Study of Process Stability, Electrode Metal Transfer, and Weld Formation in Underwater Manual Arc Welding
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15407/scine22.02.075Keywords:
underwater wet welding, electrode metal transfer, welding mode parameters, welding process oscillograms, “triangularity” of welds, stability of the welding process.Abstract
Introduction. Underwater welding has become a specialized method for joining steel structures in submerged environments. However, the working conditions for a diver-welder remain extreme. Establishing optimal welding modes for producing high-quality welds is complicated by a range of process-specific factors. Furthermore, reliable organoleptic (visual and sensory) assessment of weld quality has remained difficult and requires objective instrumental support.
Problem Statement. Under operational conditions, welding current, arc voltage, and heat input exert a decisive influence on arc stability, weld bead formation, and contamination of the weld metal with non-metallic inclusions. An imbalance in these parameters leads to increased defect formation and deterioration of weld morphology.
Purpose. The purpose of this research is to investigate electrode metal transfer, weld formation, and the stability of the underwater wet manual metal arc (MMA) welding process, as well as to determine the minimum welding parameters required to ensure stable operation and acceptable weld quality.
Materials and Methods. The experiments have been carried out using a UPE-500 electrode melting unit, an NM-1000P specialized underwater welding power source, and auxiliary equipment designed for underwater operations. Welding current and arc voltage have been recorded using an oscilloscope and PicoScope soft ware, enabling acquisition and statistical processing of electrical signal data. Weld bead geometry has been evaluated using macrosections (templates) prepared, etched, and examined under optical microscopy at ×100 magnifi cation.
Results. To ensure guaranteed technological stability under real welding conditions, a lower threshold with increased electrical parameters (200 A, 27 V) has been recommended. Adherence to the recommended welding parameters has improved weld bead formation, prevented seam “triangularity” characteristic of underwater wet welding,
and resulted in an approximately twofold reduction in the weld metal contamination with non-metallic inclusions.
Conclusions. The obtained results can be used for configuring underwater welding modes in challenging operating conditions.
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