In some implementations, an apparatus includes a container having an exterior surface, having an interior surface and having a defect, a gasket positioned over the defect in the container, the gasket having a length, a width and a depth, a rigid patch positioned over the gasket, a plurality of pairs of studs and nuts positioned near the outer perimeter of the rigid patch, the studs being friction welded to the exterior of the container.

Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for the mobile friction stir welding of two tubular structures as joining partners, said apparatus having the following features: a) an annular main body (2) which can be unfolded using a hinge (4) and can be fixedly connected for operation opposite the hinge (4) using a locking mechanism (1); b) a plurality of lifting elements (3) which are distributed along the circumference of the main body (2), can be moved radially by a drive unit (5), and each include a retaining jaw (15) for securing the tubular structures, one retaining jaw (15) being mounted so as to be horizontally movable by a drive unit (6); c) a ring gear (21) which is connected to the main body (2) and on which a spindle head (11) can be moved by a drive unit (20) in an orbital movement about the tubular structures in order for a weld seam to be applied; d) a welding shoe (27) having a sliding surface (27) which is adapted to the curvature of the surfaces of the joining partners.

In some implementations, an apparatus includes a curved portion of a storage tank having an exterior surface, having an interior surface and having a defect, the apparatus also includes a steel patch positioned over the curved portion of a storage tank, a plurality of studs and nuts positioned near an outer perimeter of the steel patch, in which the plurality of studs being friction welded to the exterior surface of the curved portion of a storage tank.

In some implementations, an apparatus includes a container having an exterior surface, having an interior surface and having a defect, a gasket positioned over the defect in the container, the gasket having a length, a width and a depth, a rigid patch positioned over the gasket, a plurality of pairs of studs and nuts positioned near the outer perimeter of the rigid patch, the studs being friction welded to the exterior of the container.

In some implementations, an injection system that injects sealant into a pipe, pressure component or valve while containing the pipe, pressure component or valve repair that significantly reduces or eliminates release of hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component valve or injection system and thus significantly reduces emission of the hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component or valve into the environment and protecting the repair technicians.

In some implementations, an injection system that injects sealant into a pipe, pressure component or valve while containing the pipe, pressure component or valve repair that significantly reduces or eliminates release of hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component valve or injection system and thus significantly reduces emission of the hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component or valve into the environment and protecting the repair technicians.

A method and buoyancy system are disclosed for facilitating diver directed underwater friction welding (also known as friction welding) operations. Various illustrative embodiments of the method, buoyancy system and combined portable friction welding system and buoyancy provisions are disclosed for improving ease of diver use in making underwater joints.

An automated system, method and tool for portable friction welding is disclosed for joining a rotatable workpiece to a substrate. A control system is disclosed receiving a start input to cause a motor to rapidly spin the workpiece and initiate a first thrust building cycle acting through an actuator to progressively force the spinning workpiece against the substrate. The materials at this intersection heat and plasticize and the actuator translates toward the substrate until the end of the desired actuator stroke operates to cut the motor off and to initiate and then hold a second axial thrust cycle on the actuator and there through to the interface of the workpiece and substrate. A reset input at the end of a cool off phase releases the thrust in the actuator.