procedure postion restriction?

Date 07-22-2010 06:26

have carried out a procedure test for ASME IX on stainless steel using GTAW
this was carried out in the flat position
the certificate from the third party inspection authority states no restriction on welding position

customer has rejected the weld procedure as it states all "positions except vertical down"

i was under the impression that for GTAW the position was a supplementary essential variable and was therefore not a problem as notch toughness is not a contractural requirement

has the customer got a valid argument?

any advice greatly appreciated
thanks
mick

By jon20013 (*****)

Date 07-22-2010 08:33

QW-405.1, 2 and 3 could apply. QW-405.2 applies ONLY if notch toughness is required (which would be unlikely in the case of stainless steels). The other 2 variables, QW-405.1 and QW405.3 are NON-ESSENTIAL variable for procedure qualifications. Your Customer may have some point he wishes clarified but rejectting the WPS seems a bit harsh.

By mickdale (*)

Date 07-22-2010 09:07

thanks jon200013

the customer seems to have bypassed QW-256 and just referenced QW-405.2.

Mick

By jon20013 (*****)

Date 07-22-2010 10:11

Yep, have seen it before. Position would obviously be an essential variable for the welder, but not for procedure unless impacts come into play.