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Writer's pictureMark Cullens

Weld Overlay v Mechanical Cladding

Updated: Jun 3

Understanding the Basics of Overlay Cladding

Overlay cladding is an advanced process technique aimed at improving the service life and performance of various components across industrial sectors. It is a metallurgical technique that involves the application of a layer of material on top of a substrate, primarily to enhance the resistance of the said substrate against corrosion and wear. Generally, the applied material is made of a superior alloy, enhancing the substrate's mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties. The entire process of overlay cladding is precise and controlled, which not only optimizes the utilization of expensive alloying materials but also ensures the creation of robust, secure, and reliable structures. It is designed to deliver a product that offers the strength and durability of the base metal, along with the added protection against corrosive elements of the cladding material. The process is extensively used in industries such as oil and gas, nuclear power, aerospace, and defense sectors.


Below is a summary outlining situations when using weld overlay may be preferable over mechanical cladding:


- Complex Geometries: Weld overlay is more suitable for complex shapes and geometries where mechanical cladding might be challenging or impractical to apply.

- Thin Base Materials: Weld overlay can be applied to thin base materials without risking distortion or damage, which might occur with mechanical cladding methods.

- Highly Corrosive Environments: Weld overlay offers superior corrosion resistance, making it more suitable for environments with extremely corrosive substances or conditions.

- Customization of Material Properties: Weld overlay allows for precise control over the material properties of the cladding layer, such as hardness, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity, which may be necessary for specific applications.

- Repair and Maintenance: Weld overlay can be used for repair and maintenance purposes on existing equipment or structures, providing a quick and effective solution to extend their lifespan.

- High-Temperature Applications: Weld overlay materials can be chosen for their ability to withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for applications involving elevated temperatures where mechanical cladding materials may not perform adequately.

- Critical Components: Weld overlay may be preferred for critical components where reliability and performance are paramount, as it offers enhanced control over the quality and integrity of the cladding layer.

- Compatibility with Base Material: Weld overlay allows for the selection of cladding materials that are compatible with a wide range of base materials, providing versatility in material selection.

- Cost Considerations: Depending on the specific requirements of the project, weld overlay may offer cost advantages over mechanical cladding, particularly for small-scale or highly customized applications where setup costs for mechanical cladding methods might be prohibitive.

- Specialized Applications: Weld overlay is often used in specialized applications where specific performance characteristics are required, such as in the oil and gas industry, aerospace, and power generation, among others.


The Process and Technique Involved in Overlay Cladding

The journey towards creating overlay cladding begins with the careful selection of raw materials. High-quality base metal and filler metal, typically austenitic stainless steel or nickel-based alloy, are essential to the process. Upon selection, these materials undergo a preparation stage, involving cleaning processes to get rid of impurities that could compromise the integrity of the final product. Surface preparation techniques include grinding, blasting or brushing. Meanwhile, the overlay cladding procedure requires multiple stages such as preparing the workpiece, applying filler metal, and using a welding heat source to bond the cladding layer to the base metal.Weld overlay, an integral part of the cladding process, involves different techniques. It uses gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), or submerged arc welding (SAW) to ensure a strong, durable bond between the base metal and the overlay. The selection of the welding method depends on the specific needs of the final product, including its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance capacity. Post-weld heat treatment may be administered as required to relieve stresses induced by the welding process, improving durability and performance of the overlay cladding.


Assessing the Advantages of Overlay Cladding

Overlay cladding presents a multitude of advantages that make it a superior choice for a variety of industrial applications. Integrating an economical and intrinsically durable layer on substrates, overlay cladding significantly enhances surface properties. This allows for prolonged service life and the ability to bear challenging working conditions including high temperatures, pressure and corrosive environments. The non-destructive nature of the cladding process means that none of the substrate's original characteristics or quality are lost or compromised, adding to its appeal.Additionally, overlay cladding offers versatility in the choice of cladding material which allows for tailor-made solutions to adhere to specific industrial needs. The maintenance costs associated with overlay cladding are often lower due to its longevity and resistance to wear, reducing the frequency of replacements. Furthermore, it not only lends itself to improved mechanical and metallurgical properties but the end product is often lighter and has a heightened structural performance. This comes with the added benefit of minimizing environmental footprints due to less resource waste, making overlay cladding a sustainable solution in the modern industrial era.


