INERT ATMOSPHERE CONTROL FOR INDUCTION HEATED PRESSURE WELDING

摘要

A method and apparatus is disclosed for purging air from multiple surfaces of members to be welded together. The apparatus includes a hood with the inert gas entering the hood at about 150 cubic feet per minute at between 2-5 pounds per square inch gauge when handling approximately 21/2 inch diameter tubes. The gas is first evenly spread in the hood to fill the entire cross sectional area thereof and is then moved through a straightening section to provide laminar flow of the gas across the multiple surfaces. An induction coil is moved between hood closure means into the hood to heat the weldable surfaces to a bonding temperature and after the coils have been removed from the hood, the members are urged together to upset the heated surfaces to weld the two members together.