SECTION 9

API 653 - ASME SECTION IX

SUMMARY
API 653 - SECTION 11 - WELDING
11.1.1 Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Welders and Welding
operators shall be qualified in accordance with Section IX of the ASME
Code.

Section IX is a supporting document that outlines the requirements for

welding procedures and welder qualifications.
API 653 - SECTION 11 - WELDING
NOTE: API 653, Paragraph 11.1, now allows the use of AWS D1.1,
AWS D.16 or ASME Section IX SWPS’s for the welding of
ladders, platforms, any weld that is not directly attached to
the tank.

AWS D1.1: Structural Welding Code-Steel

AWS D1.6: Structural Welding Code - Stainless Steel
SWPS: Standard Welding Procedure Specifications
ASME SECTION IX - OVERVIEW
As the “AI”, you will need to be familiar with the Welding Requirements.

The welding portion of Section IX is divided in 5 articles

Article 1 Welding General Requirements

Article 2 Welding Procedure Requirements
Article 3 Welder Performance Requirements
Article 4 Welding Data to support the 1st 3 articles
Article 5 Standard Welding Procedures
ASME SECTION IX - OVERVIEW
Three documents are covered by section IX.

1. WPS – Welding Procedure Specification

2. PQR – Procedure Qualification Record
3. WPQ – Welder Performance Qualification
ASME SECTION IX - OVERVIEW
Section IX classifies the information in the WPS, PQR and WPQ as
variables. Variables are further classified into 4 categories.

Essential Variables (Procedure, QW-401.1)

Essential Variables (Performance, QW-401.2)
Supplemental Essential Variables (QW401.3)
Non Essential Variables (QW-401.4)
ARTICLE 1 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
QW-101 - Rules in this section apply to preparation of WPS, PQR
and WPQ.
QW-102 - Definitions listed in QW/QB-492
QW-120 - Angular deviation from test position permitted.
QW-121 – 132.4 – Test positions
QW-140 – 184 – Mechanical Tests (Tension, Guided-bend, Notch
toughness, Fillet weld) Preparation, Procedure and acceptance
criteria.
QW-190 – Appendix 1 – Other Tests and Examinations
ARTICLE 1 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The tests commonly required by ASME Section IX are:
a. Tensile (tests the ultimate strength of the welded joint. Literally “pulled”
apart)
b. Bends (tests the ductility of the welded joint)

1. Face and Root Bends (thinner material)

2. Side Bends (Thicker material)
ARTICLE 1 – TENSILE TESTS
ARTICLE 1 – GUIDED BEND TESTS
ARTICLE II – WPS
The WPS be available for reference and review by the
Authorized Inspector at the fabrication site.
1. Prepared to provide direction for making production welds to Code
requirements
2. Shall describe all of the Essential, Non Essential, and when
required Supplementary Essential variables
3. Shall reference the supporting PQR(s)
4. No testing required to be documented on the WPS
5. Changes to the WPS
1. Non Essential – Does Not require requalification
2. Essential – Requires requalification
3. Supplemental – Requires requalification
Section IX QW-253
Welding Variables Procedure Specifications (WPS)
Shielded Metal-Arc Welding (SMAW)

QW-253
Supplementary
Paragraph Brief of Variables Essential Nonessential
Essential
.1 ø Groove design X
.4 - Backing X
QW-402 Joints
.10 ø Root Spacing X
.11 ± Retainers X
.5 ø Group Numbers X
.6 T limits impact X
QW-403 Base .8 ø T Qualified X
Metals .9 t pass > 1/2 in (13 mm) X
.11 ø P-No qualified X
.13 ø P-No 5/9/10 X
.4 ø F-Number X
.5 ø A-Number X
.6 ø Diameter X
QW-404 Filler
.7 ø Diameter > 1/4 in. (6mm) X
Metal
.12 ø Classification X
.30 øt X
.33 ø Classification X
.1 + Position X
QW-405
.2 ø Position X
Positions
.3 ø↑↓Vertical Welding X
.1 Decrease > 100F (55C) X
QW-4056
.2 ø Preheat Maint. X
Preheat
.3 Increase > 100F (55C) (IP) X
.1 ø PWHT X
QW-407 PWHT .2 ø PWHT (T & T range) X
.4 T limits X
QW-409 .1 > Heat Input X
Electrical .4 ø Current or Polarity X X
Characteristics .8 ø I & E range X
.1 ø String/Weave X
.5 ø Method of Cleaning X
.6 ø Method of back gouge X
QW-410
.9 ø Multiple to single pass/side X X
Technique
.25 ø Manual or automatic X
.26 ± Peening X
.64 Use of thermal processes X
 Shielded Metal-Arc Welding (SMAW)
Supplementary
Paragraph Brief of Variables Essential Nonessential
Essential
.1 ø Groove design X
.4 - Backing X
QW-402 Joints
.10 ø Root Spacing X
.11 ± Retainers X
.5 ø Group Numbers X
.6 T limits impact X
QW-403 Base .8 ø T Qualified X
Metals .9 t pass > 1/2 in (13 mm) X
.11 ø P-No qualified X
.13 ø P-No 5/9/10 X
.4 ø F-Number X
.5 ø A-Number X
.6 ø Diameter X
QW-404 Filler
.7 ø Diameter > 1/4 in. (6mm) X
Metal
.12 ø Classification X
.30 øt X
.33 ø Classification X
ARTICLE II – PQR
Prepared to provide proof that the WPS will provide the
minimum mechanical properties when followed
Shall document
1. (the actual variables) All of the Essential, and when
required Supplementary Essential variables
2. The tensile and bend test information/results
3. Be signed and dated to certify the information is accurate
by the manufacturer or contractor.
Note: Non essential and other variables used during the welding of the
test coupon may be recorded. If recorded, they shall be the actual
variables used.
Section IX QW-253
Welding Variables Procedure Specifications (WPS)
Shielded Metal-Arc Welding (SMAW)

