Front End Welding

PIPE HOME LINCOLNSHIRE FIRST STEPS STRINGING FRONT END INSPECTION COATING LOWER & LAY TIE-INS & FABS SIDEBOOMS AUGER TUNNELING HD DRILLING TRENCHING & BACKFILL PIPELINERS REINSTATEMENT THE LAST TIE-IN OLD TIMES DEREK's 1966 Have Your Say TOM THOMSON

The front-end welding crew between Hartley and Ash

The next length of pipe is lifted of the bearers

Music is "Pipeliner" by Tom Thomson, the"Mutthill Man"

The welder stands waiting whilst the mates ensure the correct gap between the pipe faces: careful adjustment with a club hammer and wedges.

Stabbing on the next pipe

Although these are automatic welding sets, there still needs to be skilled hand constantly adjusting speed and current with the remote control.

A completed run of pipe, awaiting welding inspection and coating.

This internal clamp aligns and clamps the next section of pipe

Putting in the first crucial weld, the root: note the spacer wedge still protruding from the gap.

Then follow a number of auto welding rigs, each carefully set-up to do the filler and cap welds.

Another view of the front end.