Guide to understanding WPS PQR WPQR - Guide to...

Guide to understanding:
Welding Procedure Specification (WPS),
Procedure Qualification Record (PQR), and
Welder Performance Qualification Record (WPQR)
By Nagesh Goel, Director
CONTENTS
 Introduction
 What is Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)?
 What is Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)?
 What information should they include?
 What is a Prequalified WPS?
 What are SWPSs?
 What is Welder Performance Qualification Record (WPQR)?
 Acceptance Standards.
 Documentation
 PQR/ WPQR Testing.
 Weld Inspection and Testing.
Introduction
Welding requires skill. Determining “how to weld” requires knowledge regarding the materials being welded and
welding process, among numerous other factors. Because of huge number of variables involved, the knowledge of
the welding engineer and the skill of the welder need to be validated by a series of tests. All this information is
documented on Welding Procedure Specification (WPS), Procedure Qualification Record (PQR), Welding Procedure
Qualification Record (WPQR), and associated Test Reports.
What is Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)?
A WPS is a document that describes how welding is to be carried out in production. Its purpose is to aid the planning
and quality control of the welding operation. They are recommended for all welding operations and most application
codes and standards make them mandatory.
What is Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)?
A PQR is required when it is necessary to demonstrate that your company has the ability to produce welds
possessing the correct mechanical and metallurgical properties.
A welding procedure must be qualified in accordance with the requirements of an appropriate welding procedure
standard, such as ASME Sec IX, as follows:
1. Produce a welding procedure specification (WPS) as stated above.