Joining procedure for performing defect-free electron beam welding using a down-ramp technique

ES3078914T3Undetermined Publication Date: 2026-09-18ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE INC (100 00)
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Patent Information

Application Number
ES2021797101T
Authority / Receiving Office
ES · ES
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-03-03
Filing Date
2021-04-27
Publication Date
2026-09-18
Estimated Expiration
2041-04-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Electron beam welding (EBW) creates a keyhole at the termination of the weld, which is unacceptable for pressure-retaining components like pressure vessels, and often results in flaws that require repair, reducing the method's attractiveness for thick section components.

Method used

A 'slope-out' methodology adjusts electron beam welding parameters near the end of the process to form a slope-out portion that overlaps the initial weld, closing the keyhole and minimizing defects by changing the beam focus and oscillation pattern from under-focused to over-focused, ensuring a defect-free weldment.

Benefits of technology

The slope-out methodology effectively fills the keyhole and eliminates defects, allowing for defect-free welding of thick components in a single pass, reducing the need for rework and enhancing the reliability of pressure-retaining equipment.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a modification to the EBW process, called the slope methodology, which results in the formation of a "slope portion" generally located in the region of the full weld at the end of the conventional EBW welding process for joining two components. The slope portion overlaps the initial weld of the workpiece over a predetermined distance or length, effectively eliminating the hole and providing a weld with minimal or no defects, particularly in the slope portion. The slope methodology begins by adjusting several parameters related to the electron beam to attenuate it. In general, the focal position of the electron beam is shifted from an underfocused position (focal position inside the material) to an overfocused position (focal position in front of the workpiece surface) as the overlap weld is performed.
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