A method for automated circumferential welding of a workpiece by means of at least one welding device, including: (a) determining a further weld path for a further weld to be welded on the workpiece, the further weld extending from a start point, via a downstream part to a stop point, (b) determining first welding parameters associated with the further weld and adapted to weld the further weld on the workpiece, the first welding parameters are adapted to transfer a first level of heat to the workpiece, (c) identifying at least one overlap area in the further weld path between the downstream part and the start point of the further weld or between the further weld and a start or stop point of a previous weld, (d) determining a boost area, the boost area including the at least one overlap area, (e) determining boost welding parameters associated with the boost area and adapted to weld the further weld in the boost area, the boost welding parameters are adapted to transfer a second level of heat to the workpiece, the second level of heat exceeding the first level of heat, and (f) welding the further weld from the start point to the stop point thereof, the first welding parameters are selected for welding of the further weld outside the boost area, and the boost welding parameters are selected for welding the further weld inside the boost area.

A jig for clamping that includes two or more clamping aid tools for use and mounting with various common tools, including a carpenter, framing and speed square, and various straight edges for easily and accurately positioning various objects, either flat and/or round, magnetic or not. The clamping aids can clamp to round pipes at correct angles while being fitted, secured and/or welded together.

A clamp for use with an impact tool; the clamp having a nut for use with impact tools includes a screw on top, a safety handle, and a hole for carabiner clip. In use, a user adjusts the top screw to a length option desired, such that it doesn't slide onto object to be clamped. The clamp further comprises a grip on the safety handle. The clamp provides faster and more efficient use when using an impact tool.

A method of joining a first pipe section to a second pipe section includes positioning the two pipe sections in an end-to-end configuration to define therebetween a joint to be welded, measuring the degree of alignment of the pipe sections when they are in the end-to-end configuration in a position ready for welding, ascertaining the relative movement required of the pipe sections in order to improve their alignment, effecting the relative movement so ascertained, and welding together the two pipe sections. The method may include the use of geometric data of the end of the pipes in order to ascertain the relative movement required of the pipe sections. A control unit may be used to calculate, using such data, a target orientation that lines up the pipe sections. The measuring step may be performed using, for example, a laser or a camera and backlight.

A jig assembly and method of use are provided for positioning and re-rounding pipes for welding. The jig assembly comprises a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly which position and move a coupling onto one pipe then the second pipe for subsequent welding.

A pipe alignment apparatus to align a pair of adjacent pipe ends together. The apparatus includes a first pair of arcuate frames joined together to move between an open position and a closed position. A second pair of arcuate frames joined together moves between an open position and closed position. A plurality of jackscrews is provided on the first pair of arcuate frames and on the second pair of arcuate frames. A plurality of adjustable turnbuckles extends between the first pair of frames and the second pair of frames.

A pipe support system. The pipe support system comprises a first wedge block and a second opposing wedge block. Each of the blocks comprises a base having walls, and forming an angled top surface. The angled top surfaces face one another and are configured to support a joint or section of pipe along an outer diameter of the pipe. Beneficially, the distance or spacing between the wedge blocks may be adjusted by an operator to accommodate sections of pipe having different diameters. A method for supporting a section of pipe is also provided.

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.

A pipe support system. The pipe support system comprises a first wedge block and a second opposing wedge block. Each of the blocks comprises a base having walls. In addition, each of the blocks supports an angled roller bearing. The roller bearings are configured to support a joint or section of pipe along an outer diameter of the pipe. Beneficially, the distance or spacing between the wedge blocks may be adjusted by an operator to accommodate sections of pipe having different diameters. A method for supporting a section of pipe is also provided.

Method and device for centering and temporary fixation of tube parts (1, 5) in relation to each other's interior surfaces. A first tool (9) is centered relative to a tube part interior surface (2, 6) by a radially adjustable centering mechanism (13). The centering mechanism (13) is insertable in the tube part (1, 5). A second tool (10) is centered relative to the first tool (9), by a guiding mechanism (15) which cooperates for centering of the tools (9, 10) relative to one another. The second tool comprises fixing mechanism (17) to fix the exterior surface of the tube part (1, 5) to the second tool (10), and at least one third guide (18) which centers two such second tools (10) relative to one another in their mounted position on respective tube part end (4, 8) and at least one coupling member (19) to connect the two second tools (10).