ASME BPVC

Section IX
Key Changes 2021 Edition

Puran Pathak
Date
Overview – 2021 ASME Section IX Changes
● Only changes considered important are addressed, editorial corrections are omitted.
● General Changes (multiple locations)
– ‘Code’ changed to ‘code’
– ‘Quality Control System’ or ‘Quality Assurance System’ changed to quality program
(QG-102, QG-104, QG-106.1, QG-106.2, QG-107).
– Reference for toughness testing revised from ‘construction code’ and ‘when
required’ to ‘referencing code, standard, or specification’ [Introduction, QG-101,
QG-102, QG-105.3,QW-101, QW-200.1(b), (c) & (d), QW-200.2(b), (d) & (f), QW-200.4,
QW-202.1, QW-251.2, QW-290, QW-290.1, QW-290.2, QW-290.3, QW-290.5, QW-401.1,
QW-403.5, K-301, L-200(d)]

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Overview of Key Changes
• QG-106(a) revised – Supervisory responsibilities
• Added new QG-106.4 Simultaneous Procedure Qualifications
• QG-108 Revised
• QG-109 Some definitions revised, added, deleted
• QW-184 Macro Examination Performance Specimen – Revised for clarity
• QW-191 Nominal thickness terminology added and other changes
• QW-200.4 Added reference to QW-453 and Revised for clarity
• QW-217(a) (Joining of Clad Metals) – Revised entirely
• QW-251.2 Revised text for Supplementary Essential Variables
• Tables QW-253, QW-255, QW-257, QW-264, QW-264.1, QW-264.2 changes in variables
• QW-288 Corrections in Table QW-288.1 and QW-288.2

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Overview of Significant Changes
• QW-301.4 and 304 – Revised to clarify the requirements for welding operators
• QW-322.1 - Revised to delete supervision and control for continuity
• QW-387 and Table QW-388 Revised and corrections made
• Article IV Welding Data Revisions
• QW-420 Subparagraphs reorganized for clarity. No technical change
• Tables QW-451.1 & QW-451.2 Note (1) revised
• QW-462 (Test Specimens) and Fig. QW-466.1 revised
• Article V SWPSs - QW-500 SWPS revised
• Part QB Brazing and Part QF Plastic Fusing –Revisions
• Nonmandatory Appendix D (P‐Number Listing) - deleted
• Mandatory Appendix E Permitted SWPSs - Revised

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Notations used in this Summary

● Red / Red Strikethrough Font – Text deleted from 2019 Edition

● Green Font – Text added in 2021 Edition
● Blue Font – Text Revised in 2021 Edition
● Grey Font– Text Unchanged in 2021 Edition
● Black Font – Notes / Comments (Not code text)

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Introduction
● Fourth Para under Introduction
– In addition, special consideration is given when toughness testing is required by
other Sections of the Code. The toughness supplementary essential variables do
not apply unless referenced by the construction codes only when toughness testing
is required by the referencing code, standard, or specification.
● First Para under Procedure Qualifications
– When toughness testing is required for Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)
qualification by the construction code referencing code, standard, or specification,
the supplementary essential variables become additional essential variables, and a
change in these variables requires requalification of the procedure specification
WPS.

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Introduction and Nonmandatory Appendix D
● Background: In 1994, Table QW/QB-422 was added. This Table listed materials by
specification, type and grade and not the traditional P-Number sorting for which
Nonmandatory Appendix D was created. With the availability of online tools for
sorting, it is considered that Nonmandatory Appendix is not required.
● Fourth Para under Welding, Brazing and Fusing Data – Last sentence deleted
– An abbreviated listing of metals grouped by P-Numbers, Nonmandatory Appendix
D, has been included for users still wishing to locate groupings of metals by welding
P-Number.
● Nonmandatory Appendix D (P‐Number Listing) - deleted

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QG General Requirements
● QG-102 Part of Second Para Revised
– When toughness testing is required by the referencing code, standard, or
specification for qualification of the procedure specification, the applicable
supplementary essential variables shall be recorded for each process.
● QG-105.3 Revised
– Supplementary essential variables become additional essential variables in
situations where procedure qualifications require toughness testing referencing
code, standard, or specification requires toughness testing for procedure
qualification.

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QG-106 Organizational Responsibility
Interpretation BPV-IX-20-11
Standard Designation: BPV Section IX
Edition/Addenda: 2019
Para./Fig./Table No: QG-106
Subject Description: Organizational Responsibility
Date Issued: 03/02/2020
Record Number: 19-2642
Interpretation Number : BPV IX-20-11
Question(s) and Reply(ies):
Question (1) : Does QG-106 require supervisory personnel, administering a welder/welding operator
performance qualification test, to meet the requirements of QG-106?
Reply(1): Yes.
Question (2): Does QG-106 require the individual who certifies the qualification documents to meet the
requirements of QG-106?
Reply (2): No. See QG-102 and QG-104.

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QG-106 Organizational Responsibility
● The proposed revision in QG-106(a) makes it clear that the knowledge and experience
requirements are for welding supervisors conducting and accepting qualification
testing, and not for the personnel certifying the qualification documents.
● QG-106 Organizational Responsibility
● Personnel performing supervisory activities specified in this Section shall
– (a) be designated by the organization with responsibility for certifying qualification
documents supervision, control, evaluation, and acceptance of qualification
testing.

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QG-106 Organizational Responsibility
● Added new paragraph QG-106.4 for Simultaneous Procedure Qualifications and
revised QG-106.2
● QG-106. 2 Procedure Qualifications
● Subparagraph (a) - last sentence revised
– (a) The persons producing test joints for the qualification of procedures shall be
either direct employees or shall be personally engaged by contract for material-
joining services, except as permitted in QG-106.4.
● Subparagraph (b) – First sentence revised
– Production of qualification test joints under the supervision and control of another
organization isnot permitted, except as permitted in QG-106.4.

