Hello All

Is it acceptable per AWS D1.1 to test for welder qualification on tubing using fig 4.24 (B) in the horzontal position? Seems like a horzontal position weld should use a single bevel instead of a single V. Why a 60 degree bevel opening for fig 4.24 (B) as opposed to a max 45 degree for a prequlified weld B-U2a-GF per figure 3.4.

Also, in writing a WPS for the welder qualification for tubing using fig 4.24 (B), do I need a PQR for the WPS to be qualified prior to welder qualification testing since the bevel angle of 60 degrees depicted in fig 4.24 (B) does not fall within the prequalifed range?

All replies are greatly appriciated

What type of tubular product, box or round?

Welder performance qualification does not (necessarily) replicate production requirements. As stated in clause 4.19; "... are specifically devised tests to determine a welder's, ... ability to produce sound welds. .... The qualification tests are not intended to be used as guides for welding or tacking during actual construction."

Do not confuse the process of qualifying a WPS with the process of qualifying a welder. They are two separate activities with different requirements.

It is a common rookie mistake to believe the welder peformance test must replicate a prequalified joint detail. It is interesting, actually it is disturbing, to hear experienced CWIs and even SCWIs make that mistake. A case in point; look at figure 4.33 for the fillet weld option (figure 4.33) that utilizes a square groove detail. One of the individuals responding to my recent article in Inspection Trends regarding welder qualification took issue with my proposal to utilize the option to qualify welders for fillets and groove welds because the 15/16 inch root opening didn't meet the requirements of a prequalified joint detail. Silly boy, he failed to review the fillet option offered by D1.1.

With regards to the need to qualify a WPS in order to qualify a welder on tubular connections; refer to clause 3.13.4. It appears it is possible to utilize a prequalified WPS under the following conditions:
1) the groove is detailed with a 55 degree groove angle and the as fitup tolerance of +5 degrees is used to meet the need for a 60 degree groove angle.
2) the root opening is detailed as per figure 3.4 for a B-L1b groove detail utilizing a nominal root opening of 1/4 inch and steel backing is used.

All the additional requirements needed to meet prequalification status would also have to be met. Failure to meet all the requirements would invoke a requirement to qualify the WPS before qualifying any welders.

Best regards - Al