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Purge your Tubes and Pipes the 'Elite' way
Purging Systems, Purge Bladders and Purge Dams, using real scientific purge bladder breakthrough technology, Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems introduces to the market place for the first time a 'New' 1 inch (25 mm) System for small diameter tubes and pipes. Another great innovation to help tube and pipe welders save time, money, gas and achieve better welds. The volume to purge is kept small, resulting in savings in both time and cost of inert gas used. Purge bladders and dams suitable for high quality pristine tube and pipe weld purging, 1 to 24" (25 to 610 mm) diameters. For full technical information, use the tabs above.
Inflatable Weld Purging Systems have been specifically designed for tubes, pipes and pipelines to achieve oxide free, porosity free, clean, safe welds.
Old fashioned pipe purge bladders and tandem purging gas bags usually burst. Therefore our systems are specifically engineered with anti-burst features to avoid any risk of bursting. Our Pipe Purge Systems can be used time and time again.
Return on Investment (ROI)
All Argweld® Pipe Weld Purging Systems and all PurgEye® Weld Purge Monitors® provide instant Return on Investment.
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Read More'NEW' for 1 inch (25 mm)ø Tubes and Pipes
After 40 years of manufacturing expertise in the field of tube and pipe purge bladders and dams, Huntingdon Fusion Techniques brings to the market yet another great innovation to help tube and pipe welders save time, money, gas and achieve better welds.
This 5th Generation Innovative Advanced Design in the Argweld® range introduces for the first time a 1 inch (25 mm) System for small diameter tubes and pipes!
The Argweld® PurgElite® purge bladder and purge dam systems are suitable for high quality pristine weld purging of tubes to tubes or fittings and pipes to pipes and fittings for 1 to 24" (25 to 610 mm) diameter.
These even more advanced tandem dam based systems, with many unique features keep Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® right at the forefront of technical innovation, by creating a simple, low cost solution to make high purity welds.
With the savings made due to this revolutionary new design, we have been able to reduce prices significantly whilst at the same time, manufacturing a technically superior product.
The volume to purge is kept small, resulting in savings in both time and cost of inert gas used.
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems have two heavily protected purge bladders or dams connected by a new design inert gas purging tube.
The inert gas purges air as well as other unwanted gases and vapours out of the space between the dams with inert gas coming through a unique, much lower cost, simpler, more trouble free valve than used on other designs.
This 'new' design low profile valve allows us to manufacture a 1" (25 mm) Inflatable Tube and Pipe Purging System, which has never been achieved previously.
In addition, these systems have no raised metal parts making them ideal for use in a wide range of industries that would normally use internally polished stainless steel tubing and piping.
Standard sizes of Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems are available for immediate delivery and special requirements can be produced in just a few days.
Don't use old fashioned purge bladders or purge dams that burst and do not use homemade devices like cardboard, paper dams or foam bungs. They contain a lot of water, air and water vapour. Bad products put your weld at risk and end up costing you more money.
Use the proper tool for the job! An Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purge System.
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Read MoreTandem Dam Based Systems in 1 to 24" (25 to 610 mm)
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purge Systems simplify the process of inert gas purging and are quick and easy to install.
Quick and easy to install
Quick fit couplings complete with "o" ring for gas tight sealing and stainless steel collet to hold the tube mechanically tight. Now fitted with "Anti-Release" circlip to prevent parts accidentally separating inside the pipe.
Innovative purge gas feed device
No complicated valve to set.
Inflation of purge dams & inert gas purging with one line
No chance of inflatable purge bladders bursting due to over pressurisation. One hose from the inert gas supply is all that is needed.
Specially developed purge dam connection hose
Maximum operating temperature 80ºC (179ºF).
Synthetic spinal connection hose gives complete flexibility to go around bends.
Low vapour pressure material.
No scratching of internally polished surfaces.
For all grades of stainless and duplex steels, with and without polished interiors, titanium, zirconium and any other exotic metals or alloys.
Argweld® RootGlo® Centre Alignment Band
Argweld® PurgElite® cost saving systems can be positioned accurately.
