Author: pipeweld

tig purge kit hand made silicon

DIY TIG Purge Kit with 3D Mold

Learn How to Create Custom Silicone Purge Dams of Any Size, Personalized with Your Own Branding

Hello, fellow welders! I’ve been waiting for the right moment to introduce a high-quality two-component silicone that allows us to create professional TIG purge dams on our own. The time has finally come, and as usual in our welding adventures, we’ve hit a jackpot—like that time with the NDT inspector who approved an entire project without ever setting foot on-site!

tig purge kit hand made silicon

This silicone offers a triple advantage that makes it a game-changer:

Key Benefits of Platinum-Cured Silicone:

  1. Heat Resistance
    It withstands up to 300°C (572°F) during short-term contact. A dream come true for industrial welders!
  2. Food-Grade Quality
    This means it’s also suitable for pharmaceutical applications—another win for industrial welders!
  3. Fast Curing
    The silicone fully cures in just 24 hours, making it incredibly practical for daily use.
  4. Cost Efficiency
    Creating a DN80 purge dam costs only €1.50 in materials, plus two hours of your time. In that time, you can produce five purge dams—saving money while gaining efficiency.
  5. Custom Branding
    Your TIG purge dams can carry your personal brand, adding a professional touch.
  6. Easy-to-Use 3D Mold
    Download a pre-designed mold file, scale it to your desired size, and you’re good to go. Consider it a gift from pipeweld.ee just for you.

Tig Purge tool DYI 

My Experience in purge tools making & Tips for Success

I’ve personally tested the entire process and am happy to share everything I know. All I ask is that you repost this article in relevant welding forums and explore the other cool DIY tools we’ve developed here on our blog.

3D Mold for a TIG Purge Kit: STL and STEP Models

This tried-and-tested 3D model is provided in STEP format and consists of four parts. The base mold is designed for a purge tool with OD 94 mm, which works for DN80 pipes.

If you need a larger size, like DN150 (OD 169 mm), it’s easy to scale. Just adjust the model dimensions using software like Cura or any other slicer program before 3D printing. Most slicers allow object scaling along all three axes.

 Download step format 3D mold model – here 

Example of Scaling:

  • If you need a 152 mm diameter tool from the 94 mm model, scale it by 61.7%.
  • For a 212 mm diameter, scale it by 39.7%.
    Adjust all three axes proportionally for accurate results.

Choosing the Right Silicone for TIG Purge Kits

I highly recommend using platinum-cured silicone for its superior durability, sterility, and ease of use.

  • Hardness Recommendation: After testing, I’ve found that a Shore hardness of 40-60 is ideal. Lower hardness (e.g., Shore 20) is too soft for industrial use.
  • Mixing Precision: Use a digital scale accurate to 1-2 grams for perfect proportions when mixing the two components.

Pouring and Curing the Silicone

  1. Mixing & Preparation:
    Mix the silicone thoroughly for at least 5 minutes. Assemble the 3D-printed mold using bolts to secure the parts.
  2. Optional Vacuum Chamber:
    For a bubble-free result, place the mixed silicone in a vacuum chamber to remove air pockets. If you don’t have access to a vacuum chamber, use silicone with a self-degassing feature.
  3. Manual Pouring or Syringe Method:
    Use a large medical syringe (100+ ml) to pour the silicone precisely. For DN80, you’ll need 40 grams of silicone.

Removing Your DIY TIG Purge Tool

After 24 hours, carefully disassemble the mold and remove your new purge dam. However, don’t use it immediately—let it sit for a couple of days to ensure the surface is fully cured and no longer tacky.

What you need to buy for smooth work and great results:

  1. Find a place to print a 3D model and ask them to scale the model to the required diameters.
  2. Buy platinum silicone with a Shore hardness of 50–60.
  3. Get clamping bolts (8 pieces). The diameter will vary depending on the scaling. For DN 80, M5 bolts are suitable.
  4. Purchase a 100 ml syringe.
  5. Prepare a measuring container and a mixing container.

I made the holes for pouring silicone larger — 9 mm in diameter. This makes the pouring process easier and ensures high-quality curing.

Gratitude from you!
Write reviews, share the article, and try creating your own plugs for purging. Good luck with your work, colleagues! May your welding with purging always be of top quality!

