Welding technique studies on the “West-East” pipeline project

This paper described the work of welding process design for the “West-East” pipeline project, which is high pressure, large diameter and heavy wall thickness. According to the different geographical situation, climate, culture and the flexibility of the welding methods, this work recommended the semi-automatic process at the east and middle sections and automatic process at the west section of the pipeline project. The manual process is recommended on the tie-in joints and repairs. The double joint pipe and the 3 joint pipe are recommended at the water net place and some in-ditch welding place to reduce the welding volume. Also the special redesigned bevels are recommended for the automatic process and the semi-automatic process. Through all destructive tests, the results shows the welds are meet the requirements of related standards, specifications and design documents.