine
the notch toughness of the weldment.

3
QW-141.5 2001 SECTION IX QW-151.3

QW-141.5 Stud-Weld Test. Deflection bend, hammering, number of approximately equal strips of a size that
torque, or tension tests as shown in QW-466.4, can be tested in the available equipment. Each specimen
QW-466.5, and QW-466.6, and a macro-examination of the set shall be tested and meet the requirements
performed in accordance with QW-202.5, respectively, of QW-153.
are used to determine acceptability of stud welds.
QW-151.2 Reduced Section — Pipe. Reduced-section
QW-142 Special Examinations for Welders specimens conforming to the requirements given
Radiographic examination may be substituted for in QW-462.1(b) may be used for tension tests on all
mechanical testing of QW-141 for groove-weld performance thicknesses of pipe having an outside diameter greater
qualification as permitted in QW-304 to prove than 3 in. (76 mm).
the ability of welders to make sound welds. (a) For thicknesses up to and including 1 in. (25 mm),
a full thickness specimen shall be used for each required
QW-143 Examination for Welding Operators tension test.
An examination of a weld by radiography may be (b) For pipe thicknesses greater than 1 in. (25 mm),
substituted for mechanical testing of QW-141 for groove full thickness specimens or multiple specimens may
weld performance qualification as permitted in QW- be used, provided QW-151.2(c) and QW-151.2(d) are
305 to prove the ability of welding operators to make complied with.
sound welds. (c) When multiple specimens are used, in lieu of
full thickness specimens, each set shall represent a
QW-144 Visual Examination single tension test of the full pipe thickness. Collectively,
Visual examination as described in QW-194 is used all of the specimens required to represent the full
to determine that the final weld surfaces meet specified thickness of the weld at one location shall comprise
quality conditions. a set.
(d) When multiple specimens are necessary, the entire
QW-150 TENSION TESTS thickness shall be mechanically cut into a minimum
number of approximately equal strips of a size that
QW-151 Specimens can be tested in the available equipment. Each specimen
of the set shall be tested and meet the requirements
Tension test specimens shall conform to one of the of QW-153.
types illustrated in QW-462.1(a) through QW-462.1(e) For pipe having an outside diameter of 3 in. (76
and shall meet the requirements of QW-153. mm) or less, reduced-section specimens conforming to
the requirements given in QW-462.1(c) may be used
QW-151.1 Reduced Section — Plate. Reducedsection for tension tests.
specimens conforming to the requirements given
in QW-462.1(a) may be used for tension tests on all QW-151.3 Turned Specimens. Turned specimens
thicknesses of plate. conforming to the requirements given in QW-462.1(d)
(a) For thicknesses up to and including 1 in. (25 mm), may be used for tension tests.
a full thickness specimen shall be used for each required (a) For thicknesses up to and including 1 in. (25 mm),
tension test. a single turned specimen may be used for each required
(b) For plate thickness greater than 1 in. (25 mm), tension test, which shall be a specimen of the largest
full thickness specimens or multiple specimens may diameter D of QW-462.1(d) possible for test coupon
be used, provided QW-151.1(c) and QW-151.1(d) are thickness [per Note (a) of QW-462.1(d)].
complied with. (b) For thicknesses over 1 in. (25 mm), multiple
(c) When multiple specimens are used, in lieu of specimens shall be cut through the full thickness of
full thickness specimens, each set shall represent a single the weld with their centers parallel to the metal surface
tension test of the full plate thickness. Collectively, all and not over 1 in. (25 mm) apart. The centers of the
of the specimens required to represent the full thickness specimens adjacent to the metal surfaces shall not
of the weld at one location shall comprise a set. exceed 5/8 in. (16 mm) from the surface.
(d) When multiple specimens are necessary, the entire (c) When multiple specimens are used, each set shall
thickness shall be mechanically cut into a minimum represent a single required tension test. Collectively,
all the specimens required to represent the full thickness
of the weld at one location shall comprise a set.
 4

