Certification of welding technology: types, procedure for preparation and conduct

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

It's worth starting with the fact that the certification of welding technology can be of two types. The first is a research type and the second is a production type.

Research work

The first group of certification works is carried out in such cases as:

• The use of new types of materials (steels), the parameters of which for some reason are higher or, conversely, lower than the established limits.
• Research certification of welding technology is carried out in those cases when preparatory work is underway for the use of a new type of welding process.
• Also, this type of certification is used in a situation where they plan to use any new type of welding in terms of its technology.
• The reason for such a check may be the use of new types of welding consumables that were not used before.
• Certification is also necessary if it is planned to use new mechanized or automatic welding complexes that have not been in operation before.

Certification of the research type welding technology is carried out by NII TNN LLC, and the ACST, which has the necessary means, as well as qualified employees, also participates in this process. Such inspections are carried out in agreement with OAO AK Transneft.

Production check

The main purpose of the production certification is to identify the organization's technical and organizational capabilities for welding. It also checks for qualified employees who have the right to carry out this kind of work.

It is important to note here that a production check, which is not provided for by the current RD, can only be carried out if research is being carried out on this technology in order to determine its capabilities and conditions of use.

Types of production inspection

It is important to know that the production type welding technology qualification is divided into three types. It can be primary, periodic or extraordinary.

If we talk about primary certification, the reasons for its implementation may be the following points:

• The organization will for the first time use any technology during welding operations at those enterprises owned by OAO AK Transneft.
• There are times when it becomes necessary to make certainchange in the welding process. Production qualification is carried out if the welding technology will go beyond the limits that were previously established.

It is also worth adding that the certificate that is issued after inspections is valid for four years. Entries about the date of the event are recorded in the welding log.

Periodic and extraordinary inspection

As for the periodic inspection, it is carried out at intervals of four years. However, this is subject to the condition that the organization will constantly carry out welding work on the territory of those enterprises that belong to OAO AK Transneft. The break between the provision of services can be no more than six months. If this period has been exceeded, then a periodic inspection must be carried out before starting work, even if 4 years have not yet passed.

The reason for conducting an extraordinary certification of works may be the fact that the quality of the welds is unsatisfactory and does not correspond to the qualities and parameters established by the issued certification for the enterprise. This kind of inspection is carried out by agreement between the representative of independent technical supervision and the enterprise itself.

In addition, the fact that the unsatisfactory quality of the seams will be repeated can also be the reason. In this case, a commission will be assembled, which should be attended by representatives of the customer, employer, technical supervision. In addition, it mustthe presence of a worker responsible for carrying out welding work in this area. Based on the conclusions obtained during the commission meeting, an extraordinary audit may also be scheduled. This is also recorded in the welding log.

Preparing for testing

All activities related to the preparation and conduct of certification activities must be carried out in accordance with document RD 03-615-03. In order to apply for an inspection, you must fill out Appendix B, as well as submit documents related to the production and technological process. The package of papers is sent to the ACST organization for further consideration.

Also, when applying, you must confirm that the company has all the necessary equipment, as well as organizational capabilities for welding. In addition, you need to submit a list with the structure of the welding service, provide a list of the quantitative composition of qualified personnel who must perform all the work.

Checking out

The first thing that the commission checks is the availability of technical means, organizational capabilities, as well as the number of personnel capable of performing the work that the company indicated in its application. The organizational structure or service of the chief welder will also be checked. Certification is also subject to the correctness of how production and technological papers are filled out, as well as their compliance with ND standards. OAO AK Transneft. During the audit, certification documents confirming the qualifications of employees will be studied.

If during the audit any inconsistencies were identified that the organization cannot eliminate, the commission issues an appropriate negative conclusion, which should indicate the reasons for the refusal. A rather important point, which is paid attention during the inspection, was the safety of welding. It is also worth noting that the applicant can re-apply for attestation, but only when all of these shortcomings are eliminated.

NAKS

Here it is important to understand that at enterprises, personnel certification is carried out only at the initiative of the organization itself. But the certification of NAKS welding technology is mandatory for all employees. NAKS is the national welding control agency. Not only personnel, but also equipment, materials, and the welding process itself are subject to verification.

It is important to note that before an employee is eligible to be assessed by this agency, they must already have a qualification level in this area. There are currently four levels of appraisal, depending on what the employee is applying for. For example, to get a regular work permit, you need to get only the 1st level. Managerial positions such as chief welders, engineers, and others should achieve level 4.