MODULE7.

WELDING PROCEDURE SPECIFICATION

(WPS)

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WELDING CRAFT SCHOOL, PT. MCDERMOTT INDONESIA-BATAM
 MODULE 7. WELDING PROCEDURE SPECIFICATION (WPS)

WPS Definition:

1. WPS is a written qualified welding procedure prepared to provide direction for making
production welds to code requirements.
2. The WPS or other documents may be used to provide direction to the welder or welding operator
to assure compliance with the code requirements.
3. WPS valid only for certain project

Purpose of procedure:
1. To prove a joint can meet design procedure - consistency
2. Instruction for welder
3. Ensure repeatability

Welders are approved to ensure a particular welder is capable of welding to a procedure and obtaining a
result that meets specification.

Producing a weld procedure involves;

1. Planning the tasks
2. Collecting the data
3. Writing a procedure for use or for trial
4. Making test welds
5. Evaluating the results of the tests
6. Approving the procedure of the relevant code
7. Preparing the documentation

The approach used depends on the code, for example:

1. AWS D.1.1 (Structural welding code - steel) favors more specific instructions for different joints
and processes that are, in effect, pre-qualified procedures.
2. ASME IX and ASME B 3.1.3 covers piping process and pressure vessel fabrication.
3. API 1104 is mostly use for transportation pipeline fabrication.
4. Other codes do not deal specifically with the details of the weld procedure but refer to published
documentation, e.g. BS 5135 ‘process of arc welding carbon and carbon manganese steels’.

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WELDING CRAFT SCHOOL, PT. MCDERMOTT INDONESIA-BATAM
COMPONENTS OF A WELD PROCEDURE

Items to be included in the procedure can be some of the following:

Parent Metal
a. Type
b. Thickness (for pipe this includes outside diameter)
c. Surface condition
d. Identifying marks
Welding Process
a. Type of process (MMA, TIG, SAW etc.)
b. Equipment
c. Make, brand, type of welding consumables
d. When appropriate, the temperature and time adopted for drying and baking of
electrodes and / or consumables
Joint Design
a. Welding position
b. Edge preparation
c. Method of cleaning, degreasing etc.
d. Fit up of joint
e. Jigging or tacking procedure
f. Type of backing
Welding Position
a. Whether shop or site weld
b. Arrangement of runs and weld sequence
c. Filler material, composition and size (diameter)
d. Welding variables - voltage, current, travel speed
e. Weld size
f. Back gouging
g. Any specific features, e.g. heat input control, run-out length
Thermal Treatment
a. Preheat and interpass temperatures including method and control
b. Post weld treatment including method and control

ESSENTIAL VARIABLES

An essential variable is a variable that will influence or change the mechanical or metallurgical
properties of the welded joint - changes affecting the procedure approval. Any change in an essential
variable requires a new welding procedure specification (WPS).
Essential variables include: wall thickness, joint design, process, materials, consumables, welding
position, direction, heat input (voltage, amperage, travel speed), heat treatment.

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WELDING CRAFT SCHOOL, PT. MCDERMOTT INDONESIA-BATAM
APPROVING THE PROCEDURE

Range of approval. (extent of approval, scope of approval)

Provides a working range over which certain variables may alter without requiring a new welding
procedure or welder approval.
Variables include thickness (e.g. 1/2 down to 2x above), diameter (e.g. 1/2 down to 1/2 above) materials
(different materials can be covered), position, process, parent plate group, and consumables.

Re-approval of a welding procedure is necessary if there is a change of any of the essential variables or
considerable defect re-occurrence.

ABBREVIATIONS

1. WPS welding procedure specification - an approved and accepted welding procedure; an

authorized document.
2. PQR procedure qualification records - proof the procedure works - record of tests undertaken
to qualify procedure.
3. WPAR welding procedure approval record.
4. WQT welder qualification test.
5. pWPS preliminary WPS - unauthorised (contains all essential variables and, after welding the
test piece and all NDT and destructive tests have been accepted, then the WPS can be approved).

pWPS and WPAR give final WPS (various WPS can derive from one pWPS).

DOCUMENTATION

The objectives of a procedure approval test are:

1. to prove the procedure meets the necessary requirements with reference to feasibility,
mechanical strength etc.
2. to prove the welders are competent to work on a particular job.

If a customer queries it, evidence can and would be supplied to prove validity.

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WELDING CRAFT SCHOOL, PT. MCDERMOTT INDONESIA-BATAM
Numbering System of WPS in PT. MI

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WELDING CRAFT SCHOOL, PT. MCDERMOTT INDONESIA-BATAM