Argon purging on the root pass for the horiz & vert weld seam

Take a length of small channel, 1" or 1-1/2" aluminum or steel. Clamp the ends to the material to be welded after adjusting and placing it over the weld joint. Purchase and use aluminum foil tape to tape along the length of the channel on both sides to make a gas seal. Attach an Argon hose to one end of the channel after taping it and making a gas tight seal. Seal off the opposite end to make tha cavity reasonably leak tight. Puncture the opposite end allowing argon to flow. If the weld joint is very long, I suggest that you carefully tape over the weld leaving only 2 or 3 feet of joint exposed. Make sure the atmosphere in the channel is all argon. Weld the 2-3 foot section of joint and remove the tape as you weld along.

Michael Morgan

Ability engineering technology Inc.

CAUTION! If you intend on entering that tank while using argon in it, make sure you have adequate negative ventilation drawing from the lowest point in the tank! Argon displaces oxygen and is heavier than air. When accumulated in the tank, you or your co-workers will be unable to breathe, and would pass out - and suffocate - very quickly. Before entering the confined space, have an industrial hygenist measure the oxygen level to ensure there is a safe atmosphere for breathing.