List of contents

INTRODUCTION .............................................. 3 Pipe welding in vertical down (downhill)

with cellulosic electrodes
Joint details ............................................................. 4 1 - Preparation and tacking ..................................... 27
2 - Joint in 5G/PG position ...................................... 29
Joint types ............................................................... 5
3 - Joint in 6G/H-L045 position ............................... 35
Electrode positioning angles ................................... 6
Pipe classification ................................................... 7 Welding of pipes in vertical up (uphill)
Consumption of electrodes ..................................... 11 with mixed cellolosic/basic technique
ASME / EN positions .............................................. 13 1 - Preparation and tacking ..................................... 38
2 - Joint in 5G/PF position ...................................... 40
3 - Joint in 2G/PC position ...................................... 44
THE MANUAL METAL ARC 4 - Jioint in 6G/H-L045 position .............................. 47
PROCESS ........................................................... 15

General information .............................................. 16 DEFECTS: CAUSES AND REMEDIES ...... 49

Filler materials ........................................................ 17
Pipeweld cellulosic electrodes ................................ 17
Basic electrodes ...................................................... 19
AUTOMATIC PIPE WELDING .................... 53
Basic electrodes - Technical data ............................ 20
Cellulosic electrodes - Technical dfata..................... 22 General information .............................................. 54
Filler materials ........................................................ 55
Welding techniques and operational practices ....... 57
WELDING TECHNIQUES Examples of WPS ................................................... 58
AND OPERATIVE PRACTICES ................. 25 Comparison between three welding methods.......... 62
Defects and remedies ............................................. 63
General information .............................................. 26

1
 Presentation
Every day countless kilometres of steel pipelines are installed
worldwide for the most varied civil and industrial uses.
They form real networks comparable to a system of road networks,
which, although not so obvious, are definitely much more intricate and
carry fluids that have become essential for us.
To comply with technical specifications and fulfil the necessary safety
requisites, special materials and welding processes which have
evolved with the sector have been developed in recent years.
The main welding process used to install the pipelines is manual
welding with coated electrode, which, thanks to its ease and
versatility, is still the one most used.
However, to limit costs and increase welding productivity, particularly
on long routes, various constructors have adopted the semi-automatic
or completely automatic welding process with solid wire or wire
flux coated with gaseous protection.
This handbook describes both methods. Ample space has been
dedicated, in particular, to manual welding, with particular reference to
the operative practice and quality assessment, due to its considerable
use still today, but not neglecting more modern and productive
methods which will be increasingly used in future.
The presumption of this work is to be able to satisfy the most
demanding technician and welder, but, in particular, to supply each
user with useful information and a solid operative basis, as regards
the processes and filler materials and the welding equipment.

2
INTRODUCTION
Joint details

Butt Joint Fillet Joint

1. Root gap: separation between the edges to be welded 1. Throat thickness: distance between seam root and
at the root of the joint surface measured on the bisector of the angle
2. Root face: surface of the joint preparation 2. Leg lenght: distance between seam root and edge
perpendicular to the surface of the plate 3. Joint root: point in which the bottom of the seam
3. Bevel surface: oblique surface of the joint preparation intersects the surface of the base metal
4. Bevel angle: angle between the bevelled surface and 4. Joint edge: junction point between seam surface and
a plane perpendicular to the plate base metal surface
5. Included angle: total angle between the two bevel 5. Joint surface: external surface of the seam
surfaces 6. Fusion depth: depth reached by the fusion bath from
6. Seam width: effective width of the joint (distance the surface of the base metal
between the bevels plus depth of penetration). The 7. Seam width: distance between the joint edges
width of the calking iron seam and groove iron are the
same thing
7. Thickness of the plate

4
Joint types

1. Butt joint 2. Butt joint 3. Butt joint 4. Butt joint

without bevel with V bevel with X bevel with unilateral
bevel

5. Butt joint 6. Butt joint 7. Butt joint 8. Butt joint

with double with U bevel with double with J bevel
unilateral bevel U bevel

9. Butt joint 10. Fillet joint 11. Double fillet joint

with double
J bevel

Many other variations are possible.

5
Electrode positioning angles

In this handbook the official AWS method is used to

define the positioning angles of the electrodes
(EN added). WORK PLANE

Two angles are indicated: the feed angle and the work
angle.
The feed angle is called “TO BE PUSHED” when the
electrode points in the feed direction.
The feed angle is called “TO BE PULLED” when the
electrode points in opposite direction to the feed.
The work angle is given in relation to a reference plane
or work plane.
The figures illustrate the definition method of the angles. PUL
LED
ANE O BE
Taking the clock face as reference, 1 minute corresponds D PL LE T
FEE ANG
U S HED
to 6°. LE T
OB EP
ANG

Vertical FEE
D

WELDING AXIS

WORK PLANE

Horizonal

E ED
PLAN PULL
FEED O BE
SHED ANGLE T
EPU
LE TO B
ANG

D
FEE

WELDING AXIS

NE
K PLA
WOR

X IS
RY A
MET
SYM

FEE
D PL
AN
FEE E
D
ANGLE TO BE PUSHED ANGLE TO BE PULLED

X IS
RY A
MET
SYM

6
Pipe classification
Non-welded and welded pipes sized in accordance with ANSI B 36.10 and API standards

7
Prescriptions concerning the results of the traction and bending test for thicknesses ≤
25mm1, and for the hydrostatic test

Designation of the steels Pipe body Welding seam Pipe

(unwelded and welded pipes)
HFW, SAW, SAW, COW
COW
Alphanumeric Numeric Unitary yielding Tensile Elongation3 Tensile Diameter of Hydrostatic
point strength (L0 = 5,65√S0 strength the spindle test
for bending
R10,5 Rm R10,5/Rm2 A Rm test4
(see 8.2.3.5) (see 8.2.3.8)
MPa MPa % MPa
min. max. min. min.
L245NB 1.0457 0,80
from 245 to 440 415 22 3T
L245MB 1.0418 0,85
L290NB 1.0484 0,80
from 290 to 440 415 21 3T
L290MB 1.0429 0,85
L360NB 1.0582 0,85
L360QB 1.8948 from 360 to 510 415 0,88 20 4T
L360MB 1.0578 0,85 Each pipe must
The same va-
take the test
L415NB 1.8972 0,85 lues as the pipe
without showing
L415QB 1.8947 from 415 to 565 420 0,88 18 body are ap- 5T losses or visible
L415MB 1.8973 0,85 plied.
deformations
L450QB 1.8952 0,90
from 450 to 570 535 18 6T
L450MB 1.8975 0,87
L485QB 1.8955 0,90
from 485 to 605 570 18 6T
L485MB 1.8977 0,90
L555QB 1.8957 0,90
from 555 to 675 625 18 6T
L555MB 1.8978 0,90
1
The mechanical features of pipes with greater thickness values of up to 40mm must be agreed.
2
The values of the ratio between the unitary yield point and the tensile strength are applied for the “pipe” product. They cannot be requested for the
starting material.
3
These values are applied for transversal samples withdrawn from the body of the pipe. If longitudinal samples are tested, the elongation values
must be increased by 2 units.
4
T = prescribed pipe thickness.

8
Outside diameters and preferential thicknesses (indicated in the framed zone of the table,
including the frame itself)
Outside Thickness
diameter mm
mm 2,3 2,6 2,9 3,2 3,6 4 4,35 5 5,6 6,3 7,1 8 8,8 10 11 12,5 14,2 16 17,5 20 22,2 25 28 30 32 36 40
33,7

42,4

48,3

60,3

88,9

114,3

168,3

219,1

273

323,9

355,6

406,4

457

508

559

610

660

711

762

813

864

914

1 016

1 067

1 118

1 168

1 219

1 321

1 422

1 524

1 626

9
Mechanical features / Chemical compositions (A.P.I. steels)
Mechanical propr. N/mm2 Chemical composition % Carbonium
A.P.I. (max)
specification Quality Yielding Tensile Carbon Manganese
point strength (max) (max) equivalent

10
Consumption of electrodes
Pipeweld electrodes consumption (kg) in downhill vertical

11
12
Pipeweld electrodes consumption (kg) in uphill vertical

Note: for pipes of less than 152mm (6”) diameter, with wall thickness up to 6.4mm, Pipeweld 6010, diameter 2.5mm, may be used for the first bead.