Ilja Arhi – Happy welding!

Сварка корня через зазор - правка корня шва.

Weld Defects – How to Fix Lack of Fusion Quickly

Lack of Fusion, Root Concavity, and Other Welding Defects

DIY Gas Torch for Fixing Lack of Fusion in 2mm Gaps – Welding in Hard-to-Reach Places

Background:
In 2017, our company, Pipeweld.ee, secured a contract to complete an 8 km heating pipeline in Sweden. The pipeline was challenging: a twin DN200 mm double-insulated pipe with a 6.3 mm wall thickness. Each pipe segment was 16 meters long and weighed over 2 tons. Installation was done using an excavator, and the welding was gas-welded using the 311 method as required by the client. The welds were 100% radiography (RT) inspected, Group B.

 A single welder could complete 5 pairs of weld joints daily, totaling 10 welds.

Welders faced issues, which is inevitable in such conditions. Imagine the frustration when a tiny pore, lack of fusion, or root concavity was found on a 1 mm segment of an overhead weld in the 6 o’clock position or a lower weld in the 12 o’clock position. These areas were hard to reach, and sometimes both welds had to be cut open to fix even minor welding defects. 

The pressing question arose: how to deal with defects like lack of fusion, porosity, and others quickly and with 100% certainty?

That’s how this life-saving nozzle was developed. And I’ll tell you upfront: I see no issue using it on larger diameters to fix welding defects. 

Knowing how to fix these issues becomes easier with the right tools.

 

Welding Defects – How to Fix Lack of Fusion and Other Issues

In this article, we’ll dive into the design of acetylene-oxygen torches and create our own unique one, adhering to safety rules while eliminating lack of fusion and reducing weld repair time.

We’ll cover topics like:

  • What is flashback, and why is it dangerous?
  • Causes of flashback in a gas torch.
  • How does an injector work?
  • Testing methods for gas torches before use.
  • Gas welding safety techniques.
  • Designing your acetylene torch with these considerations.
  • Assembling a custom torch for welding in hard-to-reach places.
  • Testing the torch before welding the root pass.
  • Notes on using the new torch for root pass welding.
  • Other interesting tips on gas torches.

Weld defects in the root pass: What is flashback, and why is it dangerous during repairs?

Flashback is the ignition of the fuel mixture in the torch channels, potentially leading to the acetylene hose catching fire, which can result in an acetylene cylinder explosion!

To reduce the risk of gas cylinder explosion during fixing weld defects, safety flashback arrestors must be installed on both cylinders.

Gas welding check valves are mandatory for use
Mandatory for use, especially when working with homemade torches.

Causes of Flashback During Acetylene Welding and Fixing Weld Defects like Lack of Fusion, Root Concavity, and Porosity:

Every combustible material has its own burning speed. In our case, the speed at which gas exits the welding nozzle also plays a critical role. These speeds are crucial for adjusting the gas torch, ideally matching each other.

Main causes of flashback during welding and repair of welding defects like lack of fusion:

  • The burning speed of the gas mixture exceeds the exit speed of the gas from the welding torch, and vice versa—this is the most common issue.

Other causes:

  • A clogged nozzle, altering the calculated gas exit speed or causing gas mixture turbulence.
  • Incorrect gas cylinder output pressure. Acetylene pressure should not exceed 0.2-1.2 bar, even if oxygen is supplied at 3 bar. Check the gas torch power and pressure ratio table for reference. Pic – 4.  
  • Incorrect torch ignition—mistaken adjustment of oxygen and fuel gas.
  • Overheating of the welding torch nozzle, causing premature ignition of the gas mixture before it exits the torch.
  • Excessive wear or improper use of the nozzle, leading to misalignment between the inlet and outlet holes. See pic 2.
  • Barrel-shaped narrowing of the channel and converging nozzle—replace the nozzle. See pic 1.
  • Shortening the channel exit section to less than 3 times the diameter of the exit channel—replace the nozzle. See pic 3.
Defects in gas welding torches.
These defects are not immediately visible, but they can significantly interfere with welding

 

gas welding mixture proporsion
It is crucial to maintain the correct gas mixture proportions when repairing welding defects

 

Working of the Torch Injector

From the listed causes of flashback, the most important for us are:

  1. Gas flow speed (pressure setting in hoses + injector).
  2. Proper gas mixture ratio (injector).

Now it’s time to discuss the injector, which ensures the correct mixing of gases to avoid welding defects like lack of fusion.

