Installation of new pipelines is growing at a rapid rate, due in part to the increased use worldwide of combined cycle power generation plant using natural gas a fuel.

The need to construct large diameter pipelines over long distances has led to an increased demand to improve the productivity of pipeline welding. Also, the project schedules are being shrunk to meet the cash flow calculations as well as to meet urgent demands.

When the projects are required to be completed in much shorter duration times, conventional pipeline welding processes and laying procedures need to be changed to high productivity processes and procedures without compromising on the quality and safety levels.

Advances in Flux Cored welding (FCAW) wire and equipment have made it an increasingly viable option in manual pipeline welding applications compared to stick welding (SMAW).

Advantages include lower hydrogen content, increased speed and deposition efficiency, increased control of the arc and ease-of-use

Flux-cored welding offers greater penetration, which is good for working with thicker joints. It also allows the welder to travel in all directions and hold the torch in a number of directions.

This makes it particularly suited to general repairs, shipbuilding, and other types of manufacturing

Credits:Abstract by Kamal Shah Abhishek Vyas Ankit Padiyachi