Qualification of permanent joints – Welding method qualification

The EU Pressure Equipment Directive defines the approval procedures for welding methods. As a Notified Body, Insteam Oy has the authority to approve welding method qualifications. In the manufacture of pressure equipment, the directive requires third-party involvement in the qualification of welding methods for equipment classified in categories II-IV.

Insteam Oy is an accredited inspection body S062 (EN ISO/IEC 17065).

Welding Joint Method and Pre-production Tests

Approval Standards for Welding Methods:

• SFS-EN 15613 Approval by Pre-production Welding Test
• SFS-EN 15614-1 Approval by Method Test: Arc and Gas Welding of Steels, and Arc Welding of Nickel and Nickel Alloys
• SFS-EN 15614-2 Approval by Method Test: Arc Welding of Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys
• SFS-EN 15614-7 Approval by Method Test: Overlay Welding
• SFS-EN 15614-8 Approval by Method Test: Welding Pipe to Plate

1. Contact

Reach out to our staff or email info@insteam.fi.
Arrange the details, requirements, and timing of the method test.

2. Method Test

The actual method test is conducted at the client’s facilities. Our supervisor verifies the materials, fillers, welding gases, and other welding variables used before the start of welding. The supervisor ensures that the method test is performed in accordance with the preliminary welding procedure. During the test, the supervisor confirms the correctness of the welding parameters using calibrated measuring devices in accordance with our operational system. An on-site visual inspection according to the application standard is performed by the supervisor on the test piece manufactured according to the instructions. Only test pieces approved through visual inspection can be forwarded for additional testing as required by the standard (NDT and DT). If desired, the welder can also be qualified during the method test; please inform the supervisor of this before the test welding.

3. Test Inspection and Testing

The application standards require visual inspection of the method test piece in addition to either destructive or non-destructive material testing. The standard-compliant testing of the test piece is carried out by an approved testing organization.

4. Method Test Qualification Certificate

Once all required tests have been successfully completed and the test documentation has been submitted to Insteam Oy, the method test review takes place. This review is conducted by an authorized inspector from Insteam Oy, usually by the supervisor of the method test.

Upon successful completion of the method test, a qualification certificate according to the application standard is issued to the test performer. If the review of the method test is negative, a decision with justifications will be provided to the client. The client can appeal the decision or provide feedback as specified on our website.