What Is ASME Sec. IX Welding Personnel Certification?

ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Section IX is a standard that covers the qualification and certification of welding personnel and procedures. It is primarily used in applications that require high safety and reliability, such as pressure vessels, piping systems, and boilers. This standard ensures the quality assurance of welding operations performed under critical conditions.

At Experte, we provide certification services for welders, welding operators, and welding procedures (WPS/PQR) in accordance with ASME Sec. IX, through an authorized and accredited organization.

What Is the ASME Sec. IX Standard?

ASME Sec. IX is a part of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Section IX specifically covers:

• Welder and brazer performance qualification (WPQ),

• Welding procedure qualification (PQR),

• Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) certification.

This standard serves as a fundamental guideline to ensure that welded fabrications are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with international engineering requirements.

How Is ASME Sec. IX Welding Personnel Certification Conducted?

The certification process under ASME Sec. IX consists of the following stages:

1. Procedure Preparation: The WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) is prepared according to project and material requirements.

2. Procedure Qualification (PQR): The prepared WPS is applied to test welds, and the results are evaluated.

3. Personnel Qualification: Welders and operators perform test welds in accordance with the approved procedure.

4. Inspection and Testing: Visual inspection, destructive, and non-destructive tests (macro-hardness, tensile, bend, etc.) are performed.

5. Certification: Successful welders and procedures are issued ASME Sec. IX-compliant certificates.

Why Is ASME Sec. IX Welding Personnel Certification Applied?

• Compliance with legal and client requirements

• International recognition and validity

• Ensuring safe and high-quality welding practices

• Technical conformity in engineering projects

• Preventing welding defects and costly rework

Where Is ASME Sec. IX Welding Personnel Certification Used?

ASME Sec. IX certification is widely used in the following industries:

• Pressure vessel manufacturing

• Power plants

• Refineries and petrochemical facilities

• Nuclear facilities

• Piping systems

• Shipyards and shipbuilding industry

• Natural gas and oil pipelines

ASME Sec. IX Welding Personnel Certification Equipment and Techniques

The main equipment and techniques used during the certification process include:

• Welding machines (MMA, TIG, MIG, SAW, etc.)

• Heat treatment furnaces

• Testing equipment (tensile, bend testing machines)

• NDT equipment (RT, UT, PT, MT)

• Measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, etc.)

• Certified inspectors (CWI, CSWIP)

Advantages of ASME Sec. IX Welding Personnel Certification

• International recognition and credibility

• High level of quality assurance

• Increased customer confidence

• Facilitates project approval processes

• Early detection of non-compliant welds

• Reduced errors and rework with qualified personnel

Disadvantages of ASME Sec. IX Welding Personnel Certification

• The certification process can be costly

• Testing and qualification stages can be time-consuming

• Certificates must be renewed periodically (retesting and review required)

• Transition can be challenging for untrained personnel

Contact Us

For more information about our ASME Sec. IX Welding Personnel Certification services, price quotations, consultancy, or on-site training, please contact our expert team directly.

Our experienced engineers and certified inspectors are ready to provide the most suitable solutions for your needs. Whether you require individual welder certification or a comprehensive welding procedure qualification process, we develop tailored solutions for you.