Saep 321

Engineering Procedure
SAEP-321 3 October 2019

Saudi Aramco Welders and Brazers
Qualification and Performance Tracking Requirements
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee
Contents
1 Scope ................................................................ 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations ................................... 2
3 References........................................................ 2
4 Terminology ...................................................... 3
5 Responsibilities ................................................. 6
6 Instructions........................................................ 9
7 Brazers Performance Qualification ................. 17
Revision History ..................................................... 19
Appendix A – Performance Qualification

Testing Pre-Requisites.................... 20
Appendix B – Minimum Retraining Times for
Welders Taking The Performance
Qualification 2nd Retest (as per
Section 6) ........................................ 21
Appendix C – Welder/Brazer Experience Record .. 22
Appendix D – Welding Shop Audit Checklist ......... 23
Previous Revision: 30 June 2014 Next Revision: 3 October 2024

Contact: LODHIZF Page 1 of 25
©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved.
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee SAEP-321
Publication Date: 3 October 2019 Saudi Aramco Welders and Brazers Performance
Next Revision: 3 October 2024 Qualification and Tracking Requirements
1 Scope
1.1 This engineering procedure specifies the minimum requirements for the testing,
certification, registration and tracking of Saudi Aramco welders and brazers
working for maintenance organizations.
1.2 This SAEP applies to all maintenance organizations performing fabrication and
maintenance activities such as Operations Field Services, Pump Shops, Drilling
& Workover, etc.
Note: The term welder in this SAEP shall also mean welding operator unless
specifically mentioned otherwise.
2 Conflicts and Deviations
2.1 Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed to the
EK&RD Coordinator.
2.2 Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company
procedure SAEP-302.
3 References
Unless stated otherwise, all codes and standards referenced shall be the latest issue
(including Revisions and Addenda). Sections of industry codes and standards
referenced herein shall be considered as part of this procedure.
3.1 Saudi Aramco Documents
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-302 Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement
SAEP-323 Contract Welders and Brazers Performance
Qualification Testing and Tracking Requirements
SAEP-1101 Test Supplement for Welder Performance Qualification
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-004 General Requirements for Pressure Testing
SAES-A-206 Positive Material Identification
SAES-W-011 Welding Requirements for On-plot Piping
©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 2 of 25

Saudi Aramco Forms

SA-2318 Welder Qualification Record
SA-3331 Welder Qualification Card
SA-4719-A Radiography Request/Performance/Interpretation
Report
SA-4758 Job Clearance Card
Saudi Aramco Inspection Procedures
3.2 Industry Codes and Standards
American Society of Mechanical Engineers/Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code

ASME SEC V Nondestructive Examination
ASME SEC IX Welding and Brazing Qualifications
ASME B31.3 Process Piping
4 Terminology
4.1 Acronyms
ARD: Anniversary Recertification Date
ASME B&PVC: American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code
ITSD: Inspection Technical Support Division
OIU: Operations Inspection Unit
WPS: Welding Procedure Specification
WTC: Welder Test Center (of the NDE and Welder Testing Unit)
WTS: Welder Tracking System
4.2 Definitions
Anniversary Recertification: It is mandatory to retest all welders every three

(3) years on the anniversary date of the issue of their first performance
qualification certification (all welding certifications become invalid on that
date). Anniversary recertification testing is conducted by the WTC in
accordance with approved Test Supplements.
Arc Strike: A discontinuity resulting from an arc caused by the inadvertent

striking of a welding electrode against the surface of a metal.

Back Gouging: The removal of weld metal and base metal from the other side
of a partially welded joint to assure complete penetration upon subsequent
welding from that side.
Backing Ring or Strip: A material (flat plate, or rolled plate) placed at the
back side of a single groove weld joint to support molten weld metal.
Back Weld: A weld deposited on the backside of a single groove weld.
Certified Welder: A welder that has a valid welding certification. A certified

welder is qualified to weld only with the qualifying welding processes within the
essential variables.
Corrosion Resistant Weld Metal Overlay (CRWMO) SMAW Ability

Performance Test: It is a performance test to determine if welders have the
ability to produce CRWMO in accordance with specific job requirements.
Testing is conducted by the OIU in accordance with a specific WPS. The test
qualifies the welder for a specific job only.
Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): An arc welding process which produces
coalescence of metals by heating them with an arc between a continuous filler
metal (tubular) electrode and the work. Shielding is provided by a flux
contained in the tubular filler metal. Additional shielding can be obtained from
an externally supplied gas or gas mixture.
Globular Transfer: In arc welding, a type of metal transfer in which molten

filler metal is transferred across the welding arc in large droplets (applicable to
the GMAW and FCAW welding processes).
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): An arc welding process which produces
coalescence of metals by heating them with an arc between a continuous filler
metal (consumable) electrode and the work. Shielding is obtained entirely from
an externally supplied gas or gas mixture.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): An arc welding process which produces
coalescence of metals by heating them with an arc between a non-consumable
tungsten electrode and the work. Filler metal is added manually. Shielding is
obtained from a gas or gas mixture.
Initial Field Testing: Examination of the first production weld produced by a

welder after WTC certification testing and OIU registration.
Inactive Welders List: List containing welder(s) being inactive for 3 months for
a specific process.