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QG-106 Organizational Responsibility
● QG-106. 4 Simultaneous Procedure Qualifications (New)
– When expressly permitted by the referencing code, welding procedures may be simultaneously qualified
by more than one organization, provided that each organization accepts full responsibility for any such
qualifications and the following requirements are met:
– (a) Each participating organization shall be represented by an individual with responsibility for
qualification of joining procedures, as detailed in QG-106.
– (b) A preliminary joining procedure specification acceptable to the representatives of each participating
organization shall be prepared addressing the essential and nonessential variables and, when
applicable, the supplementary essential variables and other requirements that are to be observed for
each process to be used for joining the test coupon(s). If any variables are revised during the joining of a
test coupon, the revised variables shall be agreed upon by the representatives of each participating
organization.
– (c) Joining of the test coupon(s) shall be conducted under the simultaneous supervision of the
representatives of each participating organization.
– (d) The PQR shall document that the qualification was conducted under the provisions of QG-106.4.

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QG-108 Qualifications Made to Earlier Editions
● Background: While a WPS qualified after 1962 is a valid WPS and continues to be so. However, it
may not be suitable to be used for Construction, if the requirements in the applicable edition of
the referencing code change from the requirements when the WPS was originally qualified. In
line with this, QG-108 last paragraph is revised.
● Procedure specifications, PQRs, and performance qualification records meeting the above
requirements do not require amendment to include any variables required by later Editions and
Addenda of Section IX, except as specified in QW-420 QW-421.4. However, as required by QG-
100(b), the qualification requirements of the referencing code, standard, or specification shall
be met. Qualification of new procedure specifications for joining processes, and performance
qualifications for persons applying them, shall be in accordance with the current Edition of
Section IX.
– Note: Revision to reference in QW-420 is due to reorganization of subparagraphs in QW-420.

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QG-109.2 Definitions
● Revised ‘backing’ and ‘Interpass temperature’
● backing: a material placed at the root of a weld joint for the purpose of supporting
molten weld metal so as to facilitate complete joint penetration. The material may or
may not fuse into the joint. See also retainer.
– Note: Deletion of phrase which specifies an acceptance criteria.
● interpass temperature: the highest temperature in the weld joint immediately prior to
welding, or in the case of multiple pass welds, For multiple-pass welds, the highest
temperature in the section of the previously deposited weld metal or adjacent base
metal [typically within 1 in. (25 mm) of the weld deposit] immediately before the next
pass is started.
– Note: Revision adds the option of measurement of Interpass temperature on the
base metal adjacent to the weld joint and clarify that it applies to multipass welds.
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QG-109.2 Definitions
● Added following definitions
● quality program: a written program or procedure that includes, as a minimum,
provisions for ensuring that welding, brazing, and fusing qualifications conform to the
requirements of this Section.
● welding, explosion (EXW): a solid-state welding process producing a weld by high-
velocity impact of the workpieces as a result of a controlled explosion.
– Note: Explosion welding is covered in QW-288, but there was no definition in
Section IX.
● Deleted definition - welding gun, electron beam (the term not used in Section IX).

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Article 1 - Welding General Requirements
● QW-101 Procedure Specification - Third paragraph, last sentence revised
– In addition, when other Sections of the Code referencing codes, standards, or
specifications require toughness qualification of the WPS, the supplementary
essential variables must be addressed in the WPS.

● QW-162.1 Guided-bend Test Procedure – Jigs – Last paragraph added.

– The plunger radius, B, shall be no larger than that given in Figure QW-466.1.
● Note: The above paragraph has been added in QW-162.1 to state that the bend radii
given in QW-466.1 are maximums. Fig. QW-466.1 also has been revised to change the
way the bend test jig dimensionsare expressed.

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QW-184 Macro Examination – Performance Specimen
Background: QW-184(a) currently states "(a) visual examination of the cross section of the weld metal and
heat-affected zone shall show complete fusion and freedom from cracks, except that linear indications at
the root not exceeding 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) shall be acceptable”. It creates a confusion that incomplete
fusion and cracks at the root that are less than 1/32 in. are acceptable. Refer Interpretation below.

Standard Designation: BPV Section IX

Edition/Addenda: 2017
Para./Fig./Table No: QW-184 (a)
Subject Description: Linear Indications
Date Issued: 01/07/2019
Record Number: 18-2013
Interpretation Number : BPV IX-19-02

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

Question: For the macro-examination of a fillet weld performance qualification test, are cracks or incomplete fusion
at the root not exceeding 1/32 in. permitted under the exception for “linear indications at the root” in QW-184(a)?
Reply: No.