QW-151.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS QW-161.6

(d) Each specimen of the set shall be tested and The other two surfaces shall be called the face and
meet the requirements of QW-153. root surfaces, the face surface having the greater width
of weld. The specimen thickness and bend radius
QW-151.4 Full-Section Specimens for Pipe. Tension are shown in QW-466.1, QW-466.2, and QW-466.3.
specimens conforming to the dimensions given in Guided-bend specimens are of five types, depending
QW-462.1(e) may be used for testing pipe with an on whether the axis of the weld is transverse or parallel
outside diameter of 3 in. (76 mm) or less. to the longitudinal axis of the specimen, and which
surface (side, face, or root) is on the convex (outer)
QW-152 Tension Test Procedure side of bent specimen. The five types are defined as
The tension test specimen shall be ruptured under follows.
tensile load. The tensile strength shall be computed by
dividing the ultimate total load by the least crosssectional QW-161.1 Transverse Side Bend. The weld is
area of the specimen as calculated from actual transverse to the longitudinal axis of the specimen,
measurements made before the load is applied. which is bent so that one of the side surfaces becomes
the convex surface of the bent specimen. Transverse
QW-153 Acceptance Criteria — Tension Tests side-bend test specimens shall conform to the dimensions
shown in QW-462.2.
QW-153.1 Tensile Strength. Minimum values for Specimens of base metal thickness over 11⁄2 in. (38
procedure qualification are provided under the column mm) may be cut into approximately equal strips between
heading “Minimum Specified Tensile, ksi” of QW/QB- 3⁄4 in. (19 mm) and 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) wide for testing,
422. In order to pass the tension test, the specimen or the specimens may be bent at full width (see
shall have a tensile strength that is not less than: requirements on jig width in QW-466). If multiple
(a) the minimum specified tensile strength of the specimens are used, one complete set shall be made
base metal; or for each required test. Each specimen shall be tested
(b) the minimum specified tensile strength of the and meet the requirements in QW-163.
weaker of the two, if base metals of different minimum
tensile strengths are used; or QW-161.2 Transverse Face Bend. The weld is
(c) the minimum specified tensile strength of the transverse to the longitudinal axis of the specimen,
weld metal when the applicable Section provides for which is bent so that the face surface becomes the
the use of weld metal having lower room temperature convex surface of the bent specimen. Transverse facebend
strength than the base metal; test specimens shall conform to the dimensions
(d) if the specimen breaks in the base metal outside shown in QW-462.3(a). For subsize transverse face
of the weld or weld interface, the test shall be accepted bends, see QW-161.4.
as meeting the requirements, provided the strength is
not more than 5% below the minimum specified tensile QW-161.3 Transverse Root Bend. The weld is
strength of the base metal. transverse to the longitudinal axis of the specimen,
(e) the specified minimum tensile strength is for full which is bent so that the root surface becomes the
thickness specimens including cladding for Aluminum convex surface of the bent specimen. Transverse rootbend
Alclad materials (P-No. 21 through P-No. 23) 0.499 test specimens shall conform to the dimensions
in. (12.5 mm) and less. For Aluminum Alclad materials shown in QW-462.3(a). For subsize transverse root
0.5 in. (13 mm) and greater, the specified minimum bends, see QW-161.4.
tensile strength is for both full thickness specimens
that include cladding and specimens taken from the core. QW-161.4 Subsize Transverse Face and Root

QW-160 GUIDED-BEND TESTS Bends. See Note (2) of QW-462.3(a).

QW-161.5 Longitudinal-Bend Tests. Longitudinalbend
QW-161 Specimens tests may be used in lieu of the transverse side-
Guided-bend test specimens shall be prepared by , face-, and root-bend tests for testing weld metal or
cutting the test plate or pipe to form specimens of base metal combinations which differ markedly in
approximately rectangular cross section. The cut surfaces bending properties between
shall be designated the sides of the specimen. (a) the two base metals; or
(b) the weld metal and the base metal.

