F69: Pipe Welding – The World of the Imperfect Preparations

Welding spool pipes presents unique challenges compared to welding structural beams. Unlike beams, pipes feature an open root that requires real-time control of the penetration depth. Additionally, the imperfections inherent in pipes mean that preparations are always a compromise, rendering each weld to be slightly unique. Achieving perfection in such conditions relies on the ability to dynamically adjust to these inherent irregularities. Real-time control over the weld pool is essential to achieve this. Trying to approach this problem by finding a way to make perfect and repeatable preparations has been unsuccessful. Instead, the solution lies in using a welding robot equipped with adaptive welding control. In our discussion, we will delve into the specific parameters that require to be analyzed and controlled in real time to succeed in this task.
Stamati Georgaris and Christian Trudel – Tecnar