Industrial Code Welding, Pipe Fabrication & Installation Across the U.S.

What Is Industrial Code Welding & Pipe Fabrication/Installation?

Industrial Code Welding & Pipe Fabrication/Installation refers to specific areas and requirements of welding that involve the joining of materials, in complex and/or specialized applications required in many factories, industrial processes, and like facilities. It goes beyond the standard welding techniques and requires specialized skills, equipment, knowledge, and certification and often involves working with exotic metals, such as titanium, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, or other materials that possess unique properties. This type of welding is typically used in industries where exceptional strength, durability, and corrosion resistance are required, such as in the manufacture of pressure vessels, industrial tanks, heat exchangers, and other critical components. Industrial Code Welding & Pipe Fabrication/Installation plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and safety of these structures, as well as meeting specific industry quality standards and regulations.

Our Comprehensive Qualification Process

The typical process for qualifying a welding procedure involves several steps. First, a preliminary welding procedure specification (pWPS) is created, which outlines the details of how a qualification test piece will be welded. This includes specifications for the materials, weld configuration, test piece size, welding process(es), welding consumables, and all the necessary welding parameters. Next, the test piece, often referred to as a "coupon," is welded according to the preliminary welding procedure. Throughout the welding of the qualification coupon, the actual welding variables used are meticulously recorded on welding record sheets, also known as "running sheets." Once the coupon is completed, it undergoes testing as required by the welding code and any additional specifications set by clients. If all the tests meet the specified requirements, the qualification is considered successful. A document known as the procedure qualification record (PQR) is then prepared, which includes a record of all the welding variables recorded during the process and the achieved test results. It's worth noting that the terminology for this document may vary in different regions, with names such as Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR) or Welding Procedure Qualification (WPQ) being commonly used. However, it is recommended to avoid using WPQ to prevent confusion with a "Welder Performance Qualification." Finally, the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) is developed using the PQR as a supporting document. The WPS includes the qualified ranges of the different welding variables, as defined in the relevant welding code. These qualified ranges are typically referred to as "essential variables" within the welding codes.