Steps in post-weld heat treatment

To perform post-weld heat treatment at a site or workshop, the original article outlines the following steps:

Review the documentation

• Design drawings.
• Material.
• Applicable code or standard.
• Time–temperature schedule, including heating, soaking and cooling stages.

Implementation and completion steps

1. Prepare the heat-treatment procedure.
2. Prepare the equipment and materials required for heat treatment.
3. Survey the site and the workpiece.
4. Set up the site and provide rain protection for the heat-treatment area.
5. Inspect the weld surface or workpiece, then install resistance heater pads and thermal insulation.
6. Arrange the power supply and position the heat-treatment machine.
7. Install the temperature sensors.
8. Check equipment readiness before energising.
9. Check and adjust the temperature controller and chart recorder.
10. Set the times and temperatures to be controlled in accordance with the heat-treatment schedule.
11. Energise the equipment and control the treatment area temperature in accordance with the chart.
12. Monitor and control temperature changes in the workpiece.
13. Cross-check the temperature recorder reading with an infrared thermometer.
14. Complete the heat-treatment cycle, retrieve the temperature chart, remove insulation and recover the equipment.
15. Record the site log.
16. Prepare the heat-treatment report.
17. Confirm completion and obtain the customer’s sign-off.

See also: post-weld heat-treatment services