Overview of Technology

  • NEPSYS

The NEPSYS Dry Underwater Welding system is Neptune's flagship technology which was developed to dramatically improve conventional offshore oil and gas and marine maintenance practices. It was recognised that existing under water welding technologies provided only temporary solutions that required subsequent reworking or in the case of hyperbaric welding or dry docking, imposed significant operational impact at substantial costs. Neptune Marine can now deliver to these industries, and others, a comparatively low cost underwater welding system that applies an approved, permanent weld equal to dry weld standards. The Neptune system achieves quality welds that satisfy AWS 3.6 Class A and various other structural dry welding codes. The NEPSYS technology has been granted patents in Australia and the United States, with further patents pending in Europe.

NEPSYS incorporates a compact housing that fully encloses and isolates the heat affected zone from the surrounding environment. This habitat only needs to be sufficiently large enough for the welding electrode to achieve complete run-out, or in cases where complex structures are involved it may be customised to surround the entire weld area, but it does not need to house all the welding equipment or the diver.

Inside the habitat ideal welding conditions are maintained. Heated inert gas is continuously delivered into the habitat at positive pressure to provide a completely controllable environment around the immediate weld area.

The heated inert gas, delivered at a pressure elevated above the ambient hydrostatic water pressure, ensures that the repair area remains dry and enables pre and post-weld heat treatment. Additionally, it enhances the conditions surrounding the heat affected zone as it eliminates hydrogen from the weld area and prevents the quenching effect of the surrounding sea water, thus providing an even thermal distribution. This ideal environment created by the NEPSYS system ensures a superior weld quality is consistently achieved.

Features of NEPSYS

  • Permanent weld with high structural quality.
  • Approved, recognised and endorsed by international class societies.
  • Allows an in-situ repair.
  • Highly portable equipment.
  • Low impact on operations.
  • Proven results in key markets.

Key benefits:

  • Superior weld quality compared to conventional underwater welding technology .
  • Lower direct costs than hyperbaric, cofferdam and dry dock welding methods.
  • Elimination of indirect costs associated with transit, unloading etc.
  • Rapid response time and suitable for emergency marine repairs.
  • Substantial commercial applications.