Separated Welders List: List containing welder(s) no more employed by Saudi

Aramco maintenance.
Job Clearance Card (JCC): An identification card issued by OIU to a welder.

The JCC list contains welders name, identification symbol and qualification
limits of the essential variables.
Qualification Card (Form SA-3331): A photo identity card issued by the

WTC that lists all welding certifications held by the welder. Qualification Cards
shall be carried at all times by the welder, and must be presented for review
upon request.
Recertification Test: The performance qualification test conducted by the

WTC to reinstate a revoked certification.
Registered Welder: A welder whose certification has been reviewed, found to

be acceptable, and is on file with the Operations Inspection Unit.
Registration: The act of registering a welder certification by OIU.
Retest: The repeat test that is permitted to be taken when a welder fails the
initial certification test to a Test Supplement, or recertification test to reinstate a
revoked certification. Only one retest is permitted.
Reverse Polarity (DCEP, DCRP, DC+, or E+): The arrangement of direct

current arc welding leads with the work as the negative pole and the electrode as
the positive pole of the welding arc.
Revoked Welder Certification: A certification that is no longer valid as a

result of a welder not welding with a welding process for six or more
consecutive months.
Root Face: That portion of the groove face adjacent to the root of the joint.
Root Opening (gap): The separation between members to be joined at the root
of the joint.
Root Penetration: The distance a weld extends past the inside surface of the
pipe in a pipe groove weld.
Shielding Gas: Protective gas used to prevent atmospheric contamination of the

molten weld metal in the vicinity of the welding arc, e.g., Argon, Nitrogen, etc.
Straight Polarity (DCEN, DCSP, DC-, or E-): The arrangement of direct

current arc welding leads in which the work is the positive pole and the
electrode the negative pole of the welding arc.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): An arc welding process that produces
coalescence of metals by heating them with an arc between a covered metal
electrode and the work. Shielding is obtained from the decomposition of the
electrode covering.
Spray Transfer: A type of metal transfer in which molten filler metal is

propelled axially across the arc in small droplets (applicable to the GMAW and
FCAW welding processes).
Submerged Arc Welding (SAW): An arc welding process which produces

coalescence of metals by heating them with an arc between a bare metal
electrode or electrodes and the work. The arc is shielded by a blanket of
granular, fusible material (flux) on the work.
Test Supplement: A document that contains the performance qualification test

requirements needed to perform a welding certification test, and the limitations
of that certification.
Undercut: A groove melted in the base metal adjacent to the toe or root of a
weld and left unfilled by weld metal.
Underfill: A depression on the face of the weld or root surface extending below
the adjacent base metal.
Weld Reinforcement: Weld metal in excess of the quantity required to fill a joint.
Welder Certification: Certification in writing (i.e., Form SA-2318) that a

welder has produced a test weld meeting a defined standard.
Welder Performance Qualification: The demonstration of a welders ability to

produce a test weld meeting a defined standard.
Welding Operator: One who operates machine or automatic welding equipment.
Welder Experience Records: A welder activity record maintained within WTS.
5 Responsibilities
The following organizations shall be responsible for the activities mentioned below:
5.1 Inspection Department
5.1.1 Inspection Technical Support Division (ITSD)

a) Audits records of the WTC.
b) Audits records of the Operations Inspection Units.

5.1.2 Welder Test Center (WTC)

a) Conducts performance qualification testing of welders in accordance
with approved Test Supplements.
b) Conducts recertification testing of welders with revoked certifications.
c) Inputs certification results in the WTS for welders that take
performance qualification or recertification.
d) Prepares certification (Form SA-2318) for welders that pass
performance qualification or recertification tests.
e) Obtains welder symbols (assigned automatically) from WTS for all
welders who take the performance qualification tests.
f) Prepares new or updates old Qualification Cards for welders passing
certification tests.
g) Conducts Anniversary Recertification testing of welders every six
(6) years.
h) Updates welder records/data in WTS as necessary.
5.1.3 WTC Welding Inspector

a) Witnesses and evaluates welder performance qualification tests.
b) Witnesses and evaluates recertification tests of welders with
revoked certifications.
5.1.4 WTS Administrator

a) Maintains the WTS database by inputting performance qualification
and recertification test information (Form SA-2318) into the WTS
database.
b) Assigns WTS access to new users and updates their access
information.
c) Creates/updates proponent Maintenance Organization or Operations
Inspection Unit in WTS.
5.2 Maintenance Division
 Maintenance Foreman
a) Ensures all welders are properly certified prior to the start of work.
b) Ensures all welders maintain valid certifications, as required by this
procedure.

