Abstract: A tube such as a nozzle to be repaired or tubular sections to be repaired or connected to each other, are welded using a backing ring having a groove in the area to be welded. The groove forms a purge space for purge gas between the ring and the tube to establish an inert atmosphere on both inner and outer surfaces of the tube during the welding operation. The ring is removed by making a bore in the ring having a diameter larger than the diameter of the groove but smaller than the diameter of the ring. In this way, the ring is divided into two portions which are easily removed from the tube.