ASME 9 - Introduction

These articles are intended as a very general guide to ASME 9. They are a
collection of my own personal notes which were written to aid my
understanding of the code. Their are certain exceptions in the code that are
not covered in these articles, therefore you are urged to study the code
carefully before using its rules to carry out any welding qualifications.
Brief Introduction
Download ASME suggested forms
Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)
Welding Performance Qualification (WPQ)
ASME definitions for welding processes, consumables and welding
positions
ASME Approval Range Calculator
ASME P Material Numbers
Graphic Representation of Welding Positions
Brief Introduction
Welding qualifications to ASME 9 are for use with the ASME boiler and
pressure vessel code or the ASME pipework codes. For use with any other
code or standard agreement between all contracting parties should be
obtained.
The ASME boiler and pressure vessel code embraces its own QA system
which revolves around satisfying the rules of the code. This demonstrates
that an accredited fabricator has some degree of competence permitting
them to perform a large amount of their own inspection without the
involvement of an Independent Inspection Body, which would be required
by other standards for similar inspections.
This is why welding qualifications carried out under the ASME code do
not require Independent Inspection, a fabricator can qualify his own
procedures and welders using the ASME code rules. However this may
not be acceptable to the European Pressure Equipment Directive which
requires all welding qualifications in inspection categories two and above
to be approved by a Notified Body.
However there is nothing stopping anybody using any of the rules of the
ASME code without being ASME approved, but to prove your
competence in welding an Independent Inspection Body is recommended
to approve your welding tests.
The advantage of ASME 9 is that its very workable and very
comprehensive, if you have a question you will almost certainly find an
answer somewhere in the code, which is more than can be said for its

European equivalent EN ISO 15614-1 (formerly EN288-3).

The ASME code may at first glance appear complex and very legalistic but
once you understand the basic rules they are very easy to apply in practice.
Its main advantage is that it requires very few welding procedures unlike
EN ISO 15614-1 which requires a ridiculous number if it is applied
correctly.
The main advantages of ASME welding procedures are: All joint types approve each other. i.e. A double sided weld approves a
single sided weld and vice versa.
No limits on diameter approval for pipe. A plate procedures can be
used to weld any diameter of pipe
Materials and welding consumables are listed in groups, unfortunately
only American grades are included!
Any butt weld will qualify all fillet weld sizes on any parent metal
thickness.
A welding procedure qualified in one position approves all positions
unless impact tests are required then only a vertical up approves all
positions.
The code covers wide range of welding processes and applications
such as hard facing, stud welding, brazing etc.
If you have difficulty in appreciating the above advantages you need to
understand the basic philosophy behind welding procedure tests described
in the Basic Guide.
The main advantages of ASME welder approval tests are: There is no minimum parent thickness, only maximums, and they are
applied to the deposited thickness of the weld not the parent metal
thickness.
There is no upper limit on diameter approval, only a lower limit.
Any butt weld approval will qualify all fillet weld sizes on any parent
metal thickness. {Unfortunately unlike EN287 a butt weld carried out
in the flat position will not qualify a fillet weld in the conventional
horizontal position, to qualify this your butt weld approval must
include the horizontal position}.
The main problem with the ASME code is that it treats all welding

processes separately and imposes separate restrictions for each on both

procedures and approvals. It is therefore prudent to check what the code
says about the welding process you intend to use before you carry out any
welding tests.
The ASME code covers a very wide range of welding processes and
applications such as hard facing, stud welding, brazing etc.
Application standards such as the B31 pipework code may impose
additional requirements and limitations in some cases.
The code is divided into 4 parts as follows:
QW100 General introduction to testing requirements etc.
QW200 Procedure Qualification details.
QW300 Performance Qualifications (Welder Approvals) details.
QW400 Welding Data. This is the biggest section of the code and
covers data for
both procedure and performance qualifications. It includes : Material and consumable data
Test requirements.
Approval ranges for thickness, diameter, joint
configuration and welding positions

Definitions used in the code.

Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)

Welding Performance Qualification (WPQ)
ASME definitions for welding processes, consumables and welding
positions

Welding Qualifications
Page last updated 21 March 2008
Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)

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PQR's are not required if Standard Welding Procedures are used, see below for details.
This document contains details of the welding test, it must include details of all the parameters listed
as variables in tables QW250 to QW265 for each process involved and all the destructive test results.
The relevant variables for each type of welding process are clearly defined in tables QW250 to
QW265. The left hand column of each table defines the section and paragraph where each variable

and its application to the table is explained in the code.

