ASME SECT IX x AWS D1.1-6GR Welder Qualified Range

Date 02-20-2009 09:59

Dear Friends
1) 6GR Welder Qualified in accordance with AWS D1.1-Fig 4.27. In ASME Sect IX -6GR Position/Welder Qualification does not exist/not applicable. except for "Special Position-QW-303.3".Since in ASME Sect IX a 6G Welder qualify for all positions. 6GR test position may be not relevant.. to it. But doesn't 6GR postion constiute to Special Position?

   1.1 - Does this welder also qualify to ASME Sect IX?. If not, WHY?. Is there anywhere in AWS / ASME Codes mentioned 6GR Welders NOT qualified to pipe welding(<600mm in Dia)?
   1.2 - How to define/identify "Special Position"?
   1.3 - AWS D1.1 Table 4.10- says 6GR Welder qualified to production pipe welding. with Notes d,e,f- Pls explain "Note d-Not qualified for joint welded from one side without backing, or welded from 2 sides without backgouging" -Does this mean 6GR Welder NOT qualified for pipe welding?

2) Can I use Fig 4.27 test position in one test to qualify 6GR & 6G welder ?

Appreciate quick help and guidance in understanding above codes.

By OBrien

Date 02-20-2009 14:29

You might have better luck in the certification secton with this question.

By Nalla

Date 02-22-2009 23:14

OBrein
Thanks for wishing me luck. Appreciate if all of you gentlemen with years of expertise in welding to explore my query and advise
1) Why it is not possible in code/s point of view
2) What would be the tech. / quality implication by qualifying one welder to two codes(AWS/ASME).AWS except 6G and why not ASME accept 6GR?
3) Or am I bluntly wrong?
4) What is "Special Position" and how and where can applied?
5) Why a 6GR welder cannot/ not accepted by ASME Sect IX?

Appreciate all guidance

By jon20013 (*****)

Date 02-23-2009 03:28 Edited 02-23-2009 03:30

Nalla;

I've already responded to this post in the ASME Forum but will also respond here.

It is "possible" to qualify a welder to both codes simultaneously, as long as all the tests for each code are met. It is also possible to use a 6GR for ASME even though that code doesn't specifically address it, it's something that could be identified in your quality or welding program manual(s).

A special position is one not identified as a "normal" position; your example, in the case of 6GR might be appropriate as might 1GR (rolled).

It is also possible for the Engineer of Record to accept ASME qualifications for AWS works however that is not reciprocal; ASME does not recognise AWS qualifications for ASME works. That said, if you have existing welders who are qualified to AWS or EEMUA-158 and wanted to also deem them qualified to ASME IX, it might be difficult or raise some flags to auditors. For future qualifications, as long as all of the tests for each code are met you could qualify those welders to both codes simultaneously, just be careful all requirements are met.

By Nalla

Date 02-23-2009 14:36

Dear Jon
Appreciate for prompt answer
Yes. in principle ABS Class Surveyor accept but do not actually approve having AWS & ASME Qualification ranges included/combined in one certficate.Their reason is ASME do not indicate such combination acceptable.

By jon20013 (*****)

Date 02-24-2009 03:10

ABS is correct Nalla. If a contractor has fulfilled all of the requirements of both codes then it seems appropriate that 2 certificates could be issued but because of format issues, it would be advisable to issue as 2 separate certificates rather than trying to combine into a single.