QW-161.6 Longitudinal Face Bend. The weld is

parallel to the longitudinal axis of the specimen, which
 5

QW-161.6 2001 SECTION IX QW-181.1

is bent so that the face surface becomes the convex no open discontinuities exceeding 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) shall
surface of the bent specimen. Longitudinal face-bend be permitted along the approximate weld interface.
test specimens shall conform to the dimensions shown
in QW-462.3(b). QW-170 NOTCH-TOUGHNESS TESTS

QW-161.7 Longitudinal Root Bend. The weld is QW-171 Notch-Toughness Tests — Charpy
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the specimen, which V-Notch
is bent so that the root surface becomes the convex
side of the bent specimen. Longitudinal root-bend test QW-171.1 General. Charpy V-notch impact tests
specimens shall conform to the dimensions shown in shall be made when required by other Sections.
QW-462.3(b). Test procedures and apparatus shall conform to the
requirements of SA-370.
QW-162 Guided-Bend Test Procedure
QW-171.2 Acceptance. The acceptance criteria shall
QW-162.1 Jigs. Guided-bend specimens shall be be in accordance with that Section specifying impact
bent in test jigs that are in substantial accordance with requirements.
QW-466. When using the jigs illustrated in QW-466.1
or QW-466.2, the side of the specimen turned toward QW-171.3 Location and Orientation of Test Specimen.
the gap of the jig shall be the face for face-bend The impact test specimen and notch location and
specimens, the root for root-bend specimens, and the orientation shall be as given in the Section requiring
side with the greater discontinuities, if any, for sidebend such tests.
specimens. The specimen shall be forced into the When qualifying pipe in the 5G or 6G position, the
die by applying load on the plunger until the curvature notch-toughness specimens shall be removed from the
of the specimen is such that a 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) diameter shaded portion of QW-463.1(f).
wire cannot be inserted between the specimen and the
die of QW-466.1, or the specimen is bottom ejected QW-172 Notch-Toughness Tests — Drop
if the roller type of jig (QW-466.2) is used. Weight
When using the wrap around jig (QW-466.3), the
side of the specimen turned toward the roller shall be QW-172.1 General. Drop weight tests shall be made
the face for face-bend specimens, the root for rootbend when required by other Sections.
specimens, and the side with the greater discontinuities, Test procedures and apparatus shall conform to the
if any, for side-bend specimens. requirements of ASTM Specification E 208.
When specimens wider than 11⁄2 in. (38 mm) are to
be bent as permitted in QW-462.2, the test jig mandrel QW-172.2 Acceptance. The acceptance criteria shall
must be at least 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) wider than the specimen be in accordance with that Section requiring drop
width. weight tests.

QW-163 Acceptance Criteria — Bend Tests QW-172.3 Location and Orientation of Test Specimen.
The weld and heat-affected zone of a transverse The drop weight test specimen, the crack starter
weld-bend specimen shall be completely within the location, and the orientation shall be as given in the
bent portion of the specimen after testing. Section requiring such tests.
The guided-bend specimens shall have no open discontinuities When qualifying pipe in the 5G or 6G position, the
in the weld or heat-affected zone exceeding notch-toughness specimens shall be removed from the
1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm), measured in any direction on the shaded portion of QW-463.1(f).
convex surface of the specimen after bending. Open
discontinuities occurring on the corners of the specimen QW-180 FILLET-WELD TESTS
during testing shall not be considered unless there is
definite evidence that they result from lack of fusion, QW-181 Procedure and Performance
slag inclusions, or other internal discontinuities. For Qualification Specimens
corrosion-resistant weld overlay cladding, no open discontinuity
exceeding 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm), measured in QW-181.1 Procedure. The dimensions and preparation
any direction, shall be permitted in the cladding, and of the fillet-weld test coupon for procedure qualifi-
cation as required in QW-202 shall conform to the
requirements in QW-462.4(a) or QW-462.4(d). The test
coupon for plate-to-plate shall be cut transversely to
 6
QW-181.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS QW-184

