Certified Welder Welding Codes and Standards Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the fundamental difference between a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)?
- A WPS is used for production welds, while a PQR is only for welder training.
- A PQR documents the actual results of a test weld, which then provides the basis for writing the instructional WPS. (Correct answer)
- A WPS lists the exact variables used in a single test, while a PQR provides an acceptable range of variables.
- A PQR is created by the welder on the job site, whereas a WPS is created by an engineering department.
Correct answer: A PQR documents the actual results of a test weld, which then provides the basis for writing the instructional WPS.
A PQR is the official record documenting the welding variables used to produce an acceptable test weld coupon and the results of the tests conducted. This proven data from the PQR is then used to write the WPS, which is the set of instructions provided to the welder for making production welds within a qualified range of variables.
Question 2: A welder is fabricating a large structural steel column for a new high-rise building in the United States. Which code is most likely to govern the welding requirements for this application?
- API 1104
- ASME Section IX
- AWS D1.1 (Correct answer)
- MIL-STD-2219
Correct answer: AWS D1.1
AWS D1.1, the Structural Welding Code—Steel, is the primary standard used in the United States for the design, fabrication, and erection of welded steel structures such as buildings and bridges. API 1104 is for pipelines, and ASME Section IX is primarily for boilers and pressure vessels.
Question 3: According to most major welding codes, which of the following is considered an essential variable for a welder's performance qualification, meaning a change would require the welder to requalify?
- A change in the brand of E7018 electrode, provided the AWS classification is the same.
- A change in welding progression from vertical-up to vertical-down. (Correct answer)
- A minor adjustment to the travel speed within the range specified by the WPS.
- A change in the type of grinding disc used for interpass cleaning.
Correct answer: A change in welding progression from vertical-up to vertical-down.
A change in welding progression (e.g., from uphill to downhill) is a significant alteration of a welder's technique and is considered an essential variable under codes like AWS D1.1 and ASME Section IX. Such a change requires the welder to perform a new qualification test. The other options are typically considered non-essential variables for welder performance qualification.
Question 4: An inspector is overseeing the joining of two sections of a cross-country natural gas transmission pipeline. Which welding code is specifically developed for this type of application?
- AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Code
- API 1104 Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities (Correct answer)
- ASME B31.1 Power Piping
- AWS D17.1 Specification for Fusion Welding for Aerospace Applications
Correct answer: API 1104 Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities
API 1104, published by the American Petroleum Institute, is the primary standard governing the welding of pipelines and related facilities used for the compression, pumping, and transmission of crude petroleum, petroleum products, and fuel gases.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) test?
- To establish the mechanical properties of a new welding procedure.
- To set the approved amperage and voltage ranges for a production weld.
- To verify a welder's ability to produce a sound weld by following a qualified WPS. (Correct answer)
- To determine the most cost-effective filler metal for a specific joint.
Correct answer: To verify a welder's ability to produce a sound weld by following a qualified WPS.
The WPQ test is designed to determine the skill of a welder. It confirms that the welder has the ability to follow the instructions on a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and deposit a weld that meets the required quality standards. It qualifies the person, not the procedure itself.
Question 6: Under the rules of ASME Section IX, a welder who qualifies to perform a groove weld on a plate in the 3G (vertical up) position is also qualified for which other groove weld positions on plate?
- Only the 3G position.
- The 1G (flat), 2G (horizontal), and 3G (vertical) positions. (Correct answer)
- The 1G (flat), 2G (horizontal), 3G (vertical), and 4G (overhead) positions.
- All positions, including 5G and 6G on pipe.
Correct answer: The 1G (flat), 2G (horizontal), and 3G (vertical) positions.
ASME Section IX follows a system where qualifying in a more difficult position also qualifies the welder for easier positions. A successful qualification on a plate groove weld in the 3G (vertical) position also qualifies the welder for the less difficult 1G (flat) and 2G (horizontal) positions on plate. It does not, however, automatically qualify for the 4G (overhead) position.
Certified Welder Welding Codes and Standards Questions and Answers 1
What is the fundamental difference between a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)?