Forming Control Method of Single‐Layer Multi‐Pass Welding in the Intersection for T/K/Y Joints of Jacket

Abstract

Multi‐layer multi‐pass welding is required for complicated welding of the intersecting seam in the jacket. Traditional manual welding of intersecting curves with low efficiency and poor consistency has been gradually replaced by robotic welding. However, this process cannot eliminate the defects during the welding forming process, resulting in welding deviations. It is difficult to meet the requirements in all‐position welding of intersecting curves. To achieve accurate layering and routing for robotic welding, it is necessary to study the weld forming control and prediction method in the jacket. Response surface methodology adhering to central composite design is used to establish a mathematical model to correlate the effects of input process parameters (voltage, current, speed, weaving amplitude) on response variables, i.e., aspect ratio, cross‐sectional area, and side wetting angle. The confirmation experiments and analysis of variance results validate that the percentage error between the predicted and actual values is less than 5%, which demonstrates the developed models are reliable. Prediction of filling weld forming changes of intersecting joints in jackets can be achieved.