Is Pipe Welding Difficult?

Pipe welding is often more challenging than other types of welding and requires a higher level of welder skill. This can be due to the working conditions as well as factors such as the travel angle of the weld, the pipe position and the diameter of the pipe. The difficulty increases as the position changes from 1G to 6G (see ‘Pipe Welding Positions’ above).

Is Pipe Welding Dangerous?

Pipe welding can be dangerous if the correct precautions are not taken. Welding can expose welders to fumes, dust and other airborne particles, as well as heat and dangerous levels of light that can be harmful without the correct safety equipment. The hazards are increased due to the conditions that pipe welders may be required to operate in, making pipe welding potentially dangerous.

What Type of Welding is Pipe Welding?

Pipe welding uses arc welding techniques, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW) – including both MIG and MAG welding, flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), submerged arc welding, and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding.

How long does it take to Weld a Pipe?

The amount of time taken to weld a pipe depends on factors such as the size of the pipe, the working conditions and the welder’s level of skill. In addition, the amount of passes required can change for different jobs and the different welding techniques have different rates of deposition (MIG is generally faster than TIG, for example). However, as a rule of thumb, the average welder can complete 140 inches of weld per hour. By checking this hourly speed against the diameter of the pipe, you can get an idea of how long a pipe will take to weld.

What is Stove Pipe Welding?

Stove pipe welding (sometimes called ‘stovepipe’) is a variant of the manual/shielded metal arc welding (MMA/SMAW) technique. It is one of the most commonly used methods for welding pipelines in industries transporting oil, gas and water and allows for positional welding and high production rates for steel pipeline laying. 

What is 5g Pipe Welding?

5G pipe welding relates to the position in which the pipe is welded. In 5G welding, the pipes are placed horizontally in a fixed position and the welder moves around the pipes, welding in a vertical direction.

What is 6g Pipe Welding?

6G pipe welding relates to the position in which the pipe is welded. In this position, the pipe is placed at an angle so that it slopes at around 45° from the horizontal (X) axis or vertical (Y) axis. The pipe is fixed and the welder moves around the pipe to perform the weld. This is the most advanced pipe welding position.

What is Downhill Pipe Welding?

Downhill pipe welding is when the welding is carried out with a downward progression, as opposed to uphill pipe welding, where the welding is carried out with an upward progression. Although uphill welding is considered stronger and is better for thicker materials, it takes longer to perform and has a greater potential for burn through than with downhill welding. On thinner pipe walls, downhill welding lets the welder run ‘hot and fast,’ improving productivity where heat penetration is not such an issue.

What is a Pipe Welder Called?

Pipe welders, as opposed to pipeline welders, are also sometimes called pipefitters, steamfitters or simply just ‘fitters.’ They are responsible for the assembly, installation, maintenance and repair of piping systems and fixtures.

Conclusion

Pipe welding uses arc welding to join metal pipes together. While a distinction is sometimes made between pipe welding and pipeline welding, there are many similarities between the two.

Pipe welders, sometimes called pipefitters, work in the construction industry, at oil and gas fields, in the water industries, at fabrication shops and in power generation, among other industries.

Pipe welding can be a difficult skill and can also involve working in uncomfortable or potentially hazardous places, however with the correct expertise, safety measures and standards, welding is often preferable to other pipe joining methods.