SYMPTOM |
CAUSE |
RECOMMENDED CORRECTIVE ACTION |
| SPATTER |
Amperage too high |
Review/readjust welding parameters to decrease amperage. |
| |
Excessive Arc Length or Wire Stickout |
Check Torch assembly for loose operation during oscillation / operation. |
| |
Loose Torch Assembly |
Check Torch assembly for loose operation during oscillation/operation. |
| |
Wrong Polarity |
Change polarity to recommended parameter. |
| |
Moisture on Wire |
Keep wire dry when unit is not in use. This problem is noticed more during start-up of equipment during the morning hours or when humidity is high during pre-dawn hours. It is recommended that unused wire be placed in a foil pack and wrapped in a plastic bag for storage and protection from condensation. |
| |
Amperage too low |
Welding cable may not be sufficient. Check welding unit for correct OD and length of cable. |
| |
Contact Tip ID Worn |
Replace contact tip. |
| |
Incorrect Contact Tip |
Make sure of proper tip size to utilize for size of OD wire. |
| VOIDS/ HOLES and “SPUTTER” |
Moisture on wire |
Keep wire dry and free of condensation. |
| |
Weld Surface Not Clean |
Make sure tool joint surface is free of dirt, grease and other contaminants. Also, light dressing may be necessary in case of surface oxidation. |
| |
Excessive RPM |
Reduce rotation speed within recommended parameters. |
| |
Incorrect Rotation Speed |
Readjust rotation speed to obtain correct weld bead profile. |
| |
Incorrect Oscillation |
Set oscillation width and /or speed to attain correct profile. |
| |
Incorrect Wire Feed |
Adjust/Set wire feed to attain correct weld profile to avoid holes and void areas. |
| POROSITY |
Impurities |
Make sure part / weld surface is clean and free of dirt or grease. Keep Torch nozzle and contact tip clean from the welding dust and slag that is created during the welding process.(The accumulation of the slag can come loose and fall into the molten weld puddle.) |
| |
Insufficient Gas Flow |
For 100XT™: Review/readjust to recommended parameters. |
| |
Equipment/Welding |
Review/readjust to recommended parameters. Parameters incorrect. |
| |
Incorrect Amperage/Volts |
Readjust Amperage/Volts to within recommended parameters. |
| INCORRECT WELD PROFILE |
Incorrect Torch Angle or Torch Offset |
This is the most common cause of weld bead to be concave or convex. Readjust Torch Angle/Offset to recommended parameters for the Tool Joint OD size. |
| |
Incorrect Rotation Speed |
Readjust rotation speed to obtain correct weld form. |
| |
Incorrect Amperage/Volts |
Readjust Amperage/Volts to within recommended parameters. |
| ARC BLOW |
Magnetic disturbance of arc |
This magnetic disturbance of the arc causes the arc to waiver from its path.
(1) Check ground connection.
(2) Make sure cable connections are clean and secure. It is possible that ground connection may need to be relocated.
(3) Demagnetization of the drill pipe ends or of tool joints is recommended if magnetism is excessively high. |
| |
Incorrect Amperage/Volts |
Readjust Amperage/Volts to within recommended parameters. |
| POOR FUSION |
Amperage too low |
Readjust Amperage to within recommended parameters. |
| |
Arc gap too long |
Adjust stick-out to within recommended parameters. |
| |
Incorrect Torch Angle or Torch Offset |
Adjust Torch Angle/Offset to within recommended parameters. |
| |
Incorrect Rotation Speed |
Adjust Rotation Speed to within recommended parameters. |
| EXCESSIVE CRACKING FOR ARNCO 200XT™ |
Rapid Cool-Down |
Pipe ends or loose tool joints must be slow-cooled in still by means of utilizing canisters, thermal blankets or “Hot Boxes”.The welding process must be protected from the wind, wind-drafts, extreme cold air and rain.Also, the drafting of air through the ID of drill pipe, causing a “chimney effect”, can also cause excessive cracking. Using a closed-end thread protector or some other suitable means to close the opposite end of the pipe will usually prevent this problem. |
OR
OBSERVANCE OF CRACKS FOR ARNCO 100XT™ |
Improper Preheat Temperature |
Review Recommended Procedures Manuals for proper preheat temperature range for corresponding OD size. |
