LIFE SUPPORT FOR UNDERWATER PIPELINE WELDING

An optimum balance of cost, effectiveness, and safety in an underground welding chamber requires many compromises. Fire is the greatest risk, since there is always a source of ignition, oxygen must be used, and flammable hydrocarbons are usually present; however, this risk can be minimized by controlling the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. Other atmosphere-related problems are inert gas anesthesia, hypoxia, hyperoxia, decompression, and, where helium is used, communications. Toxic contaminants may arise from the arc, the welding equipment, the pipeline, the sea, or the divers themslves. Electric shock is a very real risk. Eyes and skin must be protected from the arc and from the arc and from the toxic agents. Continuous high-quality performance is not likely unless temperature and humidity are controlled and comfortable breathing and protective equipment are provided. For some of these problems there are ready solutions available; for others research and development are needed.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Held in Washington, D.C. June 29-July 1, 1970.
• Corporate Authors:

  Marine Technology Society Conference (6th)

  1730 M Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20036
• Authors:
  • Hamilton Jr, R W
• Publication Date: 1970

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 159-166

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Pipeline safety; Repairing; Welding
• Old TRIS Terms: Underwater repairs; Underwater welding
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Pipelines; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00056321
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: American Petroleum Institute
• Report/Paper Numbers: No. 1 Preprint
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 15 1974 12:00AM