If the SAW production is to be compliant with D1 than the operators need to be qualified eh?
We qualify our SAW operators (CJP single wire web/flange splice and twin wire fillets) to AWS D1.1 via third party inspectors and also to CWB W47 & W59 via CWB reps on site.
D1 Clauses 3 & 4 for sure treat SAW equally in the tables as far as essential variables.
It wasn't common for me until a few years ago :) But I'm learning more every day.... In fact, just finished some new SAW procedure development that got through CWB approval on the first crack which was very happy making.
EDIT: Dealing with high amperage SAW, lets say 750+ amps puts a whole new challenge to arc blow, work leads/grounding and flux fields, even with AC current, which on the face of things you would think impossible. Very mysterious.
That partly depends, I do not believe that AWS certifies welders period let alone a particular process.
Now, if we are talking about a SAW operator being qualified to AWS standards, especially D1.1, then the answer is 'ABSOLUTELY'!!
I personally was qualified to AWS D1.1 with SAW back in 1978-81 or 2. We did flat on the pipe forming mills and horizontal on the tank shell plates on tanks in the field.
Specialized? Yes, in many respects but not really. Go to FabTech and see all the applicable uses today for SAW. Lots of companies are incorporating faster processes into their operations.
He Is In Control, Have a Great Day, Brent