How to review welder qualification in accordance with ASME section 9

Backing: Removing the backing is an essential variable; it means if your welder qualified with a test coupon with butt welding and subsequent back welding cannot weld a job without back welding (he can only do welding when there is backing on it)
Pipe Diameter: The limitation for pipe diameter addressed in QW-452.3. The welder who qualified in 6 inch pipe cannot weld a 2 inch pipe. He can weld till 2 ½ and not less than that. Other example that is that when a welder is qualified by 1 ½ inch pipe, can weld min 1 inch and max 2 ½ inch.
P number: The limitation for P number addressed in QW- 423, for example a welder who has been qualified in base material with P number1 thru P number 15 F can weld anything in between. This might be a little confusing because it says if a welder qualified in carbon steel with P number 1 can weld a stainless steel material with P number 8 which we know this is not possible. The point is that when you reviewing the essential variable you should consider them cumulatively. Based the P number variable he can weld but based on F number variable he cannot weld. So make sure you are considering all essential variables and each of these variables have veto power.
F number: The F number variable requirement has been addressed in the QW- 433. For example if a welder qualified with SMAW process with E 7018 for carbon steel material cannot weld with the E-308 Electrode in same SMAW process. The F number for E-7018 is 4 and for E-308 is 5 and 4 cannot cover 5 based on the QW-433 requirements.
t weld deposit: Any welder qualified in plate or pipe above ½ inch with minimum 3 layer can weld unlimited. This is different from PQR and most people confusing between these two.
Position: The welding position is one of important essential variable in welding performance qualification. The requirement addressed in QW-461.9. Normally a welder who qualified in 6G position can weld all positions, or alternatively if he qualified in one 2G and one 5G can weld every other position.
Please note the essential variable is different from one process to other process
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