Overview
EN ISO 15614-5:2024 / ISO 15614-5:2024 specifies how a preliminary welding procedure specification (pWPS) is qualified by welding procedure tests for the arc welding of titanium, zirconium and their alloys. It covers the conditions for executing welding procedure tests, the required examinations and tests, and the qualification range (the permissible variables) for practical welding operations. The standard applies to all product forms and to arc welding processes defined in ISO 4063: 131 (MIG), 14 (TIG) and 15 (plasma), and its principles can be applied to other fusion processes.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope of qualification: Defines how a pWPS is qualified by one or more welding procedure tests and how the resulting WPS can be applied across a range of variables (see Clause 8).
- Test execution conditions: Requirements for test-piece geometry, welding technique, and test-piece preparation for representative butt, T‑joints, branch connections and pipe welds.
- Examination and testing:
- Non‑destructive testing (visual, radiographic, penetrant as applicable).
- Destructive testing: transverse tensile, bend tests, macroscopic and microscopic examination.
- Acceptance levels and retesting criteria.
- Qualification range: Rules for grouping parent materials, allowable material thickness/pipe diameters, and other production variables that determine the WPS applicability.
- Welding processes covered: Metal inert gas (MIG), tungsten inert gas (TIG), plasma arc - processes identified by ISO 4063 numbers.
- Referenced standards: Normative connection to testing and inspection standards (examples in Annex ZA include ISO 3452‑1 for penetrant testing, ISO 4136 for transverse tensile tests, ISO 5817 for quality levels, ISO 17637/17636 for NDT).
- Regulatory interface: Contains Annex ZA linking this standard to the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU where relevant, providing a route to presumption of conformity when applied as specified.
Applications and users
- Who uses it:
- Welding engineers and procedure qualification specialists developing WPS/pWPS for titanium and zirconium fabrication.
- Fabrication and manufacturing quality managers in aerospace, chemical, medical, marine and power industries where titanium/zirconium alloys are used.
- Third‑party examiners, inspection bodies and notified bodies involved in pressure equipment conformity (PED).
- Welding training organizations and personnel responsible for process validation.
- Practical uses:
- Qualifying welding procedures for pressure‑resistant and high‑integrity components made from titanium/zirconium.
- Establishing repeatable, auditable welding practice for production, repair and R&D.
- Demonstrating compliance with product or regulatory application standards that require formal procedure qualification.
Related standards (short)
Keywords: EN ISO 15614-5, ISO 15614-5, welding procedure qualification, pWPS, titanium welding, zirconium welding, arc welding, TIG, MIG, plasma, welding standards.