What is an important consideration when welding under adverse weather conditions?

When welding under adverse weather conditions, proper shielding from wind and rain is crucial for several reasons. First, wind can disrupt the gas flow in a shielded gas welding process, which may lead to incomplete shielding of the weld pool and increased susceptibility to contamination. Rain can lead to water entering the weld area, which can create problems such as hydrogen-induced cracking and other integrity issues in the weld.

To maintain the quality and structural integrity of the weld, it is essential to create a protective barrier to mitigate these environmental effects. This can be done through the use of shields, canopies, or other means to ensure that the welding area remains free of adverse conditions. Proper preparation and precautions taken to shield the welding area maximizes the likelihood of achieving a high-quality weld that meets the required specifications of API 1104 and ensures the safety of the pipeline and related facilities.