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FAQ: Whats new in ISO 15614-1:2017 ? http://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/faq-whats-new-in-iso-15614-1-2017/

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Whats new in ISO 15614-1:2017?

Introduction

The long-awaited revision of ISO 15614 Part 1, the ISO standard for the qualification of arc and gas welding procedures for steels and Nickel alloys, was completed in
the first half of 2017. The new version of the standard was published during June of the same year as ISO 15614-1:2017 and adopted by BSI as BS EN ISO
15614-1:2017. This superseded BS EN ISO 156141:2004+A2:2012, which was withdrawn.

The 2017 version of the standard is the result of an extensive and lengthy revision process completed by the ISO /TC 44/SC 10 subcommittee and differs significantly from the previous version in
format, with some major changes in technical content. This article presents the most significant differences between the 2017 and the previous version of the standards, explains the rationale
behind the changes and provides practical guidance on how to deal with them.

Questions on the application of clauses of ISO 15614-1 that are not described here, as well as on other welding-related standards, can be submitted via TWIs technical enquiry form.

DISCLAIMER - TWI is not authorised to give official interpretations of BS EN ISO standards. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official
policy or position of ISO, CEN or BSI. This article is not to be taken as a substitute for the standard, which must be consulted where its application is required. No liability rests with TWI for any
damages arising from the content of this article.

New: welding procedure test levels

The main change is that ISO 15614-1:2017 includes two levels of welding procedure tests, designated by levels 1 and 2. Level 1 is based on requirements of Section IX of the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code (ASME IX) and Level 2 is based on the previous issues of ISO 15614-1.

In recent years, various industry sectors and standard development organisations have been pushing towards harmonisation and convergence between international standards, including those for
welding qualifications. At the start of the revision process, the relevant ISO subcommittee carried out a comparison between corresponding requirements in ISO 15614-1 and ASME IX to evaluate
the possibility to develop a one-size-fits-all standard. This exercise showed that the differences were such that these two standards could not be merged into one, hence the decision to include a
two-level approach.

The introduction to the standard explains that this approach was introduced in order to permit application to a wide range of welded fabrication. In Level 2, the extent of testing is greater and the
ranges of qualification are more restrictive than in Level 1. Hence, procedure tests carried out to Level 2 automatically qualify for Level 1 requirements, but not vice-versa. It should also be noted
that when no level is specified in a contract or application standard, the requirements for Level 2 apply.

As explained in the UK National Foreword to BS EN ISO 15614-1:2017, during the development of this standard, the UK committee voted against its approval. The UK committee was concerned that
the format of the standard (two levels being presented side-by-side, mixed with text common to both levels) may cause a problem when working to either of the two welding procedure test levels.
Users are warned that, as the requirements of the two levels are often specified in the same clause, vigilance is required to identify the testing requirements and the range of qualification for the
particular welding procedure test level.

What happens to previous welding procedure qualifications?

The validity of previous welding procedure qualifications is addressed in different Sections of ISO 15614-1:2017, as follows:

Introduction: All new welding procedure tests are to be carried out in accordance with this document from the date of its issue. However, this document does not invalidate previous welding
procedure tests made to former national standards or specifications or previous issues of this document
Section 1: Specification and qualification of welding procedures that were made in accordance with previous editions of this document may be used for any application for which the current
edition is specified. In this case, the ranges of qualification of previous editions remain applicable

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