High Frequency Induction Tube Welding Parameters for OCTG Applications

For oil tube and pipe production, multi-wire flux core welding is typically used to weld pipe seams. However, in some line pipe applications, welding is done using high frequency induction electric resistance welding (ERW) due to its high productivity. Although this process is very old, there is very little open knowledge on optimal mill setup to produce high quality welds. Running extensive testing on actual ERW mills can be very expensive both in terms of mill time and material costs. This work investigates the use of flash butt welding as a cost effective way to test the weldability of steels. The batch welded flash butt welding process will be compared to the continuous ERW welding process by comparing the two processes on a basis of weld geometry and welding process times, so that the data measured from the flash welding samples may be applied to ERW welding. This work will show how data from these various techniques may be applied to the tube welding process.