Welding Basics for the Process Engineer

William N. Weaver, P.E. and John C. Huang, Ph.D., P.E.

Course Outline

Welding is perhaps the most common “joining” process used in the construction of a process facility; it is generally used to construct the structures, connect the pipes and fabricate the equipment for the facility. It thus becomes critical that the Process Engineer (and others) understand the basics of this technique.

This course provides a base upon which a detailed understanding of the welding processes can be built. An understanding of some of the various welding processes is provided along with key points, which need to be specified by the engineer in order to maximize the benefits of welding to his facility.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this material the student will:

• Have a basic understanding of the various welding processes most applicable to the process industries;
• Understand the various weld shapes;
• Understand the five major weld joints;
• Understand what he must specify in order to obtain proper weld joints;
• Understand the necessity of researching the various codes prior to writing a welding specification;
• Understand what inspections provide him / her with the desired information about the welds on equipment, structures and pipe; and
• Have an appreciation for the safety precautions required around welding.

Intended Audience

The intended audience is engineers responsible for fabrication, specification writing and inspection of process equipment, piping and facilities.

Benefits to Attendee

On completion of the course the student will have increased his / her understanding of the welding process and how they can benefit the student’s facility.

Course Introduction

This course offers an introduction to the various portions of the welding process that require specification and attention in order to gain maximum benefit for a facility. Avoidance of problems related to welding is critical to having usable facility structures, equipment and piping systems.

Course Content

The material contained in this course covers welding processes, weld types, welding safety, weld specifications and communication of weld needs between the specifying engineer and welder. Inspections of the completed welds is included.

The course content is in the following PDF files:

Welding Basics for the Process Engineer

Figures for Welding Basics for the Process Engineer

You need to open or download above documents to study this course.

Course Summary

Welding is a valuable tool for the engineer to use to create facilities and objects and this technique provides a rapid, well established and inexpensive approach to fabrication. Understanding the basics makes proper designing easier. The welding process offers a wide range of opportunities to the engineer for fabrication of his designs.

The field of welding is broad with many applications in industry and we have certainly not covered all aspects of the process here. Several universities offer degrees in welding engineering, this offering is indicative of the breadth of the field.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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