Interpretation Detail

Standard Designation: BPV Section IX

Edition/Addenda: 2015

Para./Fig./Table No: QW-283

Subject Description: SC IX; QW-283 - Buttering

Date Issued: 03/03/2016

Record Number: 15-2484

Interpretation Number: BPV IX-16-3

Question(s) and Reply(ies): Background: Company A qualified a WPS joining a P-Number 5A material to itself in
accordance with QW-283 by buttering both groove faces using a filler metal that does
not conform to an AWS classification but is identified on the PQR by trade name. The
buttered ends were postweld heat treated and machined so that the buttered thickness
after machining was not less than 3/16 inch. The buttered ends were then welded
together using a different filler metal. The required mechanical tests were performed.

Company B qualified a WPS to butter and heat treat the weld ends (but not perform the
groove weld assembling the buttered parts) by making a groove weld in P-number 5A
material using the same process, filler metal, and heat treatment temperature range that
was used for buttering by Company A. The required mechanical tests were performed.

Question (1): Is it required that the production buttering be made with the same heat of
the filler metal that was used for the buttered portion of the procedure qualification test
coupon?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Is the company B WPS qualified to butter and heat treat the weld ends of
the production parts?

Reply (2): Yes, provided the thickness of buttering after machining is not less than 3/16
inch.

Question (3): May a third company (Company C) use test coupons that have been
buttered, heat treated, and machined by Company A (following a qualified buttering
WPS) to qualify a WPS for only making the groove weld joining the buttered parts?

Reply (3): Yes, provided the thickness of buttering after machining is not less than 3/16
inch.

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