Water-backed welding procedure
Published: 10 August, 2016
Whittaker Engineering, an independent engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company, reports it has developed a unique water-backed welding procedure for vessels which can save companies millions of pounds from the prevention of dry docking and resultant loss of production.
Traditional welding specifications used for the design and manufacture of FPUs (Floating Production Units) and oil rigs do not take into account the cooling effects of seawater. Whittaker Engineering’s procedure uses high-powered induction heating coils to maintain a preheat temperature whilst welding water-backed plate, mitigating the heat loss through a ship’s hull into the cold temperature of the sea. It was successfully deployed by EnQuest on the Northern Producer FPU during routine work.
Greig Ritchie, operations manager for the Northern Producer, said: “This is a truly noteworthy welding development that has helped EnQuest carry out work in the most efficient way. The procedure enables in-situ modifications and repairs and avoids unnecessary and inefficient dry dock periods. It has significant potential for operators of vessels both in the North Sea and elsewhere.”
The company says the resultant weld with the induction heater is ductile, low in hardness and has proved as high in quality as if it was performed without water around it.
Whittaker Engineering http://www.whittakereng.com/
Click here for the full unedited version of the release as provided by the company
