Applying mastic alongside weld bead

In the coating of external pipe surfaces characterized by a raised weld bead extending longitudinally of the surfaces, a method of applying filler material to the surface area which is adjacent the weld bead, said method comprising:

• extruding a quantity of the said material onto said area along a line in generally parallel relationship to said weld bead;
• effecting relative movement between the extruded material and the pipe;
• providing a doctor blade element extending from said raised weld bead to a point on said surface adjacent said area to thereby bridge the area, said element being mounted to pass over irregularities in its path;
• and
• effecting relative movement between said element and said pipe, said step being performed in trailing relationship to said extruding step whereby said material is spread evenly over said area regardless of characteristics of said surface and said weld bead.