Welding Variables
Variables used in a welding procedure test are divided into 3 categories : Essential Variables Are variables that have a significant affect on the mechanical properties
of a joint. They must not be changed except within the limits specified by this code. e.g.
Material thickness range, Material Group etc.

Non-Essential Variables Are variables that have no significant affect on mechanical

properties. They can be changed without re qualification of the PQR.

Supplementary Variables Are variables that have an affect on the impact properties of a
joint. They are classed as Non-Essential if impact testing is not required

All variables listed as essential, non-essential or supplementary should be addressed on both the WPS
and the PQR. If any of the variables do not apply to the particular application then they should be
specified as not applicable.
Joint Configuration
Either plate or pipe can be used for the test piece (plate approves pipe and vice versa ref. QW211),
any welding position approves all positions providing no impact tests are required ref. tables
QW250 to QW265 and any joint geometry approves all geometry's, e.g. single V, double V, U
prep, backed or unbacked.
A butt or groove weld approves branch and fillet welds but not the converse, ref. QW202. Non
pressure retaining fillet welds in pipe or plate can be tested but they must be double sided if plate and
at least the dimensions illustrated in QW462.4a, ref. QW202.2c. Pressure retaining branch welds
must be qualified by groove (butt) welds.
Material Grouping
Materials are assigned P numbers in QW420; a test in one P number approves all materials listed
under that P number, except where impact tests are required then approval is restricted to materials
listed in the group number within the P number. Other P number groupings are permissible ref.
QW424.1 for details. Ref QW 424.1 for further details.
It is normally permissible if the material is not listed in QW422 to assign it to a P number which lists
materials with the same metallurgical and mechanical properties although this is not in strict
conformance with the code. Typically BS1501 151 430A low carbon steel could be regarded as P1
and stainless steels such as 316, 304 as P8.
Note P5, 9 & 10 are divided into sub groups eg 5A,5B etc., Treat each sub group like a separate P
Number
Dissimilar materials are acceptable providing they are compatible. For example P1 to P8, but this
does not cover P1 to P1 or P8 to P8.
Note S numbers are for pipework to B31, a P number covers an S number but not the converse
Consumables
The ASME code uses its own specifications for consumables SFA. which is almost identical to the
AWS specification.
NOTE A change in consumable is only permissible providing it has the same F number and A number
(if applicable) as the P.Q.R..
Thickness Limits
Thickness limits Groove welds. See QW451 for precise details.
When Impact tests are required the minimum thickness approved is restricted. See
QW403.6
More than one PQR may be required to qualify dissimilar thickness
The thickness little 't' of deposited weld metal for each process involved is approved from 0 to 2xt
except: MIG/MAG (GMAW/FCAW) dip transfer weld of deposited thickness less than " approves
maximum thickness of 1.1 x t only Ref: QW255 (QW403.10)

If any Pass in a single or multipass weld > " then the thickness approval equals 1.1xT

Dissimilar Thickness QW202.4:- The thicker and thinner part must be qualified, Except P8 and P4X
the thinner part can be qualified if no Impacts and test coupon > 6mm thick.
Thickness limits for fillet welds as per QW462.4a or QW462.4d qualify all fillet weld sizes on all
base material thicknesses and all diameters in one test.
Testing Requirements (Ref QW 463 for location of specimens)
Unlike EN288 there is no requirement for any non-destructive testing such as radiography or
MPI/DPI, although I would recommend radiography for butt welds.
The testing requirement for groove welds are as follows: Two Transverse tensile tests (QW150).

Two Root bends and Two face bends unless the plate thickness exceeds 3/8" then 4 side
bends are required. All bend tests should be done to QW160 using the correct former ref.
QW466 to an angle of 180 degrees. Longitudinal (all weld) bend tests are not recommended
unless the base/weld materials differ markedly in bending properties. See QW 466 for
exceptions and precise details.

