How does underwater welding work? The process and science has baffled the general population for years. We've created a more in-depth article to help you out:
http://waterwelders.com/underwater-welding-how-it-works/
You can learn more in-depth version in Water Welders’ article on how underwater welding works here:
Let’s break it down to a smaller scope first. Underwater welding is primarily practiced through stick welding, also called SMAW or
MMA (manual metal arc welding). In this category, welder-divers use three elements:
Positive Anode (weld site), where the fusion of metal will take place
Negative Cathode (electrode), where the stick is burning.
Plasma (arc and surrounding shield), where the electrons and ions transfer back and forth.
Due to their opposite properties, the cathode molecules and anode ions exchange and intermingle with one another, creating an immense amount of heat displacement and physical changes in weld material.
The heat distribution comes to approximately one-third spreading to the cathode, and the other portion heating up the anode.
In case you weren’t aware, underwater welding drops into two flavors: hyperbaric (dry) and wet welding. Dry welding uses habitats of various sizes to insulate underwater welders and their equipment from the surrounding water.
Dry welding equipment uses a direct current or alternating current power supply, with the same general system of a topside welder.
Wet welding uses a different system given the surrounding water that underwater welders find themselves in. Its cables use a knife switch that shuts off power until it’s completely ready for use.
Wet welding uses DC only, not alternating current for their power supply. They also have waterproof electrodes, specialized slag that drips slower and work through challenges like the surrounding water bubbles.
We hope you've found a few answers to your question: how does underwater welding work?
Let us know your other questions below in the comments section!
