Automatic Pipeline Welding System with Self-Diagnostic Function and Laser Vision Sensor

Automatic welding has been used frequently on pipeline projects. The productivity and reliability are most essential features of the automatic welding system. The mechanized GMAW process is the most widely used welding process and the carriage and band system is most effective welding system for pipeline laying. This application-oriented paper introduces new automatic welding equipment for pipeline construction. It is based on cutting-edge design and practical welding physics to minimize downtime. This paper also describes the control system which was designed and implemented for new automatic welding equipment. The system has the self diagnostic function which facilitates maintenance and repairs, and also has the network function via which the welding task data can be transmitted and the welding process data can be monitored. The laser vision sensor was designed for narrow welding groove in order to implement higher accuracy of seam tracking and fully automatic operation.