Saipem Limited

Renato Bonelli

Teresio Signaroldi

Andrea Provesi

Luciano Tosi

Two pipes are arranged end to end, the pipes being shaped such that a groove is defined between the ends of the pipe. A plurality of welding torches are used to weld in the groove, such that at least some of the welding torches perform a first welding pass, the welding characteristics of the torches are adjusted and at least some of the welding torches are used to perform a second welding pass. At least one torch welds in a first sector in the first welding pass and a second sector in the second welding pass, the second sector being different to the first. The sectors might overlap or might not overlap.

Method and apparatus for the welding of pipes

A welding bug () comprising a welding torch () for welding in a groove (). The welding torch () is mounted for rotational movement about an axis () that is substantially horizontal, relative to the welding bug, (typically tangential to a pipe during use) so that the torch is moveable, during use of the welding bug () when arranged to enable the torch to weld in a groove, between (i) an operating position, and (ii) a disengaged position in which the welding torch is positioned away from the groove (). The welding bug may be less cumbersome and more compact than some known arrangements.

Welding system

A method of welding together the ends of outer pipe sections (A,B) of pipe-in-pipe pipeline to be laid on a seabed employs an annular member () interposed between adjacent lengths of pipe. The annular member comprises a first axial part () which fits within the end of the first outer pipe section, and a flange part () which is interposed between the adjacent ends of the two lengths of outer pipe sections (A,B) to be joined. The flange part () of the annular member () projects radially outwardly beyond the inside of the outer pipe sections (A,B) and terminates radially inwardly of the outside of the outer pipe sections (A,B), and provides some of the welding material for the joint.

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Matelica, Italy

Renato Bonelli