accordance with QW-184. When qualifying pipe-toshape

provide five test specimen sections, each approximately in the 5F position, the fracture specimen shall
2 in. (51 mm) long. For pipe-to-plate or pipe-to-pipe, be removed from the lower 90 deg section of the
the test coupon shall be cut transversely to provide mockup.
four approximately equal test specimen sections. The
test specimens shall be macro-examined to the requirements QW-182 Fracture Tests
of QW-183. The stem of the 4 in. performance specimen center
section in QW-462.4(b) or the stem of the quarter
QW-181.1.1 Production Assembly Mockups. section in QW-462.4(c), as applicable, shall be loaded
Production assembly mockups may be used in lieu of laterally in such a way that the root of the weld is in
QW-181.1. The mockups for plate-to-shape shall be tension. The load shall be steadily increased until the
cut transversely to provide five approximately equal test specimen fractures or bends flat upon itself.
specimens not to exceed approximately 2 in. (51 mm) in If the specimen fractures, the fractured surface shall
length. For pipe-to-shape mockups, the mockup shall show no evidence of cracks or incomplete root fusion,
be cut transversely to provide four approximately equal and the sum of the lengths of inclusions and porosity
test specimens. For small mockups, multiple mockups visible on the fractured surface shall not exceed 3⁄8 in.
may be required to obtain the required number of test (10 mm) in QW-462.4(b) or 10% of the quarter section
specimens. The test specimens shall be macro-examined in QW-462.4(c).
to the requirements of QW-183.
QW-183 Macro-Examination — Procedure
QW-181.2 Performance. The dimensions and the Specimens
preparation of the fillet-weld test coupon for performance One face of each cross section of the five test
qualification shall conform to the requirements in specimens in QW-462.4(a) or four test specimens in
QW-462.4(b) or QW-462.4(c). The test coupon for QW-462.4(d), as applicable shall be smoothed and
plate-to-plate shall be cut transversely to provide a etched with a suitable etchant (see QW-470) to give
center section approximately 4 in. (102 mm) long and a clear definition to the weld metal and heat affected
two end sections, each approximately 1 in. (25 mm) zone. The examination of the cross sections shall include
long. For pipe-to-plate or pipe-to-pipe, the test coupon only one side of the test specimen at the area where
shall be cut to provide two quarter sections test specimens the plate or pipe is divided into sections i.e., adjacent
opposite to each other. One of the test specimens faces at the cut shall not be used. In order to pass
shall be fracture tested in accordance with QW-182 the test:
and the other macro-examined to the requirements of Visual examination of the cross sections of the weld
QW-184. When qualifying pipe-to-plate or pipe-to-pipe metal and heat affected zone shall show complete fusion
in the 5F position, the test specimens shall be removed and freedom from cracks; and
as indicated in QW-463.2(h). There shall not be more than 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm)
difference in the length of the legs of the fillet.
QW-181.2.1 Production Assembly Mockups.
Production assembly mockups may be used in lieu of QW-184 Macro-Examination — Performance
the fillet-weld test coupon requirements of QW-181.2. Specimens
(a) Plate-to-shape The cut end of one of the end plate sections, approximately
(1) The mockup for plate-to-shape shall be cut 1 in. long, in QW-462.4(b) or the cut end of
transversely to provide three approximately equal test one of the pipe quarter sections in QW-462.4(c), as
specimens not to exceed approximately 2 in. (51 mm) applicable, shall be smoothed and etched with a suitable
in length. The test specimen that contains the start and etchant (see QW-470) to give a clear definition of the
stop of the weld shall be fracture tested in accordance weld metal and heat affected zone. In order to pass
with QW-182. A cut end of one of the remaining test the test:
specimens shall be macro-examined in accordance with Visual examination of the cross section of the weld
QW-184. metal and heat affected zone shall show complete fusion
(b) Pipe-to-shape and freedom from cracks, except that linear indications
(1) The mockup for pipe-to-shape shall be cut
transversely to provide two quarter sections approximately
opposite to each other. The test specimen that
contains the start and stop of the weld shall be fracture
tested in accordance with QW-182. A cut end of
the other quarter section shall be macro-examined in
 7
QW-184 2001 SECTION IX QW-192.1

