OT: need welding advice

[FLAcharlie]

for work, I'm going to be out on a platform 30 miles off the coast of North Carolina next month, putting in a data collection system. To keep it from blowing away, we want to weld some tie-down brackets. It's an iron/steel structure, we'll take a grinder to get down to bare metal. It's about 1000 pounds of stuff we need to secure, in 3 packages. Mig or rod ? oxy-acetylene ? Obviously we have no prior experience, but can practice before we go out.

Afterwards I do hope to use the experience on my '50 N.

We supposedly had qualified welder volunteers, but that has fallen through.

The 600 pound box full of marine batteries isn't going anywhere, but the 16 x 8 feet of solar panels definitely needs to be secured.

What say ye ?

 

[Tom N MS]

Sounds like a job for a professional.

 

[Jubilee85 (VA)]

not being a welding expert, I place a good dab of bubble gum when I have to, I would vote for rod. Mig is fast and easy but lacks the dial in depth - rod AC or DC can dig in deeper and penetrate into the thicker metal, I am sure an expert will roll in here soon. Ox-ace will not a be a good choice for welding, cutting yes not welding in that case.

 

[FLAcharlie]

I'm totally open to telling them it's a job for a professional and not an amateur, and I can make that call. The tie-downs I'm thinking would be maybe 2" x 2" with a ring for tie-down. There is a 20KW generator on the platform, so we do got juice.

 

[Anonymous-0]

If it's an oil platform the safety officer and Rig boss won't let you weld on the structure.
Find out if they have a rig Fitter/welder and have him or her do it.
That said, 7018 Low hydrogen, multiple passes,Use a hot root pass and 3 cover passes.
Don't let the heat affected zone (HAZ) get above 350 deg or below 150 deg. Use temp sticks. Heat with a rose bud torch.
Make sure there is nothing flamable on the back side orf the plste you are welding on.
If you have never welded don't try vertical welding your first go around.
I would highly recomend you get some training or hire a pro.

 

[FLAcharlie]

Thanks very much. Not an oil platform, in fact owned by a private party. I'm basically looking for ammo "fer or agin it", your advice is a vote on the "agin it" side.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Maybe a research platform?? I done a lot of work for Marine research.
www.farleymarinesystems.com
Paul

 

[FLAcharlie]

Exactly. Wish you wuz on the East coast.

 

[nondem]

(quoted from post at 22:44:28 10/24/11) Thanks very much. Not an oil platform, in fact owned by a private party. I'm basically looking for ammo "fer or agin it", your advice is a vote on the "agin it" side.

My $0.02 - MIG might not be ideal as gusty wind would tend to blow the shielding gas out of the "zone". Stick does thick well...

 

[Dieselsmoke]

The MIG processes is best applied in the shop, a controlled environment. Flux-core wire machines are used widely in the field on structural steel jobs. good ol Lo-Hi ( E 7018 ) rod works well for most applications, with a skilled operator. You need to know what the material is that you are welding to. As in plain ol A-36 structural iron, or a High carbon specialtie plate, A-572, A-588, or many others. Hi carbon steels are weldable but require more care and preparation, just read up on submarine fabrication. You will probably be welding onto a structural steel platform, I-beams, channel and angle iron, all conforms to the A-36 specification, which is ideal for fielding welding applications. Best to find out from your client all the particulars of your field conditions. Sounds like you need a welding crew capable of off-shore work. Al least a welding fore-man that can direct or lead your crew. Good luck.

 

[DollarBill]

The 600 pound box full of marine batteries isn't going anywhere, but the 16 x 8 feet of solar panels definitely needs to be secured.

Put me down for another vote for having a professional welder do the work.

Not the ideal location for learning how to weld. Too many variables - Unknown base material, one of the most aggressive environments possible due to wind, corrosion and wave action.

Those 16 X 8 solar panels will make a nice sail

 

[old]

I have been welding for decades now. I would get a pro on that or you may find you have to do it again

 

[FLAcharlie]

Thanks for everyone's advice. I'll find a pro to do it.

 

[Fuddy Duddy]

I agree. If you have to ask here you need to find someone to do the job