Improving Productivity and Automation in Fabrication of Offshore Platforms and Pressure Vessels

Abstract

For Offshore Process and Wellhead Platforms for Oil and Gas and Pressure Vessel Fabrication, increased Automation is the need of the hour, as it helps improve Productivity, reduces Skill dependency on Welders, and improves Product Quality. Proactive planning and implementation of correct welding process automation for defined Weld Joints speeds up weld deposition with good weld aesthetics with improved quality of weld. L&T-Modular Fabrication Facility at Hazira uses In-house Innovative ways to Weld Main Leg joints by SAW, T-K-Y joints by FCAW, Framing joints by FCAW, Weld Sector tubular joints by FCAW, Weld Miters in Jacket Lifting Sub-Assemblies by SAW/FCAW, Conductor Guides by SAW, Bottom Skirt pile guide by SAW and FCAW, External and Internal Shear key Fillet Welds by Twin Head SAW, Tray Support Rings and Crown to Petal joints in D'end of Pressure Vessels by SAW. As conventional SMAW is replaced, significant weld metal deposition in shortest possible time with stringent dimensional tolerances are achieved, without any rework and delay in acceptance. Proper sequencing, effective and repetitive implementation and optimised Welding parameters leads to desired bead size and finish, reduces Overall cycle time, cost and man days.