Reduce costs for purging large-diameter pipes
Care is necessary when welding large-diameter pipework in stainless, duplex and chrome steels, nickel alloys and zirconium. When welding such reactive materials, they need to be purged of oxygen before, during and after welding, which can cause a huge expense when they are of a large diameter. QuickPurge Systems (photo), which are manufactured in sizes up to 88 in. (2,235 mm), dramatically reduce the space that needs to be purged, thereby reducing purging time dramatically, resulting in savings in both time and gas costs, says the company. QuickPurge is simply inserted into a tube or pipe, inflated within the pipe, restricting the area that is to be welded, reducing the O2 level down to 100 parts per million (ppm) within minutes. QuickPurge has an additional gas input line, which means that extra purge gas can be introduced for applications such as this, thereby achieving a much faster purge, down to the lowest oxygen levels, which is perfect for larger-diameter pipes where quality welds are required. — Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT, Burry Port, Carms, U.K.