Understanding Arc Welding Qualification Standards

This textbook introduces the reader to the development and qualification of arc welding procedures and personnel to industry codes and standards. The mechanics of using welding standards, how to address their requirements, and their relationship with other standards are explained. The reader will gain a working knowledge of common welding standards including a review of welding processes variables, the inspection and testing of welds, and their acceptance criteria. The reader will develop a basic understanding of:

• Common arc welding standards
• Welding related documentation
• The welding procedure development & qualification process
• The welder/operator performance qualification process
• Essential, non-essential, & supplementary essential variables for arc welding processes
• The requirements for the inspection & testing of weld qualification coupons
• Purpose, intent, & compliance of a Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
• Purpose, intent, & compliance of a Procedure Qualification Records (PQR)
• Purpose, intent, & compliance of a Welder Performance Qualification Record (WPQR)

This textbook was written for use in an undergraduate course in Welding Engineering.Although the book is aimed at Welding Engineering students, it should also serve as a useful guide to other engineers, technicians, and specialists who are working in the field of welding and are seeking how to apply relevant codes and standards to qualify welding procedures and personnel. While the book focused primarily on the common arc welding processes using AWS B2.1 and ASME BPVC Section IX, the principles discussed will apply to most welding processes in general and most welding qualification standards