The testing requirement for fillet welds on plate is 5 macro sections only, for Pipe fillet welds 4
macro sections. No fracture test required.
Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
This document details the practical application of the Procedure Qualification Record (PQR). It
should contain enough information to give direction to the welder and should address all variables
associated with the welding process defined in QW250 including non essential and supplementary.
A WPS can combine welding processes from other PQR's but all the relevant variables must be
addressed including parent metal thickness. There is an exception to this rule for root runs from
PQR's that are greater than 1.5 inches thick (38.1mm), see code for details.
Standard Welding Procedures Specifications (SWP's)
Standard welding procedures listed in annex E of ASME IX can be purchased from the 'American
Welding Society' and used without qualifying a PQR. Section V of ASME IX gives details of
essential variables and restrictions. A successful welder performance qualification must be carried
out to demonstrate the SWP's before a manufacturer can use it.

Brief Introduction
Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)
Welding Performance Qualification (WPQ)
ASME definitions for welding processes, consumables and welding positions

Welding Qualifications Sub Menu

Page last updated 1 September 2001

Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ)

Materials
The purpose of this test is to determine the welders ability to deposit a
sound weld therefore the base material is not considered as critical as it is
in the PQR. Hence a performance test on any material in P groups 1 to 11
approves all those groups and sub groups, also P34 and P4X (P40-P49).
Providing a compatible consumable exists with the same F number used in

the qualification test. (QW423.1)

Note a single sided weld is classed as a weld without backing and a double
sided weld or weld with sealing run is classed as a weld with backing
Consumables
The F number cannot be changed without re qualification of the welder
except that for performance qualification only using SMAW (MMA) F
numbers up to and including 4 approve all lesser F numbers for double
sided or welds with backing only. One Consumable from F41 To F45
approves any of these consumables, except SAW. Ref. QW404.11.
Note 'A' numbers do not apply to welder approval tests.
Variables
For each welding process there is a list of essential variables in QW352 to
QW357 and QW360 for welding operators, these are not necessarily the
same as the ones for the PQR. Essential variables cannot be changed.
Explanations of all these variables is given in section IV of the code.
Diameter and Thickness Ranges
Diameter limits for all circular welds including groove welds, branch
welds and fillet welds is given in QW452.3. there are no upper limits on
diameters approved and pipe covers plate
Note for branch welds the diameter considered for the above limits is the
one containing the weld preparation.
Thickness limits, groove welds.
The thickness limit only applies to the deposited weld metal thickness not
the plate thickness and any groove weld approves all fillet weld sizes.
For t greater than 12.5mm there is no restriction on the size that can be
welded (Providing the test weld deposit contains at least 3 layers of weld).
Thickness limits, fillet welds.
A test on plate greater than 3/16" approves all base metal thicknesses and
fillet weld sizes ref. QW452.5. (Note the above diameter limits apply
unless the fillet weld is qualified by a groove weld)
Joint Configuration
Joint geometry, a double V (or U) is considered the same as a joint with
backing and does not qualify a single V (or U) without backing, but a
single full penetration joint without backing qualifies all joint

configurations.
Approval Range
Extent of approval is very well explained in QW461.9. Take particular note
of welding positions which are also explained in QW461, for example to
qualify a fillet weld in the normal horizontal-vertical position with a
groove weld, the groove weld must be qualified in at least the 2G position.
The welding positions defined in QW461.1.& QW461.2 should be referred
to in the WPS. The position designations: 1G ,2G ,3G ,4G ,5G ,6G
(Groove Welds) and 1F ,2F ,3F ,4F (Fillet Welds) are test positions
Period of Validity/Renewal of Qualifications (QW 322.2)
Providing the welder uses the process for which he is qualified and there is
no reason to question his ability then his qualification lasts indefinitely.
If the welder does not use the welding process for which he is qualified for
a period of 6 months or more then he must perform a new test in pipe or
plate, any parent material, thickness and position, if successful all the
welder approvals for that welding process are renewed in one test.
Testing Requirements
Test requirements for groove welds QW452 consists of either:

One face bend and one root bend except for welding positions 5G &
6G which require 4 bends (Ref QW452.1 Note 4). If the plate
exceeds 3/8" side bends may be used. See QW 466 for precise
details and exceptions.
Note:- Bend Tests can in most cases be replaced by Radiography
{See Below}.

