11 February 2012

Pipeline Construction

The activity on the Wilmot gathering pipeline continues to move at a rapid pace and the welding crew was on site today.



One of the first steps in preparing the pipe for welding is to heat the steel pipe. This heating conditions the pipe to prevent stress in the pipe welds.


An internal alignment tool is positioned in the end of one pipe prior to the placement of the second section of pipe.


With the two sections of pipe in place multiple welding teams start welding.


The pipe is "tack" welded and then a full bead of weld is applied around the internal edge of the pipe joint.


After the first team of welders completes the internal pipe weld the next team cleans and grinds the outer surface of the first weld.



Grinding the weld.


After grinding, a second exterior weld is applied over the first weld.





Making use of our clay soil. "Mud man"


Touch-up welding

1 comment:

kjorgenrud said...

Bob & Mary, I noticed you had some great pics of the pipeline construction process.

I was wondering if you would be willing to share some of the higher-res photos you got from that process? The company I work for provided the paint (Green stuff!) that was used on the line.

If so, I can be reached at kjorgenrud@valspar.com.

Great pics.

Karl