Experimental study towards WIG welded joint. Case study: Repair by welding of X2CrNiMo17-12-2 pipes

Abstract

Nowadays, several technological problems were raised by industrial beneficiaries regarding spiral and pipe heat exchangers repairs and thus studies were done in this regard. X2CrNiMo17-12-2, austenitic stainless steel pipes were considered for the experiments on which artificial defects, simulating functioning defects, were done. In order to perform the repair activities on the designed defects, WIG welding process was used and an experimental stand was created. This paper presents some of the difficulties that can occur during the repair by welding of pipes and the defects identified using destructive and non-destructive testing on the probes and samples created for the experimental study scope. Significant conclusions can be drawn; up to a distance of about 100 - 150 mm from the access end, the repair has a good appearance with no serious imperfections.