UCS-66 MATERIALS UG-20 DESIGN TEMPERATURE
(a) Unless exempted by the rules of UG-20(f) or other (f) Impact testing per UG-84 is not mandatory for pressure
rules of this Division, Figure UCS-66 (Figure UCS-66M) vessel materials that satisfy all of the following:
shall be used to establish impact testing exemptions for (1) The material shall be limited to P‐No. 1, Gr. No. 1
steels listed in Part UCS. When Figure UCS-66 (Figure or 2, and the thickness, as defined in UCS-66(a) [see also
UCS-66M) is used, impact testing is required for a Note (1) in Figure UCS-66.2], shall not exceed that given
combination of minimum design metal temperature (see
in (-a) or (-b) below:
UG-20) and governing thickness (as defined below) that
(-a) 1/2 in. (13 mm) for materials listed in Curve A
is below the curve assigned to the subject material. If a
of Figure UCS-66 (Figure UCS-66M);
minimum design metal temperature and governing
(-b) 1 in. (25 mm) for materials listed in Curve B,
thickness combination is on or above the curve, impact C, or D of Figure UCS-66 (Figure UCS-66M).
testing is not required by the rules of this Division, except as (2) The completed vessel shall be hydrostatically tested per
required by (j) below and UCS-67(a)(3) for weld metal.
UG-99(b) or UG-99(c) or 27-4. Alternatively, the completed
Components, such as shells, heads, nozzles, manways,
vessel may be pneumatically tested in accordance with 35-
reinforcing pads, stiffening rings, flanges, tubesheets, flat
6.
cover plates, backing strips which remain in place, and (3) Design temperature is no warmer than 650°F (345°C)
attachments that are essential to the structural integrity of
nor colder than −20°F (−29°C). Occasional operating
the vessel when welded to pressure-retaining components,
temperatures colder than −20°F (−29°C) are acceptable
shall be treated as separate components. Each component
when due to lower seasonal atmospheric temperature.
shall be evaluated for impact test requirements
(4) The thermal or mechanical shock loadings are not
based on its individual material classification, governing
a controlling design requirement. (See UG-22.)
thickness as defined in (1) and (2) below, and the minimum
(5) Cyclical loading is not a controlling design requirement.
design metal temperature.
(See UG-22.)
(1) The following governing thickness definitions apply
when using Figure UCS-66 (Figure UCS-66M):
ARTICLE II
(-a) Excluding castings, the governing thickness tg
of a welded part is as follows: WELDING PROCEDURE QUALIFICATIONS
(-1) for butt joints except those in flat heads and
tubesheets, the nominal thickness of the thickest welded QW-200.1
joint [see Figure UCS-66.3, sketch (a)]. Each organization shall prepare written Welding Procedure
(-2) for corner, fillet, or lap-welded joints, including Specifications that are defined as follows:
attachments as defined above, the thinner of the (a) Welding Procedure Specification (WPS). A WPS is a
two parts joined. written qualified welding procedure prepared to provide
(-3) for flat heads or tubesheets, the larger of direction for making production welds to Code
(-2) above or the flat component thickness divided by 4. requirements. The WPS or other documents may be used to
(-4) for welded assemblies comprised of more provide direction to the welder or welding operator to
assure compliance with the Code requirements.
than two components (e.g., nozzle‐to‐shell joint with
(b) Contents of the WPS. The completed WPS shall describe
reinforcing pad), the governing thickness and permissible all the essential, nonessential, and, when required,
minimum design metal temperature of each of the supplementary essential variables for each welding process
individual welded joints of the assembly shall be used in the WPS. These variables are listed for each
determined, and the warmest of the minimum design metal process in QW-250 and are defined in Article IV, Welding
temperatures shall be used as the permissible minimum Data. The WPS shall reference the supporting Procedure
design metal temperature of the welded assembly. [See Qualification Record(s) (PQR) described in QW-200.2.
Figure UCS-66.3, sketch (b).] The organization may include any other information in
(-5) if the governing thickness at any welded the WPS that may be helpful in making a Code weldment.
joint exceeds 4 in. (100 mm) and the minimum design metal (c) Changes to the WPS. Changes may be made in the
temperature is colder than 120°F (50°C), impact tested nonessential variables of a WPS to suit production
material shall be used. requirements without requalification provided such
changes are documented with respect to the essential,
QW-403 BASE METALS nonessential, and, when required, supplementary essential
QW-403.8 A change in base metal thickness beyond variables for each process. This may be by amendment
the range qualified in QW-451, except as otherwise to the WPS or by use of a new WPS.
permitted by QW-202.4(b). Changes in essential or supplementary essential variables
QW-403.9 For single‐pass or multipass welding in require requalification of the WPS (i.e., new or additional
PQRs to support the change in essential or supplementary
which any pass is greater than 1/2 in. (13 mm) thick, an
essential variables).
increase in base metal thickness beyond 1.1 times that of
(d) Format of the WPS. The information required to be
the qualification test coupon.
in the WPS may be in any format, written or tabular….
