Having been manufacturing tube ""Weld Purging Systems™" since 1975 Huntingdon Fusion Techniques (HFT) has now reached the MKV version of its designs by launching the new PurgElite® small diameter models especially suitable for the light weight, high strength Titanium Tube welds made in the Aerospace industry

These new models have a number of major advantages over previous weld purging systems and have taken into account the evolving technology in the Aerospace industry where much higher specifications of materials and work finish are expected.

The key feature is the development of a low profile purge gas release valve that is required to purge the chamber between the two dams once they are inflated.

The old expensive, high profile valve has been eliminated, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and in particular reducing the minimum sizes of tube and pipe that can be welded from 2" down to 1" diameter

The new low profile valve opens up the possibilities for aerospace manufacturers to purge tube welds locally rather than fill complete systems with large amounts of expensive inert gas, to protect their welds

In addition, the use of this low profile valve allows the PurgElite® systems to be pulled easily around complex tubular systems with elbows and swept bends.

Where expensive, internally polished tubes and pipes are used, the low profile streamlined valve minimises the risk of scratching and the associated loss of corrosion resistance and altered flow characteristics.

Employing latest material developments (HFT) has selected lower vapour pressure materials to ensure that the outgassing rate into the weld zone will be reduced to the barest minimum during welding to protect the molten weld pool from oxidation and the problems arising.

In particular, a synthetic hose has been discovered, that can withstand temperatures up to

700ºC (1292º F) and is used to replace the old fashioned metal braided hose and its fittings that were used on obsolete designs.

The reduced manufacturing costs resulting from these ergonomic designs, means that the PurgElite® systems are brought to the market place with lower costs as well as significantly advanced designs.