Welding Services
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To verify the quality and performance of electrodes used in the oil and gas industry, validation testing is conducted in accordance with applicable welding standards. The submitted electrodes are used to produce welded test specimens under controlled conditions, after which the required mechanical and metallurgical tests are performed to assess compliance with relevant welding codes and specifications. This process ensures that the electrodes meet industry requirements for strength, toughness, and overall weld integrity before being approved for operational use.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is a versatile and widely used welding process suitable for a broad range of steels and alloys. In this process, an electric arc is generated between a consumable coated electrode and the base material. The electrode coating produces a protective gas and slag that shield the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination.
Standards:
AWS A5.1: Carbon Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
AWS A5.4: Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
AWS A5.5: Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
GMAW is a semi-automatic welding process that uses a continuously fed wire electrode and an externally supplied shielding gas to protect the weld pool. The process offers high deposition rates, stable arc characteristics, and excellent weld quality with minimal post-weld cleaning.
Standards:
SFA-5.18/SFA-5.18M: Carbon Steel Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding
SFA-5.9/SFA-5.9M: Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods
SFA-5.28/SFA-5.28M: Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding
Electrode Verification Tests
Purpose: Ensure electrode quality and performance before welding operations.
Standards:
AWS A5 series (American Welding Society)
ISO 2560 (Welding consumables – Covered electrodes)
Capabilities:
Chemical composition analysis
Mechanical property verification
Coating integrity checks
Welder Qualification Tests
Purpose: Confirm individual welder skills and competency.
Standards:
AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, ISO 9606
Destructive Tests:
bend test
Non-Destructive Tests:
visual inspection
Penetrant Testing (PT)
Radiographic Testing (RT)
Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) Testing
Purpose: Validate welding procedures for production use.
Standards:
ASME Section IX – Welding Procedure Qualification
ISO 15614 series – Specification and qualification of welding procedures
AWS D 1.1– Structural Welding Code-Steel
Destructive Tests:
Tensile testing of welded joints
Bend tests (face & root)
Hardness measurement across weld & HAZ
Impact Test
Macrographic & Micrographic evaluation
Non-Destructive Tests:
Visual Inspection (VT)
Radiographic Testing (RT)
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