QW-403.11 Base metals specified in the WPS shall be
qualified by a procedure qualification test that was made
using base metals in accordance with QW-424.
QW-200.2 essential variable ranges as long as a supporting PQR exists
Each organization shall be required to prepare a procedure for each essential and, when required, supplementary
qualification record which is defined as follows: essential variable…
(a) Procedure Qualification Record (PQR). The PQR is a
record of variables recorded during the welding of the QW-200.4 Combination of Welding Procedures.
test coupons. It also contains the test results of the tested (a) More than one WPS having different essential,
specimens. Recorded variables normally fall within a supplementary essential, or nonessential variables may be
small range of the actual variables that will be used in used in a single production joint. Each WPS may include
production welding. one or a combination of processes, filler metals, or other
(b) Contents of the PQR. The completed PQR shall document variables. These provisions also apply to special process
all essential and, when required, supplementary essential WPSs as defined in QW-251.4. Where more than one WPS
variables of QW-250 for each welding process used during specifying different processes, filler metals, or other
the welding of the test coupon. Nonessential or other essential or supplementary essential variables is used, QW-
variables used during the welding of the test coupon may be 451 or Table QW-453, as applicable, shall be used to
recorded at the organization's option. All variables, if determine the range of base metal thickness and maximum
recorded, shall be the actual variables (including ranges) weld metal thickness qualified for each process, filler metal,
used during the welding of the test coupon. If variables are or set of variables, and those limits shall be observed.
not monitored during welding, they shall not be recorded. It When following a WPS that has more than one welding
is not intended that the full range or the extreme of a given process, filler metal, or set of variables, each process, filler
range of variables to be used in production be used during metal, or set of variables may be used individually or in
qualification unless required due to a specific essential or, different combinations, provided
when required, supplementary essential variable. The PQR (1) the essential, nonessential, and required supplementary
shall be certified accurate by the organization. The essential variables associated with the process,
organization may not subcontract the certification function. filler metal, or set of variables are applied
This certification is intended to be the organization's (2) the base metal and deposited weld metal thickness
verification that the information in the PQR is a true record limits of QW-451 or Table QW-453, as applicable,
of the variables that were used during the welding of the for each process, filler metal, or set of variables are
test coupon and that the resulting tensile, bend, or macro applied
(as required) test results are in compliance with Section IX.
One or more combinations of welding processes, filler (b) As an alternative to (a), a production weld may be
metal, and other variables may be used when welding a made using a WPS that is supported by more than one
test coupon. The approximate thickness of weld metal PQR, provided the following conditions are met:
deposited, excluding weld reinforcement, shall be recorded (1) All PQRs were qualified
for each set of essential and, when required, supplementary (-a) with GTAW, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, PAW,
essential variables. Weld metal deposited using each set of LBW, LLBW, or SAW, or combinations of these processes
variables shall be included in the tension, bend, toughness, (-b) on test coupons at least 1/2 in. (13 mm) thick
and other mechanical test specimens that are required. (2) Note (1) of Tables QW-451.1 and QW-451.2 shall
(c) Changes to the PQR. Changes to the PQR are not apply to the WPS. The WPS may be used to deposit
permitted except as described below. Editorial corrections (-a) root layers with the process or combinations
or addenda to the PQR are permitted. An example of an of processes on one PQR for weld metal deposits up to 2t
editorial correction is an incorrect P‐Number, F‐Number, (-b) fill layers with the process(es) on the other
PQR(s) on base metal up to the maximum thickness
or A‐Number that was assigned to a particular base metal qualified by the other PQR(s)
or filler metal. An example of an addendum would be a
change resulting from a Code change. For example, Section
IX may assign a new F‐Number to a filler metal or…….
….. All changes to a PQR require recertification (including
date) by the organization.
d) Format of the PQR. Form QW-483 (see Nonmandatory
Appendix B) has been provided as a guide for the PQR. The
information required to be in the PQR may be in any format
to fit the needs of each organization. Every essential and,
when required, supplementary essential variable described
in QW-250 shall be included in the PQR. Also, the type of
tests, number of tests, and test results shall be listed in the
PQR. Form QW-483 does not easily lend itself to cover
combinations of welding processes or more than one
F‐Number filler metal in one test coupon. Additional
sketches or information may be attached or referenced
to record the required variables.
