This article provides a comprehensive overview of the brazing certification process, including Brazing Procedure Qualification (BPQ), Brazing Procedure Qualification Records (BPQR), Third-Party Brazing Testing Services, and Brazer/Brazing Operator Testing and Certification.
Overview of Brazing Process Control
Proper control and documentation of brazing activities are critical in meeting industry codes and ensuring weld integrity. The following components are involved in brazing process qualification:
- Development of Brazing Procedure Specifications (BPS)
- Brazing Procedure Qualification (BPQ)
- Brazing Procedure Qualification Records (BPQR)
- Brazer and Brazing Operator Qualification
Third-Party Certification Services
Flow Chart of Brazing Qualification Process
1. Preliminary Brazing Procedure Specification (pBPS)
The pBPS is an initial document that outlines the proposed brazing parameters including:
- Base material details
- Brazing alloy or filler material
- Joint configuration
- Torch or furnace characteristics
- Electrical and thermal conditions
This document is developed in accordance with ASME Section IX and is submitted to the client for review and approval by a certified inspection engineer.
2. Brazing Procedure Qualification (BPQ)
Before the qualification test, the Brazing Inspector ensures all necessary documentation and approvals are in place, including:
- Mill Test Certificates
- Consumable and filler metal approvals
- Equipment calibration certificates
- pBPS document approval
During the brazing process, all relevant parameters are recorded on a Brazing Run Sheet. Once the test coupon passes visual inspection, it is sampled for mechanical and NDT testing. Sampling includes:
- BPS Number
- Brazer ID (Name and Unique Number)
- Test Date
Mechanical Tests may include:
- Peel Test
- Macro/Section Test
- Tensile Test (as per applicable code)
Test results are then reviewed by the Brazing Engineer to confirm compliance with the standards.
3. Brazing Procedure Qualification Record (BPQR)
After the successful completion of the BPQ test, a formal BPQR document is prepared. This includes:
- Approved Brazing Procedure Specification (BPS)
- Brazing Run Sheet
- Base Material and Consumable Details
- Mechanical and NDT Test Results
- Relevant Certifications
The Brazing Engineer reviews and verifies the results before submitting the BPQR to the client for final approval.
4. Brazer & Brazing Operator Qualification and Certification
Once the brazing procedure is approved, a practical test is conducted for the brazing operators under third-party supervision. Key steps:
- Operators must undergo adequate training before the test
- The brazing test is witnessed by the Brazing Engineer
- Parameters must align with the BPS and BPQR
- Visually accepted test pieces undergo mechanical testing
If the mechanical test results meet the required strength and quality standards, the data is recorded, and the following are issued:
- Brazer Certificate
- Brazer ID Card
5. Third-Party Brazing Certification Package
Our Third-Party Certification Package includes all necessary documentation to meet industry audit and compliance requirements:
- Brazing Procedure Specification (BPS)
- Brazing Procedure Qualification Record (BPQR)
- Brazing Performance Qualification Record (BPQ)
- Mechanical & NDT Test Results
- Brazer ID Card
- Brazer Certificate
Conclusion
EIWAA’s brazing qualification and certification services are performed according to international codes and standards including ASME Section IX. Our engineers and inspectors ensure a rigorous process, providing clients with full documentation and third-party endorsements for brazing procedures and operator qualification.