Pipe purge system speeds welding, saves gas

A quick pipe weld purging system can facilitate the welding of 30in joints in under 10 min and users also report dramatic reductions in consumption of purge gas.

Huntingdon Fusion Techniques has delivered pipe weld purging systems to the Cove Point Project in Maryland, USA.

It follows successes at LNG installations and pipelines at Milford Haven (UK), Sabine Pass (USA) and a number of others.

Dominion, owner of the Cove Point facility, is to increase its output dramatically.

An expansion project is underway in which 30in stainless steel pipes are being welding for gas transport.

The innovative Argweld Quick Purge System, manufactured in the UK by Huntingdon Fusion Techniques, can facilitate the welding of 30in joints in under 10 min.

Following demonstrations at Cove Point it seems likely that Dominion will place orders for further Quick Purge equipment covering the pipe diameter range between 10 and 32in (250 to 800mm).

The action echoes comments from existing users - Babcocks, Bechtel, Ledwoood, CBI and Shaw Group - that an effective seal and perfect purge is achieved very quickly.

Users of Quick Purge systems also report dramatic reductions in consumption of purge gas.

Dominion Cove Point is located on Chesapeake Bay and is one of the USA's largest LNG import facilities.

The liquified gas is transported from various locations in the world, including Trinidad, Nigeria, Norway, Venezuela and Algeria.

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