Injector torches are designed to deliver low-pressure fuel gas (acetylene) into the mixing chamber by drawing it in with a higher-pressure oxygen stream. 

This device is known as an injector, and the suction phenomenon is called injection.

injector for gas welding

 

Testing Methods for a Welding Gas Torch Before Fixing Lack of Fusion and Other Defects:

Before starting work with any new torch and nozzle, it’s essential to check the injector. This can be done with simple steps:

  • Unscrew the acetylene hose from the torch, open the oxygen supply on the torch, fully open the acetylene supply, and place your thumb on the acetylene inlet nipple on the torch (where you just unscrewed the hose). Ensure there’s suction (your thumb should stick to the nipple).
  • This suction indicates your injector is functioning correctly.

To be more precise:

  • It has been established that the vacuum in the acetylene channels before the injector ranges from 35-275 mm Hg in an unlit torch and 25-50 mm Hg in a lit one.

Note: The noticeable pressure drop in a lit torch is likely due to the oxygen not being fully open during combustion, causing this difference. 

What do you think?

Safety and Personal Responsibility in Gas Welding, Especially with a DIY Torch – IMPORTANT!!!

I’ve read plenty of literature on how acetylene torches work and what to focus on during their operation. I personally found answers to all my questions.

However, I can’t take responsibility for the conclusions you or others might draw from this material. You must understand that responsibility lies entirely with you.

Designing and Building Your Torch Following the Above Rules:

I’ve determined that the most important and delicate mechanism in a torch is the injector and the mixer that follows. So, if I want to create my own torch, I need to find a factory-made injector with a mixer and adapt my copper capillary to it, which is available at large hardware stores in Europe or online marketplaces. My tube is made of brass (an ideal material for torches of this type), with an outer diameter of 2 mm, a wall thickness of 0.5 mm, and a gas channel diameter of 1 mm.

After much experimentation, I found that if your brass tube is about 150-250 mm long, you can use an injector and mixer from a factory nozzle rated for 500 liters. The nozzle should be copper, which bends like this model:

R!MAC Svetsinsats till G11 Flexibel 500L. (Google it)

good welding torch

Cut off the copper tube from the torch, leaving 2-4 cm, solder your capillary to it, and voila—the torch is ready for testing.

Testing the Torch for Fixing Root Concavity, Lack of Fusion, and Other Welding Defects:

  1. Set the correct output pressure on both cylinders (see pic 4).
  2. Check the acetylene supply vacuum (methods described above).
  3. Perform the first ignition and adjust the flame to standard parameters.
  4. If you cannot achieve stable combustion and understand how to adjust a standard acetylene torch, the problem may be that too much solder has filled the inside of the copper tube during soldering, partially or completely blocking the gas flow. In this case, you’ll need to rebuild your torch.
  5. If you achieve stable combustion, you can begin a test weld for 1-2 minutes. After extinguishing the torch, touch the injector with your bare hand. If it doesn’t heat up during welding, your torch has passed the first test.
  6. Continue testing with longer welds, say 3-5 minutes. This was the final test for my torch because I knew I would use this nozzle for no more than 2 minutes to repair the root pass in a pipe. Since the pipe is an enclosed space where temperature rises faster, I decided to double the test time in an open environment.
  7. If your injector heats up to over 200 degrees, the risk of flashback increases. I measured more accurately to determine the injector temperature and welding time. Flashback occurs at 300 degrees. The operating temperature of a factory injector does not exceed 40-50 degrees.

Notes on Using a New Torch for Root Pass Welding:
Only when working with weld defects like root concavity and lack of fusion in the root pass through a welding gap did I sometimes notice a sudden flameout.

 This effect didn’t always occur, but when it did, it was very pronounced. After many tests and assumptions, a 100% solution was not found, but ensuring proper ventilation in the pipe for better combustion is crucial.

