This publication is without a doubt the best explanation of “certified welding” associated with the American Society of Mechanical Engineer’s (ASME) B31 series of RAGAGEPS. The contractor is REQUIRED to certify that the welding procedure and the welder are qualified in accordance with the requirements of Section IX of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. This is where the term “certified welder” came into use. It is the contractor, certifying that the work will be done according to qualified welding procedures by welders who have been tested, and whose qualification test sheets are available, attesting to their ability to weld in accordance with the contractor’s Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS). Responsible contractors will provide their certified Welding Procedure Specifications and qualification test records attesting to the welder’s ability to perform in accordance with code requirements.
What is a Welding Procedure? A procedure is the description of the technique adopted to perform quality welding as required by the applicable code. The purpose of the Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Record (POR) is to determine that the weldment proposed for the construction is capable of providing the required properties for its intended application. The standard qualifications for welding procedures, made in accordance with the ANSI/ ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and the ANSI/ ASME B31 Codes for Pressure Piping to ensure competent workmanship, are the generally accepted standards. The ASME Code simply states that those contractors responsible for providing welding shall establish a method (Welding Procedure Specification) and prove that sound welds can be made through the use of these procedures.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE to download this EXCELLENT publication. If you’re a non-engineer managing a PSM/RMP program that uses ASME B31 series as the facility RAGAGEP(s), this is a MUST READ publication from a highly reputable source. But please recognize this publication was published by a trade-group so there is an implied need to join the group.