Description

Homopolar welding is an approach to repetitive welding, initially explored for pipe welding, that produces very high quality welds rapidly and inexpensively. The approach combines electrical heating at the interface with mechanical force to fuse the two pieces. This process yields a weld in which the grain structure and the chemical composition at the weld zone are nearly identical to those in the unaffected portions of the pipe. Thus, the weld is highly resistant to pinhole leaks and is not a source of corrosion or cracking due to fatigue. In addition, the weld is completed in seconds.

Benefits

• Faster welds
  
• Reduced cost
  
• Highly automated process most useful in repetitive applications
  
• Able to handle hazardous materials or materials in environmentally sensitive areas.
  

Features

• A homopolar generator which produces the million or more amperes needed to heat. a large pipe joint.
  
• A press to fuse the heated pieces.
  
• A control system to cycle the pressure and temperature appropriately.
  

Market Potential/Applications

• Pipeline applications: oil, gas, chemical

Contact:

University of Texas,
Austin, USA
Website : www.otc.utexas.edu