Argweld® PurgElite® Purge Bladders and Dams

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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.

PurgElite Tube and Pipe Purge Systems Purge Bladders Purging Dams

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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'NEW' for 1 inch (25 mm)ø Tubes and Pipes

PurgElite Weld Purge Systems Purge Bladders Purging Dams

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.

PurgElite Weld Purge Systems Purge Bladders Purging DamsThese 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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Tandem Dam Based Systems in 1 to 24" (25 to 610 mm)

PurgElite Tube and Pipe Purge Systems, Purge Bladders and Dams

Argweld® PurgElite® Inflatable Tube and Pipe Weld Purge Systems simplify the process of inert gas purging and are quick and easy to install.

RootGlo® luminous tape will glow up to 12 hours after exposure to light.

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

PurgElite Tube and Pipe Purge Systems

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

Heat Covers PurgElite PurgExtra Tube Pipe Weld Purge Purging SystemsHighly 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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Ideal for 'Clean in Place' or 'Steam in Place' Welds

PurgElite Tube and Pipe Purge Systems Purge Bladders Purging Dams

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

PurgElite Tube and Pipe Purge Systems High Purity WeldsBioprocessing 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 PurgElite Purge Bladders Purging Damspiping 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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Technical Data and Specification

PurgElite Tube and Pipe Purge Systems with PurgEye 100 Weld Purge Monitor

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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Comparison 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

Old Style Inflatable Pipe Weld Purging Systems Purge Bladders Dams

PurgElite Pipe Weld Purge Systems Purging Bladders Dams

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

 

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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Argweld® PurgElite® Purge Bladders and Dams

See what our Users have to say....

PurgElite Weld Purge Systems Reviews“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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Frequently Asked Questions

PurgElite Tube and Pipe Purge Systems

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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Shipping Information, Weights and Dimensions

PurgElite Tube and Pipe Purge Systems, Purge Bladders and Dams

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.

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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Items 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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