Operational Problems in Welded Joints of Flow Sensors Used in Power Engineering

Abstract

The paper presents operational problems present in fluid and gas flow measurement systems. Tests (involving laser welded tubes made using a focused and a defocused beam) were concerned with the quality of welded joints. The tests revealed that the use of the focused beam resulted in the formation of cracks in the welds. In addition, post-weld observations revealed undercuts on the weld face side, responsible for the thinning of the tubes, yet without compromising their service life.