Powder feed for underwater welding
US5690844A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K9/0061
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method feeds weld material to an underwater plasma transferred arc welding torch. The weld material comprises a powder, which can be entrained in a fluidizing gas flow. The weld material is fed by the apparatus from a first supply through at least one conduit to a supply container. The apparatus comprises a first powder supply pressurized with a powder carrier gas positioned above the surface of the body of water; a second powder supply container positioned below the surface of the body of water and the second powder supply container comprising at least one powder outlet port and a gas vent open to the above surface atmosphere; at least one powder conduit connecting the first container with the second container; an underwater welding torch positioned near the second container and having at least one powder inlet; and at least one powder conduit connecting the second powder supply container to the at least one powder inlet of the torch. The method of underwater welding includes transferring of weld filler powder from the underwater supply container to the torch at a reduced flow rate by venting at least a portion of the carrier gas to the atmosphere above the surfac…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.