Abstract: Workpieces which are formed by the build-up of weld metal are treated and cooled by directing a fluid such as water in a large stream so that rapid and intensive cooling of the surfaces of the workpiece is achieved by creating a laminar water flow. A water quantity is directed to reach the workpiece surface in a laminar flow and it is permitted to flow over the workpiece as the water is sucked off before it reaches its boiling point at the rate of flow to the workpiece and away from the workpiece being sufficient to prevent the formation of steam. The water which is employed is advantageously recooled to its initial temperature by the withdrawing effect created by an air fan.

Abstract: A device for feeding welding wire in a submerged arc welding operation in which there is a narrow gap between workpieces which are to be welded together comprises a guide support having a plurality of spaced apart welding wire straightening roller assemblies mounted thereon which are in a position at selected angles relative to each other around and in engagement with the welding wire and which define a feed guide path for the passage of the welding wire between the rollers of each assembly. A welding head is pivotally mounted on a support for pivotal movement transverse to the welding direction and the head includes a welding guide and a carrying guide which together define tongs of the head which are mounted on the support for pivotal movement toward and away from each other. Tongs carry a plurality of guide shoes which define a continuing guide path for the welding wire received from the welding wire feed guide and deliver it to the welding zone between the workpieces.