1309.5.2 Welder Qualification Procedure

The GTAW autogenous orbital procedure and the welder qualification procedure shall be qualified in accordance with Section IX of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Welder qualification procedures shall include a bend test and a tensile test in accordance with Section IX of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code on each tube size diameter. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.5.1.2, 5.1.10.5.1.3]

GTAW autogenous orbital welded joints shall be purged during welding with a commercially available mixture of 75 percent helium (+/- 5 percent) and 25 percent argon (+/- 5 percent). [NFPA 99:5.1.10.5.1.5]

Test coupons shall be welded and inspected, as a minimum, at the start of work and every 4 hours thereafter, or where the machine is idle for more than 30 minutes, and at the end of the work period. Test coupons shall be inspected on the I.D. and O.D. by a qualified quality control inspector, and shall be welded at change of operator, weld head, welding power supply, or gas source. [NFPA 99:5.1.10.5.1.7 - 5.1.10.5.1.9]