A Study on the Application of Laser Cleaning on the Weld of the Gas Fuel Supply Pipe for DF Engine

Jong-Do Kim,Jong-Myoung Lee,Ji-Eon Kim,Pyung-Su Kim,Han-Seop Choe

doi:10.3390/app112411832

Jong-Do Kim, Jong-Myoung Lee + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app112411832

Copy DOI

Abstract

While producing gas fuel supply pipes for duel fuel (DF) engines, a welding process is essential. Accordingly, specimen management before and after welding is crucial to obtain highly reliable weldments. In this study, we developed an environmentally friendly laser cleaning technology to address a toxic work environment and environmental pollution problems caused by chemical cleaning technology utilized in post-welding treatment of gas fuel supply for DF engines. An experiment was conducted by implementing surface laser cleaning of the butt and fillet weldment specimens according to process parameters. Conditions of process parameters were identified for facilitating laser cleaning and used in prototype production. The prototypes were processed through laser and chemical cleaning, and the quality of the end products was compared. The results indicated that the proposed method satisfactorily cleans the prototype surface without generating a toxic work environment and environmental pollution problems. Moreover, the roughness of approximately 5 μm was achieved on the laser cleaned surface. This is considered to be able to increase the adhesion of the paint compared to the smooth chemical cleaned surface during the painting for anticorrosion of the product.

Highlights

As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reinforced environmental regulations on air pollutants and greenhouse gases emitted from ships, solutions, such as the operation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled ships, the utilization of low sulfur fuel, and installation of scrubbers, have been proposed [1,2]
LNG fueled ships, which have received significant attention as ships utilizing next-generation clean fuel, generally utilize both diesel oil and LNG based on dual fuel (DF) engine [3,4]
This study developed the optimal surface cleaning technology, which can minimize the defects of weldments, and derive outstanding external weldment appearance by applying eco-friendly laser heat sources to post welding process, to produce gas fuel supply pipes for DF engines requiring high-precision welding [16]

Summary

Introduction

As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reinforced environmental regulations on air pollutants and greenhouse gases emitted from ships, solutions, such as the operation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled ships, the utilization of low sulfur fuel, and installation of scrubbers, have been proposed [1,2]. Excellent controllability of the laser facilitates selective and local cleaning, thereby reducing work time and minimizing damage to the base metal This noncontact process is appropriate for cleaning products that have three-dimensional shapes including edges and curved surfaces, such as gas fuel supply pipes for DF engines. This study developed the optimal surface cleaning technology, which can minimize the defects of weldments, and derive outstanding external weldment appearance by applying eco-friendly laser heat sources to post welding process, to produce gas fuel supply pipes for DF engines requiring high-precision welding [16]

Experimental Materials and Equipment

Experimental Methods