Project Hatton

Fluxys

National Grid, United Kingdom

National Grid own, maintain and develop the high voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales. They carry power safely from where it’s made to where it van be distributed to homes and businesses via lower voltage regional networks.

Fluxys

Hatton, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom

PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS:

PPS Pipeline Systems

United Living, Warrington, United Kingdom

United Living Group is an infrastructure, construction, and property services company based in the UK. The company builds infrastructure, provides affordable housing, implements energy improvements in homes, and develops fixed-line and wireless telecom infrastructure. United Living Group employs over 1,500 people and collaborates with both public and private sector clients.

SCOPE:

Firefly Welding provided the following services:

  • Initial trials with welding bug at our facility in Wirral.
  • Help with obtaining the required Weld Procedure Specification for the project.
  • Training and qualification of the client’s welders.
  • Provide firefly welding bugs and associated equipment. Mobilisation to and from site.
  • Provide an on-site technician for the duration of the project

The project involved the semi-automated welding of 36” and 24” carbon steel butt joints using the Firefly welding bug. This technology enables precision welding, improving efficiency, consistency, and overall weld quality while reducing manual effort and the risk of human error. The Firefly welding bug is designed for orbital welding applications, ensuring a uniform and high-integrity weld.

Given the complexity and critical nature of the pipeline infrastructure, this method was chosen to meet stringent industry standards and regulatory compliance. The semi-automated process also minimised potential defects, ensuring the welded joints could withstand operational pressures and environmental conditions. The welding activities took place under controlled conditions to maintain high safety and quality assurance standards.

Firefly semi-automated welding bug and bespoke welding habitat