Unraveling the Concept of Mechanically Lined Pipe

Mechanically lined pipes are a pivotal player in a variety of industries, particularly where high pressure and corrosive environments are present, such as in oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors. This type of pipe technology typically involves lining the inner surface of a pipe with a thin layer of corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA), which can withstand aggressive substances. The 'mechanical' aspect of this method refers to the use of radially applied pressure to bond the CRA lining to the host pipe. This technique eschews the need for external heat or adhesives.The detailed process of mechanically lined pipe manufacturing begins with selecting two compatible materials. The inner material, often a CRA, is first loosely inserted into the carbon steel pipe. Following this, the lined host pipe is passed through a hydraulic deformation tool, known as 'the round-up'. Here, radial pressures are applied, constricting the CRA liner against the inside of the host pipe to form a mechanical bond. This innovative and effective technology, despite its simplicity, significantly enhances the durability and life span of pipes which are exposed to harsh and corrosive substances.


The Procedure and Methodology in Mechanically Lined Pipe Formation

Mechanically lined pipes are created using an innovative procedure that ensures the integrity of the pipe materials. The process begins with a bare steel pipe, often carbon or low-alloy steel. A liner material, often corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA), is then mechanically bonded to the inside of the pipe. This means that the liner is bent into shape and fitted into the steel pipe. Interestingly, no physical joining method, such as welding or adhesive, is used. Instead, the liner is held in place due to the pressure of it being pushed into the pipe.This methodology has evolved and improved over the years, ensuring optimal results. The lining process is carried out using a specialized hydraulic expansion machine, which applies high internal pressure to the pipe, pressing the liner against the inside of the pipe for a permanent bond. This expansion process creates a powerful joint between the lining and the parent pipe, which is strong enough to handle the stresses of installation and operation. The primary aim is to ensure the mechanically lined pipe has the toughness and strength of carbon steel, combined with the corrosion resistance of the CRA liner. This combination of materials leads to enhanced durability and extended service lifespan.


Exploring the Benefits of Mechanically Lined Pipe

Mechanically lined pipes (MLP) offer a noteworthy range of advantages, notably their ease of installation. Unlike solid alloy pipes, they are remarkably lighter, reducing the necessary manpower and equipment for transportation and installation. The lighter weight of MLPs translates to substantial cost savings during the logistical stages of a project, making them a preferred option for firms on a budget. Additionally, MLPs are flexible, accommodating to variances in temperature and pressure that would typically compromise the structural integrity of traditional pipes.Further, mechanically lined pipes are acclaimed for their extended lifespan and resilience against harsh environments. Their interior lining, often comprising corrosion-resistant materials like nickel alloys, valuable materials such as Inconel 625, or stainless steel, greatly enhances their durability. This protective lining shields the pipe from potentially damaging chemicals and harsh environmental conditions, reducing maintenance needs and costs. Therefore, MLPs facilitate improved efficiency and functionality, supporting the long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of industrial projects. Below are situations where mechanical cladding may be preferred over weld overlay cladding:


- Large Surface Areas: Mechanical cladding can be more efficient and cost-effective for covering large surface areas compared to weld overlay, especially when dealing with relatively simple geometries.


- Thicker Cladding Layers: Mechanical cladding methods can accommodate thicker cladding layers more easily than weld overlay, making them suitable for applications requiring substantial overlay thickness.


- Heat Sensitivity of Base Material: For materials sensitive to heat or prone to distortion, mechanical cladding methods may be preferred as they involve less heat input compared to welding processes used in weld overlay.


- Limited Access: In situations where access to the workpiece is restricted, mechanical cladding methods can be more feasible since they often involve simpler equipment setups and do not require as much space for welding operations.


- Minimization of Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ): Mechanical cladding can help minimize the size of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) in the base material, which is beneficial for materials susceptible to degradation due to heat exposure.


- High Production Rates: Mechanical cladding methods can offer higher production rates compared to weld overlay, particularly for automated processes, making them preferable for large-scale manufacturing operations.


- Material Compatibility: Some base materials may not be suitable for welding due to their metallurgical properties or composition. In such cases, mechanical cladding methods that rely on mechanical bonding mechanisms may be preferred.


- Cost Considerations: Depending on factors such as material costs, labor, and equipment availability, mechanical cladding methods may offer cost advantages over weld overlay for certain applications.


- Uniformity of Cladding: Mechanical cladding methods can provide more uniform cladding thickness and coverage compared to weld overlay, which may be desirable for certain applications requiring precise dimensional control.


