Development and Evaluation of the Internal Cladding Process of API 5L X70 Risers with Nickel-based superalloy 625 via PTA Welding

Abstract

The Oil and gas exploration is one of the most strategic industrial sectors in the Brazilian economy. The discovery of deep water reserves adds more difficulty to the already problematic use of materials in equipment in extremely corrosive environments. With the objective of increasing the service life of the equipment, and consequently reducing the cost of maintenance and preventing against environmental catastrophes, it is common to use CRA claddings via welding processes, in which the nickel superalloy coatings stand out via the PTA welding process. In this context, the operation of internal cladding of risers becomes extremely complex due to the operational and metallurgical requirements imposed by the application. The present work aims at the development and empirical evaluation of the internal cladding procedure of risers with Nickelbased superalloy 625 via PTA welding process. From tests of cladding on plate, satisfactory preliminary parameters were reached for the performance of internal cladding tests on risers. From the adaptation of the welding parameters, comparative analyzes of three different procedures were carried out, with different weaving amplitude. Visual analysis and inspections were carried out via penetrating liquid and radiography, confirming the welding quality of all procedures performed. Still, proving the metallurgical quality of the developed procedures, analysis of chemical composition was carried out via EDX, presenting satisfactory results. Finally, a financial comparison of the process was elaborated, showing comparatively the consumption of powder and gas, and the time needed for internal cladding. Keywords: Coating; CRA; Nickel Alloy; Pipeline; Plasma Transferred Arc.