Sub Sea Services AS has invested in international market company Polysoude high-tech manufacturing technology. Since the middle of this year, the Norwegians have been welding and finishing their pipe assemblies and components using the efficient TIG hot wire technology from the Nantes, France-based Company. Polysoude’s automated TIG hot wire and deposition welding system offers six computer-controlled axes welds and “coats” both reliably and efficiently. These benefits enable the 50-person company to manufacture its unique niche products – such as the remote-controlled, interchangeable, modular slip joint for pipes on drilling platforms around the globe – at the same consistently high quality levels and to schedule. The decision to invest millions into the TIG hot wire technology was not an easy one for the Stavanger-based company. A variety of equipment manufacturers were invited to present their technology. The locally based technical consulting firm, Tema, ultimately made contact with the Polysoude representative in The Netherlands, Kees Meurs. The brand new system has greatly increased productivity for both joint and deposition welding. This has enabled the company to achieve between 50 and 80% greater Inconel application levels than previously; and the increase in quality is cited at 30 to 40%. This also enabled the company to meet the specifications more closely. For example, the melt level of the carbon steel parent metal is consistently below 3%, which is what makes it so hard-wearing. The range of materials processed by Sub Sea Services extends from X60, X65, X70 to AISI 4150, 4140, 8630 right through to low carbon steel F22. Pipe components from 1000 to 1500mm in length with diameters of 150 to 1000mm are manufactured.
