Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) Training Course

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the purposes of post weld heat treatment and the consequences of incorrect or omitted PWHT on Day 1.
• Explain the effects of welding on residual stresses, heat-affected zone microstructure, hardness, and toughness.
• Apply code requirements for PWHT in pressure vessels, power and process piping, boilers, and storage tank components, including material groupings and thickness criteria.
• Evaluate PWHT exemptions and alternatives, including temper bead welding, for new construction and repairs.
• Determine service-driven PWHT requirements for environments such as wet hydrogen sulfide, amine, and caustic services.
• Specify PWHT parameters, including holding temperature, holding time, and heating and cooling rates.
• Select PWHT methods, including furnace, local band, and internal firing, and heating technologies, including electrical resistance, induction, and gas-fired systems.
• Design local PWHT arrangements, including soak band, heated band, and gradient control band widths and insulation.
• Select, attach, and position thermocouples and verify temperature control and recording systems.
• Prepare and review PWHT procedures, time-temperature charts, and records.
• Apply post-PWHT hardness testing and acceptance criteria and diagnose PWHT problems, including temperature deviations, distortion, and reheat cracking.
• Plan safe PWHT execution during projects and turnarounds and apply inspection and documentation practices by the end of Day 5.

Who Should Attend

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Explain why PWHT is performed and what it achieves.
• Describe how welding affects residual stress and material properties.
• Determine when codes require PWHT.
• Evaluate exemptions and alternatives to PWHT.
• Identify service conditions that require PWHT regardless of code thresholds.
• Specify correct PWHT temperatures, holding times, and heating and cooling rates.
• Select suitable PWHT methods and heating equipment.
• Design local PWHT band and insulation arrangements.
• Place and attach thermocouples correctly.
• Review PWHT procedures and time-temperature charts.
• Verify PWHT results using hardness testing and diagnose PWHT problems.
• Plan and supervise safe PWHT operations and complete documentation.

Course Outline