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QW-184 Macro Examination – Performance Specimen
● Revised to add clarity
● In order to pass the test Visual examination of the cross section of the weld metal and
heat-affected zone shall reveal
● (a) visual examination of the cross section of the weld metal and heat‐affected zone
shall show complete fusion and freedom from cracks, except that linear indications at
the root not exceeding 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) shall be acceptable no incomplete fusion
● (b) the weld shall not have a concavity or convexity greater than 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) no
cracks
● (c) there shall be not more than 1/8 in. (3 mm) difference in the lengths of the legs of
the fillet no other linear indicationswith a length greater than 1/32 in. (0.8 mm)
● (d) no concavity or convexity greater than 1/16 in. (1.5mm)
● (e) no more than 1/8-in. (3 mm) difference between the fillet weld leg lengths

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QW-191.1 Radiographic Examination
● Background: Generally, in Section IX, term ‘t’ is used for weld metal deposited
thickness. To differentiate, the term ‘t’ in QW-191 is now replaced with ‘thickness’ and
definition for ‘thickness’ is added.
● QW-191.1.2.1 Terminology - Subparagraph (c) added
– (c) Thickness. The term “thickness” refers to the thickness of the weld excluding any
allowable reinforcement. For a groove weld joining two members having different
thicknesses at the weld, thickness is the thinner of these two materials being joined.
● QW-191.1.2.2 Qualification Test Welds – First paragraph added
– Weld reinforcement may be removed or left in place but shall not be considered
when determining the thickness for which the welder is qualified.
● QW-191.1.2.2 Subparagraphs (a)(2)(-a), (a)(2)(-b), (a)(2)(-c), (a)(3), and (b) (1)
– Replaced term ‘t’ by ‘thickness’
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QW-191.2 Ultrasonic Examination
● QW-191.2.1 Method - Subparagraph (c) added
– (c) For terminology, see QW-191.1.2.1.
● QW-191.2.2 Acceptance Criteria for Qualification Test Welds –First paragraph added
– Weld reinforcement may be removed or left in place but shall not be considered
when determining the deposited weld thickness for which the welder is qualified.
● QW-191.2.2 Subparagraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3)
– Replaced term ‘t’ by ‘thickness’

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QW-192 Stud Weld Tests
● Spelled out smoothing and etching requirement for macro and revised for clarity
● QW-192.1.4 Acceptance Criteria — Macro- Examination
● 2019
– In order to pass the macro‐examination, each of five sectioned stud welds and the
heat‐affected zone shall be free of cracks when examined at 10X magnification,
which is required by QW-202.5 when studs are welded to metals other than P‐No. 1.
● 2021
– In order to pass the macro‐examination, each of the five sectioned specimens shall
be smoothed and etched with a suitable etchant (see QW-470) to give clear
definition of the stud welds and the heat-affected zones. The welds and heat-
affected zones shall be free of cracks when examined at 10X magnification.

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QW-196 and QW-199
● QW-196 Resistance Weld Testing
● Macro Examination QW-196.1.2
– In first paragraph and throughout in-text table, “t” revised to “T” for thickness of
thinner member.
– In in-text table, “T” added to first column heading:
• Material Thickness, T, in. (mm)
● QW-199 Flash Welding
● QW-199.1.3 Section and Bend Testing
– In equationsand nomenclature, “t ” revised to “T” for nominal wall thickness.
● Note: In Section IX, T is used to refer to base metal or nominal wall thickness.

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Article II Welding Procedure Qualifications
● QW-200 Introduction
● QW-200.2 Subparagraph (d) revised for clarity
– (d) Format of the PQR. Form QW-483 (see Nonmandatory Appendix B) has been
provided as a guide for the PQR. The information required to be in the PQR may be
in any format to fit the needs of each organization, as long as every essential and,
when required, supplementary essential variable, required by QW-250, is included.
Every essential and, when required, supplementary essential variable described in
QW-250 shall be included in the PQR. Also, the type of tests, number of tests, and
test results shall be listed in the PQR.

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QW-200.4 Combination of Welding Procedures
● Interpretation IX-19-09

Standard Designation: BPV Section IX

Edition/Addenda: 2017
Para./Fig./Table No: QW 200.4 Combination of Welding Procedures
Subject Description: Multiple WPS's for Corrosion Resistant Overlay
Date Issued: 06/11/2019
Record Number: 18-2243
Interpretation Number : BPV IX-19-09

Question(s) and Reply(ies):

Question: Is it the intent of QW-200.4, Combination of Welding Procedures, that multiple special process WPSs
qualified in accordance with Section IX may be combined in the same production weld?

Reply: Yes

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QW-200.4 Combination of Welding Procedures
● Subparagraph (a) and (a)(2) revised to add reference to QW-453
● (a) More than one WPS having different essential, supplementary essential, or
nonessential variables may be used in a single production joint. Each WPS may
include one or a combination of processes, filler metals, or other variables. These
provisions also apply to special process WPSs as defined in QW-251.4.
● Where more than one WPS specifying different processes, filler metals, or other
essential or supplementary essential variables is used, QW-451 or Table QW-453, as
applicable, shall be used to determine the range of base metal thickness and
maximum weld metal thickness qualified for each process, filler metal, or set of
variables, and those limits shall be observed.

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QW-200.4 Combination of Welding Procedures
● When following a WPS that has more than one welding process, filler metal, or set of
variables, each process, filler metal, or set of variables may be used individually or in
different combinations, provided
● (1) No change
● (2) the base metal and deposited weld metal thickness limits of QW-451 or Table QW-
453, as applicable, for each process, filler metal, or set of variablesare applied.

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QW-200.4 Combination of Welding Procedures
● Subparagraph (b) bulleted for better understanding and reference to QW-404.32 deleted.
● (b) As an alternative to (a), a production weld may be made using a WPS that is supported by
more than one PQR, provided the following conditions are met:
● (1) All PQRs were qualified
● (-a) with GTAW, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, PAW, LBW, LLBW, or SAW, or combinations of these
processes
● (-b) on test coupons at least 1/2 in. (13 mm) thick
● (2) Note (1) of Tables QW-451.1 and QW-451.2 shall apply to the WPS. The WPS may be used to
deposit
● (-a) root layers with the process or combinations of processes on one PQR for weld metal
deposits up to 2t (for shortcircuiting type of GMAW, see QW-404.32)
● (-b) fill layers with the process(es) on the other PQR(s) on base metal up to the maximum
thickness qualified by the other PQR(s)

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QW-202.2 Groove and Fillet Welds
● Subparagraph (c) revised.
● (c) Qualification for Fillet Welds. WPS qualification for fillet welds may shall be made
on groove‐weld test couponsusing test specimens specified in (a) or (b).
● Fillet‐weld procedures so qualified These Qualifications may be used for welding all
thicknesses of base metal for all sizes of fillet welds, and all diameters of pipe or tube
in accordance with Table QW-451.4.
● Nonpressure‐retaining fillet welds, as defined in other Sections of the Code, may as an
alternate be qualified with fillet welds only qualification tests.

