How to Weld Underwater

Underwater welding is a process whereby metals are melted together underwater to either repair a structure or create a new structure. Used on oil wells, ships, and other underwater structures, underwater welding is done by one of two methods. The first is hyperbaric welding, in which a structure is created around the weld and a pressurized environment created. The second is arc welding, in which the welding electrode contains a flux coating that releases gases to preserve the integrity of the weld. Because of the dangers of shock, explosion and poisoning, underwater welding is only performed by professionals with both diving and welding certifications.

Method

1

Hyperbaric (dry) welding

1. Another method of welding underwater is hyperbaric welding or dry welding. Hyperbaric welding is the process by which a chamber is sealed around the structure that is to be welded. It is then filled with a gas (typically mixture of helium and oxygen, or argon), which then forces the water outside of the hyperbaric sphere. This allows for a dry environment in which to perform the weld. Here are some advantages to dry welding:

• welder / diver safety
• higher weld quality
• surface monitoring
• non-destructive testing

1. 
2. 1
   Identify the site and material of the joint to be welded and clean it. Most underwater welds involve steel, but metals may vary.
3. 
   2
   Prepare a chamber to place around the joint (each joint should have a separate chamber). Chambers range in size - some are large enough to fit several welder-divers, others are only small enough for the welding electrode.
4. 
   3
   Introduce gas into the chamber and pump out the water.

   • A typical gas mixture uses helium and oxygen, but requirements vary based on the specific joint to be welded. The pressure of the chamber should be slightly above that of the surrounding water.
5. 
   4
   Run a power supply to the chamber and set up a port for your electrodes.

   • Multiple electrodes will likely be required, and should be placed in advance in front of the area of the joint to be welded.
6. 
   5
   Dive to the weld site.
7. 
   6
   Turn on the power supply and weld the joint from outside the chamber.
8. 
   7
   Turn off the power supply as soon as the welding is done.

Method

2

Wet welding

Welding underwater can be acheived by two methods: wet welding & dry welding. Wet welding entails the diver to perform the weld directly in the water. It involves using a specially designed welding rod, and employs a similar process used in ordinary welding. Here are advantages to wet welding:

• Cheap and fast
• high tensile strength
• ease of access to weld spot
• no habitat
• no construction

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. 
   
4. 
   
5. 
   1
   Investigate and clean the joint to be welded; identify the types of metals involved.
6. 
   2
   Prepare the adequate electrodes, plan out the order of welding and dive to the weld site.
7. 
   3
   Weld the joint, ensuring that the flux coating of the weld is coming off as expected, and that too much hydrogen is not approaching the joint.
8. 
   4
   Turn off the power supply as soon as the welding is done.

source :

http://www.wikihow.com/Weld-Underwater

https://www.commercialdivingacademy.com/underwater-welding.cms