Approximate weight of Pipeweld electrodes

Ø 3.25 approx. 28 grams
Ø 4.25 approx. 40 grams
Ø 5.25 approx. 62 grams
ASME/EN positions

3G/3F
2G (PC)
1G/1F (PA)

PG - DOWNHILL
PF - UPHILL

2F (PB) 3G/3F
1F (PA)

PG - DOWNHILL
PF - UPHILL

(H-LO45)
6G

4G
(PE) 5G PG - DOWNHILL
PF - UPHILL

13
THE MANUAL METAL ARC
PROCESS
General information

The main welding process used to weld pipelines is the

MMA method, manual welding with coated electrodes.
There are many reasons for this choice. The first is the
most obvious: the manual electrode is the first product
invented that is suitable for arc welding.
However, still today, when more sophisticated materials
and more productive and less expensive techniques are
at the users’ disposal, MMA welding remains a favoured
process to weld pipes. Its easy use, capacity to reach
positions of difficult accessibility, the simplicity of the
necessary generators (or the fact of being able to use
motor generators; network power is not always available
on installation sites), the fact that protective gases
(difficult to find in certain countries, in particular third
world countries), necessary in welding with solid or cored
wires, are not required, all these and others are the
reasons for this choice.
Some classes of cellulosic and basic electrodes have
been specially designed to meet the requirements of the
grade of steel used to manufacture the pipeline and the
safety specifications laid down by standards, but also to
equip the user i.e. welders with versatile products created
for this specific purpose.

16
Filler materials

OK PIPEWELD CELLULOSIC
ELECTRODES
OK Pipeweld electrodes have always been a safe and
productive solution in the welding of pipelines.

Features
• High Cellulose content in the electrode provides an
intense arc good penetration in all positions.
• High Cellulose content gives small slag covering of the
weld bead, although it is easily re-melted it is advisable
to remove before welding the next bead.
• The thin coating combined with the penetrating arc
enables a smaller root gap to be utilised and the
complete joint requires less weld metal to be
deposited.
• The rapid solidification of the weld metal allows truly all
positional welding

Care and storage of cellulosic electrodes

Cellulosic electrodes need a definite amount of moisture,
normally between 3% and 9%, to give satisfactory
operation. Over drying this type of electrode will lead to
charring of the organic material within the coating. This
can give un-satisfactory welding performance, loss of arc
voltage and weld metal porosity. These types of
electrodes should NOT be re-dried.

Recommended current ranges for the different

welding positions.

Welding equipment Tin-Pac for transport and stockage in heavy

The welding generators that can be used with OK environments
Pipeweld need to have a relatively high open circuit
voltage (OCV > 65V) and good dynamic characteristics. The ESAB range of consumables for pipeline welding
This prevents the arc snapping out during the welding has been developed to match the steel qualities and the
operation. demands from the pipeline industry for reliable, easy to

17
use highly productive consumables. Our resources in
research and development around the world have made
it possible not only to meet the demands of today but
also to foresee the needs for tomorrow. Cellulosic
electrodes from ESAB are used for root pass, filling and
capping on a wide range of steels used in the pipeline
industry and pipework production. DOWNHILL VERTICAL UPHILL VERTICAL
POSITION POSITION

ESAB Electrode Choice for each Bead Position

Pipe steel Root or Filler

Hot pass Hot fill Capping
and grade stringer passes
5L, A25 • • • • • 1,2 ÷ 1,6 2,5 ÷ 3,2

5L, 5LS, A • • • • • FINAL BEAD

5L, 5LS, B • • • • •
5LS, 5LX42 • • • • •
5LS, 5LX46 • • • • •
ROOT PASS FILLING BEAD
5LS, 5LX52 •◊ •◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
5LX56 •◊ •◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
5LX60 •❋ •❋ ❋ ❋ ❋
5LX65 •❋ •❋ ❋ ❋ ❋
5LX70 •❋ •❋ ❋ ❋ ❋
• = Pipeweld 6010 Plus
◊ = Pipeweld 7010
❋ = Pipeweld 8010

18
BASIC ELECTRODES
When the pipeline steel has a strength higher than X70
the need of preheat and post weld heat treatment
becomes more stringent and the choice of using basic
electrodes offers advantages. The reason is, of course
the high amount of hydrogen in the weld metal from
cellulosic electrodes. The hydrogen is a greater risk for
cracks in high strength material, because of the
increased sensitivity to hardening in these steels.
The properties of the basic electrodes also mean much
better impact properties at low temperatures.
The disadvantage with basic electrodes welded vertically
up is the low current that has to be used resulting in low
productivity.
This can be avoided by using basic electrodes developed
specially for welding of pipelines in the vertical-down
position. These electrodes contain iron powder in the
coating and therefore have higher productivity than
cellulose electrodes since they also can be welded at
higher currents than cellulose electrodes.
Productivity is 25-30% higher than for cellulose
electrodes and 40-50% higher than for basic electrodes
in vertically up welding.
In the root, the penetration and force from a cellulose
electrode is however the most productive process since
they can manage a small root-opening with high current
resulting in fast progression. A basic electrode can be
used also for the root but requirements on alignment will
be higher because of the less forceful arc.
The best procedure for welding high strength pipelines is
therefore to use cellulose electrodes for the root pass and
basic vertical down electrodes for filling and capping passes.
The higher quality of the basic weld metal is With this, the complete penetration that only Pipeweld
advantageous when a pipeline is exposed to stress. can guarantee and the maximum tenacity of the joint due
When, during its route, an underground pipe (medium to the electrode with basic coating are obtained.
and large diameters) crosses roads and railways, when Some mechanical characteristics, in particular the values
greater static and dynamic stress exists for external of toughness and strength, were improved.
reasons or when the pipes of medium and small OK 48.00 is classified E 7018-1; this means that it
diameter are submitted to high temperatures, strong supplies resiliency values of over 27j at –46°C, thanks to
pressure and vibration (heating plants, refineries etc.), it the purity of its components, in an even better developed
is normally preferred to carry out the first bead with formula.
Pipeweld and the filling with a basic electrode. It can be used to weld steels with high values of
equivalent carbon and/or high elastic limit thanks to the
laying which guarantees values of diffusible hydrogen of
≤ 5 ml/100 gr. and consequently makes the risk of cold
A.P.I. Quality Suggested Electrode cracks practically non-existent, also permitting a
Specification First root Filling reduction of the pre-heating temperature required for the
5L A 25 Pipeweld 6010 OK 48.00 basic electrodes. In addition to these metallurgical and
5L – 5LS A Pipeweld 6010 OK 48.00 productive aspects that are important for the constructor,
there is improved welding capacity. The excellent starting
5L – 5LS B Pipeweld 6010 OK 48.00 and restarting, the constant and regular fusion and the
5LX X42 Pipeweld 6010 OK 48.00 fine aspect of the weld seam in all positions are
5LX X46 Pipeweld 6010 OK 48.00 characteristics of fundamental importance for the welder
and guarantee a high productivity.
5LX X52 Pipeweld 6010 OK 48.00
The VacPac boxing (plastic inner box with Vac Packed
5LX X56 Pipeweld 6010 OK 48.00 aluminium foil hermetically sealed) ensures these
5LX X60 Pipeweld 6010 OK 48.00 characteristics, over a long time and allows the product
to be used without redrying.
5LX X65 Pipeweld 6010 OK 74.70
5LX X70 Pipeweld 6010 OK 74.70

19
 Basic electrodes for steels with medium
and high yield strength
Electrode type OK 48.00 OK 53.70 OK 74.70
Coating Basic Basic Basic
Classifications AWS A/SFA 5.1: AWS A/SFA 5.1: AWS A/SFA 5.5:
E7018-1 E7016-1 E8018-G
EN 499: EN 499: EN 499:
E42/46 4 B 42 H5 E42 5 B 12 H5 E46 Mu Mo B 32
ISO 2560: ISO 2560:
E51 5 B 120 20 H E51 5 B 24 H

Recovery 115 115 115

Mechanical properties R ≥ 510 MPa R ≥ 550 MPa R ≥ 510 MPa

S ≥ 420 MPa S ≥ 430 MPa S ≥ 420 MPa
A ≥ 26% A ≥ 26% A ≥ 26%
KV ≥ 48J at – 40° C KV ≥ 150J at – 20° C KV ≥ 48J at – 40° C
KV ≥ 27J at – 46° C KV ≥ 100J at – 46° C KV ≥ 27J at – 46° C

All weld metal C ≤ 0,10 C ≤ 0.04 ÷ 0.08 C ≤ 0.06 ÷ 0.1

analysis wt % Mn ≤ 1,60 Mn ≤ 0.95 ÷ 1.35 Mn ≤ 1.3 ÷ 1.6
Si ≤ 0,60 Si ≤ 0.3 ÷ 0.6 Si ≤ 0.25 ÷ 0.50
Ni < 0.1 Mo 0.3 ÷ 0.5
Applications Electrode suitable for weld- A low hydrogen AC/DC Electrode used for welding
ing in all positions of carbon electrode for one side high tensile low alloyed
steels with medium and welding of pipes and gen- steels API 5L X60, X65, X70
high yeld strength. The low eral structure. The root
hydrogen content in the penetration is good, leav-
deposited metal minimises ing a flat bead with easy
the risk of cracks. Excellent removable slag. Suitable
radiographic qualities. For for welding of pipeline up to
naval constructions, struc- API 5L X56 it is aiso suit-
tural fabrication, boilers, etc. able for root pass welding
Excellent welding aspect up to API 5L X80
also in a vertical position.
Welding Current DC+ AC, DC+(–) DC+

