Abstract: The invention relates to a device for centering and clamping conduits which are preferably made from alloy steel and which are positioned end to end in order to be welded to form a pipeline. The invention comprises: means for centering and clamping two conduits that are to be welded, optional leak-tight partition means which define an inerting chamber at the mating surface, and inert gas distribution means for creating a protective atmosphere at the mating surface. The inventive device also comprises at least means for regulating the flow of inert gas and/or the supply pressure of said inert gas as a function of the concentration of O2 measured in the protective atmosphere and/or the pressure measured within said atmosphere, such as to maintain the O2 content of the atmosphere below a pre-determined alarm threshold value and/or the pressure of the atmosphere below a pre-determined threshold value.

Abstract: A mechanical system for automatic guiding of one or more torches of a welding unit in a groove delimited by chamfered end surfaces of two metal parts to be welded together, including a main carriage moving along a stationary guide relatively parallel to the groove, a secondary carriage that is connected to the main carriage by a hinged linking assembly and that includes a torch supporting unit and a guiding device including bearing members in contact with the surfaces of the metal parts bordering the groove and sensing members that enter the groove. The hinged linking assembly includes three pivoting axis.

Abstract: A mechanical system for automatic guiding of one or more torches of a welding unit in a groove delimited by chamfered end surfaces of two metal parts to be welded together, including a main carriage moving along a stationary guide relatively parallel to the groove, a secondary carriage that is connected to the main carriage by a hinged linking assembly and that includes a torch supporting unit and a guiding device including bearing members in contact with the surfaces of the metal parts bordering the groove and sensing members that enter the groove. The hinged linking assembly includes three pivoting axes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for centring and clamping conduits which are preferably made from alloy steel and which are positioned end to end in order to be welded to form a pipeline. The invention comprises: means for centring and clamping two conduits that are to be welded, optional leak-tight partition means which define an inerting chamber at the mating surface, and inert gas distribution means for creating a protective atmosphere at the mating surface. The inventive device also comprises at least means for regulating the flow of inert gas and/or the supply pressure of said inert gas as a function of the concentration of O2 measured in the protective atmosphere and/or the pressure measured within said atmosphere, such as to maintain the O2 content of the atmosphere below a pre-determined alarm threshold value and/or the pressure of the atmosphere below a pre-determined threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for centring and clamping conduits which are preferably made from alloy steel and which are positioned end to end in order to be welded to form a pipeline. The invention comprises: means for centring and clamping two conduits that are to be welded, optional leak-tight patition means which define an inerting chamber at the mating surface, and inert gas distribution means for creating a protective atmosphere at the mating surface. The inventive device also comprises at least means for the real-time measurement of the moisture content of the protective atmosphere and means (3) for the real-time regulation of the moisture content as a function of said measurements, such that the moisture content of the atmosphere is maintained below a pre-determined threshold value.