Phase I developed three wet welding electrodes and applied these welds to flat surfaces at simulated depths ranging from 50 to 150 meters to study weld quality and application. Phase I was completed in September 2004.  See final report and appendices located in Reports section below. 

 

Phase II, which began in February 2004, further advanced development of wet welding electrodes and tested the technology on radial surfaces at depths ranging from 50 to 150 meters to simulate the repair of offshore platform steel support/cross members and pipelines.  Phase II work was completed in May  2006.  See final report located in Reports section below. 

  

Phase III, which began in February 2006, focused on the reliability aspect of manufacturing consumables capable of producing reliable weld joints in structures fabricated from normal grade structural steels as well as the more sophisticated higher strength grades in floating and fixed structures. The applicability of these electrodes were further broadened to overcome limitations found with radial wet welding and weld porosity. Phase III work was completed in November 2007.  See final report located in Reports section below. 

Phase IV, which began in March 2008, focuses on out-of-position welding (i.e., improve the slag system for faster cooling to remove impurities by driving them to the surface) and other aspects of weld integrity necessary to transition these experimental electrodes for industrial applications.  The characteristics of high acicular ferrite, high impact toughness and weldability in vertical positions will be very beneficial on many underwater welding situations.