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QW-202.5 Stud Welding
● Last sentence revised for clarity
● 2019
– For studs welded to other than P‐No. 1 metals, five additional welds shall be made
and subjected to a macro‐test, except that this is not required for studs used for
extended heating surfaces.
● 2021
– Except for studs used for extended heating surfaces and studs welded to P-No. 1
metals, five additional welds shall be made and subjected to a macro-test in
accordance with QW-192.1.4.

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QW-215 Electron Beam Welding, Laser Beam Welding, and Low-
power Density Laser Beam Welding

● QW-215.4 Added
● QW-215.4 A laser beam WPS or electron beam WPS previously qualified in accordance
with QW-215.1 through QW-215.3 for groove welds may be further qualified for
depositing partial-penetration groove welds provided the following conditions are
met:
● [New Subparagraphs (a) to (g)]

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QW-217 Joining of Clad Materials
● Revised Subparagraph (a) [when any part of cladding thickness is included in design
calculations] and sub-divided into subparagraphs (1) to (6)
● (a) Method A.
● (2) The composite (base metal with cladding) procedure qualification test coupon
shall be made using the same P-Number or unassigned base metal, cladding (major
alloying elements nominal chemical composition), and welding process(es), and filler
metal combinations to be specified in the WPS. For metal not included in Table
QW/QB-422, the metal used in the test plate shall be within the range of chemical
composition of that to be used in production.

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QW-217 Joining of Clad Materials
● (3) The qualified thickness range for the base metals (P-Number or unassigned base
metal and cladding) and filler metal(s) used to weld each material shall be based on
the actual test coupon thickness for each material (base metal and cladding) as
applied to QW-451, except that the minimum thickness of filler metal joining the
cladding portion of the weldment shall be based on a chemical analysis performed in
accordance with Table QW-453 QW-216.2(d).
● (4) Tensile and bend tests The groove weld tension and side-bend test specimens
(only type bend specimens permitted for this method) and number required by QW-
451 for groove welds shall be made, and they shall contain as much of the full
thickness of cladding base metal and cladding thickness through the reduced section
of the specimen in the tested portion of the specimens as possible.

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QW-217 Joining of Clad Materials
● (5) The acceptance criteria for tensile tests shall be based on the tensile strength of
the P-Number or unassigned base metal applied to the full thickness of the test
coupon to the requirements of QW-151.1(a), QW-151.1(b), or QW-151.1(c), unless
specified otherwise by the applicable Construction Code.
● (6) The bend test requirements and acceptance criteria for side-bend specimens shall
be according to QW-162 and QW-163. For the side-bend specimens, the bond line
between the original cladding and the base metal may be disregarded when
evaluating side‐bend tests the tested bend specimen if the cladding was applied by a
process other than fusion welding.
● Title added to subparagraph (b)
– (b) Method B

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QW-218 Applied Linings
● QW-218.3 Corrected reference ‘Table QW-453, Note 9’ to ‘QW-216.2(d)’
● QW-218.3 When chemical analysis of the weld deposit for any elements is required, a
chemical analysis shall be performed per Table QW-453, Note 9 QW-216.2(d) for those
elements.

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QW-250 Welding Variables
● QW-251.2 Essential Variables. Essential variables are those in which a change, as
described in the specific variables, is considered to affect the mechanical properties of
the weldment and therefore shall require requalification of the WPS.
● Supplementary essential variables are required for metals for which other Sections
specify the referencing code, standard, or specification requires toughness tests and
are in addition to the essential variables for each welding process.
● When toughness requirements are invoked by a referencing code, standard, or
specification, the supplementary essential variables are applicable to both groove
and fillet welds.

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Welding Procedure Variables Tables
● Table QW-253 (SMAW)
– QW-404.7 [φ Diameter > 1/4 in. (6 mm)] - Deleted [Also deleted from Article IV Welding Data]
● Table QW-255 (GMAW)
– QW-403.10 [T limits (S. cir. arc)] and QW-404.32 [t Limits (S. cir. arc)] – Deleted
● Table QW-257 (PAW)
– QW-410.12 [φ Melt‐in to keyhole] - Deleted [Also deleted from Article IV Welding Data]
● Notes:
– QW-404.7 and QW-410.12 are deleted as they predate the heat input controls in Section IX and
are not considered necessary.
– QW-403.10 and QW-404.32 - It is considered that primary concerns lie with performance
qualification, special thickness limitations for procedure qualification can be deleted where
the short circuit transfer mode is used.