c) Ensures all welders undergo the additional training prior to taking a

retest.
d) Maintains a log of welders working in the organization.
e) Ensures all welders take the Anniversary Recertification Test Thirty
(30) days prior to the ARD.
f) Ensures all welders working in the Maintenance Organization are
available and tracked by WTS.
g) Notifies the WTS coordinator, in advance, through a written
correspondence about their welders’ availability and movement/transfer
status.
5.3 Engineering Division
5.3.1 Operations Inspection Unit (OIU) Supervisor

a) Assigns a WTS Coordinator(s).
b) Ensures an experienced inspection personnel is assigned to conduct
an annual internal audit of the welding shops.
c) Ensures timely completion, documentation of findings, and follow
up on corrective actions resulting from the annual internal audit.
5.3.2 Operations Inspection Unit (OIU) Inspector

a) Ensures all newly certified welders are capable of making sound
welds by conducting Initial Field Testing as per Section 6.3.1 of this
procedure.
b) Issues Job Clearance Cards to welders that pass welding test
conducted by WTC and welders that pass the Qualification Test
conducted by OIU.
c) Registers certified welders as per this procedure.
d) Ensures all welders are holding active and valid certificates prior to
any welding activity.
e) Reports the welders’ field NDT results including VT, RT, PT and
MT to WTS coordinator within 1 week of the job completion.
f) Conducts CRWMO SMAW Welding Test.
5.3.3 WTS Coordinator

a) Ensures all welder performance certifications are current and up to
date through WTS and documentation of welder activity.

b) Enters welding inspection / NDT results in WTS within 1 week

from receiving the results.
c) Notifies WTS Administrator about welders’ movement.
d) Notifies Welding Shop Foremen about the welders ARD, two
months in advance.
e) Participates in annual internal audit of the welding shops.
f) Issues bi-monthly welders’ performance report.
g) Ensures all welders working for the Maintenance Organization are
available and tracked by WTS.
h) Requests WTS Administrator to update a welder information when
there is an internal transfer.
6 Instructions
6.1 Welder Performance Qualification
6.1.1 General Information
6.1.1.1 Performance qualification testing shall be conducted at a WTC

and witnessed by a WTC Welding Inspector. SAW and
FCAW testing may be performed at a proponent's facility, if
appropriate equipment is unavailable at the WTC.
6.1.1.2 When it is impractical to bring welders from remote locations

to take a test at the WTC. WTC shall send one of their
inspector to conduct onsite testing.
6.1.1.3 Performance qualification testing shall be conducted in

accordance with Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure Test
Supplement SAEP-1101.
6.1.1.4 Prior to testing, WTC shall verify the performance

qualification prerequisites for each Test Supplement are met
(refer to Appendix A).
6.1.2 Coupon Fit Up and Welding
6.1.2.1 Welder shall fit up the test coupon as per the Test Supplement.
Welder's name and welder's symbol shall be hard stamped on
both ends of the fit up test coupon. The WTC Welding
Inspector shall inspect the fit up and hard stamping prior to the
start of welding.

6.1.2.2 Test coupon shall be secured in the test position at a height of

eighteen inches (18”) above the floor on welding stand.
The test shall not begin until the WTC Welding Inspector has
verified the test position. The welder shall not move the test
coupon until told to do so by the WTC Welding Inspector at
the completion of the test.
6.1.2.3 WTC Welding Inspector shall inspect the completed root pass
of all test coupons prior to the start of the hot pass. If grinding
of the groove side of the test coupon is required, WTC Welding
Inspector shall also inspect the completed grinding. If the root
pass is acceptable the welder shall be permitted to weld the fill
and cap. If the root pass is unacceptable it shall be a cause for
rejection of the coupon (test failure).
6.1.2.4 Grinding, back gouging, welding, or any other dressing shall

not be performed on the backside of a root pass unless
specifically required as part of the performance qualification
test.
6.1.2.5 Grinding may be used in between passes to remove slag and

arc strikes.
6.1.3 Visual Examination of the Test Coupon
6.1.3.1 After completion of welding, WTC Welding Inspector shall

perform a visual examination of the test coupon. Coupons that
do not meet the following acceptance criteria shall be
considered unacceptable (test failure).
6.1.3.2 Weld reinforcement and root penetration shall not exceed the
values as shown in Table 1.
Table 1
Test Coupon Wall Thickness Maximum Weld Reinforcement
(inches) (inches)
¼" and under 1/16"
Greater than ¼" up to ½" 1/8"
Greater than ½" up to 1" 5/32"
Greater than 1" 3/16"
6.1.3.3 Undercut not exceeding 1/32" in depth shall be permitted for a

total length of 2" maximum.