Other Interesting Notes:

  • Welding defects like lack of fusion, porosity, deep pores, root concavity, and other defects on any metal can be fixed using this method. Personally tested, but it does require skill!
  • For proper torch operation, the nozzle’s exit channel diameter should match the mixing chamber channel diameter, while the injector channel diameter should be three times smaller.
  • G2 and G3 type torches with any replaceable tip should draw air from the atmosphere through the open acetylene fitting at a rate not less than the nominal acetylene consumption at maximum oxygen pressure, as specified in the technical conditions for the specific torch model.
  • The nominal acetylene consumption for each torch tip, as set out in the technical specifications for the specific model, should be achieved at minimum acetylene pressure and free flame combustion with fully open valves.
  • Metal parts of torches should be made of brass, as it is ideal for withstanding the operational demands of gas torches.

Questions, suggestions, or comments?

Feel free to leave them in the comments section below this article. Your input is valuable, and I’m here to help you fix welding defects effectively, whether it’s lack of fusion, root concavity, or porosity.

 

Schaktfri rörläggning

Trenchless pipe installation: How to reduce the costs of laying pipelines.

Trenchless pipe installation: Horizontal drilling for pipeline installation and interesting nuances.

There is a technique called horizontal drilling, which is usually performed with very expensive equipment. However, this is not the only technique, and in many cases, alternatives can be found, including trenchless pipe installation.

Often, available alternatives are not offered by all contractors, but it is good to know that they exist.

Everything depends on the details of your drilling, such as the available space for the equipment, soil hardness, and other factors. All these nuances are not always apparent, so I recommend contacting several companies before making a decision.

However, it is good for the average person to be aware of the method of guided drilling within trenchless pipe installation.

It requires a smaller construction site for drilling but also a launch pit, whereas the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) method does not require a launch pit, but the equipment is larger and more expensive. The guided drilling method within trenchless pipe installation works in soils up to category 3.

 

Trenchless pipe installation
Pulling pipe DN 600 with a Trenchless machine

How to reduce the costs of trenchless pipe installation

If the soil has a hardness up to category 3, costs can be reduced by using alternative, yet still professional, equipment.

We have often encountered the need to perform a drilling, for example, under a railway. When we compared price quotes from local companies using expensive equipment, we found that the prices were not satisfactory. This led to the need to seek alternative techniques for horizontal drilling.

This is what the expensive equipment looks like:

Since 2018, we have successfully collaborated with the company Mempex.by, which since 2001 has been developing various equipment for trenchless pipe installation.

Installations for high-precision horizontal straight-line auger drilling under laser system control. Installations for guided drilling in plan and profile of soil under control of localization system. Equipment for trenchless pipe replacement (sanitation by breaking the soil) both with retained and increased pipeline diameter. Auxiliary tools and devices that facilitate the work of builders and ensure safe execution of the work. Mempex has several patents on its equipment, and their approach is truly impressive. The company invents, designs, and manufactures quality equipment.

To briefly describe the drilling process, you need to dig a start pit to the drilling depth, set up formwork around the perimeter of the start pit, and then lower the UM-20 installation, which drills up to 160 mm over a length of 60 meters with a weight of only 114 kg. After that, the magic begins.

Although the installation looks much simpler compared to Scandinavian equipment, it performs the same work and costs half as much. Moreover, the drilling is guided both in plan and horizontally.

Such a technical marvel is manufactured by specialists from Belarus.

Ilja Arhi

Ama Roller, industrial piping tool

Pipe weld Experts Prefer the Best Tools

Key Component in Industrial Piping: Expertise and Experience

With over 20 years of experience in constructing various energy systems, we specialize in the installation and welding of industrial pipes. Starting my career in 2005, I encountered portable AMA rollers at different job sites. Using them myself, I realized their simplicity and high utility.

First Investment in AMA Rollers

Around 2008, we made our first purchase of these rollers for the company. At that time, it was an investment we didn’t analyze much for ROI or alternatives. We simply acquired the equipment widely used in the industry.

Expansion of AMA Products

Over recent years, AMA has expanded its product line, and we gladly continue to purchase them.

Examples of AMA Tools

  1. Centering Bands: These tools are straightforward, but in practice, our installers noticed that the greatest pressure occurs where the ring is cut, meaning the pressure isn’t evenly distributed. While some see this as a drawback, our team has adapted and uses this to their advantage, particularly when joining oval bends or pipes of different thicknesses.
Ama stands and rollers
Good shoot that shows what tools needed to pipe spools productions
  1. AMA ROLLER® Pipe Rotators: Initially unimpressive in a catalog, seeing them in action changed our perspective. We purchased our first unit and are learning to integrate it into our processes.

