This work brings promising results about an alternative way of welding in-service repair of pipes with low reminiscent thickness, which involves a previous buttering coating of the pipe wall by thermal spraying. The characteristics of buttering layers deposited by two thermal spraying processes (arc and conventional flame) were compared, in special the influence of their degree of oxidation in dependence of the carrying gas (pressurized air or argonium) on the arc stability and penetration of weld beads SMAW over plain carbon steels previously buttered with similar composition layers. The results allowed to correlate the stability of the arc to the level of oxidation of the sprayed layers. (Temperature measurements on the surface of the sprayed layers showed that, since the process of thermal spray occur in an non-stopped way until the final thickness of the coating, the superficial temperature is increased with the thickness of the deposit, what results in a higher content of oxides, which is associated to an arc instability and a greater penetration of the molten pool.) X-ray diffractrogams and oxygen analysis proved the influence of this element in the changing profile of the fusion zone. As an alternative to the use of compressed air, its substitution by the inert gas argon as carrying gas was evaluated, verifying very benefic effects - significant reduction of penetration e good arc stability - believed coming from the reduction of oxidation in the sprayed layer by the protective effect of the inert gas. The evaluation of the results permitted to establish criteria of welding with lower risks of burn-through compared to a condition without buttering layers.
Welding in-service; Thermal Spray; Arc Instability
