Major European welding procedure standard updated.

Europe's most used standard for welding procedure qualifications (WPQ), EN ISO 15614-1 has been significantly amended as of the end of July 2017. The changes concern the test piece, investigation, and range of qualifications. The amendments are designed to harmonise the standard with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section IX, Welding, Brazing and Fusing.

What do these amendments entail?

• The range of qualifications has been formulated differently on various points

• Some aspects have become stricter, others more open

• Two levels have been introduced:

  • Level 1: based on the requirements from the ASME BPVC Section IX
  • Level 2: based on the previous ISO 15614-1 edition with minor amendments

Two levels

Procedure tests carried out to level 2 are more extensive. The ranges of qualification are also more restrictive; in some cases even a small deviation requires a re-qualification or an additional qualification under level 2. This can happen when a company switches to another type of welding machine. Where no level is specified in a contract or application standard, all the requirements of level 2 apply.

It is important to note that WPQs issued under previous editions remain valid. However, once existing construction codes (such as EN 13445, EN 13480, etc.) are amended, manufacturers will need to ensure that new welding procedure qualifications are done in accordance with the new edition. It is also possible to create a new WPQR range of qualification for the new version of EN ISO 15614-1 based on your existing qualified WPQR, provided that the technical intent of the testing requirements of the new version is satisfied.