Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: system on 07/12/2011 01:30:03

Title: How do you prevent fires when welding oil pipelines?
Post by: system on 07/12/2011 01:30:03

“On the subject of the underwater welding, how do you actually obviate, or stop, the fire risk? If you've got inflammable stuff in that pipepline, I know you said you'd put an argon atmosphere in there, but, is that enough?”
Asked by Nick in Cambridge

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Title: How do you prevent fires when welding oil pipelines?
Post by: CliffordK on 07/12/2011 05:31:30

One of the things about a fire risk is that you need to have a mix of fuel + oxidizer.

Take away either, and there is little risk of fire.

With that in mind, underwater welding would seem like an excellent environment for welding due to the lack of air.  One could essentially weld in 100% methane (Natural Gas) with no risk of explosion.