Having been manufacturing Tube and Pipe Purging Systems since 1975 Huntingdon Fusion Techniques (HFT) has now reached the latest version of its designs by launching the new PurgElite® series of Tube and Pipe Purging systems for diameters from 1” to 12” (25 to 300 mm) diameter, inclusive.
These systems are particularly valuable for the oil and gas industries, now that more and more stainless steel, duplex steel and nickel alloys are being used for the myriad of tubes and pipes that are employed for all of the various functions in platform building through to LNG plant construction.
The new series has a number of major advantages over previous weld purging systems and has taken into account the evolving technology in all market places where much higher specifications of materials and work finish are expected.
The key feature is the development of a low profile purge gas release valve that is required to purge the chamber between the two dams once they are inflated.
The old expensive, high profile valve has been eliminated, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and in particular reducing the minimum sizes of tube and pipe that can be welded, down to 1” diameter
The new low profile valve opens up the possibilities for manufacturers of many stainless steel tubular systems to purge pipes locally rather than fill complete systems and wasting large amounts of expensive inert gas.
In addition, the use of this low profile valve allows the PurgElite® systems to be pulled easily around complex tube and pipework systems with elbows and swept bends.
Where expensive, internally polished tubes and pipes are used, as in High Purity applications, the low profile streamlined valve minimises the risk of scratching and the associated loss of corrosion resistance and altered flow characteristics.
Employing latest material developments (HFT) has selected lower vapour pressure materials to ensure that the outgassing rate into the weld zone will be reduced to the barest minimum during welding to protect the molten weld pool from oxidation and the problems arising.
In particular, a synthetic hose has been discovered, that can withstand temperatures up to 700ºC (1292º F) and is used to replace the old fashioned metal braided hose and its fittings that were used on obsolete designs.
The reduced manufacturing costs resulting from these ergonomic designs, means that the PurgElite® systems are brought to the market place with lower costs as well as significantly advanced designs.
For larger diameters, HFT manufactures its Argweld® Quick Purge® Systems from 8” to 80” (200 – 2000 mm).
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LNG World News Staff, February 26, 2012; Image: HFT