(e) Availability of the PQR. The PQR shall be available
for review but need not be made available to the welder
or welding operator.
(f) Multiple WPSs With One PQR or Multiple PQRs With
One WPS. Several WPSs may be prepared from the data on
a single PQR (e.g., a 1G plate PQR may support WPSs for
the F, V, H, and O positions on plate or pipe within all other
essential variables). A single WPS may cover several sets of
(PQR)
QW-302 TYPE OF TEST REQUIRED (WPQ) omitting the specimens in the upper - right and lower‐left
QW-302.1 Mechanical Tests. Except as may be specified
quadrants, and replacing the root‐bend specimen in the
for special processes (QW-380), the type and number
of test specimens required for mechanical testing shall be upper‐left quadrant of Figure QW-463.2(d) with a
in accordance with QW-452. Groove weld test specimens facebend specimen. For test coupons made on pipe in
shall be removed in a manner similar to that shown in position 5G or 6G of Figure QW-461.4, specimens shall be
Figures QW-463.2(a) through QW-463.2(g). Fillet weld removed in accordance with Figure QW-463.2(d) or Figure
test specimens shall be removed in a manner similar to QW-463.2(e) and all four specimens shall pass the test.
that shown in Figures QW-462.4(a) through QW-462.4(d) For test coupons made in both positions 2G and 5G on a
and Figure QW-463.2(h). All mechanical tests shall meet the single pipe test coupon, specimens shall be removed in
requirements prescribed in QW-160 or QW-180, as accordance with Figure QW-463. 2(f ) or Figure QW-
applicable. 463.2(g).
QW-302.2 Volumetric NDE. When the welder or QW-302.4 Visual Examination. For plate coupons all
welding operator is qualified by volumetric NDE, as surfaces (except areas designated “discard”) shall be
permitted in QW-304 for welders and QW-305 for welding
operators, the minimum length of coupon(s) to be examined examined visually per QW-194 before cutting of bend
shall be 6 in. (150 mm) and shall include the entire specimens. Pipe coupons shall be visually examined per
weld circumference for pipe(s), except that for small QW-194 over the entire circumference, inside and
diameter pipe, multiple coupons of the same diameter pipe outside.
may be required, but the number need not exceed four
consecutively made test coupons. The examination (PROPLONGATION SPECIFICATION, ASME IX)
technique and acceptance criteria shall be in accordance
with QW-191.
QW-302.3 Test Coupons in Pipe. For test coupons
made on pipe in position 1G or 2G of Figure QW-461.4,
two specimens shall be removed as shown for bend
specimens in Figure QW-463.2(d) or Figure QW-463.2(e),
QW-150 TENSION TESTS thickness specimens, each set shall represent a single
QW-151 SPECIMENS tension test of the full pipe thickness. Collectively, all of the
Tension test specimens shall conform to one of the specimens required to represent the full thickness of
types illustrated in Figures QW-462.1(a) through the weld at one location shall comprise a set.
QW-462.1(e) and shall meet the requirements of (d) When multiple specimens are necessary, the entire
QW-153. thickness shall be mechanically cut into a minimum number
QW-151.1 Reduced Section — Plate. of approximately equal strips of a size that can be
Reduced section specimens conforming to the requirements tested in the available equipment. Each specimen of the
given in Figure QW-462.1(a) may be used for tension tests set shall be tested and meet the requirements of QW-153.
on all thicknesses of plate. For pipe having an outside diameter of 3 in. (75 mm) or
(a) For thicknesses up to and including 1 in. (25 mm), a less, reduced‐section specimens conforming to the
full thickness specimen shall be used for each required requirements given in Figure QW-462.1(c) may be used
tension test. for tension tests.
(b) For plate thickness greater than 1 in. (25 mm), full QW-151.3 Turned Specimens. Turned specimens
thickness specimens or multiple specimens may be used, conforming to the requirements given in Figure
provided (c) and (d) are complied with. QW-462.1(d) may be used for tension tests.
(c) When multiple specimens are used, in lieu of full (a) For thicknesses up to and including 1 in. (25 mm), a
thickness specimens, each set shall represent a single single turned specimen may be used for each required
tension test of the full plate thickness. Collectively, all of the tension test, which shall be a specimen of the largest
specimens required to represent the full thickness of the diameter D of Figure QW-462.1(d) possible for test coupon
weld at one location shall comprise a set. thickness [per Note (a) of Figure QW-462.1(d)].