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Welding Procedure Variables Tables
● Revision to variables in Tables for LBW, LBW (Special Processes) and LLBW
– Note: During an earlier revision, the language of QW-410.7 was revised to add a 10% tolerance.
However, QW-410.7 is also referenced as a nonessential variable for SAW, GMAW, GTAW, PAW,
EGW and LLBW. Tolerance cannot be applied to nonessential variable as no starting value is
recorded in PQR. So QW-410.7 is restored to earlier version and new QW-410.86 is added.
– QW-409.21 is applied for all three variants above but with different parameters
● Revised QW-409.21 For LBW, a decrease of more than 5% in the power delivered to the work
surface as measured by calorimeter or other suitable methods. For LLBW and special process
LBW, a decrease of more than 10% in the power delivered to the work surface as measured by
calorimeter or other suitable methods.
● Revised QW-410.7 For the machine or automatic welding process, a change of more than ±10% in
width, frequency, or dwell time of oscillation technique.
● Added in Article IV Welding Data. QW-410.86 For the machine or automatic welding process, a
change of more than ±10% in width, frequency, or dwell time of oscillation technique.
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Welding Procedure Variables Tables
● Table QW-264 (Laser Beam Welding)
– QW-409.21 [Decrease > 10% power] revised to [Decrease in power]
– QW-410.7 [φ Oscillation] – Deleted
– QW-410.86 [φ Oscillation] – Added
● Table QW-264.1 (Laser Beam Welding) Special Processes
– QW-409.21 [Decrease > 10% power] revised to [Decrease in power]
– QW-410.7 [φ Oscillation] and QW-410.14 [φ Angle of beam axis]- Deleted
– QW-410.86 [φ Oscillation] – Added
● Table QW-264.2 (Low-Power Density Laser Beam Welding)
– QW-409.21 [Decrease > 10% power] revised to [Decrease in power]
– Summary of changes incorrectly refers to QW-409.10

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QW-288 Tube-to-Tubesheet Qualification Essential Variables
● Table QW-288.1 (For All Welding Processes Except Explosion Welding)
– QW-403.33 [< Cladding thickness] deleted by Errata
– Variable‘φ P-Number’ corrected from QW-404.34 to QW-403.33
– QW-409.10 [“≥ Amperage”] corrected to [“φ Amperage”] by errata
– ‘> Amperage’ deleted from Legend by errata
● Table QW-288.2 (For Explosion Welding)
– ‘φ Tube Thickness’ corrected from QW-403.35 to QW-403.34

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QW-288 Tube-to-Tubesheet Qualification Essential Variables
● Following corrections made in related Article IV Welding Data by errata

Variable Incorrect Designation Corrected Designation

in 2019 in 2021
Ligament size QW-402.30 QW-402.31
Joint configuration QW-402.31 QW-402.32
φ Tube thickness QW-403.31 QW-403.32
φ P-Number QW-403.32 QW-403.33
φ Tube thickness QW-403.33 QW-403.34

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QW-290 Temper Bead Welding
● When the application code section referencing code, standard, or specification specifies the use
of this paragraph for temper bead welding, QW-290.1 through QW-290.6 shall apply.
● QW-290.1 Reference to ‘applicable construction code’ revised to ‘referencing code, standard, or
specification’ in first paragraph and ‘procedure’ revised to ‘WPS’ in second paragraph.
● QW-290.2 4th sentence - ‘When toughness testing is the basis for acceptance’ revised to ‘When
toughness testing is required by the referencing code, standard, or specification for acceptance’.
● QW-290.2 last sentence - When these the variables listed in Table QW-290.4 conflict with or
provide more stringent limitations than those of QW-250, these the variables listed in Table QW-
290.4 shall govern.
● QW-290.3 and QW-290.5(b) ‘applicable Construction Code or Design Specification’ revised to
‘referencing code, standard, or specification’.

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Article III Welding Performance Qualifications
● QW-301.2 Qualification Tests – Second paragraph revised, and last paragraph added
● The welder or welding operator who prepares the groove weld WPS qualification test
coupons meeting the requirements of QW-200 is also qualified within the limits of the
performance qualifications, listed in QW-304 for performance qualifications, listed in
QW-304 for welders and in QW-305 for welding operators. He The welder or welding
operator is qualified only within the limits for positions specified in QW-303.
● The welder or welding operator who prepares the fillet weld WPS qualification test
coupons meeting the requirements of QW-200 is qualified to weld non-pressure-
retaining fillet welds only within the limits of the performance qualifications listed in
QW-304 for welders and in QW-305 for welding operators. The welder or welding
operator is qualified only within the limits for positions specified in QW-303.

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Article III Welding Performance Qualifications
● QW-301.4
● Note: QW-360 for welding operators does not reference any of the tables in QW-452,
but QW-301.4 specifies that the ranges qualified in accordance with QW-452 for
welding operators are to be included in Welding Operator Performance Qualification.
The revision deletes the references to welding operators from the first sentence of QW-
301.4, and a new sentence is added for welding operators.
● 2019 Edition - QW-301.4 Record of Tests. The record of Welder or Welding Operator
Performance Qualification (WPQ) tests shall include the essential variables (QW-350 or
QW-360), the type of test and test results, and the ranges qualified in accordance with
QW-452 for each welder and welding operator. Suggested forms for these records are given
in Forms QW-484A/QW-484B (see Nonmandatory Appendix B).

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Article III Welding Performance Qualifications
● QW-301.4
● 2021 Edition - QW-301.4 Record of Tests. The record of Welder Performance
Qualification (WPQ) tests shall include the essential variables (QW-350), the type of test
and test results, and the ranges qualified in accordance with QW-452 for each welder.
The record of Welding Operator Performance Qualification (WOPQ) tests shall include
the essential variables (QW-360) and the type of test and test results for each welding
operator. Suggested forms for these records are given in Forms QW-484A/QW-484B
(see Nonmandatory Appendix B).

