Energy storage welding tube sealing machine forum

What is a seal Weld?

The seal welding provides for seal between the tunesheet and tubes and is used only for additional leak tightness besides of tube expansion. The pull out resistance is provided only by the tube expansion and the seal weld cannot be accounted for any strength.

How difficult is it to weld a tube?

Degree of difficulty in making the weld. A flush weld requires a recessed fitup and takes a little more skill and more time to make. A weld of a tube that protrudes a couple of mm is easier/faster to make. There are automated GTAW - tig - welding machines that will make the latter weld fairly quickly.

How do I Weld a tube that protrudes a few mm?

A weld of a tube that protrudes a couple of mm is easier/faster to make. There are automated GTAW - tig - welding machines that will make the latter weld fairly quickly. Please note that the preferred method of attaching tubes to their tubesheet is still rolling them into a drilled hole that has two grooves cut into it.

Should I use autogenous Tig seal Weld?

It is better to provide a controlled rough surface. A lot of seal welds are done with automated autogenous TIG. Common tube projection is 1/2 - 1 times the wall thickness. For example Ti condenser tubes are too soft to generate enough joint strength by just rolling, so an autogenous TIG seal weld is added.

What are the advantages of a tube seal?

Strength of tube seal not compromised by presence of contaminants like ink, dye, powder, emulsion, etc. Minimal extrusion of excess plastic and/or laminate tube material. Tube materials need not be pre-heated. Cost-saving on-demand energy usage vs. continuous energy. Seal strengths attainable to 100% of the parent material.

What are special services requiring strength welding?

1. Special services require strength welding;- also includes fixed tubesheets with significant thermal expansion between the shell and tubes or any configuration where accidental leakage from tubes cannot be tolerated.