Welding parameters Ø Amp Ø Amp Ø Amp

2 50 ÷ 80 2.5 60 ÷ 90 2.5 60 ÷ 90
2.5 70 ÷ 100 3.2 80 ÷ 130 3.2 90 ÷ 130
3.2 90 ÷ 140 4 115 ÷ 190 4 140 ÷ 180
4 120 ÷ 180 5 180 ÷ 290 5 190 ÷ 220
5 180 ÷ 230

20
Basic electrodes for vertical-down
welding
Electrode type Filarc 27P Filarc 37P Filarc 108MP
Coating Basic Basic Basic
Classifications AWS A/SFA 5.5: AWS A/SFA 5.5: AWS A/SFA 5.5:
E8018-G E9018-G E10018-G
EN 499: EN 499: EN 757:
E46 5 B 41 H5 E55 5 1NiMo B 41 H5 E55 4 Z B 41 H5

Recovery 120 120 120

Mechanical properties TS > 550 MPa TS > 620 MPa TS > 690 MPa
YS > 460 MPa YS > 550 MPa YS > 620 MPa
A5 ≥ 25% A5 ≥ 24% A5 ≥ 22%

All weld metal C: 0,06-0,09 C: 0,06-0,09 C: 0,06-0,09

analysis wt % Si: 0,30-0,70 Si: 0,30-0,70 Si: 0,30-0,70
Mn: 1,0-1,4 Mn: 1,0-1,4 Mn: 1,6-2,0
Ni: 0,6-0,99 1,0 Ni: 1,30-1,60
Mo: 0,3-0,6
Applications Filarc 27P is specially desi- Suitable for welding high Suitable for welding high
gned for downhill welding of strength pipe steels such strength pipe steels such
circumferential welds joints as API 5LX75. as API 5LX80.
in pipes. Suitable for pipe Performance and produc- Performance and produc-
steels API 5LX52 – X70 tivity is similar to Filarc tivity is similar to Filarc
27P. 27P.

Welding Current DC+ DC+ DC+

Welding parameters Ø Amp Ø Amp Ø Amp

2.5 80 ÷ 100 3.2 110 ÷ 150 3.2 110 ÷ 150
3.2 110 ÷ 150 4 180 ÷ 220 4 180 ÷ 220
4 180 ÷ 220 4,5 230 ÷ 270 4,5 230 ÷ 270
4,5 230 ÷ 270

21
 Cellulosic electrodes for pipes
Electrode type Pipeweld 6010 PLUS Pipeweld 7010
Coating Cellulosic Cellulosic
Classifications AWS/SFA 5.1: AWS A/SFA 5.5:
E6010 E7010-G (P1)
EN 499: EN 499:
E 38/3 C 21 E42/3 Z C 21
ISO 2560:
E51 4 C 10

Recovery 90 90

Mechanical properties R ≥ 420 MPa R ≥ 560 MPa

S ≥ 350 MPa S ≥ 480 MPa
A ≥ 22% A ≥ 20%
KV ≥ 27J at – 30° C

All weld metal analysis wt % C  0,13 C  0,12

Mn  0,4 Mn 0,30 ÷ 0,60
Si  0,25 Si  0,30
Ni 0,50 ÷ 0,80
Mo 0,10 ÷ 0,25
Applications Electrode suitable for welding of root Electrode suitable for welding in all
pass on every API 5L grade pipe, positions of pipes in steel type API
designed for vertical down DC – 5LX – X63 – X65 – X70. Easy to
(main line welding) use, smooth running and penetrat-
ing. Particularly suitable for welding
on site, in downhill and overhead.
Excellent radiographic qualities.

Welding Current DC+(-) DC+

Welding parameters Ø Amp Ø Amp

2.5 60 ÷ 80 3.2 60 ÷ 110
3.2 80 ÷ 140 4 90 ÷ 140
4 100 ÷ 180 5 110 ÷ 170
5 150 ÷ 250

22
Pipeweld 8010 Pipeweld 9010
Cellulosic Cellulosic
AWS A/SFA 5.5: AWS A/SFA A5.5:
E8010-G (P1) E9010-G
EN 499: EN 499:
E46/3 Z C 21 E50 3 Z C 21

90 90
R ≥ 560 MPa R ≥ 630 MPa
S ≥ 480 MPa S ≥ 540 MPa
A ≥ 20% A ≥ 18%
KV ≥ 27J at – 30° C KV ≥ 27J at – 30° C

C  0,12 C  0,12
Mn 0,30 ÷ 0,60 Mn  1,0
Si  0,30 Si  0,30
Ni 0,50 ÷ 0,80 Ni 0,60 ÷ 0,80
Mo 0,10 ÷ 0,25 Mo 0,20 ÷ 0,30

Electrode suitable for welding in all Electrode suitable for welding in all
positions of pipes in steel type API positions of pipes in steel type API
5LX – X63 – X65 – X70. Easy to 5LX – X65 – X70 – X75 – X80.
use, smooth running and penetrat- Easy to use, smooth running and
ing. Particularly suitable for welding penetrating. Particularly suitable for
on site, in downhill and overhead. welding on site, in descending ver-
Excellent radiographic qualities. tical and overhead. Excellent radi-
ographic qualities.

DC+(-) DC+

Ø Amp Ø Amp
3.2 60 ÷ 110 3.2 60 ÷ 110
4 90 ÷ 140 4 90 ÷ 140
5 110 ÷ 170 5 110 ÷ 170

23
WELDING TECHNIQUES AND
OPERATIVE PRACTICES
General information

Cellulosic electrodes, suitable for use in vertical up and

vertical down directions, are normally chosen to weld
steel pipes. The fastest and therefore most productive
method is welding downhill with cellulosic electrodes.
However, when it is necessary to guarantee particularly
high integrity for pipes submitted to high static or
dynamic stress (for example, underground pipes of
medium or large diameter in the crossing of roads or
railways, or small or medium pipes subject to vibrations,
temperature, pressure), the technique of mixed welding,
cellulosic plus basic in vertical up, is sometimes
preferred. The following chapters illustrate the most
frequent operating practices used in manual pipe welding
and the different techniques adopted, starting from
preparation and closing with a thorough examination of
the potential defects, their causes and the necessary
remedies.

26
Pipe welding in vertical down (downhill)
with cellulosic electrodes
Preparation and tac‡king
The scope of this chapter is to suggest a preparation and
tacking procedure for the construction of a standard joint
on sections of mild steel pipe, for the purposes of
developing welding procedures or welder training. Note
that for welding procedure qualification, EN 288-9
requires that tests be made between full pipe lengths
unless otherwise agreed between the contracting parties.

INCLUDED ANGLE

CORRECT ALIGNMENT MAXIMUM MISALIGNMENT

Place a spacing wire of 1.6 mm diameter on the bevelled

BEVEL ANGLE edge then rest the second pipe section on the spacing
wire with the bevelled edge facing downwards. Align the
two sections to form the desired bevelling.
In accordance with the API code the misalignment must
not exceed 1.6 mm.
At this point start the tacking operation, laying a 12 to
ROOT FACE
22mm long seam.
ROOT GAP

READ TACK

1,2 ⫼1,6 mm

STANDARD JOINT PENETRATION

Eliminate burrs caused by the grinding operation.

Welding parameters for tacking

Electrode E6010 Ø 2.5 mm, Current 70 ÷ 100A
or 1.6 mm
Electrode E6010 Ø 3.2 mm, Current 100 ÷ 120A EXCESS WELD METAL AT THE ROOT

Operations
Rest one of the pipe sections on the worktop with the
bevelled edge facing upwards.

The tack bead should penetrate the root in order to form

an internal projection of 1.6 mm and both edges of the
bevel must be fused.

SPACING WIRE

27
Then reposition the spacing wire and deposit a Grind the external surface of the tacks in such a way that
second tack. their thickness is approximately 1.6 mm, to facilitate the
start of the first bead.

PART TO BE REMOVED

FIRST TACK

SECOND TACK

APPROXIMATELY 1.6 mm

ROUND THE CONNECTING

Remove the spacing wire. If in root gap is uneven, make EDGES BETWEEN THE TACK
AND THE ROOT FACE
a third tack where the gap is greatest, in such a way that OF THE BEVEL
weld shrinkage will close it up. If the distance between
the edges on the most open side is too great to permit
the third tack, first correct the distances compressing the CONNECT THE ENDS
most open side. OF THE TACK

GAP TOO
NARROW

To obtain a quality weld, correct joint preparation and

accurate tacking are necessary. Faulty tacking will cause
defects in the final welding.
GAP TOO WIDE

ONE OF THE
TACKS

Place the third and fourth tacks at right angles to the first
and second.

