Abstract: Disclosed is a control apparatus for an automatic pipe welder, for controlling the automatic pipe welder which continuously butt welds pipes while it is running along a welding line on the periphery of a pipe, in accordance with predetermined welding conditions for each of a plurality of welding areas sectioned along the welding line. All of the welding conditions for the welding areas are stored in a digital storage device while welding conditions on an area currently being welded are stored in another storage device. The contents of the second-mentioned digital storage device are converted by a digital-analog converter to analog signals, which are then held respectively in corresponding sample and hold circuits. Outputs of the sample and hold circuits are supplied as control commands to respective control units which control the welder in accordance with the welding conditions. In this manner, the construction of the control apparatus and a control panel thereof is simplified.

Abstract: Method for controlling an automatic pipe welder is disclosed. In the automatic welder which requires remote control, welding conditions for butt welding pipes are stored and an actual joint geometry or groove shape is sensed. From signals relating to the stored welding conditions and the sensed groove shape, a control command signal in actual welding is produced to effect welding under an optimum condition. On the other hand, an arc condition at an actual welding point and a melting condition of a metal are monitored and displayed to modify the welding conditions in accordance with the monitored condition to control the automatic pipe welder.