Yu Luo, Xiangdong Jiao, Zewei Fang, Shuxin Zhang, Xuan Wu, Dongyao Wang and Qin Chu
This paper aims to propose a diverless weld bead maintenance welding technology to prevent the leakage of subsea oil and gas pipeline and solve the key problems in the maintenance…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a diverless weld bead maintenance welding technology to prevent the leakage of subsea oil and gas pipeline and solve the key problems in the maintenance of subsea pipeline.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the analysis of the cross-section of the fillet weld, the multi-layer and multi-pass welding path planning of the submarine pipeline sleeve fillet weld is studied, and thus a multi-layer and multi-pass welding path planning strategy is proposed. A welding seam filling method is designed, and the end position of the welding gun is planned, which provides a theoretical basis for the motion control of the maintenance system.
Findings
The trajectory planning and adjustment of multi-layer and multi-pass fillet welding and the motion stability control of the rotating mechanism are realized.
Research limitations/implications
It provides the basis for the prototype design of the submarine pipeline maintenance and welding robot system, and also lays the foundation for the in-depth research on the intelligent maintenance system of submarine pipeline.
Originality/value
The maintenance of diverless subsea pipeline is a new type of maintenance method, which can solve the problem of large amount of subsea maintenance work with high efficiency.
Details
Keywords
Luo Yu, Jiao Xiangdong, Zhou Canfeng, Chen Jiaqing and Han Suxin
The aim of this study was to develop a new generation of automatic systems based on cutting-edge design and practical welding physics to minimize downtime caused by defects and…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to develop a new generation of automatic systems based on cutting-edge design and practical welding physics to minimize downtime caused by defects and machine faults on the barges. Automatic welding has been used frequently on offshore pipeline projects.
Design/methodology/approach
An automated welding robot system for sub-sea pipeline installation was constructed. The system utilized the double-car double-torch welding, which is light-weight and compact, suited for offshore applications. Several state-of-the-art technologies were integrated into the control system design, including a heterogeneous network based on EtherCAT technology, network communications based on CANopen, motor synchronization, all-position welding, etc. In addition, the utilization of the CAN bus reduced the number of cable lines and increased the extensibility of the proposed welding robot system. An internal clamp with copper shoes assured a nice root weld and narrow bevel design and the welding efficiency was improved accordingly.
Findings
The trial was carried out to verify the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed automated system. The deposition rate of the backing welding could reach 17.78 kg/h; the average time for each welding was 340 s. This system was unique in that it features a dual-torch welding head that allowed for the deposition of one run with twice as much material as a single torch head. The experiment showed that the double-vehicle double-torch mode can greatly improve the welding efficiency of pipeline installation during the welding process.
Research limitations/implications
The automated welding robot system will be applied to offshore pipeline projects.
Originality/value
This robot is the first submarine pipeline installation welding robot to use a heterogeneous network based on EtherCAT technology. Various aspects of the submarine pipeline installation welding robot’s design and performance were discussed, including mechanical body design, control system design and welding process specification.
Details
Keywords
Hongmei Li, Junling Shi, Xiangdong Li, Junbo Zhang and Yunlong Chen
High-speed maglev technology can address the issues of adhesion, friction, vibration and high-speed current collection in traditional wheel-rail systems, making it an important…
Abstract
Purpose
High-speed maglev technology can address the issues of adhesion, friction, vibration and high-speed current collection in traditional wheel-rail systems, making it an important direction for the future development of high-speed rail technology.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper elaborates on the demand and significance of developing high-speed maglev technology worldwide and examines the current status and technological maturity of several major high-speed maglev systems globally.
Findings
This paper summarizes the challenges in the development of high-speed maglev railways in China. Based on this analysis, it puts forward considerations for future research on high-speed maglev railways.
Originality/value
This paper describes the development status and technical maturity of several major high-speed maglev systems in the world for the first time, summarizes the existing problems in the development of China's high-speed maglev railway and on this basis, puts forward the thinking of the next research of China's high-speed maglev railway.