6.1.3.4 Underfill not exceeding 1/16" in depth shall be permitted for a

total length of 2” maximum.
6.1.3.5 Lack of root penetration is unacceptable.
6.1.3.6 Incomplete fusion is unacceptable.
6.1.3.7 Unremoved arc strikes on the base metal are unacceptable.
6.1.3.8 Grinding, filing, or mechanical dressing of the cap pass is not

permitted. Any evidence of such shall be cause for rejection of
the coupon (test failure).
Note: In case of any conflict, Acceptance Criteria given in ASME B31.3
Table 341.3.2 shall take precedence.
6.1.4 Radiographic Examination of the Test Coupon
6.1.4.1 Test coupons that meet the visual acceptance criteria of

Section 6.1.3 shall be radiographically examined.
6.1.4.2 Radiography shall be performed in accordance with the

requirements of the ASME SEC V B&PV code.
6.1.4.3 Radiographic acceptance criteria shall be as specified in

paragraph QW-191 of the ASME SEC IX B&PV code.
6.1.4.4 Use of Ultrasonic Testing (UT) for Test Coupon examination

in-lieu of radiography is acceptable, provided prior approval of
process is obtained in writing from Supervisor, CNDT & PSU.
6.1.5 Retest
Retest shall be allowed as per ASME SEC IX paragraph QW-321.

Training shall not be required for 1st retest as per SEC IX, the training
shall be required if retest is failed.
Note: When the qualification coupon has failed the visual examination,
retesting shall be by visual examination testing. When an immediate
retest is made, the welder or welding operator shall make two
consecutive test coupons for each position which he has failed, all of
which shall pass the visual examination requirements.
6.1.5.1 Welders are permitted to take one (1) retest per Test Supplement.
6.1.5.2 Welders that fail the retest performance qualification test for
multiple causes shall undergo a total minimum retraining time
equal to the sum of the minimum retraining times for each of

the causes given in Appendix B prior to the retest.
6.1.5.3 Maintenance Superintendent shall certify in writing that the

welder has undergone the required additional training and is
fully prepared to take the 2nd retest. A copy shall be attached to
the request for retest submitted by the OIU to the WTC.
6.1.5.4 All retests shall be conducted at the WTC (or the proponents’
shop, if necessary) and witnessed by the WTC Welding Inspector.
6.1.5.5 Welders that fail the retest shall not be permitted to take a
second retest sooner than three (3) months from the date of the
failed retest. During the waiting period the welder shall be
given additional training by the Maintenance Organization.
6.2 Certification and Registration of Welders

a) Upon successful completion of the performance qualification test, the WTC
shall certify the Welders by completing Welder Qualification Record Form
SA-2318. The original form shall be kept on file with the WTC. Copies shall
be sent to the WTS Administrator and the OIU.
b) WTC issues a Welders Qualification Card (Form SA-3331) to all certified
welders. The Qualification Card shall list all valid certifications, including
the Anniversary Date. It shall also include a recent photograph of the welder
and be carried by the welder at all times. A copy of the card shall be kept on
file at the WTC, and also sent to the OIU and the WTS Administrator.
For new welders, one additional recent photograph shall be sent to the WTS
Administrator.
c) Registration shall be completed by inputting the welder's performance
qualification test records in the WTS (applies to all welders) and obtaining
the welder symbol from WTS, which is assigned automatically for all
welders. The welder symbol is unique and is not transferable. When a
welder leaves the company or his job title is changed, that welder's symbol
shall be retired from WTS database through a written request submitted by
Maintenance Organization and sent to both WTC and the WTS.
Welders shall not be permitted to start production welding without first
being registered by the OIU.
6.3 Maintaining Welder Certifications
If a welder does not weld with a process (i.e., SMAW or GTAW) or specialized
welding equipment for a period exceeding six (6) consecutive months, all
certifications with that process or equipment shall immediately be revoked.

6.3.1 Production Weld Testing
6.3.1.1 The first three (3) production pressure retaining butt welds by
each newly certified welder, employing each newly qualified
certification, shall be 100% radiographed. The OIU inspector
shall witness the welding of at least one of these welds.
Radiographic acceptance shall be as specified by the applicable
design code governing the work.
6.3.1.2 If all the radiographs are acceptable the welder shall be permitted
to continue production welding. Subsequent production welding
shall be radiographed at normal job monitoring levels. All RT
inspection results shall be entered by OIU in the WTS utilizing
the radiography request form SA-4719-A.
6.3.1.3 Radiography results showing rejectable discontinuities in any