at the root not exceeding 1⁄32 in. (0.8 mm) shall be (a) 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) for t up to 3⁄8 in. (10 mm),
acceptable; and inclusive
The weld shall not have a concavity or convexity (b) 1⁄3t for t over 3⁄8 in. (10 mm) to 21⁄4 in. (57
greater than 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm); and mm), inclusive
There shall be not more than 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) (c) 3⁄4 in. (19 mm) for t over 21⁄4 in. (57 mm)
difference in the lengths of the legs of the fillet. (3) any group of slag inclusions in line that have
an aggregate length greater than t in a length of
QW-190 OTHER TESTS AND 12t, except when the distance between the successive
EXAMINATIONS imperfections exceeds 6L where L is the length of the
longest imperfection in the group.
QW-191 Radiographic Examination (b) Rounded Indications
(1) The maximum permissible dimension for
QW-191.1 Method. The radiographic examination rounded indications shall be 20% of t or 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm),
in QW-142 for welders and in QW-143 for welding whichever is smaller.
operators shall meet the requirements of Article 2, (2) For welds in material less than 1⁄8 in. (3.2
Section V, except as follows. mm) in thickness, the maximum number of acceptable
(a) A written radiographic examination procedure is rounded indications shall not exceed 12 in a 6 in.
not required. Demonstration of density and penetrameter (152 mm) length of weld. A proportionately fewer
image requirements on production or technique radiographs number of rounded indications shall be permitted in
shall be considered satisfactory evidence of welds less than 6 in. (152 mm) in length.
compliance with Article 2 of Section V. (3) For welds in material 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) or
(b) The requirements of T-285 of Article 2 of Section greater in thickness, the charts in Appendix I represent
V are to be used only as a guide. Final acceptance of the maximum acceptable types of rounded indications
radiographs shall be based on the ability to see the illustrated in typically clustered, assorted, and randomly
prescribed penetrameter image and the specified hole dispersed configurations. Rounded indications less than
or the designated wire or a wire penetrameter. The 1⁄32 in. (0.8 mm) in maximum diameter shall not be
acceptance standards of QW-191.2 shall be met. considered in the radiographic acceptance tests of welders
and welding operators in these ranges of material
QW-191.2 Radiographic Acceptance Criteria thicknesses.

QW-191.2.1 Terminology QW-191.2.3 Production Welds. The acceptance

Linear Indications. Cracks, incomplete fusion, inadequate standard for welding operators who qualify on production
penetration, and slag are represented on the welds shall be that specified in the referencing
radiograph as linear indications in which the length is Code Section. The acceptance standard for welders who
more than three times the width. qualify on production welds as permitted by QW-304.1
Rounded Indications. Porosity and inclusions such shall be per QW-191.2.2.
as slag or tungsten are represented on the radiograph
as rounded indications with a length three times the QW-191.3 Record of Tests. The results of welder
width or less. These indications may be circular, elliptical, and welding operator performance tests by radiography
or irregular in shape; may have tails; and may shall be recorded in accordance with QW-301.4.
vary in density.
QW-192 Stud-Weld Tests — Procedure
QW-191.2.2 Acceptance Standards. Welder and Qualification Specimens
welding operator performance tests by radiography of QW-192.1 Required Tests. Ten stud-weld tests are
welds in test assemblies shall be judged unacceptable required to qualify each procedure. The equipment used
when the radiograph exhibits any imperfections in for stud welding shall be completely automatic except
excess of the limits specified below. for manual starting.
(a) Linear Indications
(1) any type of crack or zone of incomplete fusion
or penetration;
(2) any elongated slag inclusion which has a length
greater than:
 8

