Automatic pipe welding system
US4145593A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 1976 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K2101/06
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for rapid and automatic welding of joints which interconnect sections of pipe, and in particular oil or gas transmission pipe. The system includes at least one torch transport assembly which simultaneously moves a plural number of welding torches along a path parallel to the pipe joint being welded. The torch transport assembly includes track segments which surround circumferential portions of the pipe joint, with a welding torch carrier and multiple torches being independently movable along each track segment. The torch transport assembly is mounted on a support apparatus which is rigidly clamped to the pipe sections during welding, and which permits the torch transport assembly to be rapidly positioned in rough alignment with a pipe joint. The torch transport assembly and selected operating parameters of each welding torch are adjusted to accurately position each torch with respect to the pipe joint, and to repeatably provide programmed welding parameters resulting in a uniform pipe joint weld. The present system is disclosed in the context of hot-wire gas-tungsten arc welding torches, and in the operating environment of out-of-position joint welding.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.