The International Institute of Welding (IIW), its potential positive influence in the world and some national models for technology innovation

Abstract

Since its establishment 60 years ago, the International Institute of Welding (IIW) has had numerous successes that have helped the world. In 2006, the IIW introduced a major project entitled "To Improve the Global Quality of Life Through Optimum Use of Welding Technology". Many of the initiatives being implemented will be of benefit to many countries, particularly with such significant global growth taking place throughout the world. It is estimated that during this next decade, many trillions of US dollars will be spent on infrastructure projects in the energy and processing industry, in this truly global world. Besides the normal fabrication, construction and maintenance work within countries, the additional infrastructure projects will create challenges for welding technology. Such challenges include the fabrication, construction, maintenance, inspection and testing of trillions of components whilst ensuring that they are made efficiently and cost effectively, in an environmentally friendly manner and have high integrity and reliability in service. In most industrialised countries, pressure equipment is aging and plant life is pushed well beyond original design considerations. Much plant is now required to operate at extremely high levels of availability with very limited time available for inspection and maintenance. This is a recipe for disaster. It is predicted that in five years time the world will see an increasing number of failures such as these, possibly resulting in death, injury, environmental damage and lost production. The subsequent economic impact will be enormous. This paper gives an overview of the work of IIW internationally, in various regions of the world and industry sectors utilising welding, the challenges being faced, opportunities available, and probable requirements for the successful introduction and optimum use of welding technology. Successful models used in other countries, particularly for technology diffusion to industry, education and training, improving the image of welding and the use of appropriate technologies will be highlighted. Examples of how the elements of such models could be used in many regions of the world will be given. The involvement of industry and governments across the world in conjunction with the work of IIW and its 53 member countries is critical to the success of such initiatives.