TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGES IN WELDING FOR CANADIAN OFFSHORE ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract This paper reviews the anticipated challenges in welding technology that will be present whendeveloping the immense oil and gas reserves in the Canadian frontier, particularly the Arctic. Of greatest importance will be the development of adequate fracture control plans with reference to weldment toughness and quality, the weldability of low carbon micro-alloyed structural steel and corrosion. Other challenges will include welding procedures without heat treatment, a better understanding of fatigue performance in highly compliant structures and the development of more sophisticated welding techniques and processes.