Verolme® Special Equipment BV has recently completed the welding procedure qualification and production welding for heavy wall pressure vessels in Titanium Alloy grade 5. Based on EN/ISO 15614-5, the qualification was monitored by customer representatives and their designated Notified Body.
Due to its susceptibility to absorb oxygen and moisture during the welding process, Titanium Alloy grade 5 is extremely difficult to process. As the current standards do not cater for heavy wall thickness applications, the qualification process involved some tailoring.
The combination of executing the welding procedure activities under controlled and well monitored conditions and the excellent communication with the NoBo and end customer resulted in a positive outcome.