28
2 - Joint in 5G / PG PUSH THE ELECTRODE
This type of joint and position is commonly used to weld INTO THE JOINT
a line of steel tubes of medium-large diameters, of 8” and
more.

Welding parameters
Electrode E6010 Ø 4.0 mm, DC+, Current 120 ÷ 160A
(root)
Electrode E7010-G-(P1)* Ø 4.0 mm, DC+, Current
150 ÷ 1 60A (hot pass)
Electrode E7010~G~(P1)* Ø 5.0 mm, DC+, Current VERTICAL AXIS
150 ÷ 160A (fill and cap)
* or alternatively, according to the type of base steel to Start the arc at the root of the joint (never on the edge of
be welded, substitute with electrode E8010-G-(P1) or the tack towards the external surtace of the pipe), push
E9010-G. the electrode into the joint and advance in a regular
manner.
It is important that the generator has a minimum open
circuit voltage of 70V. To better check the weld pool, it may be necessary to
vary the trail angle from 10 ÷ 15° to 0 ÷ 30°. Use the
Operations dragging or “hidden arc” technique, always keeping the
After having carried out the preparation and tacking as electrode at the bottom of the joint. A “keyhole” groove,
described in chapter 1, use pliers and clamps to fix the which follows the top of the electrode in its movement, is
piece in a horizontal position with the tacks placed at 3, thus formed.
6, 9 and 12 o’clock. It is recommended to place the tack
with the smallest root gap at 12 o’clock.

PLIERS
TACKS

POSITIONS
OF TACKS

Make the root (stringer) bead with a 4.0 mm diameter

electrode. The current must be set at 120 ÷ 160A.

VERTICAL AXIS

SEAM
10° - 15°
MELTED METAL WHICH FLOWS UPWARDS

“KEYHOLE” GROOVE

ELECTRODE TIP

FEED

Start with the electrode at 12 o’clock, with a trailing

electrode angle of 10 ÷ 15° and the electrode in the
plane of the joint.

29
If blowholes form, slightly swing the electrode from one The finished bead must form a 1.6 mm thick weld
side to the other as shown in the figure. reinforcement at the root.

LEVELED TO 1.6mm

ELECTRODE
UNDERCUTS
ROOT PENETRATION

When the first half of the bottom bead is completed,

remove the slag then repeat the process on the second
half of the joint.
If it is necessary to interrupt the arc before the run is
ended, the tip of the electrode must be rapidly snapped
down.

SEAM

ELECTRODE

This prevents slag inclusion in the weld pool. Remove

the slag from the crater and from the last 50 mm of the
weld. The restart should be made starting on the weld
metal approximately 12 mm before the crater and
moving towards it with an arc length slightly above
normal. Then push the electrode to the bottom of the
joint to fill the crater and continue welding in the normal
manner.

START HERE

RESTARTING PROCEDURE

30
For the hot pass use E7010-G(P1), E8010-G(P1) or Make sure that you have filled the crater then restart
E9010-G electrodes, depending on the class of the steel welding as indicated previously. Carry out the second half
to be welded, in 4.0 mm diameter of the run with the same procedure.
Start with the electrode at 12 o’clock, maintaining the
It should be noted that the “pulling” technique with which
same angles indicated for the bottom bead, towards 6
the root bead is laid causes an incomplete fusion and
o’clock. Use a light up and down movement to check the
slag inclusion (“tramlines”) at the seam edges.
weld pool. Move the tip in the forward direction for a
length equal to the diameter of the electrode to allow the Due to the higher current used, the second or “hot” pass
pool to solidify slightly then move the tip back for a length does not transfer much metal to the joint, but its greater
equal to half of the diameter. At this point wait until the heat frees the slag and completes the fusion between
crater is full before moving onwards. the weld edges and the base metal.

WELDING
DIRECTION

ARC LENGTH EQUAL

TO ELECTRODE
DIAMETER

DWELL POINTS

DOWN FOR UP FOR 1/2

1 ELECTRODE ELECTRODE DIAMETER
DIAMETER

ELECTRODE

Maintain an arc length equal to the electrode diameter.

Do not increase the arc length during movement. If the
arc is interrupted before the bead is complete, remove
the slag from the crater, restart the arc starting on the
bottom bead, approximately 12 mm in front of the second
bead and move back up to the crater.

CRATER

12 mm

START HERE

31
To carry out the filling pass (third pass), the starting To fill the joint up to 0.8 mm from the external pipe
position and trailing angles of the electrode are the same surface it may be necessary to deposit additional
as indicated for the root and hot passes, but electrodes passes on the whole circumference.
of 5.0 mm diameter with current set at 150-1 80A must
These beads should generally add a 1.6 mm thick layer.
be used. Use a swinging movement, maintaining an arc
Use the same techniques indicated for the previous
length equal to the electrode diameter. Pause with the tip
passes. Often, after having made all these layers, the
of the electrode on the edge of the previous bead. Move
joint is thicker in the upper and lower zone than in the
towards the opposite edge with descending by half the
side zones of the pipe, making it necessary to fill it
electrode diameter.
evenly before making the cap. In this case stripper
beads are laid with the same techniques illustrated
previously.

12:00

ZONES WHICH
MAY NEED
LEVELLING BEADS
If it is necessary to restart the arc use the same
procedure as indicated for the second pass. After having
welded the second half of the joint, completely remove
the slag.

0.8 mm

PENULTIMATE
BEAD

32
The technique used for the cap pass is the same as Advance at a speed that makes it possible to obtain a
indicated for the penultimate bead, but the swinging 0.8 to 1.6 mm thick reinforcement and an overlap of
movement must be wider. Dwell with the tip of the approximately 1.6mm at the edges.
electrode on the edges of the previous bead.
1.6 mm
WELD METAL
1.6 mm
OVERLAP

STOP HERE
ELECTRODE
1.6 mm
ROOT WELD METAL

LAST BEAD

Use a Z or half-moon oscillation with adequate arc

length, travel speed and electrode slope.

Z - OSCILLATION

HALF-MOON
OSCILLATION

33
API standards provide visual analysis and relevant Acceptability criteria are as follows:
quality assessment of the weld sample. After having • Cracks: the weld must not present cracks.
carried out the preparation and tacking, the piece is • Penetration: the joint root must show complete
marked for identification then welded in the 5G position penetration.
as previously indicated. A visual analysis of the weld is • Fusion: fusion between the base metal and filler metal
then carried out. must appear complete.
• Slag inclusion: the hollow in the melted zone containing
slag must not exceed 3.2 mm for each 152 mm of weld.
• Gaseous inclusion: a section affected by porosity
cannot be longer than 1.6mm and their total must not
exceed the length of 3.2mm each 6.5 cm2 of weld
surface.
• Undercuts: they must not exceed a width of 0.8mm, a
depth of 0.8 mm and their total length must not exceed
50.8mm in each 152mm of weld or 5% of the wall
thickness, if the weld is shorter.
• Weld metal: the surface and root reinforcements must
not exceed the indicated dimensions, must be evenly
connected with the surfaces of the base metal and their
edges must be free from undercuts.

34
3 - Joint in 6G / H-L045 Carry out the root bead with the same technique used in
Use: welding all mild steel pipes of 8” (203 mm) diameter chapter 2, page 29.
and wall thickness of 8.2mm. Keep the electrode parallel to the plane of the joint and
use a trailing angle of 10÷15°. It the electrode coating
Welding parameters
melts in an irregular manner, slightly move the tip from
Electrode E6010 Ø 2.5mm, Current 70 ÷ 100A
one edge to the other. Weld both halves of the joint with
Electrode E6010 Ø 3.25mm, Current 100 ÷ 120A
the same technique. The bottom bead should penetrate
The generator must have an open circuit voltage of 70V
inside the pipe not more than 1.6 mm.
Operations
After having carried out the preparation and tacking
operation as described in chapter 1, fix the piece using
pliers and/or clamps with its axis at 45° to the horizontal
plane and with tacks placed at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock.
Place the tack where there is the smallest root gap at 10° - 15°
12 o’clock.

6G POSITION
DIRECTION

FEED

SIDE VIEW

35
For the hot pass use E6010 electrodes of 3.25 mm Advance from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock using an elongated
diameter. Start the arc at 12 o’clock with the same oscillating movement, then, if necessary, execute leveling
electrode angles used for the bottom bead. beads.
Use a similar movement to that described for the second
bead in chapter 2, page 29.
For the filling passes start from 12 o’clock with a work SURFACE WELD
METAL1.6mm
angle of 80-90° to the pipe axis supported at the sides at
the top of the seam.
10°-15°
90°
25°-30°

EDGE FUSION
1.6mm

SEQUENCE OF THE BEADS

DIRECTION
Execute the capping pass using the same electrode
angles and technique as the filling technique. The
external bead should create a 1.6 mm thick
reinforcement and penetrate the beveled edge up to 1.6
mm. Weld both halves of the joint then remove the slag.

