IIW IWE case studies
IIW IWE · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The IIW International Welding Engineer (IWE) diploma is a professional qualification for engineers who take responsibility for welding as a special process: process selection, procedure and qualification work, design review, metallurgical decisions, quality management and inspection strategy. It is aimed at mechanical, materials, manufacturing and structural engineers who already work with welded fabrication and want a recognised, internationally portable credential. The IIW IWE case studies are 5 cases and about 2,155 words.
12.25Cr-1Mo header: high HAZ hardness after PWHT
A 2.25Cr-1Mo (SA-387 Gr.22 Cl.2) steam header, 75 mm wall, is fabricated by submerged arc welding with 3.2 mm wire and basic flux. The purchase specification requires post-weld heat treatment at 690 ± 10 °C for 4 h, HAZ hardness ≤ 240 HV10, and Charpy 27 J at 0 °C.
509 words, about 3 min2Thick-section SAW weld: PAUT indication missed by RT
In a 48 mm thick C-Mn steel pressure vessel, a double-V butt weld is examined by radiography and phased-array ultrasonic testing. RT, performed with Ir-192 at 2.5% sensitivity, shows no relevant indication and is accepted by the client's inspector.
454 words, about 2 min3Storage tank shell-to-bottom leak during hydrotest
A 20,000 m³ atmospheric storage tank is being hydrotested. The shell is 20 mm A516 Gr.70, the annular bottom plate is 12 mm, and the shell-to-bottom weld is an 8 mm external fillet with a 6 mm internal fillet.
411 words, about 2 min4EXC3 bridge contract: qualification gaps in a certified fabricator
A structural steel fabricator is certified to ISO 3834-3 and has an EN 1090-2 factory production control certificate for execution class EXC2. It wins a contract for a road bridge requiring EXC3.
385 words, about 2 min5Stainless tank entry: Cr(VI) and argon purge exposure
A welder is working inside a 3 m diameter stainless steel tank, welding 316L internal attachments with GTAW and SMAW. The tank has one 500 mm manhole and no forced ventilation.
396 words, about 2 min