(d) When multiple specimens are necessary, the entire (b) For thicknesses over 1 in. (25 mm), multiple specimens
thickness shall be mechanically cut into a minimum number shall be cut through the full thickness of the weld
of approximately equal strips of a size that can be with their centers parallel to the metal surface and not
tested in the available equipment. Each specimen of the over 1 in. (25 mm) apart. The centers of the specimens
set shall be tested and meet the requirements of QW-153. adjacent to the metal surfaces shall not exceed 5/8 in.
QW-151.2 Reduced Section—Pipe. Reduced‐section (16 mm) from the surface.
specimens conforming to the requirements given in (c) When multiple specimens are used, each set shall
Figure QW-462.1(b) may be used for tension tests on all represent a single required tension test. Collectively, all
thicknesses of pipe having an outside diameter greater the specimens required to represent the full thickness
than 3 in. (75 mm). of the weld at one location shall comprise a set.
(a) For thicknesses up to and including 1 in. (25 mm), a (d) Each specimen of the set shall be tested and meet
full thickness specimen shall be used for each required the requirements of QW-153.
tension test. QW-151.4 Full-Section Specimens for Pipe. Tension
(b) For pipe thicknesses greater than 1 in. (25 mm), full specimens conforming to the dimensions given in Figure
thickness specimens or multiple specimens may be used, QW-462.1(e) may be used for testing pipe with an outside
provided (c) and (d) are complied with. diameter of 3 in. (75 mm) or less.
(c) When multiple specimens are used, in lieu of full
QW-160 GUIDED-BEND TESTS bent specimen. Longitudinal face‐bend test specimens
QW-161 SPECIMENS shall conform to the dimensions shown in Figure
Guided‐bend test specimens shall be prepared by cutting QW-462.3(b).
the test plate or pipe to form specimens of approximately QW-161.7 Longitudinal Root Bend. The weld is parallel
rectangular cross section. The cut surfaces shall to the longitudinal axis of the specimen, which is bent
be designated the sides of the specimen. The other two so that the root surface becomes the convex side of the
surfaces shall be called the face and root surfaces, the face bent specimen. Longitudinal root‐bend test specimens
surface having the greater width of weld. The specimen shall conform to the dimensions shown in Figure
thickness and bend radius are shown in Figures QW-462.3(b).
QW-466.1, QW-466.2, and QW-466.3. For materials with
less than 3% elongation, a macro-etch specimen shall be
used in lieu of bend test at each bend test location.
Acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with QW-183(a).
Figure QW-466.3 shows the recommended method of
testing aluminum weldments. Guided‐bend specimens
are of five types, depending on whether the axis of the
weld is transverse or parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the specimen, and which surface (side, face, or root) is
on the convex (outer) side of bent specimen. The five
types are defined as follows.
QW-161.1 Transverse Side Bend. The weld is transverse
to the longitudinal axis of the specimen, which is
bent so that one of the side surfaces becomes the convex
surface of the bent specimen. Transverse side‐bend test
specimens shall conform to the dimensions shown in
Figure QW-462.2. Specimens of base metal thickness equal
to or greater than 11/2 in. (38 mm) may be cut into
approximately equal strips between 3/4 in. (19 mm) and
11/2 in. (38 mm) wide for testing, or the specimens may be
bent at full width (see requirements on jig width in Figure
QW-466.1). When the width of the weld is so large that a
bend specimen cannot be bent so that the entire weld and
heat affected zones are within the bent portion, multiple
specimens across the entire weld and heat affected zones
shall be used. If multiple specimens are used in either
situation above, one complete set shall be made for each
required test. Each specimen shall be tested and meet the
requirements in QW-163.
QW-161.2 Transverse Face Bend. The weld is transverse
to the longitudinal axis of the specimen, which is
bent so that the face surface becomes the convex surface
of the bent specimen. Transverse face‐bend test
specimens shall conform to the dimensions shown in Figure
QW-462.3(a). For subsize transverse face bends, see QW-
161.4.
QW-161.3 Transverse Root Bend. The weld is transverse
to the longitudinal axis of the specimen, which is
bent so that the root surface becomes the convex surface
of the bent specimen. Transverse root‐bend test GENERAL NOTES:
specimens shall conform to the dimensions shown in Figure (a) Weld reinforcement and backing strip or backing ring, if any, may be
QW-462.3(a). For subsize transverse root bends, see removed flush with the surface of the specimen. If a recessed ring is
QW-161.4. used, this surface of the specimen may be machined to a depth not
exceeding the depth of the recess to remove the ring, except that in such
QW-161.4 Subsize Transverse Face and Root Bends. cases the thickness of the finished specimen shall be that specified above.
