Home / Pipe Purging Systems for Pre-Heated Pipe Welding

Pipe Purging Systems for Pre-Heated Pipe Welding

Huntingdon Fusion Techniques has developed “HotPurge™” Pipe Purging Systems for use up to 300 deg C (572 deg F) for 24 hours.

Posted: March 25, 2014

HotPurge™ from Huntingdon Fusion Techniques is based on the Quick Purge®II design that has been in wide use for many years, but adapted for use at high temperatures. This system is available for pipe internal diameters (ID) from 4 in to 96 in (100 mm to 2,500 mm). Each Hotpurge™ is made to size and has a tolerance of ±½ in (12 mm) because of the restrictions of heat proofing material.

PurgeGate® from HFT is a clever, worldwide patented invention that allows users to simply connect the Hotpurge™ system to any source of compressed inert gas and simply turn it on to whatever flow or pressure they wish. PurgeGate® will protect the dams from over-inflation or bursting and allow the user to deliver whatever flow they like, using the one gas source.

Thick wall chrome steel pipe joints, such as those used in the power industry for high pressure high strength pipe work, need to be pre-heated for welding and probably need a post weld heat treatment too. Weld joints of this nature need to be purged of oxygen and welded in an inert gas atmosphere, to prevent oxidation, slag formation etc. that leads to loss of corrosion resistance and undesirable change to the metallurgy.

With the high temperatures and length of time at temperature needed in the pre-heat, weld and post heat treat cycles, most weld purging systems are unsuitable. However, Huntingdon Fusion Techniques (HFT®; Melbourne, FL), has now developed “HotPurge™” Pipe Purging Systems, for use up to 300 deg C (572 deg F) for 24 hours. (The material used is rated up to 700 deg C (1,292 deg F).

The central large collar that dramatically reduces the space to be purged and makes it easier to reach the lower oxygen levels faster.Four pull handles are securely attached to each dam, secured with the Kevlar thread that will withstand a pulling force of 1,000 lb on each handle. The most stunning feature of the HotPurge™ system is the PurgeGate® to prevent over inflation.

No matter how high the user raises the pressure in order to deliver more flow, PurgeGate® prevents the pressure going to the inflatable dams, but allows the increased flow to make a faster purge. PurgeGate® is guaranteed for life. HotPurge™ Pipe Purging Systems can be used over and over again for specialist weld purges on power industry piping, that will keep the oxygen levels below 100 parts per million throughout the welding cycle.

Huntingdon Fusion COB Industries, PO Box 361175, Melbourne, FL 32936-1175, 321-723-3200, Fax: 321-984-8455, cletus@cob-industries.com, www.huntingdonfusion.us.