INTERPRETATIONS

NO. 14 SECTION

Replies to Technical Inquiries

July 1, 1983, through December 31, 1983
and Revisions July 1, 1983, through February 29, 1984

FOREWORD

This publication includes all of the written replies issued between the indicated dates by the ASME
Staff on behalf of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee to inquiries concerning
interpretations of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. These interpretations are not a part of the
Addenda or the Code.
These replies are taken verbatim from the original letters, except for a few typographical and
editorial corrections made for the purpose of improved clarity. In some instances, a review of the
interpretation revealed a need for corrections of a technical nature. In these cases, a revised reply,
bearing the original Interpretation Number with suffix R, is presented. Following these revised replies,
new interpretations, and revisions to them issued during the same 6-month period, are assigned
Interpretation Numbers in chronological order. Interpretations applying to more than one Code
Section appear with the replies pertaining to each affected Section.
ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of these interpretations when or if additional
information is available which the inquirer believes might affect the interpretation. Further, persons

c- aggrieved by an interpretation may appeal to the cognizant ASME committee or subcommittee. As

stated in the Statement of Policy in the Code documents, ASME does not approve, certify,
rate, or endorse any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity.
These replies apply to the latest Edition and Addenda at the time of the inquiry or the Edition and
Addenda stated in the reply. Subsequent revisions to the rules may have superseded the reply.
For detailed instructions on Preparation of Technical Inquiries to the Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Committee, refer to Mandatory Appendix B.

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SECTION
Subject Interpretation File No.'
Butt Weld Repair ................................................................................ IX-83-93 BC83-53 1
Combination Weld Qualifications ............................................................... IX-83-83 BC83-394
QW-200.4 ........................................................................................ IX-83-80 BC83-388
QW-251.2 ........................................................................................ IX-83-79 BC83-358
QW-304 .......................................................................................... IX-83-91 0C83-528
QW-351 .......................................................................................... IX-83-77 BC83-253
QW-400 .......................................................................................... IX-83-82 BC83-303
QW-403.5 ........................................................................................ lX-83-92 BC83-530
QW-404.9 ........................................................................................ lX-83-84 BC83-398
QW-404.14 ....................................................................................... lX-83-89 BC83-402
QW-407.2 ........................................................................................ lX-83-86 BC83-294
QW-432 .......................................................................................... IX-80-52R BC80-435'
Tables QW-450 vs Fig. QW-461 ............................................................... IX-83-78 BC83-300
QW-451.1 ........................................................................................ IX-83-81 BC83-395
QW-451.1 and QW-452.1 ...................................................................... IX-83-88 BC83-396
QW-452.1 ........................................................................................ IX-83 -90 BC83-407
SI Units in a WPS and PQR .................................................................... IX-83-85 BC83-O03
Use of Base Metal as a Filler Metal ........................................................... IX-83-87 BC83-340
Weld Metal Deposit Analysis as a Variable for Welder Performance Qualification
for Gas Tungsten-Arc Welding, QW-356 .................................................... IX-79-52R BC79-046*

f'' I_

'Asterisk indicates Interpretation has been revised one or more times .

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Section IX - Interpretations No. 14 IX-79-52R, IX-80-52R, 1X-83-77

Interpretation: IX-79-52R
i
Subject: Section IX, Weld Metal Deposit Analysis as a Variable for Welder Performance
Qualification for Gas Tungsten-Arc Welding, QW-356

Date Issued: November 17, 1983

File: BC79-046*

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Question: In QW-356 (CTAW) of Section IX, no reference i s made to weld metal analysis (as
described by A-Numbers) as being an essential variable. Does this mean that a welder may qualify
with one F-No. 6 electrode and automatically be qualified for the use of all other F-No. 6 electrodes
(regardless of A-Number designation) provided all other essential variables of QW-356 are satisfied
and provided the initial test conditions conform to the requirements set forth in QW-3 10.4 (for carbon
steel bare wire) or QW-310.5 (forstainless steel bare wire)?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-80-52R

Subject: Section IX, QW-432

Date issued: November 17, 1983

File: BC80-435*
G
Question: If a welder is qualified to weld with the GTAW process with an F-No. 6 filler metal of
weld metal analysis other than A-No. 8 or 9, is he qualified to weld with an F-No. 6 filler metal of
weld metal analysis A-No. 8 or 9, or vice versa, all other essential variables being the same?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-83-77

Subject: Section IX, QW-351

Date issued: September 19, 1983

File: BC83-253

Question: Can weld reinforcement be considered for determining the test coupon thickness (or
deposited weld metal thickness) per QW-35 1 ?

