Method and apparatus for welding tubular members

摘要

The present invention provides a welding apparatus for forming a weld joint between abutting ends of first and second tubular members. The welding apparatus includes a housing having first and second sides defining an interior therebetween. The welding apparatus includes a welding electrode movably mounted within the interior of the housing and projecting toward the abutting ends of the first and second tubular members to thereby define an arc gap between the electrode and the abutting ends. The welding apparatus includes an electrical source for supplying welding energy to the welding electrode and a pressurized-gas source for supplying inert gas to the arc gap. The welding apparatus includes a chuck assembly secured to the first side of the housing and having a plurality of chuck jaws for frictionally engaging the surface of the first tubular member to thereby secure the abutting end of the first tubular member within the interior of the housing adjacent the welding electrode. The welding apparatus also includes a support tool for supporting the second tubular member such that the abutting end of the second tubular member is secured within the interior of the housing adjacent the welding electrode and the abutting end of the first tubular member. In one embodiment, the welding apparatus includes a motor in operable communication with the welding electrode such that the welding electrode is moved circumferentially about the abutting ends of the first and second tubular members to thereby form the weld joint.