Abstract: In solid phase or pressure welding of adjacent pipe ends wherein a burner ring or other heating element extends circumferentially around the pipes adjacent the joint therebetween, an axial flow of air is directed along the pipe adjacent the weld zone whereby the adjacent pipe ends may be more uniformly heated and thereby produce a better weld.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for solid phase welding of pipes. A first internal clamping mechanism is employed substantially immediately adjacent the end of each pipe to urge each end into circumferential accuracy. A second internal or external clamping mechanism is employed in axial spaced relation to the first mechanism and which bears upon a greater surface of the pipe than the first mechanism, and is utilized to urge the two pipe ends together so that in combination with the application of heat, a pressure weld, joining the pipe ends, is effected.

Abstract: A system for preparing the abutting ends of pipe sections which are to be subsequently pressure welded together by the application of external heat to the joint and axial inward pressure on the respective pipe sections. The pipe ends are initially formed, or subsequently ground or cut so that the radially innermost portions of the ends are in contact with each other, and the radially outermost portions of the ends are slightly spaced from each other, preferably providing a radially outward diverging gap between the pipe ends.