Manufactura de alambre tubular autoprotegido y evaluación de condiciones operacionales en soldadura submarina

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the operational conditions of the “underwater FCAW” process, developing in turn the first rutile-type self-protected tubular electrode in Latin America. Methodology: A manufacturing process used especially for this article was used, later welding tests were carried out inside an aquarium designed to simulate underwater conditions at 0.3 m depth. In this way, the geometry of the weld seam was analyzed and the phases formed in the deposition were characterized. Results: It was possible to manufacture in the laboratory, tubular wire filled homogeneously and with a noticeable circularity, verifying at the same time that operationally it presents similar behaviors to the coated electrode when it is welded under the conditions of underwater environments, observing that in the deposition welding beads were obtained without cracks by hydrogen. Conclusions: It was demonstrated for the first time that in Colombia it is possible to produce new technologies that allow continuous improvement in the techniques used for the repair and maintenance of offshore structures. On the other hand, a general idea of the importance of the flux constituents, which help to obtain welded structures with specific mechanical and metallurgical characteristics.