QW-253
Supplementary
Paragraph Brief of Variables Essential Nonessential
Essential
.1 ø Groove design X
.4 - Backing X
QW-402 Joints
.10 ø Root Spacing X
.11 ± Retainers X
.5 ø Group Numbers X
.6 T limits impact X
QW-403 Base .8 ø T Qualified X
Metals .9 t pass > 1/2 in (13 mm) X
.11 ø P-No qualified X
.13 ø P-No 5/9/10 X
.4 ø F-Number X
.5 ø A-Number X
.6 ø Diameter X
QW-404 Filler
.7 ø Diameter > 1/4 in. (6mm) X
Metal
.12 ø Classification X
.30 øt X
.33 ø Classification X
.1 + Position X
QW-405
.2 ø Position X
Positions
.3 ø↑↓Vertical Welding X
.1 Decrease > 100F (55C) X
QW-4056 .2 ø Preheat Maint. X
Preheat
.3 Increase > 100F (55C) (IP) X
.1 ø PWHT X
QW-407 PWHT .2 ø PWHT (T & T range) X
.4 T limits X
QW-409 .1 > Heat Input X
Electrical .4 ø Current or Polarity X X
Characteristics .8 ø I & E range X
.1 ø String/Weave X
.5 ø Method of Cleaning X
.6 ø Method of back gouge X
QW-410
.9 ø Multiple to single pass/side X X
Technique
.25 ø Manual or automatic X
.26 ± Peening X
.64 Use of thermal processes X
 QW-253
Welding Variables Procedure Specifications (WPS)
Shielded Metal-Arc Welding (SMAW)
Supplementary
Paragraph Brief of Variables Essential Nonessential
Essential
.8 ø T Qualified X
QW-403 Base .9 t pass > 1/2 in (13 mm) X
Metals .11 ø P-No qualified X
.13 ø P-No 5/9/10 X
QW-404 Filler .4 ø F-Number X
Metal .5 ø A-Number X
QW-405
Preheat .1 Decrease > 100F (55C) X
.1 ø PWHT X
QW-407 PWHT
.4 T limits X
QW-410
Technique .64 Use of thermal processes X
SEE OVERHEAD OF QW-451
PROCEDURE (PLATE)
TEST SPECIMEN
PROCEDURE (PIPE) TEST SPECIMEN
QW-463.1 (d) Procedure Qualification
Reduced-Section
tensile

Face bend

Root bend

Root bend
Face bend

Reduced-Section
tensile

Pipes – Less than ¾ in. Thickness

PROCEDURE (PIPE) TEST SPECIMEN
Reduced-Section
tensile

Side bends Side bends

Side bends

Side bends

Reduced-Section
tensile
Pipes – 3/4 in. and over thickness and
Alternate from 3/8 in. but less than 3/4 in.
thickness
QW-463.1 (e) Procedure Qualification
ARTICLE II – WPS/PQR FORMAT
Any format can be used as long as the required information is recorded.
The form found in Non mandatory Appendix B is provided as a guide.
Required information for:

WPS – all essential, non essential and when required supplemental

essential variables + supporting PQR(s)
PQR – all essential variables and when required supplemental
essential variables + mechanical test results. Must be signed and
dated!
ARTICLE III – WELDER PERFORMANCE
QUALIFICATION (WPQ)
1. Lists Welding Processes separately
2. Essential variables apply
3. Each manufacturer or contractor is responsible for conducting tests to
qualify performance of welders.
4. Must be tested
1. Visual and Mechanical (QW-452.1)
2. Radiography of test coupon (must cover 6” of weld)
3. Radiography of 1st production weld (must cover 6” of weld)
 QW-353
Shielded Metal-Arc Welding (SMAW)
Essential Variables
Paragraph Brief of Variables
QW-402 Joints .4 - Backing
QW-403 Base .16 ø Pipe Diameter
Metals .18 ø P-Number
QW-404 Filler .15 ø F-Number
Metals .30 ø t Weld deposit
QW-405 .1 + Position
Positions .3 ø ↑↓ Vertical Welding
ASME SECTION IX
WELDER QUALIFICATION
ASME SECTION IX
WELDER QUALIFICATION
ASME SECTION IX
WELDER QUALIFICATION
QW-461.9
QW-461.9
QW-452 Performance Qualification Thickness Limits
and Test Specimens
QW-452.1 Thickness of Weld metal Qualified
QW-452.3 Groove-weld Diameter Limits
Appendices B
JOHN SMITH, OF HAWARD TECHNOLOGY, #12345, HAS TAKEN AN WELDING T EST TO QUALIFY
FOR PRODUCTION WELDING. HIS FACE AND ROOT BEND PROVED ACCEPTABL E. HE HAS BEEN
ISSUED A “JS1” STAMP TO IDENTIFY FUTURE WELDS.
½” SA-516 GR 70 MATERIAL Weld 3
DOUBLE V GROOVE JOINT DESIGN
1/8” ROOT OPENING
1/8” LAND ½” T plate
2G POSITION
SMAW
3/32” E-7018 FILLER METAL

Weld 1
USING THE ESSENTIAL VARIABLES,
DETERMINE JOHN’S RANGE OF Weld 2
QUALIFICATION.
Weld 4