Procedure Qualification for Permanent Joints

In the manufacturing of pressure equipment, permanent joints are often made by welding or brazing. The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU (Annex 1, Section 3.12) defines the approval procedures for methods used in making permanent joints. As a Notified Body, Finspection Oy. has the authority to approve the qualifications of methods used in permanent joints.

In the manufacturing of pressure equipment, the directive requires the involvement of a third party in the qualification of methods used in making permanent joints for equipment falling under categories II to IV. By collaborating with Finspection, you ensure that the methods you use comply with the Pressure Equipment Directive and European standards.

Finspection Oy is an accredited inspection body.

Qualification is carried out in accordance with the following harmonized standards:

• SFS-EN 15613 Qualification based on pre-production welding test
• SFS-EN 15614-1 Welding procedure test: Arc and Gas Welding of Steels and Arc Welding of Nickel and Nickel Alloys 
• SFS-EN 15614-2 Welding procedure test: Arc Welding of Aluminum and its Alloys 
• SFS-EN 15614-3 Welding procedure test: Fusion Welding of Non-alloyed and Low-alloyed Cast Iron
• SFS-EN 15614-4 Welding procedure test: Finishing Welding Of Aluminium Castings 
• SFS-EN 15614-5 Welding procedure test: Arc Welding of Titanium and Zirconium and their Alloys
• SFS-EN 15614-6 Welding procedure test: Arc and Gas Welding of Copper and Its Alloys 
• SFS-EN 15614-7 Welding procedure test: Overlay Welding 
• SFS-EN 15614-8 Welding procedure test: Welding of Tubes to Tube-plate Joints 
• SFS-EN 13134 Brazing – Procedure approval

Our skilled and independent personnel across Finland perform the qualification process upon request. Method qualification is an accredited inspection activity, and the following process and instructions should be followed:

1. Contact

Contact our personnel or send an email to finspection@finspection.fi

Agree on the details, requirements, and timing of the procedure test.

2. Welding procedure test

The actual welding procedure test is conducted at the customer’s premises. Our supervisor verifies the materials, filler materials, welding gases, and other welding variables used before the welding starts. During the test, our supervisor ensures that the procedure test is welded according to the preliminary welding procedure. According to the instructions, the test piece produced is subject to visual inspection on-site by our supervisor. Only test pieces approved by visual inspection can proceed to the additional testing required by the standard (NDT and DT). If desired, the welder can also be qualified based on the procedure test, provided this is agreed upon with the supervisor before the test.

3. Inspection and Testing 

Applicated standards require both visual inspection and destructive and non-destructive testing for procedure test specimens. The standard-compliant testing of the test piece is performed by a testing organization approved according to Finspection’s quality management system. Ensure the approval of the testing organization you intend to use by consulting the test supervisor in advance.

4. Procedure Test Certificate WPQR

Once all required tests have been successfully completed, and the testing documentation has been provided to Finspection, the procedure test undergoes a verification. The verification is conducted by competent Finspection personnel, typically the supervisor performing the welding procedure test supervision.

Upon successful completion of welding procedure test, a welding procedure test certificate in accordance with the applicated standard are issued. If the results of the welding procedure test is unfavorable, the customer will receive a decision with reasons. The customer can seek reconsideration of the decision or provide feedback according to the instructions on the website.