The wet welding technology of Hydroweld is now established and internationally approved. Apart from the wet-welding training services they provide at TWI in Middlesborough, Hydroweld's very latest project involves the qualification of the diver-welders of Seaweld Engineering Services Ltd. Their divers are preparing to go out to Nigeria where Mobil is busy with their ongoing underwater repair and maintenance programme.

A seaweld diver shows off practice wet weld.,

John Roberts, the Mobil engineer overseeing the qualification activities confided that the Hydroweld FS Wet Welding Electrodes and the associated procedures had passed all their stringent tests, having failed several others from elsewhere which did not meet their demanding specification. These wet-welding rods, which Hydroweld have spent the last eight years developing, work in all positions. They supply them to diving companies world-wide.

The clear waters and diving trials facilities at Stoney Cove, run by Stoney Cove Marine Trials Ltd, are perfect for the qualification dives. The selected depth of 3 metres, offered good visibility and easy access. The sheltered water and extensive on-site facilities and support make this a very popular venue for underwater trials of every sort imaginable.

Once the Seaweld divers had practised their skills to a sufficient standard, they demonstrated their capability by welding a short, 12 inches diameter, half-inch thick pipe section onto a vertical, one-inch thick plate. The all-round welding capability of the electrode being an important feature to demonstrate. The finished sample is then sent to an MTS test house where the welds are inspected and approved under Lloyds supervision. The welds themselves had been made to meet the American Welding Society's standard, AWS D3.6-93 as well as additional specifications laid down by Mobil. Once the welders are qualified, they jump on a plane for sunny Nigeria and go straight to work for Mobil.

Hydroweld is the brainchild of Michael Pett who is a time-honoured North Sea diver. He set the company up in 1988 and has not looked back since. His extensive research into wet welding technology has paid off and his many satisfied customers now include Stolt Comex Seaway, Stena Coflexip, Hydrex, Divemex, Bodive, TWI, Cranfield University and, notably, NATO and the Ministry of Defence, who have added their formal approval to the procedures and electrodes. Mike Pett was also quick to point out that he was working towards his ISO 9000 certification.

The main market to date for the Hydroweld wet-welding electrodes has been in ship repairs. Repairs to offshore structures come in a close second. Substantial cost savings are now possible through the elimination of expensive habitats, dry docking, cofferdams or clamping devices. The fast mobilisation time for the divers and their equipment adds to the cost effectiveness. Multi-bead fillet and butt welds on mild steel are easily accomplished by either stringer or weave techniques. The technique offers excellent root and sidewall fusion with finely rippled, well shaped beads. Operations have so far been concluded in both fresh and salt water and to a maximum depth of 100 metres (to date).

Mike Pett provides a personalised service including advice on electrode applications and weld design. He can qualify wet-welding procedures and welder divers as well as provide his own qualified wet-welder divers. His electrodes and associated plant can be bought or hired and of course, full training is provided. A useful "User Guide" booklet accompanies all orders for the Hydroweld electrodes which includes advice on weld design, electrode handling, equipment check-list, setting up, electrode deployment, wet-welding procedure, trouble-shooting, electrode storage and safety tips.

Organisations interested in receiving more details of the capabilities and supply of Hydroweld wet-welding electrodes should contact the managing director, Mike Pett, on telephone 0121 378 1230 or fax 0121 378 1281.