A Work on Welding Productivity and Economy for Smaw & Fcaw Processes

Abstract

Every welding process possess its own advantages and limitations and selected after careful analysis and study of variables related to the process /product form and application criteria. Factors governing the selection of welding process includes the type of the product to be welded, material, joint geometry, field and service conditions, productivity expectations, capital cost, availability of resources, quality requirements, net cost savings etc. Currently in India, shielded metal arc welding is the major welding process dominates the welding industry and plays a key role compared to other welding processes. To achieve the higher productivity and cost savings, it is necessary to adopt suitable welding process, which can be superior to SMAW and can be justified fully in terms of productivity, quality and cost. Comparative production studies were conducted to establish the facts and to arrive conclusion. This concept will be applicable for pipe spools welding in a fabrication shop for welding groove and fillet weld joints in out of position. Process will be applied for large bore spools welding i.e. for Pipe diameter equivalent or greater than 168 mm OD and wall thickness of 7.11 mm and above. For study purpose only two welding processes were taken into account i.e. SMAW and FCAW. Since carbon steel pipe spools fabrication is 85% of the total scope, selection of the high productive and cost economic welding process plays a vital role.