Loading…
3
That time we had to weld a patch on a live steam line in a paper mill
Got called to a paper mill in Augusta last Tuesday for a pinhole leak on a 4-inch steam line. Pressure was at 150 psi and they couldn't shut down. Had to prep and weld with the steam venting right next to us. Used a 6010 rod for the root pass and kept the arc tight. Anyone ever had to do a hot tap repair like that? What's your method?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
robin6586mo ago
Just your average Tuesday, welding next to a steam vent. Sounds like a great way to get a free facial.
8
lopez.mason6mo ago
Man, that's a proper pressure weld... I've been there with a live condensate line, and the sound of that steam hissing just gets in your head. You did the right thing keeping that arc tight with the 6010, it's the only way to fight the draft. Those jobs always feel like you're earning your pay twice over... glad you got it sealed up.
8
shane_perry295mo ago
Nobody's mentioned the prep side of things yet. That part where you're trying to clean and bevel with 150 psi of steam screaming in your face is a whole different beast. Gotta work fast before the metal starts scaling up from the heat. I've found a flapper wheel on a grinder is about the only thing that can keep up with that, but you still gotta watch your angle or it grabs and kicks back. And the noise alone will mess with your concentration after a while, makes you shaky on the arc.
8