Overview
Inspection of Painted Pipe Welds (2007-303)
Project Team:
- Newport News Shipbuilding
- Advanced Technology Institute
- BWXT Services, Inc.
2006
NSRP ASE Investment: $97K
Objective:
Navy specifications for surface combatants do not permit welds in piping systems to be painted prior to hydrostatic testing. However, it is common practice to paint the remainder of the piping system prior to testing. Painting the entire piping system, including the welds, as early as possible would reduce costs and eliminate the disruption of other operations that occurs when work is performed late in the ship construction schedule. This is particularly the case with modular construction methods that are predominant in modern shipbuilding. The objective of this project was to reduce ship construction costs and shorten build schedules by identifying methods and procedures that permit welded pipe systems to be completely painted at the same time as the surrounding area. This project reviewed shipyard experience and NAVSEA requirements for hydrostatic testing of welds, conducted a first-order cost assessment and identified methods that could permit proper inspection of painted welds.
Key Deliverables:
Request Final Report from NSRP – Limited Distribution authorized to the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry and NSRP ASE Program representatives