TWI Industrial Member Report Summary 330/1987
By M G Murch
Background
Mechanised orbital TIG welding is being applied increasingly to the joining of process pipe in the power generating, chemical plant and food industries. In response to this demand an extensive range of orbital welding systems is now available commercially. The systems differ in the operating functions provided and their capacity to accommodate a range of pipe sizes. This report provides a characterisation of commercially available orbital welding systems. Three categories are identified on the basis of their operating features: basic, intermediate and full function operation. Three welding systems were selected for practical evaluation and welding procedures were developed for 60mm, 114mm and 168mm o.d. austenitic stainless steel pipe.