Weld-In
Welding is a fabrication process that joins both connections, by using high heat to melt the parts together and allowing components to cool and causing fusion. Weld-In is a type of pipe connecting tool that allows a pipe insertion into an area in the flange, valves, or other fittings.
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They are made following the ASME B16.11 standards and designed for use in a small pipe. Weld-In is widely used and preferred because they offer a high level of leakage-free connection. More so, the weld-in connection provides additional structural support for the systems.
1. What is Weld-In ?
Weld-In is made following the ASME B16.11 standards. They are applied in various industries as attachments placed in a recessed part of a flange, valve, or fittings. In other words, weld-in is a weld type used to attach pipe fittings such as elbows, tees, cross, reducers, etc to pipe fittings.
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One of the major concerns of pipes is ensuring they provide a leakage-free connection and weld-in are designed to cover this area. Weld-In is used mainly because of the high leakage integrity it provides during operation. More so, weld-in in a way provides structural support for pipes and is majorly designed for use in small diameter pipes measuring below or exactly 2 NPS.
2. What are the uses of Weld-In?
The advantages of a weld-in connection are numerous. Some are listed below:
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For socket weld installation in a connection, beveling the pipe and tack welding are optional processes. Tack welding is to ensure the proper alignment of the connection, however, the weld-in is designed to automatically fit in.
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It reduces the risk of leakages as the welded metal is restricted from passing through the pipe bore.
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Connection with a weld-in is much cheaper than other means.
3. What are the procedures for weld-in?
You need to know that forming weld-in for connection purposes can be achieved in different ways. The procedure explained in this article is used for the manual process. But, for the automatic or semi-automatic process which is done when the pipe diameters greater than 63mm, social welding specification is used with strict compliance to the manufacturer's guide.
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Please refer to the steps below for an easy weld-in process using the manual method:
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Identify and place the bushes into the heating plate. The bushes are produced in male and female parts. After identifying the parts, carefully place them on the heating plate.
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Thoroughly clean the surfaces of the fittings. You can use different liquid detergents, however, ensure they are from trusted producers. Examples of liquid detergent to use are trichloroethane, isopropyl alcohol, chloroethene, etc.
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Set the heating plate temperature. Proper welding of joints requires a proper temperature level. The recommended temperature level is between 250°C to 270°C. After this, you can measure the temperature level of the plate using an effective thermoprobe.
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Cut the pipes using the right dimensions in diameter and length.
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Clean out any dust or oil trace from the metal surfaces.
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After the temperature is regulated, insert the fitting into the male bush and pipe into the female bush.
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After the minimum heating time is reached, quickly remove the elements from the bushes and insert the pipe into the fitting.
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Hold the fittings/flanges together for the welding duration. And tightly join together after it has completely cooled down.