Radiography is optional and must be supplemented by bend tests

when using GMAW (MIG/MAG) with dip transfer (Short Circuiting
Arc) or when welding some special materials. Ref. QW304.
Note:- Ultrasonic Examination in lieu of Radiography is not
permitted

Test requirements for fillet welds in plate ref. QW452.5: One macro section (QW 184) and One fracture test (QW182).
The location where each specimen has to be taken is defined in QW463
Radiography Ref QW 191

A length of at least 6" must be examined for plate or the entire

circumference for pipe.

If the pipe circumference is less than 6" then more samples must be
welded up to a maximum of 4. Ref QW 302.2.

Visual Examination Ref QW 302.2 & QW 190

Performance test coupons must show complete joint penetration with full
fusion of the weld metal and base metal.
The welder performance test must follow a properly qualified W.P.S. Once
qualified the welder must always work within the extent of approval of any
properly qualified W.P.S. and his W.P.Q.
The welder who qualifies the P.Q.R. is automatically approved within the
limits specified in QW304, QW305 and QW303. Ref QW301.2.
Specialist Processes
Such as corrosion resistant overlay or hard facing are covered in QW 453.
Procedure variables are defined with all procedure variables in QW252 and
in QW380 for welder approval.
Min base thickness approved = size welded or 1", QW 453
Min Deposit Size Approved:- Point Where Chemical analysis taken No
upper limit QW402.16 (462.5a) Welding Positions QW405.4 Performance
Qualification approves all deposit thickness No min.QW381

Brief Introduction
Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)
Welding Performance Qualification (WPQ)
ASME definitions for welding processes, consumables and welding
positions

Welding Qualifications
Page last updated 01 September 2001

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ASME Definitions, Consumables, Welding Positions

ASME P Material Numbers Explained
ASME has adopted their own designation for welding processes, which are very different from the
ISO definitions adopted by EN24063.

Designation
Description
OFW
Oxyfuel Gas Welding
SMAW
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (MMA)
SAW
Submerged Arc Welding
GMAW
Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG/MAG)
FCAW
Flux Cored Wire
GTAW
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG)
PAW
Plasma Arc Welding
Straight polarity = Electrode -ve
Reverse polarity = Electrode +ve
ASME F Numbers

F
General Description
Number
1
Heavy rutile coated iron powder electrodes :- A5.1 : E7024
2
Most Rutile consumables such as :- A5.1 : E6013
3
Cellulosic electrodes such as :- A5.1 : E6011
4
Basic coated electrodes such as : A5.1 : E7016 and E7018
High alloy austenitic stainless steel and duplex :- A5.4 : E316L5
16
6
Any steel solid or cored wire (with flux or metal)
2X Aluminium and its alloys
3X Copper and its alloys
4X Nickel alloys
5X Titanium
6X Zirconium
7X Hard Facing Overlay
Note:- X represents any number 0 to 9
ASME A Numbers
These refer to the chemical analysis of the deposited weld and not the parent material. They only
apply to welding procedures in steel materials.

A1
Plain unalloyed carbon manganese steels.
A2 to A4 Low alloy steels containing Moly and Chrome Moly

A8

Austenitic stainless steels such as type 316.

ASME Welding Positions Graphic Representation

Note the welding progression, (vertically upwards or downwards), must always be stated and it is an
essential variable for both procedures and performance qualifications.
Welding Positions For Groove welds:-

Welding Position
Flat
Horizontal
Vertical Upwards Progression
Vertical Downwards Progression
Overhead
Pipe Fixed Horizontal
Pipe Fixed @ 45 degrees Upwards
Pipe Fixed @ 45 degrees
Downwards

Test Position
1G
2G
3G
3G
4G
5G
6G

ISO and EN
PA
PC
PF
PG
PE
PF
HL045

6G

JL045

Test Position
1F
2F
2FR
3F
3F
4F
5F

ISO and EN
PA
PB
PB
PF
PG
PD
PF

Welding Positions For Fillet welds:-

Welding Position
Flat (Weld flat joint at 45 degrees)
Horizontal
Horizontal Rotated
Vertical Upwards Progression
Vertical Downwards Progression
Overhead
Pipe Fixed Horizontal

Welding Positions QW431.1 and QW461.2

Basically there are three inclinations involved.
Flat, which includes from 0 to 15 degrees inclination
15 - 80 degrees inclination
Vertical, 80 - 90 degrees
For each of these inclinations the weld can be rotated from the flat position to Horizontal to
overhead.