Workplan

Creating lasting impact in every aspect through more sustainable, cost-effective and reliable pipeline welding solutions.

Workpackage 1

  • Setting up of project administration and internal communication

  • Monitoring scientific progress and project finances

  • Writing reports and timely submission to the EC-RFCS

  • Implementing IPR related measures

  • Identifying potential risks and deciding corrected actions

  • Disseminating and exploiting the project findings

Workpackage 2

  • Optimising process parameters for the pipeline materials selected for this project

  • Selecting parameter sets for extended characterisation and produce the respective samples

  • Establishing process-microstructure-properties relationships for the selected pipeline materials

Workpackage 3

  • Predicting tool durability by understanding wear and failure mechanisms

  • Understanding how process parameters affect tool wear

  • Developing a contactless control of tool wear in the form of a “Real-Time Tool Monitoring Module”

Workpackage 4

  • Selecting NDT techniques and weld quality monitoring technologies for real-time application

  • Implementing technical modifications to make probes and sensors suitable for the working conditions of a pipelaying station

  • Designing and building a “Real-Time NDT & Quality Monitoring Module“

Workpackage 5

  • Determining fracture toughness behaviour of joints on the selected pipe materials produced with different process conditions

  • Establishing critical flaw sizes for each of the welding conditions defined in WP1 in all pipeline materials

  • Describing failure behaviour of cladded pipes

  • Determining reeling behaviour (based on small scale reeling experiments) of welds produced

Workpackage 6

  • Determining the effect of process parameters on the formation of root flaws and surface defects

  • Quantifying flaw growth rate / flaw size as a function of process parameter

  • Determining the effect of flaws on mechanical properties of the welded joints

Workpackage 7

  • Developing an in-operando repair procedure to remediate potential flaws formed during welding

  • Determining the effect of re-welding on microstructure and properties of the repaired zone

  • Determining the effect of the re-weld on toughness and reeling behaviour

  • Comparing the results with those obtained in WP2 on samples welded with optimized process parameters

Workpackage 8

  • Curating and congregating the inputs of WP2, WP3, WP4, WP5 and WP6 in a process controller capable of producing a defect free weld and repairing in case of formation of an unavoidable defect

  • Validating the process controller

  • Validating the in-operando repair procedure

  • Validating „Real-Time NDT & Quality Monitoring Module“ in operation

  • Producing girth welds on the selected pipeline materials