TPT November 2011

T echnology U pdate

Purge gas and time saving solution

Compared to consumable purge products (eg purge paper) where a new product will need to be purchased for every weld, a Ring Purge system’s initial purchase cost will soon be offset, as it can be used for hundreds of welds if used correctly. For example, an 8" Ring Purge used for 100 welds will cost just over £2.40 per weld; if used for 200 welds, this cost will be halved. Unlike purge paper or purge film products, Ring Purge and inflatable dams provide the welder with ways to get purge gas in and out of the pipe, even when the root weld pass has been closed. Ring Purge maintains a positive seal of the dams with the pipe ID so that the purge gas provides a pressure to support the weld root. Customers using the Ring Purge in a correct operation have reported 500+ welds from their product. The pre-set valve minimises the risk of over- inflation and bursting of the product, which further increases life span.

The Ring Purge should be considered for purging lengths of straight pipes that need welding, and if used carefully can be considered to weld lobster back welds and some elbows. For purging of smaller diameter pipes and around bends, Weldwide Solutions Limited recommends the use of Proban cotton inflatable purge systems. All of Weldwide Solutions’ inflatable purge dam designs feature a secondary purge gas inlet feed so that higher flow rates of argon can be used when making the initial root pass. Using the secondary hose prevents over-inflation of the dams, and if flow rates become too high and the welder feels too much gas pressure escaping through the root gap, the gas pressure will drop immediately when the gas flow to the secondary argon hose is reduced. Weldwide Solutions Limited – UK Fax: +44 1554 754 276 Email: darren@weldwidesolutions.com Website: www.weldwidesolutions.com

WHEN purging stainless steel or other reactive metals, a well-purged oxygen- free environment is crucial to ensure a clean, strong weld that is free of oxidation and has a uniform and smooth internal weld profile. The original, patented design of the Ring Purge, available from Weldwide Solutions Limited, enables the fabricator to seal the inflatable dam inside the pipe and achieve a purge around the weld within a few minutes, and will therefore not only save purge gas but will also shorten the time spent on purging.

ONE longitudinal tube mill ERW – TWO High-Quality LINSINGER machines

Strip edge milling machine BFMK for welding edge preparation with highest accuracy

Travelling tube cut-off machine Multi-cut for very short cutting times

Both machines are adapted on the line speed

Dr. Linsinger-Str. 24, A-4662 Steyrermuehl Tel. +43 7613 88 40, Fax +43 7613 88 40-951 E-Mail: maschinenbau@linsinger.com

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N ovember 2011

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