QW-192.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS QW-193.1

Every other welding stud (five joints) shall be tested Required Torque for Testing
Threaded Austenitic Stainless Steel Studs
either by hammering over until one-fourth of its length Nominal Diameter Threads/in . Testing Torque,
is flat on the test piece, or by bending the stud to an of Studs, in. and Series Designated ft-lb
angle of at least 15 deg and returning it to its original 1⁄4 28 UNF 4.5
position using a test jig and an adapter location dimension 1⁄4 20 UNC 4.0
5⁄16 24 UNF 9.0
that are in accordance with QW-466.4. 5⁄16 18 UNC 8.0
The remaining five welded stud joints shall be tested 3⁄8 24 UNF 16.5
in torque using a torque testing arrangement that is 3⁄8 16 UNC 14.5
substantially in accordance with QW-466.5. Alternatively, 7⁄16 20 UNF 26.0
7⁄16 14 UNC 23.0
where torquing is not feasible, tensile testing 1⁄2 20 UNF 40.0
may be used, and the fixture for tensile testing shall 1⁄2 13 UNC 35.5
be similar to that shown in QW-466.6 except that studs 5⁄8 18 UNF 80.00
without heads may be gripped on the unwelded end 5⁄8 11 UNC 71.00
3⁄4 16 UNF 140.00
in the jaws of the tensile testing machine. 3⁄4 10 UNC 125.00
7⁄8 14 UNF 223.00
QW-192.2 Acceptance Criteria — Bend and Hammer 7⁄8 9 UNC 202.00
Tests. In order to pass the test(s), each of the 1 14 UNF 339.00
1 8 UNC 303.00
five stud welds and heat affected zones shall be free
of visible separation or fracture after bending and return Alternatively, where torquing to destruction is not
bending or after hammering. feasible, tensile testing may be used. For carbon and
austenitic stainless steel studs, the failure strength shall
QW-192.3 Acceptance Criteria — Torque Tests. not be less than 35,000 psi (241 MPa) and 30,000 psi
In order to pass the test(s), each of the five stud welds (207 MPa), respectively. For other metals, the failure
shall be subjected to the required torque shown in the strength shall not be less than 1⁄2 of the minimum
following table before failure occurs. specified tensile strength of the stud material. The
failure strength shall be based on the minor diameter
of the threaded section of externally threaded studs
Required Torque for Testing
Threaded Carbon Steel Studs except where the shank diameter is less than the minor
Nominal Diameter Threads/in. Testing Torque, diameter, or on the original cross-sectional area where
of Studs, in. and Series Designated ft-lb failure occurs in a nonthreaded, internally threaded, or
1⁄4 28 UNF 5.0 reduced-diameter stud.
1⁄4 20 UNC 4.2
5⁄16 24 UNF 9.5
5⁄16 18 UNC 8.6 QW-192.4 Acceptance Criteria — Macro-Examination.
3⁄8 24 UNF 17 In order to pass the macro-examination, each
3⁄8 16 UNC 15 of five sectioned stud welds and the heat affected zone
7⁄16 20 UNF 27
7⁄16 14 UNC 24 shall be free of cracks when examined at a magnification
1⁄2 20 UNF 42 of ×10, which is required by QW-202.5 when studs
1⁄2 13 UNC 37 are welded to metals other than P-No. 1.
9⁄16 18 UNF 60
9⁄16 12 UNC 54
5⁄8 18 UNF 84 QW-193 Stud-Weld Tests — Performance
5⁄8 11 UNC 74 Qualification Specimens
3⁄4 16 UNF 147 QW-193.1 Required Tests. Five stud-weld tests are
3⁄4 10 UNC 132 required to qualify each stud-welding operator. The
7⁄8 14 UNF 234
7⁄8 9 UNC 212 equipment used for stud welding shall be completely
1 12 UNF 348 automatic except for manual starting. The performance
1 8 UNC 318 test shall be welded in accordance with a qualified
WPS per QW-301.2.