Simplicity, Precision, and Durability

All tools we buy for industrial pipe assembly aim to simplify and speed up the process. AMA tools are known for their simplicity, precision, and durability, requiring minimal maintenance.

  • Simplicity: No explanation needed, just look at it.
  • Precision: Precision and repeatability are crucial and well-engineered in these tools.

ROI for pipe welding tools

Calculating exact ROI can be tricky as it varies per contractor. However, on average, I believe that in the piping sector, the payback period is 2-3 months for every €1000 invested in AMA tools.

Adaptation from the First Use

I’ve noticed that even those resistant to change quickly adapt to AMA tools. These simple yet highly effective tools are highly recommended.

Ilja Arhi – Ceo pipeweld.ee

Anton jumping with cold cap

Supporting local sports is always a great feeling, but sometimes it brings experiences that are beyond words.

How the Cooperation Between a Pipe Welding Company and a Soccer Team Started

Three years ago, by chance, I bumped into my buddy Anton Mashenistov at the ice rink. Now, Anton has been the captain of the FC NPN Silmet soccer team in my hometown of Sillamäe for a few years already. During our chat, he told me about his plans for the 2021 season to bring in new players for his futsal team, and he was confident they could win the Estonian Cup.

Believing in yourself and working hard really pays off.

I wanted to help out our team, so Pipeweld.ee stepped up as a sponsor. The 2021 season turned out to be pretty active, with lots of new young talent joining from the city.

By 2022, these young players were already showing great results, and the team started closing in on the playoffs.

In 2023, they grabbed second place in the cup, which attracted a lot of interest from bigger sponsors.

In 2024, with just one foreign player, the team swept all the futsal cups and got a shot at playing in the UEFA Champions League.

  • Estonian Championship 23/24 GOLD
  • Estonian Cup 23/24 GOLD
  • Super Cup 23/24 GOLD

Big congrats to the team, you guys are awesome, and it’s only up from here!

Ilja Arch.

first game in 2021
6 nov 2021 was first game

 

whole team
2024 happy team
Pipe Welding

Pipe Welding and Modular Steam Plants

Partnership Agreement for Pipe Welding during the Assembly and Installation of Bio Plants.

Since 2022, our company has signed a partnership agreement with Exergisystem, which develops modular steam plants for the process industry. Their solutions are genuinely fascinating and hold tremendous potential. The key point is that they managed to fit the components inside a container in such a way that they are quite serviceable. Most importantly, these plants operate on renewable fuel, pellets, and now the boiler is considered movable property, adding additional benefits to this solution.

What does pipe welding imply in our agreement with Exergi?

Pipe welding—this term implies the assembly and welding of metal pipes in accordance with specified standards. In our case, the primary European standard EN 13480 is used, which covers the design, material selection, pipeline installation, and documentation.

To provide the full range of these services, it is also necessary to perform Welding Procedure Qualification (WPQR) according to the ISO 15614 standard, develop a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) by which the pipe welding process will be carried out, and, of course, the welder must be certified according to the ISO 9606-1 standard. Thus, the term pipe welding entails serious requirements.

Speed Equals Energy.

It turns out that under certain conditions, wood combustion can occur at the same rate as natural gas combustion—how about that? 

  • Yes, exactly!

If we dry the wood to a moisture content of 2-5% and increase its density by compression during pellet formation, we significantly increase the burning rate. For steam boilers with a capacity of 2-4 megawatts, such fuel is quite sufficient to keep up with the technological process of the enterprise where such a modular boiler will be installed.

Next time, I will explain what needs to be done to achieve a combustion rate comparable to that of gas.

Pipe Welding During Integration — A Critical Part

Each connection of a new modular boiler requires the production process of the enterprise to be halted, which always results in losses for the company. Therefore, these losses need to be minimized.

The objective is always the same: reduce the integration time and have a contingency plan in case something goes wrong.