of the first three (3) welds, OIU inspector shall further visually
examine all three welds and their corresponding radiographs as
per below criteria:
a. If radiography shows that all three welds are rejectable
the newly qualified certification shall be revoked.
b. If the weld quality is borderline (i.e., two out of three
welds), the welder may be permitted to weld five (5)
production welds provided all welding work is 100%
radiographed and all accepted.
o If the weld quality improves (i.e., all five passed), the
radiography shall be reduced to normal job
monitoring levels.
o If the weld quality does not improve (i.e., if even one
weld failed), the newly qualified certification shall be
revoked.
6.3.1.4 OIU shall send the failed welders Qualification Card and a
letter of notification to the WTC. The WTC shall delete the
revoked certification from the Qualification Card and return it
to the welder through the OIU. A copy of the revised
Qualification Card and a letter of notification shall be sent to
the WTS Administrator.
6.3.1.5 The retest shall be conducted as per paragraph 6.1.6 of this

procedure scheduled by OIU.

6.3.2 General Requirements
6.3.2.1 A welder certifications shall expire every six (6) years on the
anniversary date of the issue of the welders’ first performance
certification. During the month prior to the anniversary date
welders shall be recertified to every Test Supplement previously
held and/or required. This shall be called the Anniversary
Recertification Test. Those certifications obtained in the year
prior to the anniversary date are exempt from testing until the
following anniversary date. The Anniversary Recertification shall
be conducted by the WTC. The soon to be expired, Qualification
Card shall be surrendered to the WTC at the time of testing.
An updated Qualification Card shall be issued by the WTC.
6.3.2.2 A welder will be placed in the Inactive welders list if he did not
appear for Anniversary Exam within 90 days. The welder will
be in the Separated Welders List if he did not appear for ARD
after the 90 days period.
6.3.2.3 The OIU shall maintain Welder Experience Records to verify

the welding activity of each certified welder. Verification of
experience shall be by reference to an inspection and
radiography report, weld number or similar documentation.
A suggested Welder Experience Record is given in Appendix C.
6.3.2.4 The OIU shall also maintain a record of the groove welds made
by each welder with each process or combination thereof.
Monthly and yearly repair rates shall be calculated on a butt
joint and/or linear inch basis. The method for calculating repair
rate limits shall be as defined in SAES-W-011 paragraph 8.4.
The maximum weekly repair rate for each welder should not
exceed 2%.
6.3.2.5 The Maintenance Foreman shall maintain an up to date log of

welders working in the Unit. This welders log shall include a
listing of the welders’ valid certifications, welding activity,
Anniversary Recertification Date, and other vital information.
6.4 Recertification of Welders with Revoked Certifications
6.4.1 The Recertification Test(s) shall be conducted by the WTC in accordance

with the requirements of Section 6.1 of this SAEP.
6.4.2 The Welder Recertification Test shall be scheduled by the OIU with the
WTC in writing.

6.4.3 Welders that fail the initial Recertification Test shall be permitted to take
one retest as per paragraph 6.1.6 of this SAEP.
6.4.4 Welders that fail the retest shall not be permitted to retake the Supplement
Test for a period of at least three (3) months. The WTC shall inform the
OIU and WTS Administrator of the test results in writing.
6.4.5 Welders that pass the Recertification Test or retest shall be certified and
registered in accordance with the requirements of Section 6.2 of this SAEP.
6.5 Corrosion Resistant Weld Metal Overlay (CRWMO)
6.5.1 CRWMO SMAW Ability Performance Test
6.5.1.1 Welders with an S03, S04, or S05 certification shall be allowed

to perform CRWMO welding within the limits of an approved
WPS.
6.5.1.2 The CRWMO SMAW Ability Performance Test shall be

conducted by the OIU.
6.5.1.3 The CRWMO SMAW Ability Performance Test shall consist

of a welding coupon (plate or pipe) for each welding position
required to be used on the job (the 6G all position test shall not
be used). Base metal thickness of the coupon shall not be
considered an essential variable.
6.5.1.4 The finished length/width of the weld metal overlay deposited

on the test coupon for each position shall be at least four inches
(4”) by one inch (1”). The thickness of the overlay and number
of layers shall be as specified in the WPS.
6.5.1.6 After the completion of welding, the OIU inspector shall

conduct a visual examination of the test coupon. Welds that
meet the dimensional requirements specified in the approved
WPS (bead size, number of layers, bead width, overlay
thickness, bead overlap, etc.) shall be considered acceptable.
Arc strikes are unacceptable and shall be cause for rejection of
the test coupon.
6.5.1.7 If the visual examination of the test coupon is acceptable, the

OIU inspector shall perform a PT examination in accordance
with Article 6 of the ASME SEC V B&PV Code.
Acceptance criteria shall be as specified in paragraph QW-195,
of the ASME SEC IX B&PV Code.

