Several precautions need to be taken when one is welding pressure pipes so that those pipes do not develop defects that can compromise product integrity or employee safety in your facility. This article discusses some of the mistakes that you should avoid making while you are welding the pressure pipes that are used in your manufacturing facility.
Not Grinding the Joint
Some pipe cutting equipment, such as plasma cutters and oxyfuel cutters, create an oxide layer on the pressure pipe. That oxide layer often has a higher melting temperature than the base metal underneath it. You may therefore be compelled to weld the pressure pipe using more heat than would have been necessary if the oxide layer wasn't present. That excess heat can weaken parts of the pipe. Secondly, the oxide layer may penetrate the base metal and create room for porosity to occur later. Avoid these problems by grinding the joint before you start welding the pressure pipe.
Using Excessive Shielding Gas
Shielding gases help to protect welds from several problems, such as airborne contaminants in the ambient air. However, using too much shielding gas can have a detrimental effect on pressure pipes. For example, the shielding gas can agitate the weld puddle so much that the sections of pipe will not be joined effectively. Such poorly fused joints can fail when the pipes are being used to carry fluids at high pressure. One should therefore regulate the flow of the shielding gas to what is just enough for each welding task so that the dangers of too much shielding gas are avoided.
Using Cleaning Solvents
It may be unwise to apply lubricants or cleaning solvents on the dust pads that you use to clean the welding wires that you use when welding pressure pipes or any metals. This is because such lubricants or solvents can contaminate the base metal that is being welded to the extent that its structural integrity may be compromised. It is better to buy a spool cover to keep airborne contaminants away from your welding wires.
Pressure pipes are exposed to extreme operating conditions on a daily basis. Such demanding conditions of use are unforgiving if any error was made during the fabrication of that pressure pipe. It is therefore crucial for you to take every precaution possible to avoid any mistakes that can reduce the ability of the pipes to perform their work for their entire service life. Consider outsourcing the fabrication of your pressure pipes in case your in-house team lacks sufficient skills and experience in working with pressure pipes that are made from the materials that you have selected
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