The glow strip positioning band in the centre of each system gives ease of use when positioning the device underneath the weld.
Size range: 1 - 24" (25 to 610 mm) Ø
No restrictions in elbows or bends in pipe work.
First inflatable 1" (25 mm) system available.
Uses less inert gas
Special gas usage system significantly cuts the volume of gas used compared to all other methods.
Faster
The Argweld® PurgElite® System is very quick and easy to install. It can be positioned accurately and the purge dams inflate instantly.
No difficult valves to set, therefore saving time
Bladder purging time is a fraction of that required by conventional methodsleading to significant savings and waiting costs. Cost savings charts are available on request.
The volume to be purged is localised.
Low Price
Dramatic decrease in prices over all similar models.
Payback in less than one weld.
Repeatability
Highly reliable, giving regular, repeatable, controlled high quality results.
Gas pressure control ensures an even positive root bead with no notching.
Manufactured to Nuclear Quality Standards with Nuclear approved materials, these systems guarantee bright, shiny, coke and oxide-free welds.
Because Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems have no metal parts exposed, internally polished stainless steel tubes are protected.
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems from 1" upwards are 'State of the Art' newly evolved technology by Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT®.
Heat Resistant Covers
Heat Resistant Covers are available for PurgElite® as an accessory. These covers are available in all sizes within the PurgElite® range 1 – 24” (25 – 610 mm).
Manufactured from a robust material, the Heat Resistant Covers protect the inflatable dams at each end of the system, with a temperature range of up to 300ºC (572ºF).
Ties on each Cover ensure they are held securely to the Inflatable Tube and Pipe Purging System. Holes are designed on each Cover for the PurgElite® fittings, such as inlet, exhaust and Weld Purge Monitor® connection.
The Heat Resistant Covers are sold as a pair, or can be manufactured as a single unit if required.
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Read MoreIdeal for 'Clean in Place' or 'Steam in Place' Welds
For many industries, such as food, semi-conductor, chemical, pharmacutical, bio-ethanol as well as any others where hygienic, aseptic, 'Clean in Place' (CIP) or 'Steam in Place' (SIP) welds have to be made.
High Purity
Food, Diary, Pharmaceutical, Beverages
All of the above mentioned industries use vast volumes of small diameter stainless steel tubing where Argweld® PurgElite® Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems will be valuable to help in providing optimum welding results when used in conjunction with the Company's PurgEye® range of Weld Purging Monitors.
Biochemical processes
Bioprocessing operations have continued to grow for 20 years controlling the risk of contamination.
This has pushed the demand for high-purity system design even beyond the boundaries of the pharmaceutical industry and has cascaded into industries that are typically unfamiliar with the need for system cleanability.
Amongst other applications, Argweld® PurgElite® Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems are designed for pristine Tube and Pipe Purging, (CIP) and (SIP) techniques as well as the Bio applications.
If the proper steps are not taken throughout the process, a proliferation of unwanted bacteria can devastate colonies of the desired bacteria, ruining the process.
The only segments of this process that would require high purity 
piping design concepts are those that handle the enzymes.
Argweld® PurgElite® Weld Purging Systems are particularly valuable for use in these emerging areas of High Purity Processes such as Bioethanol Processors and Biofuels Production.
Nuclear
These new products from Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® will be valuable for use with Nuclear Power Pipework particularly for repairing the inconel steam tubes in aging nuclear reactors that has been highlighted in the press recently following the problem in Japan and discoveries of potential leak areas in nuclear steam pipes elsewhere around the world.
In addition to their application in full size Nuclear Power Stations, the PurgElite® systems will be valuable in construction and repair of the massive volumes of small diameter tube and pipework in Nuclear Submarines and Nuclear Fuel re-processing facilities.
Semi Conductor
Tubing and piping used throughout the semiconductor industry requires a degree of purity that is even higher even, than that required of the pharmaceutical, food-and-dairy industries
Semiconductor operations have a critical need to mitigate the potential for particulate contamination, which can be devastating to today's highly miniaturised electronic components.
Microscopic particles in semiconductor facilities, whether coming from equipment, tubing, or the various fluids used during the manufacture of silicon chips, can render the chip useless, or at the very least, out of specification.