6.5.1.8 Welders that pass the CRWMO SMAW Ability Performance

Test shall be issued a JCC and only be permitted to perform
overlay welding in accordance with the approved WPS used.
6.5.2 Job Clearance Card (JCC)
6.5.2.1 Welders that pass Performance Qualification Test /CRWMO

SMAW Ability Performance Qualification Test shall be
registered and issued a JCC by the OIU.
6.5.2.2 The JCC shall remain valid provided the welder’s certification
does not become either EXPIRED or REVOKED.
6.6 Corrosion Resistant Strip Lining
6.6.1 Welders installing corrosion resistant strip shall be certified to an

approved Test Supplement prior to the start of welding. Only those
welders that have the required prerequisites (refer to Appendix C) shall
be permitted to take the performance qualification test.
6.6.2 The corrosion resistant strip lining test shall be conducted by the OIU
and witnessed by the OIU Welding Inspector.
6.6.3 The welder shall remove all mill scale and rust from the test coupon
prior to fit up.
6.6.4 The welder shall fit up the test assembly as instructed by the OIU
Welding Inspector, who shall check and approve the fit up. The gap
between the strip lining and base material shall not exceed one sixteenth
inch (1/16").
6.6.5 The welder shall secure the test assembly in the test booth and shall not start
welding until instructed by the OIU Welding Inspector. The Welding
Inspector shall observe the welding of the entire test assembly. The welder
shall remove the slag from each weld bead. The end of each weld bead
shall be brushed clean prior to the start of welding with the next
electrode. Grinding of stop/starts and areas of tightly adhering slag is
permitted and should be encouraged. Beads shall not start or end at corners.
After completion of the welding the welder shall brush clean the entire
assembly. All arc strikes shall be removed by grinding. Failure of a welder
to adequately perform these tasks shall be cause for rejection (test failure).
6.6.6 After completion of the welding the OIU Welding Inspector shall
visually inspect the test assembly. The surface of the weld beads shall be
smooth in appearance. Undercut and underfill in excess of that permitted

by Section 6.1.3 is not permitted. Welds that do not meet these criteria
shall be rejected (test failure).
6.6.7 Test assemblies that pass the visual inspection shall be leak tested by the
OIU Welding Inspector. A small hand pump (or bulb) shall be used to
apply five (5) psig pressure through the 1/4” leak test hole in the strip
lining while leak detection solution is applied over the welds. Leaks are
not permitted.
6.6.8 Leaks shall be repaired by the welder under the supervision of the OIU
Welding Inspector. After repairs are complete the welder shall be
permitted to take one retest. The retest may be rescheduled immediately.
6.6.9 Welders that fail the retest shall not be permitted to retake the
Supplement Test for a period of at least one (1) month.
6.6.10 Welders that pass the initial test or the immediate retest shall be certified
in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 6.2 of this SAEP.
7 Brazers Performance Qualification
7.1 General Information
7.1.1 Brazer Performance Qualification Test shall be conducted at a Welder

Test Center (WTC) and be witnessed by a WTC Welding Inspector.
7.1.2 When it is impractical to conduct test at WTC, the Inspection

Department shall assign the testing to a local inspection organization.
7.1.3 Performance Qualification testing shall be conducted in accordance with

an approved Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure Test Supplement
(S25).
7.1.4 If it becomes apparent to the WTC Welding Inspector at any time that a
brazer does not have the necessary skill to complete the performance
qualification test, the test shall be terminated and the brazer sent back to
the proponent organization for retraining and/or reassignment.
7.2 Coupon Preparation and Brazing
7.2.1 The brazer shall mechanically clean the test coupons and mark the
brazers name (or welder symbol if currently certified) on both ends of
the test coupon.
7.2.2 After the WTC Welding Inspector has inspected and approved the
cleaning and marking, the test coupons shall be secured in the required

test positions at a height of eighteen inches (18") above the floor of the
test booth. They shall remain fixed throughout the test until after the
final inspection of the completed coupons by the WTC Welding
Inspector.
7.2.3 Grinding, filing, or mechanical dressing of the completed braze is not

permitted. Evidence of such shall be cause for rejection of the test
coupon (test failure).
7.3 Visual Examination of the Test Coupon
7.3.1 After completion of brazing the WTC Welding Inspector shall perform a
visual examination of the external and internal (after sectioning) surfaces
of the test coupons.
7.3.2 The test coupons shall be sectioned longitudinally (cut with a hacksaw)
through the braze into quarters. The cross sections (all) shall be polished
using either sand paper or emery cloth and examined with a four power
(4X) magnifying glass. The ends of the mating surfaces shall be
completely filled with braze metal. The appearance of voids at the lap
ends shall be cause for rejection of the test coupon.
7.4 Certification, Registration, Retest, and Maintenance of Brazers Qualification
The requirements for certification, registration, retest and maintenance shall be

same as welders given in this procedure.

