Collaborative Welding Research in Australia Leading to the Development and Application of Welding Technology for Improved Productivity in Gas Transmission Pipeline Construction and Aluminium Shipbuilding

As part of a comprehensive program of welding research and technology development under the auspices of the Cooperative Research Centre for Materials Welding and Joining in Australia over the past 7 years, significant effort has been devoted to reducing the costs of welding-related pipeline construction activities including:

• early release of the internal line-up clamp;

• lifting and lowering-off while ischolar_main pass welding is being completed;

• use of high strength cellulose electrodes for ischolar_main welding of API 5L X70 and X80 grade pipe;

• rationalization of the defect acceptance criteria for flaws in girth welds in thin-walled pipe.