So achieving acceptable, repeatable welds is a key element during the fabrication of high-purity piping systems.
These high-purity welds are accomplished most efficiently by means of a certified welding operator using an orbital welder and PurgElite® Tube and Pipe Purging Systems together with the PurgEye® range of Weld Purge Monitoring instruments.
In addition, there is a myriad of other applications where stainless steel, titanium and nickel alloys require weld purging to this high degree of quality including offshore, aerospace, liquid natural gas and so on, where the PurgElite® Pipe Purging Systems will make a valuable contribution to saving time, saving gas and preventing errors, particularly when used in combination with the Company's Weld Purge Monitoring instruments, some of which that have data acquisition software for quality control procedures.
For larger diameters, Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® manufactures its rugged Argweld® QuickPurge® Systems to suit diameters from 6 to 88 inch (152 to 2,235 mm).
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Read MoreTechnical Data and Specification
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Purging Systems are available from 1" to 24" (25 to 610 mm).
High quality circumferential butt-welding of tubes or pipes with other tubes, pipes or fittings, requires inert gas to be used inside the bore to prevent oxidation and notching of the root penetration weld bead.
The tandem based Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging System has been designed specially for this work.
Each system has 2 protected inflatable dams connected by an armoured heatproof spinal tube.
Once ready to start purging, the system is inserted into the bore with one purge dam either side of the weld joint.
The spinal tube carries the gas to inflate the purge dams and the low profile valve to release the gas gently, to purge the interspace without turbulence.
When the gas connection is made and opened, the purge bladders inflate to form a seal, after which the pressure in the system opens the purge valve.
The inert gas is then fed into the space between the purge bladders expelling the air through the integral exhaust tubes.
Welding can then be carried out with the inert gas ensuring a clean even penetration bead.
Note: Welding will probably be started once the Argweld® PurgEye® Weld Purge Monitor® indicates the required low level of oxygen has been reached.
Afterwards, the purge dams are deflated simply by disconnecting the purge gas feed and the device easily removed. This uniquely designed system means that only one gas connection is required for both dam inflation and weld purging.
An equal number of outlets are provided. Unwanted connections are left closed with the blanking plugs provided.
This range of Argweld® PurgElite® Tube and Pipe Purge Systems are for pipes of nominal diameters from 1" (25 mm) to 24" (600 mm).
The connecting spinal tube can be shortened or lengthened to accommodate special requirements.
PurgElite® PURGE TIME (to 0.1% oxygen and less)
By using Argweld® PurgElite® Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems, the main savings, over any other system, are obtained in reduced
purging and waiting time, and in the much lower quantity of inert gas used.
Purging with old fashioned systems and homemade devices will require a flow rate of at least 24 L/min (50 cu ft/hr)
for longer periods.
The chart below shows a typical purge time to reduce the air space to less than 0.01% oxygen.
Purge time for PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purge System to less than 100 ppm oxygen.
Test Pipe Diameter 4" (102 mm)
Old fashioned or home made devices:
Purge time to 1,000 ppm.... 26 minutes
Flow rate 50 CFH (24 L/min).... inert gas usage 18 Cu ft (624 liters)
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging System:
Purge Time to 100 ppm.... 3 mins 6 secs
Flow rate 21 CFH (10 L/min).... inert gas usage 0.9 Cu ft (30 Liters)
Purge Time below 35 ppm.... 7 - 10 mins (with extra gas inlet and exhaust integrated)
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Read MoreComparison of the PurgElite® verses older models
Outstanding new features on our latest model of Inflatable Pipe Purging Systems can be easily recognised as state of art technology when it comes to using a Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging System.
| Old Style Pipe Purge Bladders and Purging Dam Systems | "NEW" PurgElite® Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging System |
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Old large profile valve Old complicated valve adjustment Occasional burst purge bladders Metal parts scratch interiors of polished pipes High vapour pressure materials that outgas when heated
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No metallic parts to scratch interior of polished pipes No large complicated valve No wasted time setting valve No burst inflatable dams when making a setting error or when operators do not pay attention to gas flow rate No chance of inflatable dams bursting due to over pressurisation One hose from the inert gas supply is all that is needed |
| PurgElite® a scientifically better advanced product...! |
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Read MoreArgweld® PurgElite® Purge Bladders and Dams
See what our Users have to say....
