Hybrid Laser Arc Welding (HLAW) System Development for Pipeline Construction

Project Categories

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• Onshore Transmission Pipeline
• Pipeline Design/Construction
• Weld/Fabrication Defects

Main Objective

The objective of this program is to take lessons learned from the lab and input from industry sponsors to develop, test, and validate a "field ready" Hybrid Laser Arc Welding (HLAW) system for full circumferential girth welding of large diameter (NPS30 and above) high strength pipelines.

Public Abstract

The construction costs for a northern pipeline will represent approximately half the project costs. Construction of the northern pipelines will be extremely challenging with much of the work being carried out in harsh winter conditions at temperatures as low as -55C. The welding costs are a major component of the overall construction costs and industry continues to seek future generation pipeline welding technologies to achieve additional improvements in productivity and enable significant cost savings.

The objective of this program is to take lessons learned from the lab and input from industry sponsors to develop, test, and validate a "field ready" HLAW system for full circumferential girth welding of large diameter (NPS30 and above) high strength pipelines. . The objectives and goals of this proposed project address the PHMSA program focus area for Developing Construction Practices for Welding High Strength Steel Pipe in that the proposed HLAW system will produce girth welds:

• at high speeds to increase the economics of pipeline construction;
• for a narrow grove design with a high quality geometry enhancing pipeline integrity;
• with strength and toughness properties that will support damage tolerance; and
• maximizing joint-to-joint consistency with low defect repair rates for economy and integrity.