Reply: No.

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IX-83-78, lX-83-79, IX-83-80 Section IX - Interpretations No. 14

I
Interpretation: IX-83-78

Subject: Section IX, Tables QW-450 vs Fig. QW-461

'i: i
Date Issued: September 19, 1983

File: BC83-300

Question: In QW-451 and QW-452, does t apply to the actual weld metal thickness deposited in
a test coupon or does it apply to the specimen thickness shown in QW-462?

Reply: As used in QW-451 and QW-452, t applies to the deposited weld metal thickness within
the thickness Tof the test coupon.

Interpretation: IX-83-79

Subject: Section IX, QW-25 1.2

Date Issued: September 19, 1983

File: BC83-358

Question: A welding procedure has been previously qualified to satisfy all requirements,
including notch toughness in the weld and heat-affected zone. When there is a change in the
supplementary essential variables, is it necessary only to prepare an additional test coupon with the
plate only long enough to provide necessary notch-toughness specimens?
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Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-83-80

Subject: Section IX, QW-200.4

Date Issued: September 19, 1983

File: BC83-388

Question: Do the requirements of Section IX allow the welding of combined production joints
when the individual processes are qualified separately but one process has a qualified base metal
maximum thickness less than the production base metal thickness?

Reply: No. See QW-200.4.

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Section IX - Interpretations No. 14 IX-83-81

Interpretation: IX-83-81
f*-.
Subject: Section IX, QW-45 1.1

Date Issued: September 19, 1983

File: BC83-395

Question (1): In the Winter 1982 Addenda to Section IX, the minimum values for Thickness t of
Deposited Weld Metal Qualified in QW-451.1 were deleted. Does this mean there are no minimum
thickness qualifications for deposited weld metal?

Reply (11: When determining the minimum thickness qualifications per QW-451.1, Notes (1) and

c (2) must also be considered. In those cases where the further limitation of these Notes does not apply,
there i s no limit on the minimum thickness qualification.

Question (2): If impact tests are required for an SMAW procedure qualification, may the
thickness limitations of Note (1) of QW-451.1 be overridden in determining the minimum deposited
weld metal thickness qualification?

Reply (2): No.

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IX-83-82 Section IX - Interpretations No. 14

Interpretation: IX-83-82

Subject: Section IX, QW-400

Date Issued: September 20, 1983

File: BC83-303

Question (i):
Are the requirements of QW-403.7 met by bend testing in accordance with QW-
451.2?

Reply (1 ): Yes.

Question (2): If a WPS was qualified for fillet welds only to the requirements of QW-451.3,
would the variables of QW-403.6, QW-403.9, and QW-403.10 apply if they were made mandatory
by the use of the applicable processes?

Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): Do the requirements of QW-405.2 apply to fillet welds made in the vertical
position uphill progression (when welding in the 3F or 5F position)?

Reply (3): Yes.

Question (4): Do the requirements of QW-406.2 pertain to preheat temperature during welding,
and after welding i s complete and prior to postweld heat treatment?

Reply (4): Yes.

Question (5): When QW-404.12 is referenced as a supplementary essential variable, is

requalification required of an SMAW procedure qualified using an SFA-5.5, E7018-Al electrode when
an SFA-5.5, E7018-C2L electrode is substituted?

Reply (5): Yes. See QW-404.5.

Question (6):When QW-404.12 is referenced as a supplementary essential variable, is

requalification required of an SMAW procedure qualified using an SFA-5.5, E7018-XX electrode when
an SFA-5.5, E8018-XX electrode is substituted?

Reply (6):Yes.

Question (7): When QW-404.12 is referenced as a supplementary essential variable, is

requalification required of an SMAW procedure qualified using an SFA-5.1, EXX18 electrode and an
SFA-5.5, EXXI 8-XX electrode is substituted?

Reply (7): Yes, except where permitted by QW-404.5.

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Section IX - Interpretations No. 14 IX-83-83, lX-83-84, lX-83-85

Interpretation: IX-83-83
c., Subject: Section IX, Combination Weld Qualifications

Date Issued: September 20, 1983

File: BC83-394

Question: A combination weld is made on a 3/4 in. thick double-Vee groove-welded test coupon
using 54 in. GTAW at the root of the double-Vee groove. This weld is completed using 1/4 in. SMAW
on one side of the double-Vee groove weld and 1/4 in. SMAW on the second side, all other variables
remaining the same. What is the maximum deposited weld metal thickness qualified for each process
for both procedure and performance qualification?

c Reply: For the GTAW process, the maximum is 1/2 in., and for the SMAW process, the maximum
is 1 in.

