Piping codes (with a few exceptions) require the same performance qualification test for all piping service classes, i.e., stream, gas, water, etc. The acceptance criteria changes from one piping code to another and there are some "rules" about what can and cannot be done. For the most part, the differences are along the lines of design parameters and affect the engineer more than the welder.
The welder's responsibility is to follow the work instructions, i.e., drawings, WPS, etc... It is not the welder's responsibility to determine what type of fitting should be used, pipe diameter, schedule, etc. That is the engineer's job. The welder should concentrate on making the best weld he can while following the directions provided by the employer.
Sad to say, many employers still leave it to the welder to take on the responsibility of designing the system as well as welding it. Then if it does not work as intended, it is the welder's fault. What the hay? Someone has to be management's whipping boy. Let the beatings begin!
I had one company that complained when the welder they hired fresh out of high school did not weld like a veteran with twenty years of experience. The kid told them that he had some welding in a "Metals Shop" class. The company assigned him to weld up a pipe spool without giving him a WPS (not that he would know what to do with it) or a performance qualification test. They wanted to fire the kid when the pipe spool looked like a water fountain while it was hydrotested.
My suggestion would be stay with the company if the money is good, you enjoy the work, and you can learn from the experience. Do the best job you can, learn all you can, ignore the B.S., and cash the check at the end of the week. When a different job comes along that is at least as good as this, maybe pays a little more, you will be ready to accept the new challenges it offers.
Best regards - Al
Shawn,
I used to work off and on for a mechanical contractor doing hospitals and schools. Sometimes with a rig and sometimes single hand. Much of our work was natural gas and saturated steam for heating. I never once saw a print, spec or code. All they ever told me was ..."here's the pipe, fittings, and it goes from here to over there". I used to tell them (here's where it got to be fun!) when and where the welds "needed to be TIG welded". Did I mention, that I also Never took a Weld Test for this outfit! So anyways, it was a great way to improve my TIG welding skills with OJT pay! I would set up a Fab area/shop with my TIG rig and just use this opportunity to practice cup walking on the jackstands. Since these were all "SCALE JOBS" (VA Hospitals, DOT weigh stations, High Schools) they paid really well. I always made sure the Plumbers and laborers did 90% of the installation heavy lifting/grunt work. Not that I'm above all that, but it is easy to convince them to utilize the lower paid employees while I maintained the shop area. As long as I've got welds to make, all was good. The other benefit to doing your own fitting is the ability to plan out and keep the field (mirror) welds as accessible as possible and to your own liking.
Sounds like a Win/Win situation for you as long as you know the check on Friday will cash.
IMHO, these type companies, you are better off being an employee vs. a sub contractor. I figured, no test or prints etc. NO HEADACHES! Enjoy the $$$$