DWELL
POINTS

FEED

36
To pass the qualification test in a welding process in The coupons for the bend tests must be ground on
the 6G position — which covers all the others– some both surfaces of the weld up to the thickness of the pipe
mechanical tests must be performed on a sample. For wall, but without notching the base metal.
this purpose prepare and tack a piece as described in Using a jig, bend the strips over a mandrel 3 times the
chapter 1. pipe thickness, one with the root on the outside and
one the opposite way.
ROUND THE CONNECTING
EDGES BETWEEN
THE TACK AND THE SHOULDERS
OF THE BEVEL

SHARPEN THE ENDS

OF THE TACK

The acceptability standard is satisfied if no cracks or

other defects of over 3.2 mm or half the wall thickness, if
Carry out the welding as described in this chapter. Take this is lower, appear after bending in the weld seam or
care to remove the largest irregularities using a grinder with fusion zone in each direction. No cracks starting from the
flexible disk and fine grain before laying the second bead. edge of the samples, if smaller than 6.4 mm measured in
Make a visual check as indicated in chapter 2, page 29. each direction, should be taken into consideration, unless
From the welded piece will be obtained six sections accompanied by other defects.
which must be previously marked for identification by the To carry out the nick break tests, a notch is made in the
operator. Proceed with pipe cutting to obtain six strips of centre of the weld with the 3.2 mm deep saw cut on all
a width of 25mm, as illustrated below. sides of the sample. The internal and external
reinforcement must not be removed.

NICK BREAK
APPROXIMATELY THE EDGES MUST BE
3.2mm REGULAR AND PARALLEL

19,1 mm

NICK BREAK DO NOT REMOVE THE WELD METAL

FACE BEND
REVERSE BEND

The samples may be broken under tension with a

special machine, or by striking their centre with a
hammer after having supported their ends, or striking
one end of them after having fixed the other. The
acceptability standard is satisfied when the exposed
surfaces of each sample show complete penetration
and fusion. The maximum size of porosity must not
exceed 1.6mm and the total porosity areas must not
exceed 2% of the examined surfaces. Slag inclusion
must not exceed 0.8mm in depth, 3.2mm in length, or
half the wall surface if this is smaller. Furthermore,
there must be at least 12mm of sound metal between
one inclusion and the other.

37
Welding of pipes in vertical up (uphill) with mixed
cellulosic/basic technique
1 - Preparation and tacking
The scope of this chapter is to provide correct
preparation and tacking procedure for a standard joint on
pipe sections with 8” diameter (203 mm). The joint is
prepared by making a bevel as indicated in the figures.
Low High
current current OK
INCLUDED ANGLE

BEVEL
ANGLE

ROOT FACE
ROOT GAP

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BEVEL

75°

37 1/2°
Operations
Rest one of the pipe sections on the worktop with the
bevelled edge facing downwards.

2,4 - 3,2 mm 2,0 - 2,5 mm

STANDARD JOINT DIMENSIONS

Remove burrs caused by the grinding operation.

Welding parameters for tacking SPACING WIRE

Electrode E6010 Ø 3.2mm, DC+, Current 85 ÷ 110A

If the power source has no ammeter, the current may be

empirically set by proceeding as follows: place a 6mm
thick strip of mild steel in horizontal position, start the arc
and lay down a straight seam, which must be even, with Place a spacing wire of 3.2mm diameter on the
a regular ripple and 1.6 mm thick. If the seam is uneven bevelled edge then rest the second pipe section on the
and strongly convex, the current must be increased. If it spacing wire with the bevelled edge facing downwards.
is flat and there is excessive spatter, the current must be Align the two sections to form the desired joint
reduced. preparation. In accordance with the ASME code,
misalignment must not exceed 1.6mm.

CORRECT ALIGNMENT MAXIMUM MISALIGNMENT

38
At this point the tacking operation starts, laying a 12 to Remove the spacing wire. If in one of the spans the root
20mm long bead. gap is greater than on the opposite side, place a third
tack where the gap is widest, so that weld shrinkage will
even the difference. If the gap at its widest point is too
great to permit a third tack, first correct the gap by
compressing the most open side. Make the third and
fourth tacks at right angles to the first and second.

TOO TIGHT

TACK

PENETRATION TOO
OPEN SPACE
ONE OF THE
FIRST TACKS

WELD METAL AT THE ROOT

1.6mm

The tack must penetrate the root so as to form a bead

1.6mm high inside the pipe and both sides of the
preparation must be fused. Then reposition the spacing
wire and deposit a second tack.

To obtain a quality weld, correct joint preparation and

FIRST accurate tacking are necessary. Faulty tacking will
TACK SEAM cause defects in the final welding.
SECOND
TACK SEAM

39
2 - Joint in 5G / PF
This type of joint and position is used to weld moulded
bends, flanges, forged pieces, concentrated works, in all
diameters. The following example regards the welding of
pipes with 8” (203 mm) diameter.

Welding parameters (*)

Electrode E6010 Ø 3.2mm, DC+, Current 85 110A root
Electrode E7018 Ø 2.5 / 3.25mm, DC+, Current 85 ÷
110A filling
Electrode E7018 Ø 3.2mm, DC+, Current 110 ÷ 140A
cap ELECTRODE
ANGLE
POSITION AT 6.30
The power source must have an OCV of at least 70 V ELECTRODE

(*) For process with mixed cellulosic/basic technique

Operations 5mm “KEYHOLE”

After having carried out the preparation and tacking as CRATER
described in chapter 1, use pliers and clamps to fix the
piece in a horizontal position with the tacking placed at 2,
5 ,8 and 11 o’clock. The tack with the smallest root gap
should be at 6 o’clock.

PLIERS
TACK
SHOULDER EDGE

After two or three movements reduce the arc length to

one electrode diameter and form the “keyhole” crater,
then keep the arc on the edge of the shoulders and
advance. Use a light up and down swinging movement.
To maintain a crater of the correct dimensions the
movements must be rapid and precise.
POSITIONS
OF THE TACK

To carry out the root bead start with the electrode at

6:30, at right angles to both the pipe axis and the pipe
surface. Start the arc at the root of the joint (never on the
edge of the tack or the external pipe surface). Maintain
an arc length double the electrode diameter and swing
from one edge to the other, to and fro, to pre-heat the
edges of the shoulders.
1 ELECTRODE DIAMETER

90° 1/2 ELECTRODE DIAMETER

40
When approaching a tack, reduce travel speed and Remove the slag from the crater and from the last 25
slightly increase arc length. If the crater tends to close, mm of seam. Restart should be carried out starting on
use a trailing angle (pulling) of 5 ÷ 10° and/or reduce the weld approximately 20 mm before the crater and
feed speed. If instead it tends to widen, use a leading moving towards it with a slightly higher than normal arc
angle (pushing) of 5 ÷ 10° and/or increase feed speed. length. Move back and forth on the crater to preheat the
edges then reset the normal arc length.

25mm
5-10° TO BE PULLED SLAG REMOVED START HERE

4:00 RESTARTING PROCEDURE

5-10° TO BE PUSHED When the first half of the bottom bead has ended,
remove the slag then repeat the operation on the second
half of the joint.
If necessary interrupt the arc before the seam is finished, The finished bead should have a slightly convex surface
form a “keyhole” crater of approximately 5 mm diameter and be up to 1.6mm high.
by rapidly pushing the electrode point through the joint
for approximately 13 mm, then completely withdraw the SLIGHTLY CONVEX
electrode. In this way complete penetration is assured at
restart.

ELECTRODE

WELD METAL AT ROOT

At this point, the filling and capping passes may be

executed either continuing with cellulosic electrodes or
using the mixed cellulosic/basic technique.

CRATER WIDENING

APPROXIMATELY
5mm DIAMETER

“KEYHOLE” CRATER

41
Filling and capping beads with basic electrodes
If after the first bead you wish to use electrodes with a
basic coating, proceed as follows:
For the second bead use E7018 electrodes with 2.5 /
3.5mm Ø. Start the arc at 6:30 and stabilise it at 6
o’clock keeping a rather small arc length at angles as
shown in the following figure.

ELECTRODE ANGLES

5-10° TRAILING

Use a Z oscillating movement, pausing with the electrode

at the joint edges. The travel speed and dwell time
determine the result. Too slow a speed or an excessive
dwell cause the pool to be too wide and difficult to
STARTING POINT 5-10° LEADING control, while too fast a speed and a short dwell create
lack of fusion on the previous seam, with a very convex
seam and undercut.

