Welding Specialist with Pipefitting

This course is designed to introduce students to two new and related welding processes. GMAW or MIG uses a torch designed to provide a shielding gas for the weld and an automatic wire feed system that provides a constant feed of the filler metal. FCAW or Fluxcore uses a similar torch but uses a powdered flux to shield the weld. These processes are a considerable departure from processes previously used. Students learn to set-up and operate GMAW/FCAW welding equipment. These processes are applied in different combinations for welding plate in various basic positions. Students learn to correctly prepare pipe for GMAW/FCAW welding processes.

In addition, as part of an expanding knowledge about construction drawings, students learn about isometric drawings and their importance as a three dimensional picture of an object.

This course essentially focuses on developing flat welding techniques in three basic positions and builds on the fundamental knowledge and skills learned in WLD101. SMAW processes are used to practice weld technique and perform basic butt welds using mild steel. Two primary welding electrodes are applied to various welding exercises and students learn fundamental procedures related to root pass and fill welds. Students continue to build their skills through a series of project exercises designed to reinforce skills and knowledge learned.

Students expand their knowledge about related welding diagrams and drawings and methods of coding various types of metal. Drawings are used to communicate lab project information and reinforce reading and interpreting welding symbols. Students are also introduced to basic destructive weld testing techniques and the importance quality welds to achieve maximum strength and integrity of the metal. Basic principles of metallurgy explain to students the changes in metals internal structure during the heating and cooling processes.

Students are also introduced to welding pipe. The challenge is to weld consistently while moving around the pipe. Five inch diameter pipe is cut using thermal processes and prepared for welding. For the exercise, students weld pipe in only one basic position.

This course presents new challenges from the first two courses. Students expand their knowledge and skills to perform and practice basic pipe welding techniques using two welding processes (SMAW & GTAW). The GTAW process is introduced and students practice performing basic root welds on pipe coupons. The remainder of the welding procedure applies SMAW processes to complete the fill and cap welds.

Reading and interpreting basic pipe drawings, students cut pipe coupons to length and bevel the pipe ends using thermal and mechanical beveling processes. Students face their first experience at practicing uphill and other welding techniques simultaneously. They practice welding in multiple positions as they travel around the pipe to complete the weld. Also, as a continuation of basic metallurgy, students learn various techniques for identifying types of metal using visual and mechanical testing techniques.

Students continue to develop, apply, and practice their pipe welding skills. Mild steel pipe is welded in various positions using primarily GTAW (TIG) welding processes. In addition students learn to use stainless steel electrodes to weld high carbon steel. Using two inch diameter pipe, students practice using the GTAW process to weld the root and complete the fill and cap portion of the weld using SMAW processes.

They also learn to properly rig and balance pipe loads, use hand signal communication to the crane operator, and lift and place pipe in preparation for welding operations. Most pipe welding is performed in an open environment using various types of portable welding equipment. Students learn to setup and safely operate portable welding units for structural and pipe welding operations. Emphasis is given to awareness about electrical safety and steps necessary to prevent electrical shock.

This course is designed to provide the student with a wide range of fundamental information about a career in welding and to begin building critical welding skills. Students learn about career opportunities and the importance of safety awareness that will be reinforced in later laboratory exercises. Other fundamental skills include learning the basic layout of construction drawings and how to read and correctly interpret welding symbols. Students learn thermal torch techniques to cut flat stock. They will also learn and use Plasma Cutting and Carbon Arc gouging procedures. As they begin to learn about arc welding processes, students learn to set-up welding equipment, the components of an arc welding machine, and the various types of electrodes used in arc welding procedures. Using an E7018 electrode, students begin by practicing basic SMAW welding processes and technique. Project assignments allow students an opportunity to practice and develop welding and cutting skills.

This course introduces essential safety topics and areas such as personal protective equipment (PPE), HazCom, job-site hazards, and the roles of employees and companies and their obligations to maintain safe work environments. It discusses mathematics pertinent to the construction industry, the proper use and maintenance of various pipefitting hand and power tools, and gives an overview of blueprints and drawing interpretation. This course also discusses the basic skills necessary to install, layout and assemble threaded joint piping systems and introduces socket weld piping system layout and fabrication.

This course continues the discussion of pipe fabrication relative to socket-weld pipe fabrication methods along with the identification, selection and installation of piping support systems. In addition, this course discusses the layout, installation and fabrication of butt weld pipe and relative flange, bolt and gasket identification and installation. This course will conclude with a discussion on copper pipe bending and joining processes along with grooved pipe fabrication and installation.