Bend specimens taken from small diameter pipe coupons Do not flame‐cut nonferrous material.
may be subsized in accordance with General Note (b) of (b) If the pipe being tested has a diameter of NPS 4 (DN 100) or less, the
Figure QW-462.3(a). width of the bend specimen may be 3/4 in. (19 mm) for pipe diameters
QW-161.5 Longitudinal-Bend Tests. Longitudinal bend NPS 2 (DN 50) to and including NPS 4 (DN 100). The bend specimen
tests may be used in lieu of the transverse sidebend, width may be 3/8 in. (10 mm) for pipe diameters less than NPS 2 (DN 50)
down to and including NPS 3/8 (DN 10) and as an alternative, if the pipe
face‐bend, and root‐bend tests for testing weld metal being tested is equal to or less than NPS 1 (DN 25) pipe size, the width of
or base metal combinations, which differ markedly in the bend specimens may be that obtained by cutting the pipe into
bending properties between quarter sections, less an allowance for saw cuts or machine cutting.
(a) the two base metals, or These specimens cut into quarter sections are not required to have one
surface machined flat as shown in QW-462.3(a). Bend specimens taken
(b) the weld metal and the base metal from tubing of comparable sizes may be handled in a similar manner.
QW-161.6 Longitudinal Face Bend. The weld is parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the specimen, which is bent
so that the face surface becomes the convex surface of the
QW-304 WELDERS(WPQ) positions, and other variables for which he was previously
Except for the special requirements of QW-380, each qualified. Providing the requirements of QW-304 and QW-
welder who welds under the rules of the Code shall have 305 are satisfied, renewal of qualification under QW-322.1
passed the mechanical and visual examinations prescribed may be done on production work.
in QW-302.1 and QW-302.4 respectively. Alternatively,
welders may be qualified by volumetric NDE per
QW-191 when making a groove weld using SMAW,
SAW, GTAW, PAW, and GMAW (except short‐circuiting
mode for radiographic examination) or a combination of
these processes, except for P‐No. 21 through P‐No. 26,
P‐No. 51 through P‐No. 53, and P‐No. 61 through P‐
No. 62 metals. Welders making groove welds in P‐No. 21
through P-No. 26, P-No. 51 through P-No. 53, P-No. 61,
and P-No. 62 metals with the GTAW process may also
be qualified by volumetric NDE per QW-191. The
Volumetric NDE shall be in accordance with QW-302.2.
A welder qualified to weld in accordance with one qualified
WPS is also qualified to weld in accordance with
other qualified WPSs, using the same welding process,
within the limits of the essential variables of QW-350.
QW-304.1 Examination. Welds made in test coupons
for performance qualification may be examined by visual
and mechanical examinations (QW-302.1, QW-302.4) or
by volumetric NDE (QW-302.2) for the process(es) and
mode of arc transfer specified in QW-304. Alternatively,
a minimum 6 in. (150 mm) length of the first production
weld(s) made by a welder using the process(es) and/or
mode of arc transfer specified in QW-304 may be examined
by volumetric NDE.
(a) For pipe(s) welded in the 5G, 6G, or special positions,
the entire production weld circumference made
by the welder shall be examined.
(b) For small diameter pipe where the required minimum
length of weld cannot be obtained from a single production
pipe circumference, additional consecutive
circumferences of the same pipe diameter made by the
welder shall be examined, except that the total number
of circumferences need not exceed four.
(c) The examination technique and acceptance criteria
for production welds shall be in accordance with
QW-191.
QW-322 EXPIRATION, REVOCATION, AND
RENEWAL OF QUALIFICATION
QW-322.1 Expiration. The qualification of a welder
or welding operator for a process remains valid provided
no more than 6 months have passed since the welder or
welding operator last used that process. Continuity of
qualification shall be confirmed by the qualifying or
participating
organization(s) as identified in QG-106.2 and
QG-106.3, respectively.
A welder using manual or semiautomatic welding prolongs
qualification for both manual and semiautomatic
welding for that process. A welding operator using machine
or automatic welding prolongs qualification for machine
or automatic welding for that process.
QW-322.3 Renewal of Qualification.
(a) Renewal of qualification that has expired under the
rules of QW-322.1 may be achieved for any process by
welding a single test coupon of either plate or pipe, of
any material, thickness or diameter, in any position, as
required by QW-301 and successfully completing the
testing required by QW-302. This successful test renews the
welder or welding operator’s previous qualifications for
that process for those materials, thicknesses, diameters,