5-10° TRAILING
TOO SLOW FEED OR
TOO LONG
DWELLS
ELIMINATING UNDERCUTS

DWELL POINTS

A correct joint filling reaches approximately 1.6mm from

the pipe surface. If the penultimate bead does not reach
this level, carry out another with E7018 Ø 2.5 (or 3.2)
Z OSCILLATION mm using the same procedure. If the arc is interrupted
before the bead is complete, remove the crater slag,
restart the arc starting on the last bead approximately
12mm in front of the crater then turn back until the crater
is full and resume normal travel. Finally, remove the slag
from the weld ends and carry out the second half of the
joint.

42
For the cap bead use E7018 electrodes in Ø 3.2mm, ASME (*) standards provide a visual analysis and
using the same technique as the filling beads but with a relevant quality assessment of the weld on a sample,
wider swinging movement, pausing on the joint edges. After having carried out#preparation and tacking, the
The overlap on the joint edges must measure piece is marked for identification then welded in the 5G
approximately 1.6mm and the thickness of the weld position as previously indicated. A visual examination of
metal#from 0.8 to 1.6mm. the weld is then carried out.

The acceptability criteria are as follows:

• Cracks: the weld must not present cracks.
• Penetration: the joint root must show complete
penetration.
• Fusion: fusion between the base metal and filler metal
must appear complete.
• Slag inclusion: the cavities in the melted zone
containing slag must not exceed 3.2 mm for each 152
mm of weld.
• Gaseous inclusion: a section affected by porosity
cannot be longer than 1.6 mm and their total must not
exceed the length of 3.2mm each 6.5 cm2 of weld
surface.
• Undercuts: they must not exceed a width of 0.8mm, a
depth of 0.8mm and their total length must not exceed
50.8mm in each 152mm of weld or 5% of the wall
thickness, if the weld is shorter.
• Weld metal: the surface and root reinforcements must
not exceed the indicated dimensions, must be
OVERLAP smoothly merged with the surfaces of the base metal
and their edges must be free from undercuts.

2.1 Cap and finishing beads by means of

cellulosic electrode
After the root bead made with Pipeweld 6010 Plus,
further filling and capping beads can be carried out using
cellulosic electrodes.
Proceed again in the vertical up position, by using the
3.2 mm diameter and the 4 mm if bevel and pipe
diameter are suitable.
Welding current should be lower than that used in the
root and is determined by the pipe size.
Current values normally used are:
Ø 3,2mm – 60A ÷ 100A
Ø 4mm – 80A ÷ 120A
OVERLAP Depending on the width of the bevel, welding is carried
out with Z or half-moon weaving movements, pausing
with the electrode at the joint edges.

43
3 - Joint in 2G / PC
This type of joint and position is used on pipes, piles,
small vessels. The following example relates to the
welding of pipe with 8” (203 mm) diameter.

Welding parameters (*)

Electrode E6010 Ø 3.2mm, DC+, Current 85 ÷ 110A root
Electrode E7018 Ø 2.5mm, DC+, Current 85 ÷ 110A
filling
Electrode E7018 Ø 3.2mm, DC÷, Current 110 ÷ 140A
cap

The power source must have an OCV of at least 70 V

DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
(*) For process with mixed cellulosic/basic technique

Operations ELECTRODE ANGLE

After having carried out the preparation and tacking, fix
the piece in the 2G position (vertical axis). The electrode must be held horizontally with a trailing
angle of 5 ÷ 10°. Start the bead 50 mm from the tack,
form the “keyhole” crater and advance with a slightly
swinging movement similar to that used for the 5G
position. Keep the electrode on the edges of the
shoulder.

STOP POINTS

1 ELECTRODE DIAMETER

Then make the root bead with E6010 electrodes of 3.2 1/2 ELECTRODE DIAMETER
mm diameter.

5mm “KEYHOLE”
CRATER

ROOT FACE

ELECTRODE

WORK ANGLE

44
 The second or filling bead pass be carried out with
an E7018 electrode in 2.5 mm diameter.

5°-10°

DIRECTION

UNDERCUTS
The electrode must be held horizontally with a trailing
angle of 5 ÷ 10°.

ELECTRODE PUSHED
TOO FAR INTO THE JOINT

If the crater tends to widen, increase the trailing angle

from 5 to 10°. If the electrode tip is pushed too far into
the joint, undercuts form along the root and excessive
penetration and defects occur. If the electrode is not
pushed deep enough into the joint, insufficient
Use a perpendicular W motion, with pauses at the points
penetration and undercuts on the beveled surfaces of the
indicated in the figure to correctly fill the welding crater.
preparation are obtained.
Keep the arc as short as possible. The bead must be flat
or slightly convex with good fusion on the edges.

ALWAYS FILL THE CRATER

CRATER

If the arc is interrupted before the bead is complete,

clean the crater and restart as described in the previous
paragraph, not forgetting to fill the crater.

45
The capping passes should be made with E7018 ASME (*) standards provide a visual analysis and
electrodes of 3.2 mm diameter. The work angle varies, relevant quality assessment of the weld on a sample.
with respect to the horizontal plane, from 5° above for the After having carried out the preparation and tacking, the
third bead, to 5° below for the fifth. piece is marked for identification then welded in the 5G
position as previously indicated. A visual analysis of the
weld is then carried out.

The acceptability criteria are as follows:

• Cracks: the weld must not present cracks.
OVERLAP UP TO HALF
• Penetration: the joint root must show a complete
penetration.
• Fusion: fusion between the base metal and filler metal
must appear complete
• Slag inclusion: the cavity in melted zone containing slag
must not exceed 3.2mm for each 152mm of weld.
• Gaseous inclusion: a section affected by porosity
1.6mm WELD METAL cannot be longer than 1 .6mm and their total must not
exceed a length of 3.2mm each 6.5 cm2 of weld
surface.
THIRD BEAD
• Undercuts: they must not exceed a width of 0.8mm, a
depth of 0.8mm and their total length must not exceed
50.8mm in each 152mm of weld or 5% of the wall
thickness, if the weld is shorter.
• Weld metal: the surface and root reinforcements must
not exceed the indicated dimensions, must be evenly
connected with the surfaces of the base metal and their
edges must be free from undercuts.

1.6mm WELD METAL

FIFTH BEAD

A correct work angle assures good fusion on the joint

edges. The beads must overlap up to half of the previous
one. Use the same swinging movement described for the
second bead. The finished joint must have a projecting
machine allowance of 1.6mm and the slightly convex
surface must not present undercuts.

46
4 - Joint in 6G / H-LO45 Use a light swinging movement. The tip of the electrode
This type of joint and position is used to weld bends, should be kept on the edges of the shoulder but without
flanges, fittings. The following example shows the welding exerting pressure on them. If the crater tends to close,
of pipes of 8” (203mm) diameter. The 6G welding position use a slight trailing angle and/or reduce travel speed. If
qualifies all the others. the crater tends to widen, use a slight leading angle
and/or increase travel speed.
Welding parameters (*)
Electrode E6010 Ø 3.2mm, DC÷, Current 85 ÷ 110A root REDUCED DISTANCE
bead BETWEEN THE EDGES
Electrode E7018 Ø 2.5mm, DC+, Current 85 ÷ 110A
NARROW CRATER
filling
Electrode E7018 Ø 3.2mm, DC+, Current 110 140A cap

The power source must have an OCV of at least 70 V

(*) For process with mixed cellulosic/basic technique

5-10° TRAILING

Operations
After having carried out the preparation and tacking, fix FEED
the piece in the 6G position (axis 45° to the horizontal
plane) The tack must be placed at 2, 5, 8 and 11 o’clock.
HIGH DISTANCE
6G POSITION BETWEEN THE EDGES
WIDE CRATER

5-10° LEADING

The arc interruption and reinsertion procedures are

similar to those described in chapter 2, page 40.
Execute both halves of the bead and remove the slag
before laying the second bead.
Then carry out the root bead with E6010 electrodes of
3.2 mm diameter. Start with the electrode at 6:30, with
the electrode in the plane of the joint and at right angles LIGHT CONVEXITY
to the direction of travel.

ROOT REINFORCEMENT

FEED ANGLE WORKING ANGLE

47
The filling pass should be carried out starting the arc at Then carry out the capping passes with E7018
6:30 and stabilising it at 6 o’clock on a fairly reduced electrodes of 3.2mm diameter, using a 110 ÷ 140A
width. Angles as per figure. Use E7018 electrodes of current.
2.5mm diameter. The filling pass should reach
approximately 1.6 mm from the external surface of the BOTTOM BEAD:
pipe. SLIGHTLY SWINGING ACTION

FILLING BEAD:
ELECTRODE ANGLES LIGHT PENDULAR ACTION

DWELL POINTS:
DWELL A LITTLE
LONGER AT POINTS
ON THE HIGHEST EDGE
5-10° TRAILING

EXTERNAL BEADS:
OVERLAP UP TO HALF
OF THE PREVIOUS BEAD
MELT UP TO 1.6mm
OF THE BEVELLED EDGE

The electrode angles of the are the same as those used

for filling.
5-10° LEADING
START HERE

5-10° TRAILING

WORK ANGLES
WORK ANGLE

E7018 diameter 3.2mm

OVERLAP UP
TO HALF

Take note of the number of beads for each layer.

