Optimization of Weld Overlay Dimensions for Butt-Welded Pipes

Abstract

Weld overlay technique can be used on a welded pipe with a flaw in the butt weld to prevent it from cracking further. Due to the application of weld overlay on top of the weld, compressive stresses are developed in the pipe wall and the weld. These stresses counteract the effect of the residual stresses from the butt weld and tensile stresses produced in the pipe during normal operation. Existing guidelines in the nuclear industry specify minimum dimensions (length & thickness) of the weld overlay. However, there is no guideline regarding the optimum repair dimensions that should be used to obtain minimum residual stresses induced by the weld overlay technique. The optimum dimensions in this study refer to the minimum material that can be used for the weld overlay. This results in reduced cost, time and exposure to radiation. Hence a size sensitivity study is performed by varying three parameters, the width and thickness of the weld overlay, and the size of the pipe being repaired. The repaired pipe is assumed to be subjected to typical pressurizer water reactor (PWR) operating conditions. The weld overlay process is simulated using an axisymmetric finite element model. The axial and hoop stresses in the region of the butt weld after the weld overlay are compared. The results from this study will be analyzed to establish optimum dimensions of the weld overlay for various pipe sizes to mitigate axial and circumferential crack initiation at the butt weld.