9
 QW-193.1 2001 SECTION IX QW-197.2

Each stud (five joints) shall be tested either by QW-196.1.2 The weld nugget shall be sound for
hammering over until one-fourth of its length is flat 1.25 times the thickness of the thinner member.
on the test piece or by bending the stud to an angle
of at least 15 deg and returning it to its original position QW-196.1.3 For spot welds, the nugget size shall
using a test jig and an adapter location dimension that be measured at the interface between the sheets being
are in accordance with QW-466.4. joined, and it shall equal or exceed 0.9!t, where t is
the thickness of the thinner sheet. For projection welds,
QW-193.2 Acceptance Criteria — Bend and Hammer the nugget size shall not be less than the initial size
Tests. In order to pass the test(s), each of the of the projection. For seam welds, the width of the
five stud welds and heat affected zones shall be free fused weld cut transverse to the seam shall be not less
of visible separation or fracture after bending and return than 0.9!t, where t is the thickness of the thinnest sheet.
bending or after hammering.
QW-196.2 Mechanical Testing
QW-194 Visual Examination — Performance QW-196.2.1 Shear test specimens shall be prepared
Performance test coupons shall show complete joint as shown on QW-462.9. For spot and projection welds,
penetration with complete fusion of weld metal and each test specimen shall equal or exceed the minimum
base metal. strength, and the average strength specified in QW-
462.10 and QW-462.11 for the appropriate material.
QW-195 Liquid Penetrant Examination Further, for each set, 90% shall have shear strength
QW-195.1 The liquid penetrant examination in QW- values between 0.9 and 1.1 times the set average value.
214 for corrosion-resistant weld metal overlay shall The remaining 10% shall lie between 0.8 and 1.2 times
meet the requirements of Section V, Article 6. The the set average value.
acceptance standards of QW-195.2 shall be met.
QW-196.2.2 Peel test specimens shall be prepared
QW-195.2 Liquid Penetrant Acceptance Criteria as shown in QW-462.8. The specimens shall be peeled
QW-195.2.1 Terminology or separated mechanically, and fracture shall occur in
(a) relevant indications — indications with major the base metal by tearing out of the weld in order for
dimensions greater than 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm). the specimen to be acceptable.
(b) linear indications — an indication having a length
greater than three times the width QW-197 Laser Beam Welding (LBW) Lap
(c) rounded indications — an indication of circular Joint Tests — Procedure Qualification
or elliptical shape with the length equal to or less than Specimens
three times the width
QW-197.1 Required Tests. Six tension shear specimens
QW-195.2.2 Acceptance Standards. Procedure and eight macro specimens are required to qualify
and performance tests examined by liquid penetrant each procedure. The qualification test coupon shall be
techniques shall be judged unacceptable when the examination prepared in accordance with QW-464.1. The tension
exhibits any indication in excess of the limits shear specimens shall conform to the dimensions indicated
specified below: in the table of QW-464.1. The longitudinal and
(a) relevant linear indications; traverse sections indicated in QW-464.1 shall be crosssectioned
(b) relevant rounded indications greater than 3⁄16 in. as closely as possible through the centerline
(4.8 mm); of the weld. A minimum of 1 in. (25 mm) shall be
(c) four or more relevant rounded indications in a provided for examination of each longitudinal specimen.
line separated by 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) or less (edge-toedge). The traverse specimens shall be of sufficient length to
include weld, the heat-affected zone, and portions of
QW-196 Resistance Weld Testing the unaffected base material. Cross-sections shall be
QW-196.1 Metallographic Examination smoothed and etched with a suitable etchant (see QW-
QW-196.1.1 Welds shall be cross-sectioned, polished, 470), and examined at a minimum magnification of
and etched to reveal the weld metal. The section 25X. The dimensions of the fusion zone and penetration
shall be examined at a magnification of 10 times. of each weld of the traverse specimens shall be measured
to the nearest hundredth of an inch and recorded.

QW-197.2 Acceptance Criteria — Tension Shear

Tests. In order to pass the tension shear test(s), the
requirements of QW-153 shall apply.
 10
QW-197.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS QW-198.2

QW-197.3 Acceptance Criteria — Macro-Examination. in QW-464.2 sketch (a) and macro specimens as shown
In order to pass the macro-examination, each in QW-464.2 sketch (b). The peel test specimens shall
of the eight specimens shall meet the following criteria. be peeled apart to destruction and the fusion zone and
(a) The outline of the fusion zone shall be generally penetration measured to the nearest hundredth of an
consistent in size and regular in shape and uniformity inch. The end of each strip of the macro coupon shall
of penetration. be polished and etched to clearly reveal the weld metal.
(b) The examination of the weld area shall reveal The width and depth of penetration of each weld shall
sound weld metal, complete fusion along the bond line, be measured to the nearest hundredth of an inch. Each
and complete freedom from cracks in the weld metal specimen shall be examined in accordance with QW-
and heat-affected zone. 197.1.
QW-198.2 Acceptance Criteria — Peel Test and
QW-198 Laser Beam Welding (LBW) Lap Macro-Examination. In order to pass the peel test
Joint Tests — Performance and macro-examination, the dimensions of the fusion
Qualification Specimens zone (averaged) and the penetration (averaged) shall
QW-198.1 Required Tests. A peel test specimen at be within the range of dimensions of those specified
least 6 in. (152 mm) long shall be prepared as shown on the WPS that was used to make the test coupon.
 11
Appendix I 2001 SECTION IX

APPENDIX I
ROUNDED INDICATION CHARTS
(See QW-191.2)

Typical Quantity and Size Permitted

in 6 in. (152 mm) Length of Weld
1/8 in. (3.2 mm) to 1/4 in. (6 mm)
Thickness

Typical Quantity and Size Permitted

in 6 in. (152 mm) Length of Weld
Over 1/4 in. (6 mm) to 1/2 in. (13 mm)
Thickness

Typical Quantity and Size Permitted

in 6 in. (152 mm) Length of Weld
Over 1/2 in. (13 mm) to 1 in. (25 mm)
Thickness

Typical Quantity and Size Permitted

in 6 in. (152 mm) Length of Weld
Over 1 in. (25 mm) Thickness
12