Multi-Electrode Submerged Arc Welding with Phase-Controlled AC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-electrode submerged arc welding faces challenges in achieving optimal welding stability and reducing arc oscillation due to the discontinuous phase differences in AC current, leading to weld defects and gas blowing up, despite the use of connections like Scott, V, and inverted V connections.

Innovation Solution

Employing a digitally controlled welding power supply to freely control the phase, waveform, and frequency of AC current, allowing for the optimization of electromagnetic force on the arc column, thereby reducing arc oscillation and improving weld metal shape and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Scott connection, V connection, or inverted V connection is used to combine AC power supplies, then welding stability and weld metal shape are improved, but arc oscillation cannot be sufficiently prevented and welding conditions cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding stabilityVSAvoidarc oscillation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the phase difference parameter from fixed discrete values (60°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 150°) to continuously adjustable values. By using a digitally controlled welding power supply, the phase difference between AC currents can be precisely adjusted to any value, allowing optimal control of electromagnetic force to prevent arc oscillation while maintaining welding stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from static fixed phase difference connections to dynamic adjustable phase difference control. The welding power supply can dynamically adjust the phase difference during welding operations, enabling real-time optimization of electromagnetic force balance to eliminate arc oscillation under varying welding conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If fixed phase difference connections are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and weld quality are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidweld metal shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical connection structures (Scott connection, V connection, inverted V connection) with digital control systems. Instead of using complex electrical connection arrangements to achieve phase control, the system uses a digitally controlled welding power supply to electronically adjust phase differences, simplifying the physical connection structure while enhancing precision control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If AC current with fixed phase difference is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but welding precision and defect reduction are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidweld quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The digitally controlled welding power supply automatically adjusts the phase difference to optimal values based on welding parameters and conditions. The system self-regulates the electromagnetic force balance between electrodes, eliminating the need for manual calculation and adjustment of phase differences while ensuring optimal weld quality and preventing arc oscillation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively prevents arc oscillation, enhances welding stability, reduces weld defects, and suppresses gas blowing up, resulting in improved weld quality and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

Arc oscillation during welding is mainly caused by the electromagnetic force generated by AC current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

AC currents with a lagging phase of 90° because of the self-induction action of coils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3308895B1Multi-electrode submerged arc welding method and weld joint manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 JFE STEEL CORP
  • EP3308895B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3308895B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3308895B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-electrode submerged arc welding method using a plurality of electrodes is provided. For each of a second electrode to an nth electrode except a first electrode that is a front electrode in a welding direction where n is an integer of 2 or more: a welding power supply capable of controlling a waveform of a welding current is used; and when a maximum value of an electromagnetic force Fi acting on an arc column at a wire tip of an ith electrode during welding is denoted by Fimax in N/m, an average value of the electromagnetic force Fi is denoted by Fiave in N/m, and a standard deviation of the electromagnetic force Fi is denoted by σFi in N/m, welding is performed so that Fimax, Fiave, and σFi satisfy relationships in Expressions (1) and (2).