“A friend called me up and needed 4-10” PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems. He will be welding up stainless steel process piping in a local cheese factory and the PurgElite® System will save him a lot of time and argon. It is nice to invest in products that will but profit back in your pocket.”
Superior Welding, Ohio, USA
Near to completing 6" and 4" stainless steel pipe work at Britisch Sugar, we used the PurgElite from 'Huntingdon Fusion Techniques' which was a great success saving us both time and gas. The 40" purge bags we purchased some 2 years ago have been worth their weight in gold to us in the construction phases of the large project we are coming to a close with. The 40" was always going to be problematic but the system we had worked perfectly.
Roger Lee
Please contact us by email for actual user names and user lists which can be obtained separately.
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Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
1.0 Can I use an inflatable purge system in a smaller or larger pipe?
In the event that the correct size is not available, adjacent sizes may be usable as there is some crossover in the range of each model. Check the specification sheet.
2.0 What happens with pre-heated pipes?
See Argweld® HotPurge® Heat Resistant Systems.
3.0 I cannot inflate the device properly.
In the event that the dams do not inflate sufficiently to seal within the pipe, check that the size of the PurgElite® System matches the pipe internal diameter.
Otherwise, try increasing the pressure from the regulator, very slightly.
4.0 What is the distance between the inflated dams?
The spinal tubes between the dams are of a standard length. A chart is available showing the length for each size of system. They can be manufactured shorter or longer, according to customer requirements.
5.0 What happens if one dam is damaged, do I have to purchase a whole new assembly?
No, the quick release fittings allow you to disconnect the damaged dam and replace it.
6.0 Can I weld return bends with the Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems?
Yes. The covers allow the assemblies, with the new design low profile valve, to easily slide around bends.
7.0 What is the maximum operating temperature for the standard Inflatable Pipe Purging Systems?
The maximum operating temperature is 80˚C (176ºF) for the inflatable dams. For pre-heated pipes, refer to our HotPurge® Pipe Weld Purging Systems for Heat Treated Chrome and High Strength Stainless Steels.
For pre-heated pipes, refer to our Argweld® HotPurge® Heat Resistant Systems.
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Read MoreShipping Information, Weights and Dimensions
Customs Tariff:
| European Customs Tariff: | 4016 9500 |
| International Customs Tariff: | 4016 999 0900 |
| United States Customs Tariff: | 8515 90 2000 |
| Canada Customs Tariff: | 8515 90 2000 |
Product Codes and Sizes:
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems are manufactured in large quantities in all sizes and are usually available for immediate delivery.
1 to 24" (25 to 610 mm)
Note: In the event that the correct size is not available, adjacent sizes may be usable as there is some crossover in the range of each model as shown in the internal diameter range.
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems 1 to 24" (25 to 610 mm) Diameters
All dimensions are based on the imperial system. Sizes shown in mm are only mathematic conversions of the imperial dimensions and are not intended to represent metric standards.