48
DEFECTS : CAUSES AND
REMEDIES
To find and possibly prevent welding defects, the The opposite defect is excessive penetration, which is
operator must acquire familiarity with the form and marked by an excessive reinforcement on the back of
dimension of the weld pool and its relation to the form the joint, higher than required.
and appearance of the finished weld seam.
The filler metal is generated by the electrode, which
through the arc starts mixing with the melted base
metal. In vertical down welding, the arc force tends to
make the melted metal flow towards the rear part of the
crater to form the seam, while the force of gravity tends
to counterbalance that of the arc, making the fusion
pool flow in feed direction.
On the contrary, in vertical up welding, the force of the
arc and that of gravity push the melted metal back in
the crater to form the seam.
The movement of the melted metal towards the back of
the crater and its form provide the operator with a
means of continuous quality control, without interrupting
the arc. The essential variables by which the operator
In this case, during welding the groove becomes too
interprets the fusion bath on which he must intervene to
wide and the weld pool control is difficult due to its size
prevent welding defects are: electrode diameter,
and fluidity. To reduce penetration and eliminate this
current, arc length, feed speed and electrode
problem feed speed may be increased, possibly also
positioning angles.
increasing the electrode drive angle. If this is not
sufficient, interrupt welding and reduce the current.
One of the most important factors is penetration.
There is correct penetration when the weld completely
An excessive heat supply may cause shrinkage This
crosses the joint thickness, leaving a small seam of
makes the internal surface of the joint concave. It is a
continuous penetration well-fused at the back. One of
common defect when welding overhead: the force of
the commonest defects in pipe welding is insufficient
gravity causes the internal surface of the seam to
penetration, which consists in discontinuity between
become concave and the external surface convex.
the two edges of the bevel due to the fact that the filler
metal has not completely penetrated the joint. This
takes place as, during welding, the groove starts to
close, the seam becomes narrow and the welding bath
stagnant. To prevent this problem, a possible remedy is
to decrease feed speed or reduce the electrode drive
angle to increase the temperature of the bath and
therefore the penetration. If this is not sufficient,
interrupt welding and increase the current or use the
grinder to redece the root face.

In both cases it is necessary to reduce the heat supply

to the melted bath, the methods are the same as those
described in the previous case.

50
Vertical welding, too high a heat input causes burn
through and fall of melted metal.
GOOD FUSION
Another cause of defects is often linked to an imperfect
restart of the arc, generally due to too low current or LIGHT
insufficient pre-heating; the start of the connecting CONVEXITY
seam is too wide and the end has a contour degrading
towards the crater.

Finally, we must draw your attention to a series of

welding defects caused by incorrect joint preparation.
The root gap, the root face and cleaning of the joint are
all factors directly related to the future quality of the
finished weld.
An excessive distance between the edges or a too
small may cause excessive penetration, shrinking
effect, breakage or undercuts. An excessive root gap
makes it necessary to increase travel speed otherwise
there would be an excessive heat supply with excessive
penetration or burn through. Similarly, if the shoulder
surface is too small, the arc heat makes the edges melt
at the root and this leads to the previous situation in
which the distance between the edges is excessive.
To prevent this type of defect, the electrode must be
On the contrary, too small a root gap or too large a root
removed towards the end of the crater, keeping the arch
face may cause insufficient penetration, lack of fusion
slightly long for pre-heating. At the end reduce the arc
and convexity of the seam surface with possible slag
length to melt the thin bridge of metal, waiting until the
inclusion. If the root face is too high, the arc cannot melt
seam is of equal length to the existing one, then restart
the joint edges to create the groove and the metal is
feed. When the arc is correctly started, the electrode
laid between the edges with insufficient penetration.
must be turned towards the end of the crater.
Insufficient or inadequate cleaning of the joint and base
Also in the case of ascending restart with electrodes
material before welding may cause further defects,
with low alloy and/or low carbon contents (basic),
generally gaseous inclusion (porosity if ≤ 1mm,
the arc must be restarted upstream of the crater then
blowholes if ≥ 1mm). The presence of oil or dirt on the
moving towards the other end and should be kept
surfaces to be welded causes spherical porosity. Other
slightly longer than normal. To restart on the filling or
causes of porosity may be the presence of humidity on
external beads, with cellulosic or basic electrodes,
the base metal, excessive feed speed or excessive
switch on the arc approximately 13mm in front of the
undulation of the electrode.
crater then move back until it is filled. In this way the
Finally, it is important to mention the effect of the
previous seam is correctly pre-heated.
electrode angle as a means of temperature control.
The feed angles, “to be pushed” or “to be pulled”,
Another typical welding defect consists of undercuts.
influence heat supply, arc force and the quantity of
These are furrows displayed at the seam edges at the
material laid. Since the arc force is always exerted in
connection with the surface of the base metal. They
the same direction as the electrode, if this is not
reduce thickness and cause burn through. This defect is
centred on the joint the arc causes undercuts along the
due to the excessive length of the arc. The larger the
edges. Welding in upwards, gravity moves the melted
arc cone, the wider the cuts will be, and the filler metal
metal towards the lowest point of the crater in which
is laid in drops and there is excessive spatter with
large undercuts have not been filled. Undercuts, which
consequent loss of filler material.
may however be caused by excessive arc length, may
Also the vertical down root often causes small
also occur along the edges of the joint root.
undercuts at the edges of the external surface of the
seam, but this is mainly due to an over-high travel
To sum up, the quality of the weld depends on the
speed. The second bead usually fills the cuts at the
operator’s ability, on his knowledge of the appropriate
edges and prevents the lack of fusion and slag
techniques and on his capacity to control the five
inclusion.
essential variables mentioned at the start. Joint
The undercuts at the root inside the pipe are caused by
preparation, and its cleaning before welding, must be
an over-short arc. The tip of the electrode is pushed
accurate.
too far into the joint and the filler material which is
pushed through the joint is laid at the root.

51
AUTOMATIC PIPE WELDING
General information

For decades the largest companies specialising in pipe

construction at world level have adopted automatic
welding systems, immediately finding their choice
rewarded.
The main reasons for the conversion are:

• Increased productivity
• Lower welding costs
• Use of fewer staff
• Operators (welders) are trained in a few weeks
• Lower repair percentage
• Perfect repeteability of a test joint

Different alternatives can be chosen when the conversion

has to take place:

• One side welding with internal line-up clamp using

copper backing
• Performing of internal root pass with a “welding internal
line-up clamp”

Both of those give good productivity and low repairing

rate, but their respective advantages are:

One side welding

• Low cost equipment
• Higher speed on root pass (the first pass gives the
production speed to the main line welding phase)

Internal pass
• Can be used when copper backings are not allowed
• Can ensure better penetration on high-low conditions

54
Filler materials

SOLID WIRES OK Autrod 13.13

ESAB, which follows the natural development of the Classification

sector, has set up and has now sold for years to all SFA/AWS A5.28 : ER 100S-G
companies in the sector a complete range of solid EN 12534 : GMn3NiCrMo
wires for pipe welding which covers the entire range of
steels. A copper-coated, low-alloy, chromium-nickel-
molybdenum (0.5% Cr, 0.5% Ni, 0.2% Mo), solid wire for
the GMAW of high tensile strength steels with a minimum
OK Autrod 12.66 yield strength (0.2% offset) of less than 610 MPa and a
minimum tensile strength exceeding 710 Mpa. Also
Classification suitable when welding steels where good impact strength
SFA/AWS A5.18-93 : ER 70S-6 at lower temperatures is required.
EN 440 : G 42 2 C G4Si1 OK Autrod 13.13 is usually welded with Ar/2 CO2 as the
EN 440 : G 46 3 M G4Si1 shielding gas. The mechanical properties are given in the
as-welded condition. After stress relieving, the
OK Autrod 12.66 is a copper-coated solid wire with mechanical properties decrease by about 30 Mpa in the
low content of impurity elements for downhill case of yield and tensile strength.
circumferential GMAW welding on pipe qualities such
as API 5L, grade X52 to grade X70. The wire permits Typical all-weld metal composition - %
welding with high current (spray-arc) and also with C = 0.1
short-circuiting transfer in all positions. Shielding gas Si = 0.7
Ar/CO2. Mn = 1.4
Cr = 0.6
Typical all-weld metal composition - % Ni = 0.6
C = 0.07 Mo = 0.2
Si = 0.8
Mn = 1.4 Typical properties all-weld metal
Yield stress : 690 Mpa
Typical properties all-weld metal Tensile strength : 770 Mpa
Yield stress : 535 Mpa Elongation : 20%
Tensile strength : 600 Mpa Charpy V :
Elongation : 26% 80J at 0°C
Charpy V : 100J at –20°C 50J at –60°C

55
CORED WIRES
For even more extreme applications, where productivity,
quality and mechanical features must be guaranteed,
ESAB, thanks to its preferred partner relationship with
large contractors specialised in the offshore sector, has
prepared a series of cored wires which permit a
considerable increase in productivity.