Revision History
30 June 2014 Revised the Next Planned Update, reaffirmed the content of the document, and
reissued as major revision.
3 October 2019 Merged SAEP-322 (Saudi Aramco Brazers Performance Qualification and Tracking
Requirements) in this document as part of optimization and major revision.
Summary of Change(s) (rev. 3 October 2019)

Paragraph
No. Technical Change(s)
Number
1 4 Modified definitions
2 5.3.2 Updated OIU inspector responsibilities.
3 5.3.3 Updated. WTS coordinator responsibilities
4 6.3 Modified. Maintenance of welder qualifications.
5 6.3.1 Modified. Rejection and retest criteria modified.
8 6.4.3 Revised.
Brazer qualification requirements(from old SAEP-322) are added to this
9 7
SAEP.
Brazer qualification requirements(from old SAEP-322) are added to this
Summary of
10 SAEP. The welders recertification criteria and requirements are aligned with
Changes
the international requirements.
Appendix 1 Changed from Appendix 3 to Appendix 1(A)
11 Appendix 2 Changed from Appendix 4 to Appendix 2(B)
12 Appendix 3 Changed from Appendix 5 to Appendix 3(C)
13 Appendix 4 Changed from Appendix 6 to Appendix 4(D)

Appendix A – Performance Qualification Testing Pre-requisites
S01 S03 S04 S05 S07
S01 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
S02 __A_ ___ ___ ___ ___
S03 _A_ ___ ___ ___ ___

S
U S04 _A_ ___ ___ ___ ___
P
P S05 _A_ ___ ___ ___ ___
L
E S06 _A__ ___ ___ ___ ___
M
E S07 _A_ _B_ __ ___ ___
N
T S08 _A_ ___ _B_ _B_
B S09 _A_ ___ ___ ___ _B__

E
I S10 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
N
G S11 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
T S12 _A_ ___ ___ ___ ___

E
S S13 _A_ ___ ___ ___ ___
T
E S14 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
D
S15 _A_ _B_ _B_ ___ ___
S16 _A_ ___ _B_ _B_ ___
S17 __A_ _S02__ ___ ___ ___
(A) Prior certification to this Supplement is required.

(B) Prior certification to one of two Supplements listed is required.

Appendix B – Minimum Retraining Times for Welders Taking

the Performance Qualification 2nd Retest (as per Section 6)
Cause of Test Failure Minimum Retraining Time

Unacceptable root 14 days
Excessive grinding 7 days
Excessive back gouging 7 days
Final visual 7 days
Rejection of X-ray 7 days

Appendix C – Welder/Brazer Experience Record
Name ____________________ Employee Number __________ Welder Symbol ___________
Org Code ___________ Anniversary Recertification Date _____________ Year.........................
Supplement Number Qualified To

Month _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
1 _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
2 _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
3 _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
4 _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
5 _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
6 _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
7 _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
8 _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
9 _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
10 _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
11 _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
12 _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
Note: Provide reference to relevant inspection report, RT report, weld/braze number, etc.

Appendix D – Welding Shop Audit Checklist
Welding Shop Assessment Checklist

Item Status
NDT Requirements Implementations Remarks
No. Yes No NA
1 Visual Inspection is performed on all production welds and documented
2 Hardness test is carried out on 10% of welds in sour service as per SAES-W-011
3 The requirements of hydrotest are specified on layout drawings as per SAES-A-004
4 Type of NDT and their requirements and extent are specified on layout drawings
Welder symbol and WPS No. are stamped on each weld joint or repair as per
5
SAES-W-011
6 Radiographic Tests performed meet SAES-W-Series requirement
7 PMI is performed as per SAES-A-206 requirements
8 PT & MT are performed on fillet welds as per the requirements of SAES-W-011
Item Status
Electrodes Storage and Handling Remarks
No. Yes No NA
Different types of electrodes and other welding consumables are stored and kept
1
segregated, grinding disc for CS and SS shall be color coded and segregated
A copy of the electrodes handling and storage instruction stated in SAES-W-011
2 Attachment I is posted near the ovens and consumables storage areas to remind
welders of the those requirements
All opened low hydrogen, SS, and non-ferrous electrodes are stored in ovens as per
3
SAEP-W-011 Attachment I requirements
The storage temperature of the ovens is maintained at 120oC for storing low-hydrogen
4
electrodes
5 Ensure portable electrode storage ovens being used are plugged-in
Ensure the temperature of the portable oven is checked and maintained while it is in
6
service


