An algorithm for heat transfer prediction of in-service welding operations in a forcedflow of fluid is presented. The algorithm presented is derived from Rosenthal’s 3D heatflow equation and boundary layer approximations. This was possible by the introductionof an apparent thermal conductivity kPL, which is a function of the boundary layer’s heattransfer coefficient f and the base material’s thickness . This implies that a weldcooling time ΔtT₁ /T₂ in a forced flow of fluid can now be calculated by an ordinaryengineering calculator and thus enabling suitable welding parameters to be determined.The magnitude of kPLf , was established by regression analysis of results from aparametric finite element analysis series of a total number of 112 numerical simulations.Furthermore, the result of the regression analysis was validated and verified by a weldingexperiment series accomplished on an in-house designed and constructed in-servicewelding rig. The principle design of the welding rig as well as its instrumentation, a PCbased Data Acquisition system, is described. In addition, a method to measure the weldmetals cooling time ΔtT₁ /T₂ by means of thermocouple elements is described. Finally,the algorithm presented in this study proved feasible for industrial in-service weldingoperations of fine-grained Carbon and Carbon–Manganese steels with a maximum Carbon Equivalent (IIW) (CE) of 0.32.