What does a Pipeline Welder Do? Updated;- Pipelines are an integral part of the energy industry. They transport oil and natural gas from drilling sites to refineries, where they’re turned into fuel for our cars and homes. Pipeline welders are essential to building these pipelines and creating all the different components that go into them.
This can include installing valves and other fittings, as well as maintaining equipment at multiple facilities along the pipeline route.
What does a Pipeline Welder Do?
The Basics
What is a pipeline welder?
A pipeline welder performs a variety of tasks, but the main goal is to weld pipes and fittings together without causing damage or leaks. As an added responsibility, they also inspect the welds after they’ve been made to ensure that no flaws exist in them.
What does a pipeline welder do?
Pipeline welding is responsible for connecting pipes and fittings together so that gas can flow through them safely and efficiently. Pipeline welders must be familiar with all aspects of their work environment: whether it’s being inside or outside, hot or cold weather conditions, et cetera—all this preparation will allow you to perform at your best when working on your next project!
What does exposure to fumes mean?
Specializations
Specialized training can be obtained in several different arenas. For example, there is “pipefitting,” which involves the installation of joining pipes, flanges and fittings; or “station welding,” which involves joining together sections of pipelines to create one continuous piece.
There are also specializations that involve rotary welding or coil tubing — the latter being a type of pipe used for offshore oil drilling operations. There’s even one called “tubing and pipe welding,” where you would learn to join both tubing and pipe together as needed in a given project. Or if you want to stick with just one thing, there’s always “pipe” or even just plain old “pipeline welding.”
Pipeline Welding Safety
A pipeline welder is not just a general welder. Pipeline welding requires specific training and knowledge. The main focus of training is safety, because the work that pipeline welders do is extremely hazardous. As such, they must undergo extensive training in first aid and firefighting techniques before even attempting to become a pipeline welder. Their entire job revolves around ensuring the safety of others nearby or working on the same project as them.
Pipeline welders must also wear specialized protective gear for their own protection: hardhats, gloves and special glasses are all required when welding near a pipeline or any other high-pressure area where there could be fire hazards present.
In addition to this basic equipment, pipeline welders must have an understanding of all regulations related to their work environment—whether it’s electrical codes within their workplace or regulations specific to pipelines themselves (depending on what type they’re working on).
Pipeline Welder
They will also be required by law (and by employers) to know how much pressure exists within each pipe at any given time during its lifespan; if too much pressure builds up inside one section due to cracks forming over time then that could cause an explosion which would put both workers’ lives at risk as well as other people living nearby who could potentially lose power sources like electricity or phone service depending on how far away from civilization they live.”
Hours and Environment
The hours of a pipeline welder vary depending on the job and the employer. Depending on the job, it can be physically demanding and dangerous. For example, workers may need to work in confined spaces or extreme temperatures, or they might have to wear protective equipment while working around potentially toxic chemicals and gases.
In addition, these workers often work in dirty environments that could get into their eyes or clothes, making them more susceptible to infection from cuts or scrapes sustained during their day-to-day duties.
The most important thing for you to keep in mind is that if you’re looking for a career as a pipeline welder, then it’s critical that you ensure your employer provides adequate safety training before beginning any projects with hazardous materials like natural gas or other hydrocarbons found within pipelines (such as crude oil).
Salary and Outlook
If you’re looking to get into the pipeline welding field, it may be helpful to know what kind of salary you can expect upon entering this career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for a pipeline welder was $53,860 in May 2017—more than double the median income for all occupations at $28,440.
The BLS also reports that job prospects for welders are expected to grow by 6% from 2016-2026—much faster than other careers in construction or manufacturing. This means that if you work hard and gain experience as a pipefitter’s apprentice or journeyman welder, you’ll find yourself with plenty of promising opportunities waiting for you upon completion of your training!
Pipeline welders need extensive safety training and know-how.
- Read blueprints. Pipeline welders use blueprints to determine the correct type of pipe and materials to use for a particular job.
- Weld in different positions. Pipe seams may need to be welded in different positions, so pipeline welders must be comfortable with welding in all types of positions on their sides as well as standing upright.
- Work in a variety of environments and weather conditions. Since pipelines are typically located underground or underwater, pipeline welders often work in harsh environments such as extreme cold or heat, dampness and windy conditions (the latter two can cause problems with torch flame). Pipeline welders also need to be able to work at great heights when necessary; this requires extensive training so they know how to safely secure themselves while working at these heights.* Work with different materials: When constructing pipelines, workers deal with many types of material including steel pipe/tubing.*
Conclusion
As you can see, pipeline welding is a highly specialized field. It requires extensive safety training, as well as technical know-how. If you are interested in becoming a pipeline welder, consider taking classes at your local vocational school or community college to get started on this rewarding career path!
