Shielding and cooling a continuous weld between steel sheets/plates using a non-oxidizing atmosphere to reduce the formation of oxide on a surface of the continuous weld
AssigneeAK Steel Properties, Inc.
InventorsJames Frederick Evans, Steven Wayne Streibick, Stephen Bryant Tate
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for use in a continuous welding system including a welding head configured to remain stationary relative to translating steel sheets or plates. The apparatus includes a hollow elongate body and a port. The body extends between two closed ends. The port is coupled to a non-oxidizing gas source and in communication with the body. The body defines a plurality of openings. The openings are configured to direct non-oxidizing gas towards the steel sheets or plates to simultaneously shield a weld formed by the welding head from atmosphere and cool the weld.
Claims18
An apparatus for use in a continuous welding system including a welding head configured to remain stationary relative to translating steel sheets or plates, wherein the apparatus comprises:
- a hollow elongate body extending between two closed ends;
- and
- a port coupled to a non-oxidizing gas source and in communication with the body, wherein the body defines a plurality of openings, wherein the openings are configured to direct non-oxidizing gas towards the steel sheets or plates to simultaneously shield a weld formed by the welding head from atmosphere and cool the weld.
A system for welding steel sheet or plate continuously, wherein the system comprises:
- a welding head configured to form a weld on one or more steel sheets or plates via relative movement between the one or more steel sheets or plates and the welding head;
- and
- a header having a hollow body extending away from the welding head in the direction of welding, wherein the body defines a plurality of openings oriented towards the weld, wherein the plurality of openings are configured to direct a flow of non-oxidizing gas towards the weld to simultaneously shield the weld from atmosphere and cool the weld.
A method for shielding and cooling a weld, wherein the method comprises:
- moving a plurality of metallic sheets or plates in a first direction relative to a welding head to form the weld between the metallic sheets or plates;
- and
- depositing a non-oxidizing gas proximate the weld as the sheets or plates move in the first direction to simultaneously shield and cool the weld.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.