FILARC PZ6104
Classification
SFA/AWS A5.18 : E70C-GM H4
EN 758-1997 : T42 5 Z MM 2 H5

Metal-cored wire providing a ductile weld metal alloyed

with 1% Ni for good CVN toughness down to –50°C.
Developed for applications involving thick plates, high
restraint and/or low-temperature toughness
requirements, as in offshore construction. Primary use
comprises multi-layer butt and fillet welds in the downhill
and horizontal/vertical positions. Root passes without
backing are welded in the short-arc mode. Pulsed MIG
operation is applied to optimise the filling of positional
joints, using Ar/8%CO2 shielding gas. Suitable for
semiautomatic and fully automatic orbital welding
machines.
Typical all-weld metal composition - %
C = 0.03 – 0.07
Si = 0.4 – 0.7
Mn = 1.2 – 1.6
Ni = 0.7 – 0.95
Typical properties all-weld metal
Yield stress : 420 Mpa
Tensile strength : 520 - 620 Mpa
Elongation : 22%
Charpy V :
54J at -40°C
47J at –50°C

56
Welding techniques and operational practices
for automatic orbital welding
Welding with mixed technique DEPOSITION RATE
Electrode+wire welding may be considered the first step Weld metal deposition per hour
towards complete automation of the welding process;
although large companies adopted this solution in the
early Eighties to limit investments in the first phase.
It could work on a standard API bevel (30°+30°) without
using bevelling machine (very expensive device),
performing root and hot passes by cellulosic electrodes
and filling and cap by solid or cored wires. Very common 1,36 kg/hr 1,8 kg/hr 3,6 kg/hr
using of self-shielded cored wire where good quality of
gas is not easy to find.

Wire welding Electrode Cored Automatic

wire-manual welding
Wire welding, with reduced bevel and use of an internal
clamp with copper supports is definitely the cheapest,
safest and most productive solution to adopt and has DEPOSITION EFFICIENCY
been used for years to construct sea and land pipes by Ratio of weight of weld metal deposited to the weight used
numerous companies in the sector.

How automatic equipment work

The welding torch moves downhill at a speed
programmed by a selector. The speed is determined for
each pass, on the half circumference. At the end of each 65% 85% 90%
pass the torch moves back to the starting position and
restarts, after the welding parameters have been
regulated or automatically set. The operation is carried
out by means of two carriages on the same weld, to
increase productivity. Electrode Cored Automatic
wire-manual welding
Advantages
Operators, even if recruited among generic personnel, DUTY CYCLE FACTORS
can be trained in two-weeks time. Ratio of arc time to working time
Number of personnel dedicated to the welding phase can
be reduced by 30% (it’s not necessary to grind and brush
joints – welding wire does not produce slag).
Working time is completely productive. Dead times
between each pass are reduced to a minimum.

35% 35% 80%

Electrode Cored Automatic

wire-manual welding

57
Examples of WPS - Welding Procedure
Specifications

58
59
Examples of WPS - Welding Procedure
Specifications

60
61
Comparison between three welding methods
36” pipe, 14 mm thickness

Electrode Electrode + wire Wire + copper backing

Type of bevel
12° 12°

30° R: 3,2 mm
30°

~ 5 mm
1 mm
1,5 mm 1,5 mm
1,5 mm

The bevel =
volume
reduction

The finished
Welding Procedure weld
Specification
I° pass Pipeweld 6010 Plus ∅ 4 mm Pipeweld 6010 Plus ∅ 4 mm OK Autrod 12.66 ∅ 1 mm
II° pass Pipeweld 7010/8010 ∅ 4 mm Pipeweld 7010/8010 ∅ 4 mm OK Autrod 12.66 ∅ 1 mm
Filling Pipeweld 7010/8010 ∅ 5 mm OK Autrod 12.66 ∅ 1 mm OK Autrod 12.66 ∅ 1 mm
Capping Pipeweld 7010/8010 ∅ 5 mm OK Autrod 12.66 ∅ 1 mm OK Autrod 12.66 ∅ 1 mm
The joint could be also filled
with self shielded cored wire
(Coreshield 8NiA)
or OK Tubrod 15,17 in
semiautomatic technique

Times
Arc time 64 minutes 41 minutes 25 minutes
Efficiency 35% 35% + 80% 80%
Total time 182 minutes 68 minutes 31 minutes

Costs (only an example)

Manpower 34 Euro/hour
Electrodes 5 Euro/kg
Wire 3 Euro/kg + 0,5 Euro/kg gas
Manpower cost 102 Euro 38 Euro 17 euro
Welding weight 2 kg 1,6 kg 1,2 kg
Consumables cost 11 Euro 6 Euro 4 Euro
Total weld cost 113 Euro 44 Euro 21 Euro

62
Defects and remedies

Hollow bead Porosity

The x-ray shows how a hollow channel inside the first In a coated electrode process, the weld pool is
bead may be caused by the presence of dirt inside the protected from external oxidation by combustion of the
pipe, by inaccurate grinding of the internal wall of the coating, but in a wire process it is protected by a
pipe near the bevel, by bad weather conditions which protective gas, introduced into the arc zone by a torch;
make water or steam reach the weld while the first the lack of gas causes porosity.
bead is being carried out or by incorrect welding
parameters (too much current, too much gas). Remedies
Check the good state of maintenance of coverages for
Remedies protection from the wind, check the good state of
Check internal cleaning of the pipe, all the circumference, maintenance of sleeves, connections, gas diffusers and,
by means of manual grinding (brushing is not sufficient) more as recommendation than a technical remedy,
for a section of at least 2 cm from the bevel. substitute gas cylinders before they finish completely.

In bad weather conditions, manual cleaning with cloths

of the internal wall of both the pipes to be joined even Slag inclusion
before carrying out the first bead and before the Defect found only in the mixed (electrode+wire) technique,
overhead section (6:00) as it is that most likely to it presents itself in the slab as an elongated, cracked
convey water or steam. inclusion of a certain thickness, usually positioned on one
side of the bevel. It is caused by bad slag cleaning in the
Periodic check of welding parameters second bead, which remains imprisoned and does not
melt in the successive wire bead.
A sporadic case, mentioned for comprehensiveness, is
Lack of penetration slag inclusion due to its entrapment in the hollow
This presents itself as an interruption, perhaps of created between the second bead and the bevel wall if
considerable length or with sections of the insideweld this, in the section at 30°, has not been completely filled.
seam, which should instead be uniform after the first To be more clear, if you start to weld with wire before
bead. In pipes with a sufficiently large diameter to filling the bevel section at 30° with the electrode, this
permit internal accessibility it is visible to the naked eye could cause defects (even lack of fusion).
and, in some cases, the intact bevel is visible (a
welding process for instantaneous repair of the fault Remedies
from the inside) is recommended. It may be caused by Thorough cleaning of the second bead
incorrect geometrical dimensions of the bevel, incorrect
welding parameters, bad fit up (excessive External defects (undercuts and excess
misalignments) or poor operator skill. weld metal)
Remedies These cannot be considered real welding defects which
Check bevel, check welding parameters, pipe rotation cause joint seal problems, but are “to be repaired” due
(always compatible with the position of the longitudinal to the possibility of the start of corrosion or fatigue
welds which must be spaced a certain length) or failure (cuts) or to facilitate subsequent operations of
application of shims on the internal clamp expanders to coating and installation (excess weld material)
reduce misalignments. Remedies
We will not dwell on the skill of the operators; the most Good preparation of the joint before executing the
expert should be chosen and reserved for the first bead finishing bead: the underlying bead must be uniform,
(a delay in execution stops the whole “welding train”). perfectly clean and leave 1mm from the pipe surface to
permit the voluminous pool of the last bead to rest
Lack of fusion smoothly and create a 1-1.5mm seam for the widest part
The main defect of wire processes. In x-ray it appears of the joint.
as a continuous or short dashed line on one or both
sides of the joint; by assessing its position as regards At the end of the “welding train”, it is advisable to
the first bead (whiter seam at the centre of the film), provide a tractor, even of small size for the manual
you can assume its depth. repair of defects on the external bead.
The main causes are: incorrect bevel dimensions,
incorrect welding parameters or operator negligence.
Remedies
Constant check of all process geometrical and
functional parameters and informed operators.
A second case exists. Less common than the lack of
fusion called INTERPASS, caused by the dropping of the
weld pool in the vertical section of the pipe (2:00-5:00)
due to incorrect welding parameters; it appears in the x-
ray as a darker veil between two successive beads.

63