CWI WPS, PQR, and Welder Qualification 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CWI is reviewing a WPS and notices the interpass temperature is not listed. What should the inspector do?
- Accept the WPS since interpass temperature is not required
- Reject the WPS because interpass temperature is always mandatory
- Verify whether the applicable code requires interpass temperature on the WPS (Correct answer)
- Request the welder determine the interpass temperature during welding
Correct answer: Verify whether the applicable code requires interpass temperature on the WPS
The inspector must verify whether the governing code requires interpass temperature to be listed on the WPS before accepting or rejecting it.
Question 2: Under AWS D1.1, how long is a welder's qualification valid if the welder has not used the process for more than 6 months?
- The qualification expires and must be renewed (Correct answer)
- The qualification remains valid for 1 year regardless of use
- The qualification is valid indefinitely if the welder passes a visual test
- The qualification is valid as long as the welder remains employed
Correct answer: The qualification expires and must be renewed
AWS D1.1 requires that a welder's qualification expires if the welder has not used the specific welding process for a period exceeding 6 months.
Question 3: Which of the following is classified as a non-essential variable in a welding procedure under ASME Section IX for SMAW?
- A change in the F-number of the filler metal
- A change in the P-number of the base metal
- A change in the weld groove design (Correct answer)
- A change from DCEP to DCEN polarity
Correct answer: A change in the weld groove design
Changes in groove design (such as from V-groove to U-groove) are non-essential variables and do not require requalification of the welding procedure.
Question 4: When qualifying a welder under AWS D1.1 using a groove weld test in the 2G position, which positions is the welder qualified to weld in production?
- 2G only
- 1G and 2G (Correct answer)
- All positions
- 1G, 2G, and 2F
Correct answer: 1G and 2G
Under AWS D1.1, a welder who qualifies in the 2G position is qualified for production welding in the 1G and 2G positions.
Question 5: The heat input formula for a welding process is expressed as:
- (Amps × Volts) / Travel Speed
- (Amps × Volts × 60) / Travel Speed (Correct answer)
- (Volts / Amps) × Travel Speed
- (Amps × Travel Speed) / Volts
Correct answer: (Amps × Volts × 60) / Travel Speed
Heat input = (Amps × Volts × 60) / Travel Speed (in inches per minute), giving a result in joules per inch.
Question 6: A WPS lists a preheat temperature of 200°F minimum. The CWI measures the base metal at 175°F just before welding begins. What action should the inspector take?
- Allow welding to proceed since 175°F is close enough
- Stop welding and require additional preheating to meet the 200°F minimum (Correct answer)
- Ask the welder to weld faster to compensate for the lower temperature
- Document the deviation and allow welding to continue
Correct answer: Stop welding and require additional preheating to meet the 200°F minimum
The WPS minimum preheat of 200°F is a mandatory requirement; welding must not begin until the base metal reaches at least that temperature.
Question 7: Which organization publishes the standard qualification requirements for welding procedures and welders used in pressure vessel fabrication?
- AWS (American Welding Society)
- ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) (Correct answer)
- API (American Petroleum Institute)
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
Correct answer: ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
ASME Section IX of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code governs welding procedure and welder qualification for pressure-containing equipment.
CWI WPS, PQR, and Welder Qualification 3
A CWI is reviewing a WPS and notices the interpass temperature is not listed.
What should the inspector do?