What is PED Welder Approval?

Under the PED, welder approval is the verification of a welder's competence to perform welding in accordance with specific standards. Test welds performed by the welder are inspected against the relevant standards, and the welder is certified if the welds meet the acceptance criteria.

The following standards are generally used as the basis for this process:

• EN ISO 9606-1 (Qualification testing of welders – Fusion welding – Steels)

• EN ISO 9606-2 (Qualification testing of welders – Fusion welding – Aluminium and aluminium alloys)

• EN ISO 14732 (Welding personnel – Qualification testing of welding operators and weld setters for mechanized and automatic welding of metallic materials)

Welder approval is valid for a specific material group, welding position, and process.

What is PED Welding Procedure Qualification (WPS / WPQR)?

PED welding procedure qualification is the process of technically validating the welding method to be used in production. During this process, the WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) is verified through test welds and documented via the WPQR (Welding Procedure Qualification Record).

As part of the welding procedure qualification, the following are evaluated:

• Material group and thickness range,

• Welding method (TIG, MIG/MAG, MMA, etc.),

• Heat input and parameters,

• Preheating and post-heating treatments,

• Mechanical test results,

• Non-destructive testing results

are evaluated.

How is the PED welding approval process carried out?

The PED welder and procedure approval process consists of systematic testing and verification steps:

• Preparation of the WPS document

• Welding of test coupons

• Visual inspection (VT)

• Non-destructive testing (UT, RT, PT, MT)

• Mechanical tests (tensile, bend, impact)

• Macro and micro examinations

• Evaluation of results

• Certification and documentation procedures

At the end of this process, both the welder and the procedure are approved for PED compliance.

Why are PED Welder and Procedure Approvals Implemented?

This approval process is a mandatory control mechanism designed to ensure the safety of welded joints in pressure equipment.

Reasons for implementation:

• Ensuring the safety of pressure equipment

• Minimizing welding defects

• Establishing production standardization

• Meeting CE conformity requirements

• Ensuring traceability

• Complying with European Union regulations

What are the application areas?

PED welder and welding procedure qualification is mandatory or widely applied in the following areas:

• Pressure vessel manufacturing

• Boiler manufacturing

• Pipelines and pressure systems

• Chemical and petrochemical plants

• Power generation plants

• Gas and liquid transport systems

• Industrial process equipment

Standards and Techniques Used

Welding approval processes within the scope of the PED are conducted in accordance with international standards:

• EN ISO 3834 (Welding quality system)

• EN ISO 15614-1 (Welding procedure tests)

• EN ISO 9606 (Welder qualification)

• EN ISO 14732 (Operator qualification)

• EN ISO 5817 (Welding quality levels)

• Non-destructive testing methods (UT, RT, PT, MT)

Advantages

• Enhances welded manufacturing safety

• Supports CE conformity processes

• Standardizes production quality

• Is internationally recognized

• Ensures traceability

• Reduces error rates

Disadvantages

• Testing and approval processes are time-consuming

• Requires extensive documentation

• High personnel qualification requirements

• Requires continuous updating and monitoring

Contact us

You may contact us for detailed information regarding the assessment and conformity verification processes carried out within the scope of PED Welder and Welding Procedure Approval.

The processes conducted by our organization are carried out within the framework of the Pressure Equipment Directive (2014/68/EU) and relevant EN ISO standards, and we provide services for the conformity assessment of welded fabrications.