Torch mounted gas scavaging system for manual and robotic welding and cutting torches

A torch mounted gas scavenging system for use with manual and robotic welding and cutting torches to remove contaminant gases from the weld or cutting site comprising:

• a hollow enclosure having an upper end adapted for connection to the lower portion of at least one welding or cutting torch, a main body portion extending downwardly from said upper end to surround said at least one torch lower portion, and a base portion at a lower end of said main body portion configured to be positioned closely adjacent the metal surfaces surrounding the weld or cutting site;
• a swivel connection on said enclosure upper end for connecting said enclosure to said lower portion of said at least one torch whereby said lower portion of said at least one torch is movable relative to said enclosure for selectively positioning said lower end inside said enclosure relative to said metal surfaces to be welded or cut;
• viewing means on said enclosure main body portion for observing the welding or cutting operation taking place inside said enclosure;
• and
• a gas conduit having one end in fluid communication with the interior of said enclosure and another end adapted for connection with a source of gas under pressure for conducting gas under pressure into said enclosure to provide a gas envelope around the weld or cutting site which is expelled from the enclosure to remove vapor and moisture from the affected zone in the substrate around the weld or cut and evacuate contaminant gases from the proximity of the weld.

A torch gas scavenging system for mounting on the torch of existing manual and robotic welding and cutting torches to surround the nozzle of the torch and remove contaminant gases from the weld or cutting site comprising:

• a hollow enclosure having an upper end adapted for connection to the lower portion of a gas conductor tube of a welding or cutting torch having a nozzle at a distal end, a main body portion extending downwardly from said upper end to surround said torch nozzle in radially spaced relation, and an outwardly flared skirt portion at a lower end of said main body portion configured to be positioned closely adjacent the metal surfaces surrounding the weld or cutting site;
• said gas conductor tube having a proximal end adapted for connection with a source of gas under pressure for conducting gas under positive pressure into said nozzle and to exit in fluid communication with the interior of said enclosure to provide a gas envelope around the weld or cutting site;
• and
• a vacuum tube connected at one end to said enclosure upper end in fluid communication with the interior of said enclosure and connected at another end to a source of negative pressure for extracting contaminant gases and smoke from the proximity of the weld.