Canada BWR study plan

Canada BWR · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Welding Processes and Variables

Map every welding variable (current, voltage, travel speed, polarity, shielding gas, wire feed) to its effect on penetration, bead shape, and defect risk, writing a one-page cause-and-effect table from memory.
Distinguish short-circuit, globular, spray, and pulsed transfer modes and state the parameter ranges and positions where each is appropriate.
Explain how heat input is calculated and describe three consequences of excessive versus insufficient heat input in BWR piping welds.
Identify the common arc welding processes used on BWR components and list two strengths and two limitations for each.

A hand-written one-page variable-to-defect matrix plus a 10-item self-quiz scored at 80% or higher.

Week 2

Describe the purpose and required content of a WPS and list which essential variables must be addressed for each process.
Explain how a PQR supports a WPS and trace the sequence from procedure development through qualification testing to WPS issuance.
Classify given changes (e.g., filler classification change, preheat reduction, position change, gas change) as essential, supplementary essential, or nonessential variables.
State the conditions under which an existing PQR can support a new WPS through requalification by reference.

A completed mock WPS and matching PQR summary sheet for one process, with all essential variables filled in and justified.

Week 3

Outline the mechanical test set required for procedure qualification (tensile, bend, impact, hardness as applicable) and the acceptance criteria for each.
Compare performance qualification requirements for welders versus procedure qualification, naming at least four differences.
Describe how welder qualification test coupons are prepared, tested, and evaluated, including visual and bend/radiographic examination.
Explain the rules for qualification validity, position coverage, thickness and diameter ranges, and what triggers requalification or lapse.

A side-by-side comparison chart of WPS/PQR versus welder performance qualification, plus 15 practice questions answered with 80% accuracy.

Week 4

Complete a timed 40-question mixed set covering domains 1 through 3 without notes.
Review every missed item and write the underlying rule in your own words with a page-style reference note.
Recite from memory the essential variable lists for at least two processes.
Explain the welder requalification triggers and continuity requirements in a five-minute spoken summary.

Timed 40-question practice exam scored at 75% or higher, with a written error log of every missed question.

Week 5

Match base material grades used in BWR construction to their service concerns (corrosion resistance, sensitization, toughness) and typical applications.
Explain filler metal classification systems and how the classification suffix communicates usability, position, and current type.
Describe filler metal selection logic for dissimilar joints, including dilution, dilution effects on composition, and the role of a buttering layer.
Identify storage, handling, and control requirements for filler metals and the defects caused by moisture or contamination.

A filler metal selection decision tree covering at least six base-material scenarios, each with a written rationale.

Week 6

Explain the metallurgical changes in the heat-affected zone and how cooling rate, carbon equivalent, and preheat/interpass control affect cracking risk.
Describe the mechanisms and prevention of hydrogen cracking, hot cracking, and reheat cracking in austenitic and ferritic steels.
Outline sensitization in austenitic stainless steel and its relation to intergranular stress corrosion cracking in BWR environments.
Compare destructive tests (tensile, bend, impact, hardness, macro/micro) and state what each reveals about weld quality.

A one-page metallurgy summary linking three cracking mechanisms to their causes, detection methods, and preventive controls.

Week 7

List the duties and independence requirements of the inspection function and the sequence of inspection points from fit-up through final acceptance.
Compare visual, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, and radiographic examination in terms of what they detect and their limitations.
Interpret acceptance criteria for common weld discontinuities and decide accept/reject for at least ten described indications.
Identify the principal safety hazards of arc welding (fume, arc radiation, electric shock, fire, confined space) and the control for each.

Ten accept/reject case decisions written with the governing criterion cited for each, scored against a self-made answer key.

Week 8

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions and record section-by-section scores.
Re-study only the two weakest domains identified by the practice exams, targeting a 10-point improvement.
Recite the most-missed rules from your error log from memory in a final self-review.
Build a one-page formula and definition sheet covering heat input, essential variables, and acceptance criteria.

Two completed timed exams with a final score of 80% or higher and a one-page master reference sheet.

Week 2: Can write a complete WPS and PQR summary from a blank page, naming every essential variable for one process without notes.

Week 4: Scores 75% or higher on a timed 40-question exam covering domains 1 through 3, with an error log written for every miss.

Week 6: Can explain three cracking mechanisms, their causes, and their preventive controls in under ten minutes without notes.

Week 8: Scores 80% or higher on two full-length timed practice exams and has a completed one-page master reference sheet.