Other types of electrodes (i.e., non-low hydrogen electrodes, e.g., 6010) that have been
7
opened are stored in a dry environment
8 All electrodes with visible rusting, broken or loose fluxes are discarded
Item Status
Welders Performance and Tracking Remarks
No. Yes No NA
1 Visual Inspection is performed on all welds and results entered in WTS for each welder
Job Clearance Card (JCC) is issued to all contract welders prior to beginning of any
3
welding activity as required by SAEP-323
The first three butt welds of any Saudi Aramco and Contract welders are radiographed
4
as required by SAEP-323 and entered in WTS
5 Radiography test is applied as per the requirements of SAES-W-011
6 RT results are entered in WTS
Item Status
Documentation, Filing, and Reporting Remarks
No. Yes No NA
The Shop Forman receives a report of all welders certification due for expiration in the
1 next 60 days. He also receives welders’ acceptance/ rejection rate from inspection as
required by applicable procedure
2 Ensure all the welders (shop/field) are registered in the WTS system
The radiographs records of first three butt welds are kept on file by the OIU for at least
3
1 year as per SAEP-321 paragraph 6.3.1
There is a file for all welders containing copy of their certification card, photo, RT films of
4
their first three radiographs, copy of the issued JCC, and NDT testing results from the WTC
5 NDT (PT, MT, RT, PMI) records are maintained for the new welds and repairs
Ensure there is a file for all welding activities performed at the workshop which contains
6
worksheet and engineering package for the last six months


Item Status
Welding Shop Equipment Remarks
No. Yes No NA
1 Electrodes storage ovens are equipped with temperature gauges
2 Temperature gauges are calibrated and have valid calibration stickers
3 Welding machines are in good and safe condition (including cables condition)
4 Fume extractors are available and being utilized effectively
5 Quiver /portable oven are available
6 Local PWHT equipment is available and in good condition
7 PPE are supplied for each workers and used effectively
8 General Housekeeping of shop is acceptable
9
Item Status
Workmanship Remarks
No. Yes No NA
1 There are at least two welders certified to the SMAW Process
There is at least one welder certified to the GTAW Process to perform root pass weld
2
as per SAEP-W-011, paragraph 5.2 requirements (i.e., Supplement 07)
3 There are certified welders to weld on SS materials (e.g., Supplement 03)
4 There are certified welders to weld on 1” diameter pipe (S 12)
A dedicated welding inspector is available at the weld shops who is certified as RTFI
5
Level II
6
7 The weld shop inspector is certified to CSWIP or AWS
8 There is an assigned WTS coordinator and all inspection results are entered in the WTS
9

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What are the responsibilities outlined in the document?

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What qualifications and certifications are required for welders and brazers?

What qualifications and certifications are required for welders and brazers?

Engineering Procedure

SAEP-321 3 October 2019

Appendix A – Performance Qualification

Previous Revision: 30 June 2014 Next Revision: 3 October 2024

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

2 Conflicts and Deviations

3.1 Saudi Aramco Documents

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 2 of 25

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Saudi Aramco Forms

Saudi Aramco Inspection Procedures

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Society of Mechanical Engineers/Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code

Anniversary Recertification: It is mandatory to retest all welders every three

Arc Strike: A discontinuity resulting from an arc caused by the inadvertent

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 3 of 25

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Back Weld: A weld deposited on the backside of a single groove weld.

Certified Welder: A welder that has a valid welding certification. A certified

Corrosion Resistant Weld Metal Overlay (CRWMO) SMAW Ability

Globular Transfer: In arc welding, a type of metal transfer in which molten

Initial Field Testing: Examination of the first production weld produced by a

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 4 of 25

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Separated Welders List: List containing welder(s) no more employed by Saudi

Job Clearance Card (JCC): An identification card issued by OIU to a welder.

Qualification Card (Form SA-3331): A photo identity card issued by the

Recertification Test: The performance qualification test conducted by the

Registered Welder: A welder whose certification has been reviewed, found to

Registration: The act of registering a welder certification by OIU.

Reverse Polarity (DCEP, DCRP, DC+, or E+): The arrangement of direct

Revoked Welder Certification: A certification that is no longer valid as a

Shielding Gas: Protective gas used to prevent atmospheric contamination of the

Straight Polarity (DCEN, DCSP, DC-, or E-): The arrangement of direct

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 5 of 25

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

Spray Transfer: A type of metal transfer in which molten filler metal is

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW): An arc welding process which produces

Test Supplement: A document that contains the performance qualification test

Welder Certification: Certification in writing (i.e., Form SA-2318) that a

Welder Performance Qualification: The demonstration of a welders ability to

Welding Operator: One who operates machine or automatic welding equipment.

Welder Experience Records: A welder activity record maintained within WTS.

5.1 Inspection Department

5.1.1 Inspection Technical Support Division (ITSD)

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 6 of 25

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

5.1.2 Welder Test Center (WTC)

5.1.3 WTC Welding Inspector

5.1.4 WTS Administrator

5.2 Maintenance Division

©Saudi Aramco 2019. All rights reserved. Page 7 of 25