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QW-304 (Welders) and QW-305 (Welding Operators)
● QW-304 Welders and QW-305 Welding Operators - Penultimate sentence revised to
allow volumetric examination for Zirconium welds (P-No. 61 & 62) as it is already
permitted for Titanium welds (P-No. 51 through P-No. 53) and flaws found in GTAW
zirconium welds are not different from those found in titanium welds.
● 2021 - Welders making groove welds in P‐No. 21 through P-No. 26, and P-No. 51
through P-No. 53, P-No. 61, and P-No. 62 metals with the GTAW process may also be
qualified by volumetric NDE per QW-191.

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QW-322 Expiration, Revocation and Renewal of Qualification
● QW-322.1 Revised in Entirety. Words ‘supervision and control’ are deleted to make it
clear that those who update continuity do not have to meet QG-106 qualification.
● 2019
● QW-322.1 Continuity and Revocation of Qualification.
● (a) Continuity. The performance qualification of a welder or welding operator shall
remain valid, provided no greater than 6 months have passed since the qualified
welding process was last used under the supervision and control of the qualifying or
participating organization(s) as identified in QG-106.2 and QG-106.3, respectively, by
the
● (1) welder using manual or semiautomatic welding, or
● (2) welding operator using machine or automaticwelding

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QW-322 Expiration, Revocation and Renewal of Qualification
● 2021
● QW-322.1 Expiration. The qualification of a welder or welding operator for a process
remains valid provided no more than 6 months have passed since the welder or
welding operator last used that process. Continuity of qualification shall be confirmed
by the qualifying or participating organization(s) as identified in QG-106.2 and QG-
106.3, respectively.
● A welder using manual or semiautomatic welding prolongs qualification for both
manual and semiautomatic welding for that process. A welding operator using
machine or automatic welding prolongs qualification for machine or automatic
welding for that process
● Existing 322.1 (b) Revocation and QW-322.2 Renewal re-designated as QW-322.2 and
QW-322.3 respectively with corrected references to QW-322.1.

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QW-360 Welding Variables for Welding Operators
● QW-361.2 Essential Variables – Machine Welding. Subparagraph (f) revised.
● (f) For GTAW, PAW, and LLBW, the deletion of consumable inserts, except that
qualification with consumable inserts shall also qualify for fillet welds and welds with
backing.
● Proposed Intent Interpretation:
– Subject: QW-361.2 (f)
– Question: Is it the intent of QW-361.2 (f) essential variable for machine welding
operators to apply to GTAW, PAW and LLBW processes only?
– Reply: Yes.

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QW-387 Tube-to-Tubesheet Welder and Welding Operator Qualification

● QW-387 (b) and (c) revised and (c)(3) added

● (b) Essential performance qualification variables applicable for each welding process
listed in QW-350 or QW-360 shall also be observed apply in addition to the any
applicable variables of shown in Table QW-388. A change in the welding process used
shall require requalification.
● (c) If specific qualification test requirements are not specified invoked by the applicable
Code Section, welders and welding operators shall be qualified with one of the
following methods:
● (c)(1) and (2) – No change
● (3) a fillet weld qualification per the requirements of QW-303.2 when a tube-to-
tubesheet joint is made with a fillet weld.

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Table QW-388 Essential Variables Tube-to-Tubesheet Performance Qualification
• Title, QW-409.10 entry, and Legend revised

2019 2021

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Article IV Welding Data
● QW-402.20 Incorrectly deleted from 2019 Edition; reinstated by errata
– QW-402.20 A change in the joint configuration.
● QW-402.31 (< Ligament size) and QW-402.32 ( φ Joint configuration) for tube-to-
tubesheet qualifications - Incorrectly designated as QW-402.30 and QW-402.31
respectively in 2019 Edition; designatorcorrected by errata.
● QW-403.5 (Group Number) Last paragraph revised.
– This variable does not apply when toughness testing of the heat‐affected zone is not
required by other Sections the referencing code, standard, or specification.
● QW-403.32 (φ Tube thickness), QW-403.33 (φ P-Number) and QW-403.34 (φ Tube
thickness) for tube-to-tubesheet qualifications - Incorrectly designated as QW-403.31,
QW-403.32 and QW-403.33 respectively in 2019 Edition; designator corrected by errata.

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Article IV Welding Data
● QW-403.6 (T Limits Impact) – Made into subparagraphs and revised to add exemption for P-No. 8,
P-No. 21 through 26 and P-No. 41 through 49, as toughness of these materials is not affected by
cooling rate variables
● QW-403.6 The minimum base metal thickness qualified is the thickness of the test coupon T or
5/8 in. (16 mm), whichever is less. However, where T is 1/4 in. (6 mm) or less, the minimum
thickness qualified is 1/2T. This variable does not apply for any of the following conditions:
● (a) WPS is qualified with a PWHT heat treatment above the upper transformation temperature.
● (b) WPS is for welding austenitic or P-10H material and is qualified with a solution heat
treatment.
● (c) Base metals are assigned to P-No. 8, P-Nos. 21 through 26, and P-Nos. 41 through 49.
● Identical revisions as above made in:
– QW-406.3 [Increase > 100°F (55°C) (IP)]
– QW-409.1 [> Heat Input]
– QW-410.9 [Multiple to single pass/side]

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Article IV Welding Data
● Exemption for P-No. 8, P-No. 21 through 26 and P-No. 41 through 49, also included in
following variables:
– QW-407.2 [φ PWHT (T & T range)]
– QW-409.4 [φ Current or polarity]
● Following variables are deleted as they predate the heat input controls in Section IX
and are not considered necessary.
– QW-404.7 [φ Diameter > 1/4 in. (6 mm)]
– QW-410.12 [φ Melt‐in to keyhole]

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Article IV Welding Data
● QW-404.5 [φ A-Number] – Subpara (b) revised, (c) added and subsequent
subparagraph revised and re-designated
● (b) For SMAW, GTAW, LBW, and PAW — from the chemical analysis of the an undiluted
weld deposit such as that prepared according to SFA-5.5 filler metal specification, or
from including the chemical composition as reported either in the filler metal
specification or the manufacturer’s or supplier’s certificate of conformance.
● (c) For GTAW, LBW, and PAW — from the chemical analysis of an undiluted weld deposit
such as that prepared according to SFA-5.28 GTAW filler metal specification or from the
chemical composition of a fully metallic solid welding consumable as reported in
either the filler metal specification or the manufacturer’s or supplier’s certificate of
conformance.

