CWI WPS and PQR Qualification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under ASME Section IX, a change in base metal P-Number from P-1 to P-3 is considered what type of variable for a groove weld WPS?
- Nonessential variable
- Supplementary essential variable
- Essential variable (Correct answer)
- Administrative variable
Correct answer: Essential variable
A change in P-Number is an essential variable under ASME Section IX, requiring requalification of the WPS.
Question 2: In ASME Section IX, filler metals are grouped into F-Numbers primarily to reduce the number of:
- PQRs required for similar materials (Correct answer)
- Welding positions that must be qualified
- Preheat requirements
- Essential variables that must be tracked
Correct answer: PQRs required for similar materials
F-Numbers group filler metals with similar usability characteristics so that qualification with one filler qualifies others in the same F-Number group.
Question 3: Which of the following is NOT recorded on a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)?
- Actual amperage used during qualification weld
- Actual travel speed during qualification weld
- Welder's name and identification (Correct answer)
- Type and polarity of current
Correct answer: Welder's name and identification
The PQR records the actual welding conditions used; the welder's identity is tracked on a Welder Performance Qualification Record (WPQR), not the PQR.
Question 4: Under AWS D1.1, a WPS must be qualified by test or may be prequalified. Which joint configuration is typically NOT eligible for prequalified status?
- Single-bevel groove weld
- Complete joint penetration T-joint
- Double-bevel groove weld with backing
- Partial joint penetration groove weld with electroslag welding (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Partial joint penetration groove weld with electroslag welding
Electroslag and electrogas welding processes are specifically excluded from prequalified WPS status under AWS D1.1.
Question 5: Under ASME Section IX, the A-Number in a WPS refers to the classification of:
- Base metal alloy group
- Filler metal usability
- Deposited weld metal chemical composition (Correct answer)
- Electrode coating type
Correct answer: Deposited weld metal chemical composition
A-Numbers classify the chemical composition of the deposited weld metal and are used to group similar weld metal compositions.
Question 6: When a WPS lists a range of heat input, what is the inspector's responsibility during production welding?
- Calculate heat input from voltage, amperage, and travel speed and verify it falls within the WPS range (Correct answer)
- Verify only the amperage setting matches the WPS
- Accept the welder's verbal confirmation that heat input is controlled
- Record heat input only if directed by the engineer
Correct answer: Calculate heat input from voltage, amperage, and travel speed and verify it falls within the WPS range
The CWI must verify that the calculated heat input (volts × amps × 60 / travel speed in in/min) stays within the range established in the WPS.
Question 7: Under ASME Section IX QW-451, a groove weld PQR performed on base metal 1 inch thick qualifies a WPS for production welds up to what maximum thickness?
- 1 inch
- 1.5 inches
- 2 inches (Correct answer)
- 8 inches
Correct answer: 2 inches
Per QW-451, a test coupon of 1 inch thickness qualifies production welds up to 2 inches (2T), capped at certain limits.
CWI WPS and PQR Qualification 2
Under ASME Section IX, a change in base metal P-Number from P-1 to P-3 is considered what type of variable for a groove weld WPS?