from the procedure qualification record
(PQR), which shall serve as written confirmation of a successful WPS qualification.
4.7 Essential Variables
C4.7 Essential Variables
This code allows some degree of departure from the variables used to qualify a WPS. However,
departure from variables which affect the mechanical or chemical composition of material
properties, or soundness of the weldment shall not be allowed without requalification. These latter
variables are referred to as essential variables. The base metal essential variables are listed in
4.7.3. The welding process essential variables are listed in 4.7.1. The positions of test welds are
listed in 4.2.4. Changes in these variables beyond the variation allowed by the subject subsections
shall require requalification of the WPS. Similarly, changes beyond those shown in 4.7.2 require
requalification using RT or UT only.
These essential variables are to be specific in the WPS document and followed in welding
fabrication.
4.7.1 SMAW, SAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW.
Changes beyond the limitations of PQR essential variables for the SMAW, SAW, GMAW,
GTAW, and FCAW processes shown in Table 4.5 and Table 4.6, when CVN testing is specified,
shall require requalification of the WPS (see 4.1.1.3).
C4.7.1 SMAW, SAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW.
Travel speed affects heat input, weld cooling rates, and weld metallurgy, which are important
for the HAZ, for fracture toughness control, and for welding quenched and tempered steels. Proper
selection of travel speed is also necessary to avoid incomplete fusion and slag entrapment.
4.7.2 ESW and EGW.
See Table 4.7 for the PQR essential variable changes requiring WPS requalification for the EGW
and ESW processes.
4.7.3 Base-Metal Qualification.
Base metals listed in Table 3.1 that are subject to WPS qualification testing shall qualify other
base metal groups in conformance with Table 4.8. Base metals not listed in Table 3.1 or Annex M
shall be qualified in conformance with Section4, and have the Engineer’s approval.
WPSs with steels listed in Annex M shall also qualify Table 3.1 or Annex M steels in
conformance with Table 4.7. Annex M contains recommendations for matching strength filler
metal and minimum preheat and interpass temperatures for ASTM A 514,A 517, A 709 Grades 100
and 100W, ASTM A 710 Grade A (Class 1 and 3) steels, and ASTM A 871 Grades 60 and 65.
Preheat and interpass temperatures lower than required per Table 3.2 or calculated per Annex XI
shall be qualified by tests approved by the Engineer.
4.8 Methods of Testing and Acceptance Criteria for WPS Qualification
The welded test assemblies conforming to 4.8.2 shall have test specimens prepared by cutting
the test plate, pipe, or tubing as shown in Figures 4.7 through 4.11, whichever is applicable. The
test specimens shall be prepared for testing in conformance with Figures 4.12, 4.13, 4.14 and 4.18,
as applicable.
4.8.1 Visual Inspection.
For acceptable qualification, welds shall meet the following requirements:
(1) The weld shall be free of cracks