- Ease of Inspection and Quality Assurance: Mechanical cladding processes often result in well-defined interfaces between the base material and cladding layer, making it easier to inspect and ensure quality compared to weld overlay, where the boundary between the two materials may be less distinct.


Pre-rolled Pipe liners
Inconel CRA Pipe Liners

A Comparative Study of Overlay Cladding and Mechanically Lined Pipe

Overlay cladding and mechanically lined pipe methodologies are two distinct processes in the industrial arena with their unique characteristics and applications. Overlay cladding is a technique that involves welding a layer of wear, corrosion, or heat resistant material onto the surface of another metal to enhance its properties without changing its core structure. On the other hand, mechanically lined pipes are created by mechanically bonding a corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) liner with a carbon steel outer pipe. This process offers superior resistance to various stresses and corrosions without influencing the physical attributes of the original pipe. In judging the effectiveness of the two, several factors come into play. Overlay cladding generally offers greater versatility and a wider range of potential materials for cladding. The technique can alter the properties of metal surfaces significantly, offering variations in resistance to wear, heat, and corrosion. Mechanically lined pipes, however, are primarily revered for their exceptional resistance to corrosive atmospheres, ensuring the durability of the pipe without significantly affecting its original physical properties. While both offer an extended lifespan and improved functionality to metals in harsh working environments, they serve slightly different purposes in the industrial field, with the former being preferred for its adaptability and the latter for its specialisation in corrosion resistance.


The Practical Applications of Overlay Cladding and Mechanically Lined Pipe

Overlay cladding is an essential component in various sectors due to its versatile properties, and one of its general applications includes improving the component's resilience against corrosion and wear, particularly in high-temperature environments. Industries such as oil and gas, power plant construction, and chemical processing benefit significantly from this technology. In these sectors, overlay cladding is applied in areas where corrosion and wear resistance is of prime importance, including but not limited to valve surfaces, turbine blades, and pipe interiors.On the other hand, mechanically lined pipes also serve several practical applications in different sectors. The critical advantage of mechanically lined pipes is their cost-effectiveness combined with improved corrosion resistance. This is particularly beneficial for oil, gas, and water industries where transporting corrosive substances is a routine task. Besides, other sectors including the chemical industry, power plants, and even the food industry utilize these pipes to guarantee the safety and longevity of their operations. Mechanically lined pipes' thicker corrosion barrier also contributes to their use in offshore fields, where corrosion resistance in a saline environment is a defining factor.


The Impact of Overlay Cladding and Mechanically Lined Pipe on Industry Standards

The evolution of industrial practices and standards has been heavily influenced by the advancements in overlay cladding and mechanically lined pipe technologies. Both these processes have fostered ease of functionality, efficiency, and have raised the bar of sustainability in the manufacturing and industrial sector. With their inherent corrosion resistance, both overlay cladding and mechanically lined pipes have set high standards in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and power generation, by significantly reducing the rate of equipment wear and tear. In addition to enhanced performance benefits, the integration of these technologies has brought about a paradigm shift in the industry's approach towards safety and environmental conservation. Overlay cladding and mechanically lined pipes, by virtue of their properties, have minimized the risk of hazardous industrial accidents. Correspondingly, the reduced need for frequent replacement of equipment has contributed to resource conservation, reinforcing industry's commitment to environmental stewardship. The impact of these technologies, therefore, extends beyond mere operational efficiency to shaping the very ethos of contemporary industry practice.


Future Trends and Innovations in Overlay Cladding and Mechanically Lined Pipe Technologies.

The technological advancements in the world of overlay cladding and mechanically lined pipes are promising, threading the path towards better efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in the relevant industries. One significant trend is the integration of digitalization and automated approaches in the manufacturing processes of overlay cladding. Innovations such as robotics, AI, and machine learning are continually improving precision and reducing human errors during fabrication. Moreover, dominant is the advent of new materials with improved resistance against wear and corrosion, subsequently enhancing the performance and durability of overlay cladding.Mechanically lined pipe technologies are also not left behind in this wave of advancements. Remarkably, innovative solutions have emerged that are aimed at ensuring higher degrees of alignment and adherence between the inner liner and the outer metallic carcass during pipe manufacturing. Furthermore, the future suggests exploration into the application of nano technology and smart materials in pipe lining. Such developments could potentially offer superior control in the prevention of leaks and ruptures, resulting in safer, stronger, and more reliable pipeline systems. Structuring systems for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance is also anticipated, thereby revolutionizing the inspection protocols in pipeline management.

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