Interpretation: IX-83-84

Subject: Section iX, QW-404.9

Date issued: September 20, 1983

File: BC83-398

Question: In accordance with QW-404.9, does a change in the wire classification, with no
change in the flux composition, F-Number, or A-Number, require requalification?

Reply: Yes.

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Interpretation: IX-83-85

Subject: Section IX, SI Units in a WPS and PQR

Date Issued: September 29, 1983

File: BC83-O03

Question: Excluding Manufacturers Data Reports, is it permitted to use SI Units in

manufacturers documents such as WPSs and PQRs without the accompanying U.S. Customary
Units?

Reply: Yes. While the Code does not address this subject, it has been an accepted practice.

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1x4346, 1x4347, 1x4348 Section IX - Interpretations .No.14

-Interpretation: 1X-83-86

Subject: Section IX, QW-407.2

Date Issued: November 21, 1983

File: BC83-294

Question: Does a Welding Procedure Qualification made with non-normalized base metal of SA-
5 16 specification also qualify for use of normalized base metal of SA-5 16, or vice versa?

Reply: Yes.

interpretation: 1X-83-87

Subject: Section IX, Use of Base Metal as a Filler Metal

Date Issued: November 21, 1983

File: BC83-340

Question: Is it acceptable to qualify a WPS in accordance with Section IX using a base metal as a
filler metal?

Reply: Yes. See QW-404.4

i

Interpretation: 1x43348

Subject: Section IX, QW-451.1 and QW-452.1

Date issued: November 21, 1983

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File: BC83-396

Question: if the deposited weld metal thickness qualification limitations are changed in Section
IX, may earlier qualification thickness limits be revised on the WPS to conform to the new
requirements?

Reply: Yes.

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Section IX - Interpretations No. 14 lX-83-89, 1x4340 ~

Interpretation: IX-83-89
i
Subject: Section IX, QW-404. 4

Date Issued: November 21, 1983

File: BC83-402

Question (1): Is it permissible to remelt the cover pass of a completed SMAW weld using the
GTAW process without the addition of filler metal? The WPS for the GTAW process was qualified
using filler metal.

Reply (11: No.

Question (2): A GTAW process has been qualified with the addition of filler metal. Is it
permissible to weld the root of a groove weld using the GTAW process without the addition of filler
metal?

Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: IX-83-90

Subject: Section IX, QW-452.1

Date Issued: November 21, 1983

(TL
File: BC83-407

Question (1): Can a double-beveled plate, 1 in. thick with each beveled groove being of 1/2 in.,
be welded by a welder qualified to weld a weld metal deposit of 0.864 in.?

Reply (1 1: No.

Question (2): Can the same joint as above be welded by two individual welders, each with a
deposited weld metal qualification of 0.864 in., provided each welder does not exceed 0.864 in.?

Reply (2): Yes.

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lX-83-91, 1x43-92, 1X-83-93 Section IX - Interpretations No. 14

Interpretation: IX-83-91

Subject: Section IX, QW-304

Date issued: November 21, 1983

f ile: BC83-528

Question: When qualifying a welder using radiographic examination, as permitted in QW-304,

do the qualified thickness ranges in QW-452.1 apply?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-83-92

Subject: Section IX, QW-403.5

Date issued: November 21, 1983

File: BC83-530

Question: A procedure has been qualified to satisfy all requirements, including notch toughness,
for welding P-No.1, Gr-No.1 to P-No.1, Gr-No.1 base metals. is it necessary to make a procedure
qualification test to determine notch toughness only (QW-401.3) for welding P-No.1, Gr-No.2 to P-
No.1, Cr-No.2 base metals, with all other essential variables the same?

Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: IX-83-93

Subject: Section iX, Butt Weld Repair

Date issued: November 21, 1983

File: BC83-531

Question: A groove-weld procedure has been qualified for base metal and deposited weld metal
thicknesses of 0.644 in. it is necessary to make a weld repair of 0.438 in. on a 2 in. thick base metal. Is
it necessary to requalify the procedure in accordance with Section IX for the 2 in. thick base metal?

Reply: Yes.

Errata
Volume 12
Interpretation IX-81-3 1R Correct the designator to read: IX-81-30R

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