Guideline to Directive 97/23/EC
6/14 Welding operation on a pressure bearing component

Pressure equipment directive 97/23/EC

Commission’s Working Group "Pressure"

Guideline related to: Annex I sections 3.1.1 and 3.1.2

Question:

Does any welding operation on a pressure bearing component have to require a qualification of the welding procedures and of the welders/welding operators ?

Answer:

Yes, when the weldment can create a pressure hazard on the pressure bearing component.

Examples of welding operation for which qualification is required according to Annex I section 3.1.2 include:

1) Welding of a lifting lug on a pressure bearing chamber;

2) Welding of an attachment to a valve body;

3) Welding of reinforcing pads for nozzles;

4) Repair by welding on a chamber before placing on the market;

5) Major welding on a casting during production.

Examples of welding operations for which qualification is required according to Annex I section 3.1.2, unless the hazard analysis demonstrates that there is no pressure hazard, include:

6) Minor welding on a casting during production;

7) Buttering of a tubesheet;

8) Overlay welding on a pressure chamber (anticorrosive, wear coating…).