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Article IV Welding Data
● QW-404.36 [Recrushed Slag] Revised
● QW-404.36 When flux from recrushed slag is used, each batch or blend, as defined in SFA-5.01, shall be
tested in accordance with Section II, Part C by either the manufacturer or the user, or qualified as an
unclassified flux in accordance with QW-404.9.
● QW-409.20 [φ Mode, Energy] Revised
● QW-409.20 For LBW and LLBW, Any a change in the following variables: mode of operation (from pulsed to
continuous and vice versa), energy distribution across the beam (i.e., multimode or Gaussian). For LBW, a
change of more than ±10% in the spatial profile (e.g., M2 or uniformity) of the focused or unfocused beam.
● QW-409.21 [Decrease > 10% Power] Revised – Already covered in Slide 37
● QW-410.7 [φ Oscillation] Revised – Already covered in Slide 37
● QW-410.14 [φ Oscillation] Revised
● QW-410.14 For LBW, a change of more than ±5 deg in the relative angle between the axis of the beam and the
workpiece. For EBW, a change of more than ±10 deg in the relative angle between the axis of the beam and
the workpiece.
● QW-410.86 [φ Oscillation] – Already covered in Slide 37

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QW-420
● QW-420 Title changed from ‘Base Metal Grouping’ to more appropriate ‘P-Numbers’.
● Subparagraphs are reorganized by grouping distinct topics together and by giving each topic a
title. No technical changes are made.
● QW-420 BASE METAL GROUPINGS P-NUMBERS
– QW-421 P-NUMBERS AND GROUP NUMBERS
– QW-421.1 Assignments of P-Numbers and Group Numbers.
– QW/QB-421.2 Base Metal Assignment Groups
– QW-421.3 Other Groupings
– QW-421.4 Reassignments of P-Numbers and Group Numbers.

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Table QW/QB-422 and Table QW-432
● Table QW/QB-422 (P-Numbers Grouping of Base Metals)
– Revised and rows added
– AWS B2.2 BM-Numbers for A/SA–182 F904L and A/SA–182 F6a, Cl. 1, corrected by errata to 420
and 150, respectively
– ISO 15608 Group Number for A/SA–494 CX2MW; and B/SB-366, B/SB-462, B/SB-564, B/SB-619,
B/SB-622, and B/SB-626 UNS No. N06022 corrected by errata to 43
– A/SA-1011 SS 36 1 added by errata
● Table QW-432 (F-Numbers)
– Under “Steel and Steel Alloys,” ASME Specification SFA-5.36 deleted and SFA-5.39 added.
– Under “Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys,” AWS Classification R3101 revised to R3103
– Under “Nickel and Nickel Alloys,” SFA-5.11 UNS Nos. W86056 and N10362, and SFA-5.14, UNS
Nos. N07740, N07208, N06056, N06680, N10362, and N09946 added

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Table QW-451
● QW-451 PROCEDURE QUALIFICATION THICKNESS LIMITS AND TEST SPECIMENS
● Note (1) of Tables QW-451.1 & QW-451.2 revised, sentence added for supplementary essential
variables.
– (1) The following variable further restricts the limits shown in this table when they are
referenced in QW-250 for the process under consideration: QW-403.9, QW-403.10, and QW-
404.32. Also, QW-202.2, QW-202.3, and QW-202.4 provide exemptions that supersede the limits
of this table. Supplementary essential variable requirements may also further limit thickness
ranges in this table.

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QW-462 TEST SPECIMENS
● New paragraph added at the end:
– Single or multiple bend test specimens and jigs meeting the dimensional requirements of ISO
5173 are also acceptable, provided the bend-radius-to-specimen-thickness ratios shown in
Figure QW-466.1 are met.
● Figure QW-462.1(e) Tension — Full Section — Small Diameter Pipe – Note (1) added
● (1) The outside surface of the weld shall be made approximately flush with the base metal to
obtain a uniform cross section. The average of four equally spaced wall thickness measurements
shall be used to calculate the tensile strength.
– Note: Permissible to grind or machine the OD of the small pipe sample to make the sides
parallel [similar to that allowed in QW-462.1(a) and (b)] and use the actual wall thickness to
determine the tensile strength.
● Table QW-462.3(a) and (b) Face and Root Bends
– First entry under “T, in. (mm)” revised from ‘1/16 < 1/8 (1.5 < 3)’ revised to ‘<1/8 (3)’

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FIGURE QW-466.1 TEST JIG DIMENSIONS
● Revised both “U.S. Customary Units” and “SI Units” tables
– ‘Max’ added for dimension A and B, revised last row (‘Materials’ changed to ‘All others’) and
revised values in column C & D

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ARTICLE V STANDARD WPSs
● QW-500 Revised
– To include reaffirmations of and amendments to listed SWPSs
– Clarify that the adoption and proper demonstration of any edition of an SWPSs listed in the 1998 or later
edition of Section IX is still valid
– New adoptions of SWPSs must use the edition in the current edition of Section IX
● QW-500 GENERAL
The SWPSs listed in Mandatory Appendix E may be used when the requirements of the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX are specified.
Organizations adopting new SWPSs shall adopt the SWPS edition listed in the current edition of Section IX
[see QG-100(d)].
Earlier editions of SWPSs, listed in the 1998 Edition of Section IX or later, that have been adopted and
properly demonstrated as required herein remain valid.
Listed SWPSs that have been reaffirmed as indicated by “(Rxx)” or “(Rxxx)” or amended as indicated by
“AMDy” remain valid.
SWPSs are not permitted for construction where toughness testing of the WPS is required by the
Construction Code.

