Hyperbaric welding, also known as Dry welding (Dry welding) is welding in a closed room. well sealed until this room can prevent water from entering while welding Therefore, the welding area is dry. The outside of the welding room still has the static pressure of sea water. (Hydrostatic) around the welding chamber
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Inside the welding room was supercharged with gas. (typically filled with helium gas, pressure 0.5 bar of oxygen) combines and exchanges pressure With breathing air or oxygen, the reason for using gas other than breathing air due to the need for gas Acts as a gas sealant and air to the outside around the welding room while performing welding work. It also makes the result of welding high quality. When passed an X-ray camera inspection (X-ray)
The latest technology is inventing a small welding room. Cover the welding area, welders or divers can work outside of the welding room with wet welding. Just put your hand into the welding room. The welding room can cover each line that needs to be welded. The advantage is that the cost of building a welding room like this is much cheaper than building a large cover room.
The technology for hyperbaric welding also has a notable advantage over wet submersible welding, in that it can operate at depths of 500 to 1000 m.
Hyperbaric welding that is commonly used by many welding methods such as
– Welding using electrode rods (MMA (SMA))
– Gas Arc Welding – Tungsten Rod also known as tick welding (TIG: Tungsten Inert Gas) and
– Arc welding of fluxed wire (FCAW)
This method is for the most efficient weld integrity. especially deep water welding which may be welded pipes and underwater structures in the oil industry and natural gas
The potential hazards of underwater welders are as follows:
- May occur from electric shock, leakage or short circuit underwater. Therefore, before welding underwater All welding equipment should be inspected on the water surface to ensure that it is ready for use. And safety before bringing it into the underwater welding every time To prevent unforeseen accidents from electric shock to people underwater and marine life The wires to be welded should be coated. and well insulated In addition, the power supply to the welding machine can also be turned off immediately when welding is complete.
- Oxygen and hydrogen tanks from the wet welding method. There is a risk of explosion of the tank. The condition of the tank must be checked. The condition of the gas pressure regulator valve is in good condition or not. before use
- While underwater welding for a long time, be careful. Nitrogen gas enters the bloodstream during underwater welding work under high pressure conditions. The pressure will increase with the depth of the water.
In the hyperbaric welding chamber as a result of the reduced air pressure in the welding chamber There will be a state of drowsiness that follows after reaching the surface quickly. Both welding methods should be equipped with emergency oxygen tanks at all times.
In addition, the coldness of the seawater can cause cramps easily. And the rapid ascent to the surface can cause harm to the body’s internal organs, especially the lungs. They can’t adapt to the pressure difference in time, causing the lungs to rupture if they rise to the surface too quickly. Therefore, it is highly expedient to slowly ascend to the surface.
- Dangers that may be caused by dangerous animals under the sea such as sharks, sea snakes, electric jellyfish. Or other toxic animals before going into the welding should study the underwater environment. Any area where there are many dangerous aquatic animals should have protective equipment And should have a diving partner to watch out for the dangers of these things.
