SMAW Pipe Welding Techniques

1. SMAWPipe WeldingTechniques

2. Positions • 1G • 2G • 5G • 6G • 1F • 2F • 2FR • 4F • 5F

3. 1G Position Pipe rotated, Electrode is always at the top Either a split bead or weave technique may be used

4. 2G Position Pipe Axis Vertical, Weld is Horizontal, Pipe is considered in a “fixed” position. Always use a split bead technique Always work from the bottom up.

5. 5G Position Axis of the Pipe is Horizontal, The weld in vertical. Progression may be up or down. A weave bead is best used.

6. 6G Position Pipe axis is fixed in position at a 45 degree incline. Thhe position includes flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead welds. A split bead tecvhnique is best used.

7. 1F Position Pipe is rotated. The pipe axis is at a 45 degree incline. Welding is to occur at the top of the pipe. Split bead or weave technique may be used.

8. 2F Position Fixed Position Best to use a split bead technique

9. 2FR Position A split bead technique is best used. Rotated

10. 4F Position A split bead technique is best used

11. 5F Position Not Rotated. Progression may be up or down. Split beads or weaves can be used on 5F-up welds, split beads are best used on 5F-down welds.

12. Fill Pass Cover Pass Root Pass Hot Pass

13. Always work from the bottom up when using the split bead technique Always be careful not to create a tight area where slag may get trapped under the next weld. It is better to weave slightly than to leave a tight area. Plan your sequence of beads!

14. Always work toward the smaller side of the fillet. (It will be easier to get to) Always be careful not to create a tight area where slag may get trapped under the next weld. It is better to weave slightly than to leave a tight area. Plan your sequence of beads!

15. Techniques • Stringer (push, drag, or whip), or Weave

16. Progression (vertical) • Up • deeper penetration • Higher deposit rate (lb/hr) • Use near 90 degree travel angle or slightly up • Down • faster (point to point) • less penetration for thin metal • less dilution • Use steep drag angle

17. Travel Speed • Stay on the leading edge of the puddle

18. Dimensions • Reinforcement Height • ASME flush - 1/16 • AWS flush 1/8 • Reinforcement Width • 1/16” past bevel edge • Smooth transition at weld toe (45o max)

19. Keyholeing

20. Backing • Metallic • backing ring • consumable inserts

21. Welding grooves with Inserts • Keep the root opening wide • Make the root pass in one bead • Avoid tight areas at the weld toes

22. Welding a PJP groove • Works great for limiting restrictions inside pipes • make up for loss of wall on reinforcement

23. Root Openings • Small will allow more amperage which will in turn make welding smoother and easier, as well as easier arc starts. • Larger root openings will allow more penetration.

24. Root Faces • Larger root faces will allow more amperage which will in turn make welding smoother and easier, as well as easier arc starts. • Smaller root faces will allow more penetration.

25. Tacking, Tack Grinding • 3/4” long • feather both ends • clean and flatten tops • start on top, burn through before end • run completely onto tack before stopping • interpass grind lumps off before next pass • stagger all starts and stops betoeen passes • stagger all starts and stops between beads in a single pass • Don’t overgrind tacks.

26. Butt Joint Preperation (With Backing) Root faces - 0 450 included angle Remove all mill scales and rust Tacking - not in groove Tack away from coupon area. Flush on backing

27. 1/16-1/8 Butt Joint Preperation (Joints without backing) 600 included angle Root faces Tacking Feather Tacks

28. Open Root Technique • Use root opening to allow increase in amperage for smoother welding • Whip backwards for penetration • Whip forwards to reduce penetration • Do Not Weave a root pass. • Maintain a short arc gap • Stay slightly in front of the puddle at all times. Use the keyholing technique.

29. Restarts • Stagger all starts and stops or use runon, runoff tabs • Feather all restarts & start on top, or start in front and remelt • Don’t restart in a coupon area. • Also stagger all beads on a single pass. • Use a longer arc length when starting a weld. Compare interpass grinding techniques vs. no interpass grinding.

30. Craters • Fill craters by welding into the previous weld start • Use a short arc length to control heat.

31. Wagon Tracks

32. Watch these areas. Be sure to keep it melted into these spots.

33. Electrode Angles • Up Progression - always point toward center of Pipe • Down Progression - use a steep drag angle

34. Arc Length • Longer arc lengths = increased puddle heat, flatter welds, deeper penetration • Shorter arc lengths = less puddle heat, flatter welds, less penetration • Use arc length to control puddle size, penetration, and burn through. • Normal arc length is 1/16” - 1/8” • Use a slightly longer arc length during a start or restart.

35. Helpful Tips • Clean your Welding Hood lens • Drape the cable over your shoulder or knee • Get Comfortable • Watch the puddle, not the arc • Concentrate on steady travel speed and arc length