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PART QB ARTICLE XI & ARTICLE XIV
● Added ‘Visually’ before ‘examination’ in QB-181 and QB-182 (also in General Note in Figure QB-462.4 Lap
Joint Section Specimen)
● QB-181 SECTIONING TEST SPECIMENS
– The dimensions and configuration of the sectioning test specimens shall conform to the requirements of
Figure QB-462.4. Each side of the specimen shall be polished and visually examined with at least a
four‐power magnifying glass. The sum of the length of unbrazed areas on either side, considered
individually, shall not exceed 20% of the length of the joint overlap.
● QB-182 WORKMANSHIP COUPONS
– The dimensions and configuration of the workmanship coupon shall conform to the nearest
approximation of the actual application. Some typical workmanship coupons are shown in Figure QB-
462.5. Each side of the specimen shall be polished and visually examined with at least a four‐power
magnifying glass. The sum of the length of unbrazed areas on either side, considered individually, shall
not exceed 20% of the length of the joint overlap.
● Table QB-451.3 Note (1) – Added reference to QB-182 (for Workmanship Coupons) and corrected reference
‘QB-451.5’ to ‘Table QB-451.5’.

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PART QB ARTICLE XIII BRAZING PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATIONS
● QB-305 Revised in entirety for clarity
● QB-305 BRAZING OPERATORS
● The brazing operator who prepares brazing procedure qualification test specimens coupons
meeting the requirements of QB-451 as described in QB-202.1 is thereby qualified within the
limits of QB-350. Alternatively, each brazing operator who brazes on vessels constructed under
the rules of this Code shall be qualified for each combination of essential variables under which
brazing is performed using semiautomatic or automatic processes (such as the resistance,
induction, or furnace processes), as follows:
● (a) A typical joint or workmanship coupon embodying the requirements of a qualified brazing
procedure shall be brazed and sectioned as described in QB-182 and QB-452. Typical joints are
shown in Figure QB-462.5.
● (b) In order to ensure that the operator can carry out the provisions of the brazing procedure, the
test sections required in (a) shall meet the requirements of QB-452. The section specimens shall
be visually examined and shall meet the requirements of QB-182.
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PART QF PLASTIC FUSING
● Term ‘butt fusion’ replaced by ‘butt fusing’ at multiple locations [QF-142.1.1(d). QF-201.1(b), QF-202.2.3 Title
and QF-202.2.3(a)].
● QF-201.1(b) Contents of the FPS – Added reference to Table QF-257 for sidewall fusing.
● QF-201.2 Standard Fusing Procedure Specification – Subparagraph (a)(2) revised to add reference to QF-
221.2 (Sidewall Fusing of Polyethylene).
● (2) Contents of the SFPS. The SFPS shall address all of the essential and nonessential variables listed in Table
QF-254, Table QF-256, or Table QF-257. In addition, the SFPS shall include all of the conditions listed in QF-
221.1 or QF-221.2, as applicable. The organization may include any additional information in the SFPS that
may be helpful in making a fused joint.
● QF-221.2 Sidewall Fusing of Polyethylene
– Subparagraphs (d) sub-divided into (1) and (2) to differentiate the procedure for branch connections ≤2-
1/2 in. (65 mm) and >3 in. (80mm) respectively.
– Subparagraphs (f) revised to limit the maximum time within which the fitting shall be pressed against the
header (after proper bead size is formed) to 5 sec (2019 Edition made reference to Table QF-221.2).

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PART QF PLASTIC FUSING
● Table QF-221.2 Title Revised - Maximum Heater Plate Removal Time for Pipe-to-Pipe Butt and
Sidewall Fusing
● Table QF-257 Fusing Variables Procedure Specification - Polyethylene Sidewall Fusing
– Variable QF-403.8 (φ Header pipe diameter) replaced by QF-403.2 (φ Branch pipe diameter)
● Table QF-362 Essential Variables Applicable to Fusing Operators, Section (c) Sidewall Fusion
– Variable QF-403.7 (φ Header diameter) replaced by QF-403.2 (φ Branch pipe diameter)
● QF-403.7 (φ Header diameter) - Deleted
● Table QF-422 Material Grouping – Entries for D3035 and
F714 corrected by Errata.
● Table QF-452.3 Pipe-Fusing Diameter Limits
– Section (d) added for Sidewall fusing
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NONMANDATORY APPENDIX E
● Added paragraphs preceding the Table listing of permitted SWPSs.
– E-100 INTRODUCTION
– E-200 BACKGROUND – Explaining Revisions, Reaffirmations and Amendments to the SWPS by
AWS in accordance with ANSI procedures.
– E-300 INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADOPTION
• Organizations adopting SWPSs shall adopt the most recent edition of that SWPS.
• Any reaffirmed date of a listed SWPS is acceptable for use.
• Unless otherwise specified, listed SWPSs that have been amended are acceptable for
adoption.
• Refer https://pubs.aws.org/t/procedures - for detailed descriptions of the SWPSs.

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 Thank you
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