Could someone please tell me where in B2.1:2005 it states if you are going to qualify a PQR by testing you need to use either pipe or plate.  If pipe is used what are the diameter restrictions.  I have found it for performance quals but not PQR's.

The B2.1 committee has been horibbly tainted by Section IX influences. What would seem to be important to the welder if of little concern to a pencil jockey that doesn't have to do the work.

There's the rub. What variables are going to influence the  mechanical properties of the weld? What variables are influenced by the welder's skill?

Things like base metal composition and filler metal composition are going to affect the mechanical properties more than the groove angle used. Whether the component being welded is round or flat isn't going have a great influence on the mechanical properties of the completed joint. Round versus flat and the ability to obtain a weld that is sound is really a welder skill issue. Whether the groove is a bevel groove or a U-groove is going to change the mechanical properties is doubtful. Whether the welder will be able to deposit a sound weld using either groove type isn't going to affect the mechanical properties of the weld. Incomplete fusion, slag inclusions, porosity, etc. are indications that a sound weld is not achieved, but it isn't going to change the mechanical properties of the actual weld (that is sound).

For the reason cited above, ASME Section IX and B2.1 list many of the same essential variables for procedure qualification. These are varibles that have a direct influence on the tensile strength, yield strength, ductility, and sometimes notch torughness of the completed weld with the assumption the weld is sound. Those varibles that are more related to the welder's skill are considered to be nonessential varibles. A change in an essential varible (changes the mechanical properties) requires the procedure to be requalified. A change in a nonessential variable (weld soundness associated with welder's skills) do not require the procedure to be requalified, but the change does have to be reflected in the WPS.

The short answer is that B2.1 does not consider product form (round versus flat) to be an essential varible for procedure qualification.

Back to the soap box, just because the WPS supported by a PQR meets the applicable ASME code or B2.1, it doesn't mean the welder can implement it and make a sound weld. That is the disconnect between meeting the "minimum" requirements of the code and life on the production floor.

Best regards - Al

Thanks for the help.