Abstract: An inflatable, inert-gas purged welding chamber assembly ideally suited for use in welding workpieces made of a metal (e.g., titanium), or of an alloy, which is susceptible to atmospheric contamination during welding. The welding chamber of the assembly is defined by a collapsible, reusable, inflatable member (e.g., a polyethylene bag) that is releasably connected to a closeable opening in a wall member. The inflatable member, while in a collapsed condition and while containing the workpieces to be welded and the accessories therefor (e.g., a welding torch, extra tungsten electrodes, and filler wires) on a shelf protruding from the wall member, is purged of air (i.e., the ambient atmosphere) by the use of an inert gas (e.g., argon), thereby inflating the collapsed member and creating an inert gas environment in which the air-contaminable workpieces can be welded without fear of contamination.

Abstract: An inert gas purity tester having a housing made of transparent material and in which is located a thin wire tungsten filament. The filament is electrically connected to a variable electrical power source from, for example, an inert gas welding apparatus in order to provide a regulated flow of current to pass through the filament. The power source is then regulated until the filament glows white. The housing also has formed therein an inlet and outlet for allowing the flow of inert gas to pass therethrough. During the passage of gas through the housing, a trace of smoke detected at the white glowing filament indicates the presence of an impurity of oxygen within the inert gas such as argon. Viewing is continued until no more smoke is detected and it is therefore established that the impurity is no longer present in the gas. Thereafter, inert gas welding can be successfully undertaken.