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Through Optimum Use and Innovation of Welding and Joining Technologies
Improving Global Quality of Life
9.4.5
Hot topics
Pipeline construction:
High-strength steel line pipe - Weldability, consumable development (weld metals), full-scale
performance.
More productive/less labour intensive welding processes – Advanced power supplies (advanced
waveforms, etc.), hybrid welding process (laser/GMAW), robotics, vision sensors, adaptive control,
single-shot welding processes, etc.
Advanced methods for pipeline tie-ins – Mechanised single-sided welding, advanced alignment
systems, etc.
Advanced NDT methods – Phased array UT.
Design guidance for pipelines hostile environments – Strain-based design.
Shortage of skilled manual pipeline welders – Incentives for young people to pursue welding as a
career.
Pipeline operations:
Pipeline repair and branch connections – In-service welding, new innovative pipeline repair
technologies (composites and other non-welded repair methods).
Mitigation of greenhouse gases – In-service repairs and modifications.
Emerging pipeline issues:
Transportation of hydrogen by pipeline – Hydrogen embrittlement.
Transportation of CO
2
by pipeline.
9.4.6
Emerging technologies
High-strength steel line Pipe:
The use of higher strength steel requires less wall thickness for a given pipeline
design or higher operating pressures for a pipeline design of a given wall thickness.
Hybrid welding process:
High efficiency lasers, which are becoming increasingly available, may make the
use of hybrid welding processes feasible in the field. These processes are much more productive/less
labour intensive than even the most advanced mechanised welding systems. Seam tracking will be an
integral part of this technology since the welding speeds are high.
Phased array UT:
Phased array ultrasonic testing (UT) equipment is much more compact, reliable, and
efficient than conventional multi-probe systems. Higher efficiency inspection systems are required to keep
up with high efficiency welding systems.
Innovative pipeline repair technologies:
Composites and other non-welded repair methods will continue
to be an attractive alternative to conventional repair methods in the future. The primary advantage of these
is that the need for in-service welding is precluded.
9.5
Pressure equipment sector
The pressure equipment industry (PEI) was an integral part of the advent of modern industrialisation,
and is still one of the core industries. Its products, most of them of welded construction, are essential
components of many other branches of industry. Its future, therefore, is very much dependant upon the
9
Needs and challenges of major industry sectors for future applications