It seems simple but involves several stages:

  • Planning
  • 3D scanning
  • Drawing production
  • Prefabrication and pipe welding
  • Quality control
  • Pressure testing
  • Relocating workforce during the integration
  • On-site inspection
  • Integration
  • NDT (Non-Destructive Testing)
  • Equipment startup

That’s a total of 11 points, plus safety protocols and a few dozen thermoses of coffee.

In general, nothing new for us—everything is familiar. But without planning, such work cannot be accomplished. Throughout my career, I have carried out over 50 integrations, from small to large diameter pipelines. I want to say that my personal attitude towards each of them has not changed—this is serious work with significant risks at stake.

Ilja Arhi

Modular biofuel boiler

The Bioenergy Partnership: Pipeweld.ee and Exergi System.

steam pellets boiler

The Bioenergy partnership between Pipeweld.ee and Exergi System brings together two companies that offer their customers high-quality services in the piping and pressure vessels industry, as well as energy conversion solutions.

Pipeweld.ee specializes in coded welding and pressure vessels for various industries, while Exergi System offers complete solutions to help their customers convert from fossil energy to renewable energy. Exergi System’s prefabricated modular system for steam production with dry biofuels is an innovative solution that has proven to be effective for their customers. These modular bioenergy plants can be adapted to meet specific customer needs. In addition to providing sustainable energy solutions, Exergi System is also an expert in optimizing energy processes. Their turnkey contractor approach means they always provide a holistic view, resulting in customized solutions that help the customers optimize their production, saving them money and reducing their carbon footprint. At Exergi System, the engineers take a comprehensive approach to the energy process, seeing it as one interconnected organism. They understand that simply installing a new boiler is not enough, and that optimization of the entire system is necessary for long-term success. This dedication to coherent solutions and a sustainable future sets Exergi System apart in the industry. 

Pipeweld.ee’s Expertise in Coded Welding and Exergi System’s Knowledge in Bioenergy Modular Systems Production: A Valuable Partnership for Sustainable Energy Solutions

Pipeweld.ee’s expertise in coded welding, and Exergi System’s knowledge in bioenergy systems make them a valuable and innovative partner for those looking to convert to renewable energy. Together, they offer an individual approach to each project, flexibility, and years of experience, making them an excellent choice for those in need of piping and pressure vessel services, as well as energy conversion solutions. They provide professional services throughout Scandinavia, delivering high quality results, on time and on budget. In conclusion, the partnership between Pipeweld.ee and Exergi System is a powerful collaboration that brings together expertise in both piping and energy solutions. They are a one-stop-shop for all your energy needs.

Ilja Arhipov – Pipeweld.ee

pipework contarctor

Industrial pipework and expertise in welding

The industrial pipework contractor is crucial to the success of the 12 km DN 600 district heating pipeline upgrade in Jönköping

The city is growing and requires more heat

The new district heating pipeline project in Jönköping, Sweden is a crucial step towards providing more heat to a growing city. Led by Jönköping Energi, the project aims to improve the energy efficiency and reliability of the city’s district heating system.

Flexibility is key in large-scale pipework contracts

One of the most important factors in the success of this district heating project is the choice of a flexible and experienced pipework contractor with a proven track record in the field of welding, as well as certifications that demonstrate their competence as coded welders.

An experienced and certified contractor, with coded welders, will ensure that the pipework and welding work is completed to the highest standards, meeting all safety and quality requirements. This will help to prevent delays, and ensure the longevity and reliability of the new district heating pipeline.

On the other hand, if a contractor without the necessary skills and certifications is chosen, the results could be disastrous. The work could be of poor quality, resulting in leaks and other problems in the pipework. Additionally, there could be safety hazards, and the district heating project could be delayed.

In conclusion, it’s essential to emphasize the significance of selecting a qualified, experienced, and certified contractor for such a crucial infrastructure project. It’s not only important for the success of the district heating project but also for the safety and well-being of the community. It’s a reminder to always prioritize the quality and safety when it comes to projects like this.

Ilja Arhi – Pipeweld.ee

industrirör svetsning

Industrial pipe contractor completed project in Sweden, Metsa in 2022.

Industrial pipe project № – 174 completed.

The project involved the installation of a new steam turbine in a power plant, showcasing the complexity and importance of proper planning and organization in large-scale energy projects. Upon receiving a request for assistance with the installation and welding of industrial pipe from the main contractor, Hjalmarssons, PipeWeld.ee quickly mobilized to the job site with all necessary equipment.