| PART Nº | NOMINAL PIPE SIZE | INTERNAL DIAMETER RANGE | WEIGHT | |
| PL10001 PL10001.5 PL10002 PL10003 PL10004 PL10005 PL10006 PL10007 PL10008 PL10010 PL10012 PL10014 PL10016 PL10018 PL10020 PL10021 PL10022 PL10023 PL10024 |
1" 1.5" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7" 8" 10" 12" 14" 16" 18" 20" 21" 22" 23" 24" |
25 mm 38 mm 51 mm 76 mm 102 mm 127 mm 152 mm 178 mm 203 mm 254 mm 305 mm 356 mm 406 mm 457 mm 508 mm 533 mm 559 mm 584 mm 610 mm |
13 - 38 mm 32 - 45 mm 38 - 64 mm 64 - 89 mm 89 - 114 mm 114 - 140 mm 140 - 165 mm 165 - 191 mm 191 - 216 mm 241 - 267 mm 292 - 318 mm 343 - 368 mm 394 - 419 mm 445 - 470 mm 495 - 521 mm 521 - 546 mm 546 - 572 mm 572 - 597 mm 597 - 622 mm |
0.2 kg 0.2 kg 0.2 kg 0.2 kg 0.2 kg 0.2 kg 0.3 kg 0.3 kg 0.4 kg 0.4 kg 0.5 kg 0.6 kg 0.7 kg 0.8 kg 0.9 kg 0.9 kg 1.0 kg 1.0 kg 1.1 kg |
| APGV001 APBS401 |
PurgeGate® valve complete with fittings1.5" 30 Metre argon feed hose assembly for connecting the purging system to gas supply(bottle or regulator) fitted at one end with a 3/8" female gas regulator connector and the other end with a fitting to attach to the Argweld® Pipe Purging System inflation hose. * More of these to come in different lengths. |
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Argweld® PurgElite® Spares List
| Primary Upstream | Secondary Upstream | ||
| PART Nº | NOMINAL PIPE SIZE | PART Nº | NOMINAL PIPE SIZE |
| APBS101 APBS102 APBS103 APBS104 APBS105 APBS106 APBS107 APBS108 APBS110 APBS112 APBS114 APBS116 APBS118 APBS120 APBS122 APBS124 APBS410 |
1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7" 8" 10" 12" 14" 16" 18" 20" 22" 24" Connector (Intacal® II) |
APBS201 APBS202 APBS203 APBS204 APBS205 APBS206 APBS207 APBS208 APBS210 APBS212 APBS214 APBS216 APBS218 APBS220 APBS222 APBS224 |
1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7" 8" 10" 12" 14" 16" 18" 20" 22" 24" |
Argweld® PurgElite® Spares List - Spinal Hose Extension
| PART Nº | NOMINAL PIPE SIZE | PART Nº | NOMINAL PIPE SIZE |
| PBEH004 PBEH008 PBEH0010 PBEH0012 PBEH0015 |
4" 8" 10" 12" 15" |
PBEH0018 PBEH0020 PBEH0021 PBEH0024 PBEH0030 |
18" 20" 21" 22" 24" |
Argweld® PurgElite® Spares List - Heat Resistant Covers
| PART Nº | NOMINAL PIPE SIZE | |
| HRC1001 HRC1002 HRC1003 HRC1004 HRC1005 HRC1006 HRC1007 HRC1008 HRC1009 HRC1010 HRC1011 HRC1012 |
1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7" 8" 9" 10" 11" 12" |
25 mm 51 mm 76 mm 102 mm 127 mm 152 mm 178 mm 203 mm 229 mm 254 mm 279 mm 305 mm |
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Read MoreItems available as 'Downloads'
Leaflets and general sales material are available to everyone visiting our website.
Restricted access items are shown at the end of this Download section.
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging Systems A3 Technical Leaflet
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld PurgingSystems Sales Flyer
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging System Data Application Sheet
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purging FAQ
Argweld® PurgeGate® A4 Leaflet
Argweld® PurgeGate® Sales Flyer
Argweld® PurgeGate® FAQ
Argweld® Heat Resistant Covers Leaflet
Argweld® Heat Resistant Covers Flyer
Pipe Purging Systems Range Promotional Poster
Special Note: The items below are restricted and only available in our Secure Login section. This is mainly for the protection of our Exclusive Distributor network. Should you wish to receive an item mentioned below which is not active as a 'download' link on this page, please contact us or your nearest Distributor.
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging Systems User Instructions Technical Manual
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging Systems User List Customer Reference
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging Systems Technical Data Sheet TDS
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging Systems Technical Notes
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging Systems Material Safety Data Sheet MSDS
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging Systems Diagram Flange Purging
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging Systems Diagram Set Up
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging Systems Diagram Set Up for Specials
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging Systems Diagram T Piece Welding
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging Systems Certificate of Conformity
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging Systems Price List
Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging Systems Price List Spares
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