Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) ,
Procedure Qualification Record (PQR),
Welder Performance Qualification(WPQ)
Welders Qualification and Certification Services.
( BS EN ISO , AWS D1.1 & ASME Section IX).
The best way to think of it is; PQR is supporting document for WPS is a workshop document. Rs.7,500 For WPS, Rs.7,500 for PQR & Rs.6,500 for WPQ.
What is welding :
Just joining the two members is not enough to with stand the loads for longer duration.
Hence it is essential to prove that a welding procedure meets the quality standards and also to ensure the welder is capable of producing consistently good quality welds.
Preliminary (proposed) Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) pWPS is essentially a guide for the person that is going to weld the PQR test coupon and it can also be used as a document to get in principal approval from the client.
WPS is essentially a welder’s guide that includes applicable code requirements and production standards. It controls the welding process.
A WPS always has ranges to allow for joint and operator technique variation, it is unlikely every joint is the same or every welder uses the same technique. These ranges are different for every standard. The ranges are based on what is known as essential variables. Things which if changed require you to requalify the WPS. All WPSs start with a PQR. It is a record of the test.
It Does Not have any ranges. It lists the actual values recorded during the welding of a test piece. It proves the welding process.
Then using the essential variables (ranges) from the relevant code/standard a WPS can be generated from this record of actual values.
PQR is essentially the ‘actual’ method that is used to create and test the welds to ensure they meet all applicable requirements.
PQR is Procedure Qualification Record documents that refer to the practice of welding. WPS is a set of welding instructions. It aids in planning and ensuring quality control of the welded product as well as future reproductions of the product. Welding parameters, such as joint design, position, base metals, electrical characteristics, filler metals, technique, shielding, preheat, and post-weld heat treatment are all detailed in the WPS document. WPS further explains the rules and details of the test and how the pieces should be assembled. Simply put, a WPS is like a blueprint for welders to produce the same quality of welded product over and over again.
Procedure Qualification Record is another type of document that also refers to welding. However, unlike WPS, the PQR document’s purpose is to serve as a checklist or record of compliance regarding the standard requirements of an appropriate welding procedure.
The PQR form covers all the welding parameters in the mentioned on WPS document. In addition, it also includes some observations or other matters regarding welding procedures and specific tests like tensile tests and guided bend tests. It may also show the visual inspection and fillet weld test results. Another important component of the PQR is disclosure of relevant information, such as the welder’s name and the name of the person who did the inspection, and even the dates with the acknowledgment of the manufacturer or contractor.
A welding procedure is a systematic method that to repeatedly produce sound quality weld joints. With Various national and international fabrication codes, standards and specifications are currently being followed to prepare welding procedure specifications (WPS) to qualify the fabrications welding procedures. The procedure qualification record PQR is a document that consists of record of test results on the welded coupon.
While WPS and PQR are used to define and prove the welding process.
WQT / WPQ is used to test the actual welder. Is the welder able to produce a sound weld.
- With a particular welding process ie. SMAW,GMAW or GTAW or FCAW
- In a given position i.e. Flat(1G), Horizontal(2G), Vertical(3G),Overhead(4G) & 5G, and 6G/6GR
- On a particular joint configuration Butt weld or Fillet weld.
- WQT does not test the mechanical properties, it looks at weld soundness only in most cases.
- A Welder Qualification Test is recorded on documentation known as a test certificate that details the ranges that welder is qualified. Ranges or essential variables for WQT are not always the same as those for a WPS. An example would be that is a welder can weld in the overhead position (more difficult) it is logical they be qualified in the flat position (less difficult).
- The welder completes a test coupon under supervision following a WPS. The weld is then tested using the method prescribed in the relevant standard.
- The testing always includes as a minimum visual examination but may also require;
- Tensile Test
- Bend Tests – Root Bend/ Face Bend or Sides Bend
- Macro test – Cross section view of weld(Fusion Zone)
- Fillet weld break test (for Fillet Welds)
- Impact Test
- Radiographic examination
- Ultrasonic examination
- ASME Section IX Edition 2019: ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
- AWS D1.1 Edition 2020 : Structural Welding Code – Steel
- AWS D1.2:Edition 2015 Structural Welding Code – Aluminum
- AWS D1.3 Edition 2015: Structural Welding Code - Sheet Metal
- AWS D1.6 Edition 2017 Structural Welding Code -Stainless Steel
- AWS D17.1Edition 2015: Specification for fusion welding of aerospace applications
- BS EN ISO 15614 – 1 : Specification and qualification of welding procedures of metallic material
- BS EN ISO 15609 – 1 : Specification and qualification of welding procedures of metallic material Specification
- BS EN ISO 9606 – 1: Qualification test of Welders – Fusion welding – steels
- BS EN ISO 287 – 1: Qualification test of Welders – Fusion welding – steels