1) The document discusses how to read, understand, and use a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS). It provides definitions for key terms like WPS, PQR, essential variables, and non-essential variables. 2) A Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) must be made before a WPS. The PQR documents the variables used to weld a test coupon and the test results. 3) The example WPS provided is written according to ASME code for welding carbon steel designated as P-No. 8 material. It specifies the welding process, filler metal, and other key variables.

1. WPS Understanding
By: Eng. Mohamed Farouk Bayomi
JANUARY 1, 2018
COMPANY NAME: MAU FOR INSPECTIONS AND AUDITS
Cairo, Egypt. 002 01114521720
Mohamedfarouk86@gmail.com
CWI /API 570 /ASNT Level II

2. 1 | P a g e M o h a m e d F a r o u k ( ( C W I / A P I 5 7 0 / A S N T L e v e l I I ) )
WPS Understanding – Part 1
Introduction
This topic just to introduce How to read, understand & use a WPS (welding procedure
specification).
Example WPS for refer
Some definitions you need understand before start it.
1. What is WPS?
▪ is a written document that provides direction to the welder or welding operator for making
production welds in accordance with code requirements. The completed WPS shall
describe all the essential , non essential and when required supplementary
essential variables for each welding process used in the WPS.
2. What is PQR (procedure qualify record)?
▪ is a record of the weld data used to weld a test coupon. It also contains the test results of the
tested specimens. The completed PQR shall document all the essential when required
supplementary essential variables for each welding process used during the welding of test
coupon. Non essential variables used during the welding of the coupon may be recorded.
3. One question: between WPS & PQR – which one have first?
▪ To come out a WPS we need follow these below steps – 5 steps:
▪ Five Step Process to Qualify a Welding Procedure
1. Understand the intended application for which the WPS will be used
2. Develop a draft procedure
3. Make a qualification weld
4. Test the qualification weld
5. Write up the WPS
▪ Step No. 2: we can understand it is pWPS (prequalified WPS)
▪ Step No. 3: it is PQR
So, between WPS & PQR: PQR have first.

3. 2 | P a g e M o h a m e d F a r o u k ( ( C W I / A P I 5 7 0 / A S N T L e v e l I I ) )
4. The essential / supplementary essential / non essential:
▪ Essential variable: are those in which a change, as described in the specific variables, is
considered to affect the mechanical properties of the weldment and shall require
requalification of the WPS.
▪ Non essential variables: are those in which a change as described in the specific
variables may be made in the WPS with out requalification..
▪ Supplementary essential variables: are required for materials for which other sections
specify notch toughness tests and are in addition to the essential variables for each welding
process
5. Other definitions will be explained during view an example WPS:
6. Read an example WPS: just talk about basic information on it only.
We attached an example WPS & explain them one by one (note that to easy follow, we
already RED HIGHLIGHT points on this WPS and they are explained with same RED
ALPHABET).
▪ A point: need know what is it first? It is WPS / PQR / WPQR / pWPS / SWPS …
+ WPS: defined as above
+ PQR: defined as above

4. 3 | P a g e M o h a m e d F a r o u k ( ( C W I / A P I 5 7 0 / A S N T L e v e l I I ) )
+ SWPS:
In an effort to standardize and harmonize the process of WPS approvals, AWS started writing
“Standard Welding Procedure Specifications (SWPSs)” with input from the pioneers and experts
in the welding industry. An extensive testing program was undertaken whereby; these SWPSs were
then supported by numerous PQRs.
+ WPQR:
Once the procedure is approved it is necessary to demonstrate that all your welders working to it
have the required knowledge and skill to put down a clean sound weld. If the welder has
satisfactorily completed the procedure test then he is automatically approved but each additional
welder must be approved by completing an approval test to an appropriate standard
+ pWPS:
Some codes, such as AWS D1.1, allow “Prequalified WPS”, whereby it is established that the
WPS written per code will produce welds with correct mechanical and metallurgical properties. It
is NOT NEED to prepare a PQR in such cases. However, the pre-qualified WPS have a specified
range (TABLE 3.X) of parameters under which the weld must be produced. When welding
variables fall outside these ranges, a WPS with supporting PQR must be prepared.
Note: IT’s rarely to see the pWPS using in real life. Almost we use WPS for SURE reasons (
with PQR, CLASS/CLIENT approval ) – in D1.1, we should focus on Clause 4.xx / Table
4.xx.
▪ B point: what code is used for qualified? Currently we have 2 Codes are used common:
AWS ( structure ) & ASME ( main for piping )

5. 4 | P a g e M o h a m e d F a r o u k ( ( C W I / A P I 5 7 0 / A S N T L e v e l I I ) )
▪ C point: name for this procedure only.
▪ D point: this WPS is writen base on what PQR, nomally the PQR will be attached together
with WPS for review / approval by Class / Client…
▪ E point: welding process. Have some welding processes such as: SMAW, FCAW, SAW,
GTAW, GMAW… ( definination for welding process – pls refer to other topic in this blog
– welding technical )
▪ F point: type of welding process. pls see below:
+ Manual welding: Welding where in entire welding operation is performed and controlled by
Hand [Example : SMAW]
+ Semi automatic welding: Welding with equipment which controls only the filler metal feed.
The advance of welding is manually controlled. [Example: MIG, MAG, FCAW]
+ Automatic welding: Welding with equipment which performs the welding operation with out
adjustment of controls by a welding operator. The equipment may or may not perform the
loading and unloading of the work
+ Machine welding: Welding with equipment that has controls that are manually adjusted by the
welding operator in response to visual observation of the welding with the torch, gun or electrode
holder by a mechanical device. [Example – SAW]

6. 5 | P a g e M o h a m e d F a r o u k ( ( C W I / A P I 5 7 0 / A S N T L e v e l I I ) )
▪ G point:

7. 6 | P a g e M o h a m e d F a r o u k ( ( C W I / A P I 5 7 0 / A S N T L e v e l I I ) )
This point will show you what type of welding joint design: single bevel, groove… We need to
know this variable is essential or not? How can know? We need open the CODE & check it (
in this case is ASME IX ). We will refer to QW – 402.
▪ H point: very importance. This one will answer this WPS will be applied for what material
type. How can we know?
The example WPS mention Base metal is P-No.8, Group-No.:all. We need take care P-No.
first. Open Table QW/QB-422
+ What is P-No.? P numbers are assigned to base metals dependent on characteristics such as
composition, weldability, and mechanical properties where this logically can be done.

8. 7 | P a g e M o h a m e d F a r o u k ( ( C W I / A P I 5 7 0 / A S N T L e v e l I I ) )
+ One question come out: during construction, we need know the material belong to what
specification No. / P-No. / Group-No … and compare it to WPS ( to know this WPS can
cover for this material or not ).

9. 8 | P a g e M o h a m e d F a r o u k ( ( C W I / A P I 5 7 0 / A S N T L e v e l I I ) )

10. 9 | P a g e M o h a m e d F a r o u k ( ( C W I / A P I 5 7 0 / A S N T L e v e l I I ) )

11. 10 | P a g e M o h a m e d F a r o u k ( ( C W I / A P I 5 7 0 / A S N T L e v e l I I ) )