It is important when welding metals such as stainless steel, titanium and zirconium that the welding zone is purged of oxygen even as low as 10 parts per million (ppm) before, during and immediately after welding, in order to achieve a clean, oxide free, zero colour weld.

Weld Purging Experts Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT? now manufactures Accessories for their Range of Inflatable Weld Purging Systems, which include Argon Feed Hose for a leak-tight gas connection, PurgeGate? to ensure the inflatable dams do not burst due to over-inflation and Heat Protective Covers for all sizes and temperatures.

Tailor-made Argon Gas Feed Hose assemblies with leak tight fittings attach immediately to the HFT? Range of Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems at one end and to the gas source at the other. These special, high quality Argon Gas Feed Hoses, which can also be used for transporting nitrogen, come complete with end fittings, providing welders with a guaranteed leak tight method of feeding non contaminated argon gas to their weld zone.

The Argon Gas Feed Hoses can also be supplied to all other TIG / GTAW welders, with their own special fitting as required. The hoses are available off the shelf in a standard range of lengths, 30 m, 25 m, 20 m, 15 m, 10 m and 5 m.  Conforming to British Standard BS EWN 599 Quality Standard, the Argon Gas Feed Hoses each have a temperature range from -30o up to 80oC and a safety factor of three times working pressure, 20 bar (300 psi).

To prevent too much pressure being delivered to the Inflatable Weld Purging Systems, HFT? has designed and manufactures a PurgeGate? Valve System in order to prevent any over-pressurising of Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems. These innovative devices, which are fitted as standard on the HotPurge? and QuickPurge? Systems, are offered as accessories for the PurgElite?, PurgExtra? and any other manufacturers versions of Inflatable Tube and Pipe Purging Systems.

PurgeGate? Valves have an easy push fit connection and are simply, plug and play. They fit all system sizes, from 1” to 88” and can be moved from system to system.

HFT? also designed Heat Resistant Covers for both their PurgElite? and PurgExtra? Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems, with a temperature endurance of up to 300oC, available from 1 to 24 inches.

The Heat Resistant Covers are fixed onto the Tube and Pipe Weld Purging System with ties and holes are provided for the PurgElite? and PurgExtra? fittings, such as inlet, exhaust and crimped end. The Covers are usually provided as pairs, although they can be purchased individually in case of damage or loss.

Many companies are still fabricating their own home-made purging systems made of foam, cardboard, adhesive tape, wood and so on. Like paper, these materials contain a high percentage of water, which is undesirable to have in the presence of a weld. As these poor materials are warmed by the welding operation, they start to outgas, which, when combined with the weld pool, can cause porosity and oxidation.

HFT?’s Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems pay for themselves in the first weld, saving vast amounts of purging time and inert gas costs (Return on Investment Comparisons are available).

Source: Wire and Tube News