Underwater welding

Dival, professionals in the industry

Diving into the depths of the sea reveals a world of mysteries and wonders. But have you ever wondered how structures beneath the water’s surface are built or repaired? One of the ways is underwater welding. Join us as we dive into the art of underwater welding, exploring its techniques, challenges, and the expertise of Dival, a renowned company in this field.

What is underwater welding

Underwater welding is a specialized welding process carried out underwater. Used for repairing or building various structures such as pipelines, ships, offshore platforms, dams, and various steel constructions. It requires highly skilled professional divers-welders equipped with specialized tools to perform welding tasks in extreme underwater conditions.

The importance

It plays a crucial role in various sectors, especially in the oil and gas industry, marine construction, and infrastructure development. It is essential for the maintenance and repair of underwater structures without the need for costly and time-consuming caisson processes or is often the only solution.

Techniques

Underwater welding is a fascinating and demanding process that, due to the specific environmental conditions, requires the use of special techniques. Among them, two main types stand out: wet welding and dry welding.

Wet welding takes place in direct contact with water. The welder, equipment, and welded element are submerged the entire time, which impacts the entire welding process. The lower temperature of the water causes the metal to harden faster, which can lead to brittleness and reduced mechanical strength of the weld. For this reason, wet welding is often used as a temporary solution, requiring later adjustments. Shielded electrodes are most commonly used for wet welding.

Dry welding provides much more comfortable working conditions. It involves isolating the welded element from the surrounding water, allowing the creation of conditions similar to land welding. There are two types of dry welding:

Isobaric welding: Welding takes place in a special chamber where the pressure is the same as outside. This allows the welder to work in conditions close to atmospheric pressure.

Hyperbaric welding: Welding also takes place in a chamber, but under increased pressure. This allows for more efficient work at greater depths.

The choice of underwater welding method depends on many factors, such as:

    • Welding depth,
    • Type of material being welded,
    • Required weld quality,
    • Available resources and technology,

Challenges faced by underwater welders

High pressure: Working underwater exposes welders to a high-pressure environment, which requires proper training and equipment to prevent health hazards, such as decompression sickness.


Limited visibility: Poor visibility underwater poses a challenge in maintaining precise welds and ensuring structural integrity.


Corrosive environment: Submerged structures are often exposed to corrosive elements, making proper surface preparation and material selection essential for effective welding.

Safety measures in underwater welding

Ensuring the safety of underwater welders is of utmost importance. Safety measures include thorough training, adherence to diving procedures, use of specialized equipment, and regular equipment maintenance. Dival prioritizes safety by implementing rigorous safety procedures to protect its employees.

We have implemented and certified, through PIHZ, a safety and occupational health management system.

Dival: Pioneers in underwater welding

Dival leads the way in underwater welding, with a team of highly skilled and experienced welders equipped with cutting-edge technology. With the company’s reputation for excellence and reliability, Dival has successfully completed numerous underwater welding projects.

Advantages of choosing Dival for underwater welding

Experience: Dival’s welders undergo rigorous training and have extensive experience in underwater welding, ensuring high-quality results.

Technology: Dival uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to provide efficient and precise underwater welding services.

Reliability: Clients trust Dival for its commitment to safety, quality, and timely project completion.

Versatility: We conduct technical condition assessments and inspections of structures. In the event of defects and the need for repairs, we develop a repair plan. The project is always tailored to the client’s needs, and our solutions are backed by our technical knowledge and extensive experience.

Applications

Underwater welding is used in various industries, including:

  • Repair and maintenance of offshore oil and gas platforms
  • Construction and repair of underwater pipelines
  • Installation of underwater structures, such as bridges and dams
  • Repairs and renovations of hydraulic structures
  • Repairs of watercraft

 

Environmental impact and sustainability

While underwater welding is essential for infrastructure development, mitigating its environmental impact is crucial. Dival employs environmentally friendly practices and adheres to environmental protection regulations to minimize pollution and safeguard underwater ecosystems.

Future trends

Technological advancements, such as robotic underwater welding systems and advanced materials, are shaping the future of underwater welding. Dival remains at the forefront of innovation, utilizing new technologies to enhance efficiency and safety in underwater welding projects.