HYDROWELD UNDERWATER WELDING PROCESS
This paper describes an underwater welding process which has been under development since 1968. The process permits the welder/diver to work in-the-wet while the actual welding is performed in a dry gaseous environment using a specially-developed portable miniature habitat. The actual welding, utilizing a metal-inert-gas (MIG) process, consistently produces API1104 code welds in all welding positions in a large range of steel types and grades. Early and recent welding developments (including the Hydroweld concept) are summarized. Specific components of the Hydroweld equipment are described and illustrated. Surface and joint preparation and welding procedure for the underwater environment are discussed. Field examples include successful welds which have been made to depths of 95 feet. Possible applications include new construction and repair of virtually any subsea structure with surface-quality welding. The authors state that the process could possibly be adapted to aluminum and any other weldable material.
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Supplemental Notes:
- Presented at the 1973 Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, April 30-May 2, 1973.
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Corporate Authors:
Offshore Technology Conference
6200 North Central Expressway
Dallas, TX United States 45206 -
Authors:
- Mohr, H O
- Kluttz, M
- White Jr, B E
- Conference:
- Publication Date: 1973-4
Media Info
- Features: References;
- Pagination: p. 515-526
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Serial:
- Volume: 1
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Maintenance; Offshore construction; Offshore terminals; Pipelines; Welding
- Uncontrolled Terms: Weldability
- Old TRIS Terms: Pipeline maintenance; Underwater welding; Welding techniques
- Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Marine Transportation; Pipelines; Terminals and Facilities;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00054197
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: National Maritime Research Center, Galveston
- Report/Paper Numbers: OTC No. 1783
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: May 7 1974 12:00AM