The Kemppi Arc Quality (ArcQ) System 2.0 solution serves as a platform for collecting and analysing all relevant welding-related data in a user’s production process.
ArcQ is perfect for monitoring critical welding operations including oil and gas pipeline welding, catering for multi-operator and even multi-site monitoring using wireless technology. Designed for use in metal inert gas/metal active gas welding, ArcQ offers an easy and comprehensive way of recording base and filler materials, welder qualifications and all welding procedure specifications.
The system automatically reports non-compliant welding in real time to both the welder and head office to improve productivity, while ensuring the weld meets the defined welding procedures. It can also anticipate service needs and collects welding information for quality documentation, offering traceability down to even individual welds. The productivity benefits come from increased quality and effectiveness of the welding work, automated monitoring, and faster and easier collection of operational documentation.
In addition, ArcQ can be tailored to meet the changing needs of the welding operation thanks to its modular structure.
“ArcQ is integral to efficiency in pipeline construction for a number of reasons,” says Kemppi Australia’s Managing Director David Green. “Risk is a major factor which pipeline contractors have to manage when it comes to welding and repairing pipelines. ArcQ provides a monitoring and management system for all parameters associated with welding operations to ensure compliance and indicates non-compliance in real time.
Compliance monitoring
ArcQ is the first quality control service that can automatically monitor compliance to welding procedure specifications (WPS), as well as the validity and coverage of welding qualifications in manual welding.
ArcQ’s smart reader device compares the WPS data to the filler material make and warns the welder if a wrong filler material was accidentally selected, ensuring that the welder is always using the correct material.
During welding work the system compares the values used by the welder and measured from the machine to the values in the WPS. A server reports non-conformance if the welding current or voltage does not stay within allowed limits.
The system also checks the database to ensure that the welder has valid qualifications that cover the requirements set forth by the WPS.
Documentation information collection
Barcoded identification information, such as personal identity codes, WPS numbers, and filler material batch numbers can be retrieved for use in a detailed quality documentation of welding work as necessary.
The system provides clear cost savings by automating a considerable part of the arduous manual work involved in the collection, interpreting and storing of information for welding quality documentation. Plus, production control becomes easier, when precise records of who has done what and when are available.
ArcQ also includes a welding fleet management tool that allows users to save detailed information about their welding machines, including records of all service and repair operations performed. The system informs the user in advance about upcoming annual service needs, approaching maximum usage hours, or if it detects problems in the wire feeding.
Efficiency monitoring
In addition to articulating the arc time ratio and deviations from the target values in the ArcQ report in order to monitor efficiency, ArcQ includes a new feature that enables the welder to easily report time spent on activities other than actual welding work, such as up time, idle time or downtime to the efficiency of welding work. Detailed information about welding work is valuable, for instance, when trying to find ways of reducing production lead time.
In addition to ArcQ, Kemppi offers a range of products that are useful to the Australian pipeline industry. These include the Minarc EVO, which can be carried for powerful onsite MMA , MIG and TIG welding; the Master Tig products, which provide excellent arc characteristics and smooth welding capability for stainless steel and aluminium pipeline application; and the Kemparc pulse welding power sources, which are suitable for integration with any robotic arm.
Kemppi is also about to launch the Fastmig Pipe 450 product, which can optimise the root pass, filling and capping processes from one power source. This includes MMA and MIG welding capabilities, plus the option of integrating a Kemppi MasterTig 250 TIG welding system , giving the user all welding processes in one package and providing high quality welding with maximum productivity in pipeline fabrication.
For more information visit www.kemppi.com