ASME Section IX Questions

ASME Section IX Questions

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Q1. In which position a welder can weld in groove welds (in plate and pipe over 24″ OD), if he is qualified in 4G position (As per ASME section IX)? www.weldingandndt.com
  1. All positions
  2. Flat and Overhead
  3. Overhead
  4. Flat, Vertical and Overhead

(Explanation: According to Table QW-461.9 of ASME Section IX, a welder qualified in the 4G position can weld in the flat and overhead positions for plate and pipe over 24″ O.D.)

Q2. A welder qualified with plate fillet welds in the 3F and 4F positions is qualified to weld groove welds in plate in which positions? www.weldingandndt.com
  1. Flat
  2. Flat and Vertical
  3. Vertical and Overhead
  4. None of the above

 (Explanation: According to Table QW-461.9 of ASME Section IX, a welder qualified in the 3F and 4F positions for plate fillet welding is not qualified to perform groove welds. www.weldingandndt.com)

Q3. When a tensile test specimen breaks in the base metal outside of the weld or fusion line, the tensile strength (UTS) recorded may be at the most how much below the specified tensile strength to be accepted as per ASME section IX?
  1. 5%
  2. 10%
  3. 15%
  4. Cannot be accepted if it breaks below the specified minimum tensile strength

(Explanation: According to QW-153.1(d), if the specimen fractures in the base metal outside of the weld or fusion line, the test will be considered acceptable as long as the recorded strength does not fall more than 5% below the minimum specified tensile strength of the base metal.)

Q4. The acceptance criteria for radiography tests of welder qualification test can be found in which of the following ASME codes?
  1. ASME Section IX
  2. ASME Section VIII Div. 1
  3. ASME Section VI
  4. The referencing code

(Explanation: The acceptance criteria for radiographic testing used in welder qualification is specified in ASME Section IX. QW-191.1.2)

Q5. If a WPS was qualified under the 1965 edition of ASME Section IX, can it still be used today? (www.weldingandndt.com)
  1. Yes, it remains valid
  2. No, it must be requalified to the current code
  3. It can only be used for 1965-era pressure vessels
  4. It is limited to repair welding, not new construction

(Explanation: As per QG-108 of ASME Section IX, Joining procedure specifications, procedure qualifications, and performance qualifications established in accordance with earlier editions or addenda of this section may be utilized for any construction where the current edition has been specified. www.weldingandndt.com)

Q6. If a welder was qualified in the SMAW process on January 1, 2023, and last performed welding with SMAW on March 30, 2023, will he still be qualified on October 15, 2024?
  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Yes, but with close monitoring
  4. Yes, but only for non-critical jobs first

(Explanation: As per QW-322.1 of ASME Section IX, A welder’s qualification is only valid for 6 months from the time they last performed welding with that process. In this case, since the welder last welded with SMAW on March 30, 2023, their qualification would have expired on September 30, 2023 (6 months later). Therefore, on October 15, 2024, the welder would no longer be considered qualified for the SMAW process. Hence, the welder would need to pass a new welder qualification test or retest.)

Q7. What is the key difference between test positions 2F and 2FR for fillet welds in pipes? (www.weldingandndt.com)
  1. In 2F, the pipe axis remains vertical, while in 2FR, the pipe axis remains horizontal and the pipe is rotated during welding.
  2. In 2F, the pipe axis remains horizontal, while in 2FR, the pipe axis remains vertical and the pipe is rotated during welding
  3. The pipe axis remains horizontal in both positions (2F & 2FR). However, the pipe is rotated in 2FR.
  4. None of the above

(Explanation: In 2F position, the pipe’s axis is vertical, which means that the welder works on a horizontal weld joint located at the top of the vertical pipe. The welding process is performed without rotating the pipe, allowing for a fixed position for the welder. However, in 2FR position, the pipe’s axis is horizontal. This allows for the pipe to be rotated during the welding process, which can make it easier for the welder to maintain a consistent weld bead and improve access to the joint.) (www.weldingandndt.com)

Q8. What is the acceptance criteria for porosity (rounded indication) in a welder qualification test according to ASME Section IX?
  1. 1/8 inch (3 mm) maximum
  2. 20% of the total weld thickness (excluding any reinforcement) or 1/8 inch (3 mm), whichever is smaller (
  3. 30% of the total thickness or 1/2 inch (12.5 mm), whichever is smaller
  4. None of the above

(Explanation: As per QW-191.1.2.2 (b)(2)(-a) of ASME Section IX, The maximum permissible dimension for rounded indications shall be 20% of the thickness of the weld, excluding any allowable reinforcement, or 1/8 in. (3 mm), whichever is smaller. For a groove weld joining two base metals having different thicknesses at the weld, the thickness is the thinner of the two base metals being joined.

Example: Consider a groove weld joining two base metals with thicknesses of 1 in. (25 mm) and 3/4 in. (19 mm). The thickness of the weld, excluding any allowable reinforcement, is the thinner base metal, which is 3/4 in. (19 mm).

Calculation of Maximum Permissible Dimension for Rounded Indications:

  1. 20% of Weld Thickness:
    • 20% of 3/4 in. = 0.15 in. (approximately 3.8 mm)
  2. Comparison with 1/8 in. (3 mm):
    • Since 1/8 in. (3 mm) is smaller than 0.15 in. (3.8 mm), the maximum permissible dimension for rounded indications is 1/8 in. (3 mm).

This means that any rounded indications (such as porosity) found in the weld must not exceed 1/8 in. (3 mm) in size to meet the acceptance criteria. )