ASME IX Overview 

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​​Key ASME code Sections for general welding of pressure vessels

 

Section II Materials Part A Ferrous Materials Specifications

Section II Materials Part C Specifications for Welding Rods, Electrodes, and Filler Metals

Section V Non-destructive Examination

Section VIII Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels Division 1

Section IX Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Qualifications

 

Structure of ASME IX (Welding)

Part QG General Requirements

Part QW Welding

• Article I – Welding General Requirements

• Article II – Welding Procedure (Process) Qualifications

  • This is the welding process, not the welder. Each process has a table detailing the EV, NEV & SEV for the welding process.

• Article III – Welding Performance (Person) Qualifications

  • These are the requirements for the welder. Each process has a table detailing the EV, NEV & SEV for the welder.

• Article IV – Welding Data

  • This section lays out the requirements for the variables detailed in the tables in articles II & III. There are also details of material P numbers and Consumables F numbers.

Notes

• EV

  • QG-105.1 Essential Variables (Procedure) - These are variables that are considered to affect the mechanical properties, and if a weld goes outside the variable's range, the procedure must be requalified.

  • EV - QG-105.2 Essential Variables (Performance) – These are variables that will affect the ability of the person to produce a sound weld

• NEV

  • QG-105.4 Nonessential Variables. These are variables that are considered not to affect the mechanical properties of the joint. The variables shall be recorded or considered to be recorded on the WPS.

• SEV

  • QG-105.3 Supplementary essential variables are variables where a change will affect the toughness (impact) properties of the joint, heat-affected zone, or base material. When toughness (impact) does not apply, then these variables are not applicable

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QG-106 Organizational Responsibility (Personnel Performing Supervisory Activities)

WEC can help with this section

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​The ASME IX requires manufacturers to have designated responsible personnel performing 'supervisory activities' for welding. This relates to witnessing PQRs, writing WPSs and witnessing welder tests, etc.

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They should have or be 

• Designated by the organization with responsibility for certifying qualification documents

• Have a satisfactory level of competence in accordance with the organization's quality program. As a minimum, they shall be qualified by education, experience, or training in the following areas:

(1) knowledge of the requirements of this Section for the qualification of procedures and/or joining personnel
(2) knowledge of the organization's quality program
(3) the scope, complexity, or special nature of the activities to which oversight is to be provided

• Have a record, maintained by the organization, containing objective evidence of the qualifications, training, or experience.

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WEC have over 18 years’ experience witnessing PQRs, writing WPSs and witnessing welders' tests. WEC can provide an ASME-specific CV detailing their experience, which should be acceptable to your ASME inspectors.

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If you want to discuss any aspects of WPQRs or you want more information about setting the best range, please contact WEC using the Contact page

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If you want to discuss any aspects of PQRs or you want more information about setting the best range, please contact WEC using the Contact page