US3581042A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Underwater welding method
Assignee: Ocean Systems Inc
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Filing: 1969-06-19
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Granted: 1971-05-25
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Expires: 1989-06-19
Abstract
Abstract The invention provides a method of welding heavy metal sections located deep under water without having to raise the sections to the surface. The method consists of lowering a chamber having an open bottom until it encloses the area to be worked upon. Preferably a pressurized gas is introduced into the chamber as it is being lowered in order to prevent the water from rising beyond a certain level which is maintained in a dry condition. After the chamber is set in place, a pressurized gas is introduced to displace the remaining water in the chamber. Thereafter the chamber atmosphere is preferably maintained in a substantially inert condition and the weld made with a nonconsumable electrodeinert gas-welding apparatus operating with a 1/64- to 1/4 -inch arc length at 85 to 250 amps and at a voltage sufficient to maintain a stable arc.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank J Pilia
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 17:54
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K9/00; B23K9/0061
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of electric arc welding a joint between heavy metal sections of pipeline at deep underwater locations which comprises: a. enclosing the deeply submerged metal section areas of the pipe to be joined within an enclosure; b. introducing a pressurized gas into the enclosure to displace the water therefrom, and to establish a pressurized environment above that of the atmosphere; c. establishing an arc between a nonconsumable electrode and the joint formed between the metal sections to create a weld puddle therein; and d. causing relative motion between the arc and the areas to be joined to form a weld around The circumference of the pipe.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of electric arc welding a joint between heavy metal sections of pipeline at deep underwater locations which comprises: a. enclosing the deeply submerged metal section areas of the pipe to be joined within an enclosure; b. introducing a pressurized gas into the enclosure to displace the water therefrom, and to establish a pressurized environment above that of the atmosphere; c. establishing an arc between a nonconsumable electrode and the joint formed between the metal sections to create a weld puddle therein; and d. causing relative motion between the arc and the areas to be joined to form a weld around The circumference of the pipe.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
Method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the arc is maintained at a length of 1/64 inch to 1/4 inch at a current level of 85 to 250 amps and with an arc voltage sufficient to maintain a stable arc at said length, whereby increased weld penetration is achieved as compared to welds made upon the surface under the same electrical conditions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
Method as claimed in claim 2 including the step of flowing a shielding gas comprising a viable mixture of inert gas and oxidizing gas along the electrode toward the area to be welded to shield the weld puddle and yet enable the diver to breathe the atmosphere within the enclosure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
Method as claimed in claim 1 including the step of maintaining a viable mixture of inert gas and oxygen within the enclosure to enable a diver to breathe the atmosphere within the enclosure, and flowing a shielding gas along the electrode toward the area to be joined to shield the weld puddle.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
213 words
A method of electric arc welding a joint between heavy metal sections of a pipeline at deep underwater locations which comprises: a. providing an enclosure having an open bottom; b. lowering the enclosure toward the area to be joined so as to enclose same; c. introducing a pressurized gas into said enclosure while lowering same to maintain the upper portion thereof in a dry condition; d. enclosing the deeply submerged section areas to be joined with the enclosure; e. thereafter displacing the remaining water from the enclosure with a pressurized gas to establish a pressurized environment above that of the atmosphere and sealing off the area within said enclosure to prevent the entry of water thereinto; f. establishing and maintaining a substantially inert noncombustion supporting atmosphere within said enclosure; g. establishing an arc between a nonconsumable electrode and the joint formed between the metal sections of pipe to create a weld puddle, said arc having a length of 1/64 inch to 1/4 inch at a current level of 85 to 250 amps and with an arc voltage sufficient to maintain a stable arc at said length and current level, and h. causing relative motion between the arc and the areas to be joined to form a weld around the circumference of the pipe.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
213 words
A method of electric arc welding a joint between heavy metal sections of a pipeline at deep underwater locations which comprises: a. providing an enclosure having an open bottom; b. lowering the enclosure toward the area to be joined so as to enclose same; c. introducing a pressurized gas into said enclosure while lowering same to maintain the upper portion thereof in a dry condition; d. enclosing the deeply submerged section areas to be joined with the enclosure; e. thereafter displacing the remaining water from the enclosure with a pressurized gas to establish a pressurized environment above that of the atmosphere and sealing off the area within said enclosure to prevent the entry of water thereinto; f. establishing and maintaining a substantially inert noncombustion supporting atmosphere within said enclosure; g. establishing an arc between a nonconsumable electrode and the joint formed between the metal sections of pipe to create a weld puddle, said arc having a length of 1/64 inch to 1/4 inch at a current level of 85 to 250 amps and with an arc voltage sufficient to maintain a stable arc at said length and current level, and h. causing relative motion between the arc and the areas to be joined to form a weld around the circumference of the pipe.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-24 | 1974-11-23 | 1975-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-24 | 1978-11-23 | 1979-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-24 | 1982-11-23 | 1983-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |