With the global energy structure transitioning towards cleaner sources, LNG storage tanks, as core infrastructure, have manufacturing quality that directly affects transport safety and operational efficiency. However, the welding process of LNG tanks is extremely complex and demands exceptionally high seam quality. Traditional welding techniques rely heavily on manual operations and struggle to meet the stringent requirements for high precision and reliability. Weld Navigator® has introduced a high-precision laser seam tracking system, offering a reliable solution for the automation upgrade of LNG tank welding.
Introduction to the Laser Seam Tracking System
The laser seam tracking system is a high-end welding auxiliary device based on laser vision sensing technology. By scanning the weld profile in real time using laser sensors, the system can accurately detect the weld position, width, depth, and direction, and provide immediate feedback to welding robots or automatic welding equipment, enabling dynamic path adjustments and high-quality welding operations. Compared to traditional mechanical guiding or manual intervention methods, the Weld Navigator® laser seam tracking system offers significant advantages:
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High-precision identification and real-time adjustments ensure the weld seam always follows the correct welding path;
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Compatibility with various weld types, including grooves and irregular surfaces;
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Significantly improved welding consistency and overall seam quality;
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Reduced manual intervention, enhancing production efficiency and safety.
The Weld Navigator® system supports various welding processes (such as MIG/MAG, TIG) and materials (like cryogenic steel and stainless steel), offering high compatibility across scenarios. It can be seamlessly integrated into automated welding equipment, greatly enhancing welding quality and efficiency while reducing the need for manual input.
Welding Challenges in LNG Tank Manufacturing
LNG storage tanks are typically made of thick-walled stainless steel or cryogenic alloy steel and feature complex internal structures with long welds in numerous positions and varying orientations. Traditional welding methods face several challenges:
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Difficult weld seam detection: Due to large tank curvature and confined spaces, conventional imaging or contact-based sensors struggle to accurately locate welds;
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Frequent manual intervention: Repeated manual calibration is required, leading to high labor intensity and safety risks;
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Inconsistent quality: Deviations in the welding path affect seam strength and tightness;
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Delayed quality inspection: Reliance on post-weld inspection leads to low efficiency and high risk.
These challenges place higher demands on the automation of LNG tank manufacturing, highlighting the urgent need for advanced and efficient intelligent welding solutions.
Weld Navigator® Solution
To address the challenges in LNG tank welding, Weld Navigator® has leveraged its years of experience in laser vision technology to develop a dedicated laser seam tracking solution, featuring:
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High-precision weld detection and correction
Equipped with high-speed, high-resolution laser vision sensors and a flexible mounting structure, the system adapts to various welding positions on large tanks, handling longitudinal, circumferential, and fillet welds with ease. -
AI-powered intelligent recognition
Embedded deep learning algorithms automatically identify various weld types and abnormal states, accurately detecting weld features even under highly reflective, high-temperature, or complex background conditions, ensuring real-time feedback and path correction. -
Seamless integration with welding systems
The Weld Navigator® system integrates effortlessly with mainstream welding robots and automated track welding systems, enabling dynamic path adjustments and fully automated welding operations that enhance overall work efficiency and product yield. -
Data logging and visual analysis
The system provides real-time monitoring and data storage of the welding process, supporting quality traceability, process optimization, and anomaly alerts—empowering enterprises to embrace digital manufacturing.
Driven by the “dual carbon” goals, LNG tank manufacturing is rapidly moving towards automation and digitalization. The Weld Navigator® laser seam tracking system, through features like high-precision seam detection and AI-based intelligent recognition, effectively addresses the shortcomings of traditional welding methods, offering a highly reliable and efficient solution for the industry. It empowers energy equipment manufacturers to achieve high-quality transformation and upgrade.
