| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/K70656/01 |
| Title: |
ARC WELDING PROCESSES FOR DEEPWATER HYPERBARIC WELDING (UND 239) |
| Principal Investigator: |
Richardson, Professor I |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Industrial and Manufacturing Scie |
| Organisation: |
Cranfield University |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 July 1996 |
Ends: |
30 June 1998 |
Value (£): |
210,319
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials testing & eng. |
Oil & Gas Extraction |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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This programme has been formulated to examine the feasibility of arc welding technologies for deepwater, automated repairs. It has already been shown that the plasma and GMA welding processes remain stable over the pressure range 50 to 100 bar, this programme will evaluate process suitability in the 100 to 250 bar range with primary interest in pressures up to 150 bar (equivalent 1,500m water depth). The approach proposed is evolutionary, based on improving our understanding of the physical mechanisms which drive arc and process instabilities and the development of methods for their suppression or control. Plasma welding will be examined in both melt-in and keyhole modes, with emphasis on enhancing process stability through the control of mixed gas plasmas. Keyhole conditions will be evaluated for root welding operations and parametric tolerances will be assessed. Electrode erosion behaviour will also be examined in the high pressure regime. GMA process control is closely linked to the control of power source dynamics and the response of the power supplied to changes occurring in the arc during metal droplet formation and detachment. A new, highly flexible power source control unit will be constructed and tested and 'synergic' feedback control strategies will be evaluated. Following completion of this programme, recommendations concerning the suitability of arc welding technologies for deepwater hyberbaric operations will be made.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.cranfield.ac.uk |