Digitalization in Large-Scale Industrial Pipe Projects

The team faced initial challenges in locating and identifying the correct pipe parts, but was able to streamline the process by creating a digital registry of all pipe spools and training subcontractors on its use. This reduced the average time for finding and accessing industrial pipe parts from three hours to just 15 minutes.

With these logistical issues resolved, the team moved on to the welding and installation phase, which went smoothly thanks to their expertise and experience in industrial pipe projects. At the conclusion of the project, the client praised PipeWeld.ee for their efficiency and attention to detail, highlighting the importance of investing in proper planning and organization in power plant projects from the outset.

Punch-out process

At the end of the project, PipeWeld.ee was asked to lead the punch-out process, a thorough inspection of all 500 lines already installed to ensure compliance with the project drawings. Although not a complex task, it required a high level of attention to detail and accuracy to ensure that all lines were installed correctly. Our team took on this responsibility with great care, working closely with the client and other contractors to ensure that all lines met project specifications.

Download Punch List for Industrial Pipe Project

This final step was crucial to the power plant project’s success, as it ensured that the plant would operate safely and efficiently. Overall, the project was a great success for PipeWeld.ee, demonstrating the company’s ability to handle large-scale energy projects with a high degree of efficiency and attention to detail in industrial pipe work. The company’s focus on proper planning and organization, along with its expertise in industrial pipe installations, were key factors in the power plant project’s success.

Ilja Arhi – PipeWeld.ee

Tie-in point – Pipework

Tie-in point with an elbow into the fixed pipe strings of the pipeline (dead legs)

Technology Benefits

  • Accurate fit with minimal pipe stress
  • High installation speed
  • Risks to miss = 0

1. Preparation to tie-in a bend into a technological piping spool

You need to cut out two sights from flat plywood.

The sight, made of plywood 14 – 20mm thick, must be at least 100mm longer than the diameter of the pipeline in width and twice + 100mm in length.

Tip – always check the straightness of the sight before using it.

2. Laying a bend on the pipeline dead pipe ends.

Lowering the bend on top of main pipe ends, at this point it is important for us:

choose the ideal bend position with a smaller fracture angle:

establish the alignment of the vertical axes of both sides relative to the extended ends:

3. Baseline marking on technological pipeline

One apply plywood sights to both ends of the bend and can carefully transfer the baseline to the ends of the pipeline, but it is important not to rush to cut along the baseline.

4. How to make a golden joint and why not cut along the baseline?

The thing is that we are considering the case when the axes of the pipeline do not meet in the center of the bend, along one of the three planes or along all three.
In other words, the ends are not laid correctly and there is no way to move them.

Explanations:

Since we are lowering the bend from above in a vertical plane (top view), in this plane it does not matter to us what error is along the axes, it can be 5 degrees or even more.

But in the horizontal plane (this is a side view) it is of great importance.
Since we will lower the bend directly perpendicular to the ground. Then point A will be transferred to A1, and point B will be transferred to B1, in this example we see the reason for the formation of a critical gap, indicated by GAP in the figure.

5. Transferring the baseline to the location of the actual pipeline cut

In this example, you need to move the baseline (Baseline) by GAP distances, in the direction to the right, see the arrow (moving direction >>>)

It is important to understand that the opposite phenomenon can also occur when an overhang is formed, and not a gap.

In this case, you need to move the baseline (Baseline) by distances (Overhang) in the direction to the left, see the arrow (moving direction <<<)

6. Technology of transferring the baseline to the place of the actual cut.

You can use a plywood scope to transfer the actual cut baseline.

7. Fitting parts and cutting the pipeline.

After you can make cuts along the mixed baseline, and already begin to apply a bend to the pipe strings, you may find some minor errors that are leveled out as part of the locksmith fit.

It is important to understand that the bend must come into place in exactly the same spatial position as you installed it in paragraph 2 (Laying the bend on the pipe string) of this instruction. To do this, it is advisable not to remove the bend from the sling during the entire installation, or to make marks.

8. Tie-in and bend mounting of golden joints

After all the operations done, the last installation of the bend remains, it must be performed by a specialist installer.

Download Tie – in point  step by step instruction.pdf

Ilja Arhi – pipeweld.ee

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