ASME IX, QW-404

Date 03-04-2006 15:24

(a) According to ASME IX, QW-404.9: “A change in the indicator for minimum tensile strength” is an essential variable. Is a new PQR required, if a qualified WPS with a F6A2 flux changes to a F7A2 flux (Changing to greater tensile strength)?

(b) In the table of QW-254 Submerged-Arc Welding (SAW) variables, does “flux designation” in QW-404.29, mean flux classification (e.g. F7A2)?

(c) In the table of QW-254 Submerged-Arc Welding (SAW) variables, does “Classification” in QW-404.33, mean electrode classification (e.g. EM12K)?

(d) In the table of QW-254 Submerged-Arc Welding (SAW) variables, does QW-404.35 mean that changing from “F7A2-EM12” to “F7A2-EH14” (Just electrode changing) or changing from “F7A2-EM12” to “F7A4-EM12” (Changing to a better impact test value” require new qualification?

Thanks.

By George-kh (**)

Date 03-09-2006 20:03

it seams not to be an interesting subject but please answer if somebody knows the answer.

By GRoberts (***)

Date 03-13-2006 14:41

In my opinion:
A) Yes- they give the specific example of (e.g. the 7 in F7A2-EM12K)
B) I do not believe so. If they meant classification, I think they would have stated it that way. This is a non-essential variable, so changing "designation" would not require requalification. I think they are talking about a manufacturers designation.
C) I think they are talking about the whole electrode/flux classification here. Again, it is non-essentail. So for example, changing from F7A2-EM12K to F7A4-EM11K would not require qualification based on this variable.
D) Although changing to a lower temperature classification makes sense to not have to re-qualify, it does not give that exemption, so it looks to me like requalification is required for any change in the AWS class except for hydrogen, when supplemental essential variables apply.