Abstract: A system for monitoring the amount of filler metal used per a welding consumable, including a human-machine interface configured for inputting into a consumable efficiency management system a target filler metal value for at least one welding consumable to be used by a welding system, a welding system configured to produce a real time usage value of the filler metal. The consumable efficiency management system configured for monitoring the real time usage value and inputting the real time usage value, thereby producing an aggregate. The consumable efficiency management system configured for comparing the aggregate value with the target value. Wherein if the aggregate value is greater than or equal to the target value, the at least one welding consumable is replaced, and the aggregate value of the usage of the filler metal is reset to zero. If the aggregate value is less than the target value the system is repeated.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and measuring the amount of filler metal used per a welding consumable including inputting into a consumable efficiency management system a target filler metal value, operating the welding system, thereby producing a real time usage value, continuously monitoring the real time usage value and continuously inputting the real time usage value into the consumable efficiency management system, thereby producing an aggregate value, and comparing the aggregate value with the target value. Wherein if the aggregate value is greater than or equal to the target value, the at least one welding consumable is replaced, and the aggregate value of the usage of the filler metal is reset to zero for that consumable and if the aggregate value is less than the target value and the method is repeated.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an inert atmosphere to the inside of a piping assembly prior to and during welding, including a cannister, and a bladder which surrounds the cannister and fits inside of a piping assembly to be welded. The cannister including a purge gas inlet connection fluidically connected to a bladder fill conduit, a bladder return conduit fluidically connected to a pressure relief device, the pressure relief device fluidically connected to a reduced pressure purge gas conduit, a primary purge gas diffuser, a secondary purge gas diffuser, a tertiary purge gas diffuser, and purge gas exit holes. Wherein the bladder fill conduit is configured to introduce purge gas into the bladder. Wherein the bladder is configured to expand and form a seal between the cannister and the piping assembly to be welded. And, wherein the bladder return conduit is configured to evacuate excess purge gas from the bladder.

Abstract: A method of providing an inert atmosphere to the inside of a piping assembly prior to and during welding, including introducing a canister, and a deflated bladder which surrounds the canister, into a piping assembly to be welded. Introducing purge gas, thereby inflating the deflated bladder and sealing the canister against the inside of the piping assembly to be welded. Introducing excess purge gas from the bladder into a primary purge gas diffuser, thereby producing a first diffused purge gas stream. Introducing the first diffused purge gas stream into a secondary purge gas diffuser, thereby producing a secondary diffused purge gas stream. Introducing the secondary diffused purge gas stream into a tertiary purge gas diffuser, thereby producing a third purge gas stream. And introducing the third purge gas stream into the inside of the piping assembly to be welded.

Abstract: A method of providing an inert atmosphere to the inside of a piping assembly prior to and during welding, including introducing a canister, and a deflated bladder which surrounds the canister, into a piping assembly to be welded. Introducing purge gas, thereby inflating the deflated bladder and sealing the canister against the inside of the piping assembly to be welded. Introducing excess purge gas from the bladder into a primary purge gas diffuser, thereby producing a first diffused purge gas stream. Introducing the first diffused purge gas stream into a secondary purge gas diffuser, thereby producing a secondary diffused purge gas stream. Introducing the secondary diffused purge gas stream into a tertiary purge gas diffuser, thereby producing a third purge gas stream. And introducing the third purge gas stream into the inside of the piping assembly to be welded.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an inert atmosphere to the inside of a piping assembly prior to and during welding, including a cannister, and a bladder which surrounds the cannister and fits inside of a piping assembly to be welded. The cannister including a purge gas inlet connection fluidically connected to a bladder fill conduit, a bladder return conduit fluidically connected to a pressure relief device, the pressure relief device fluidically connected to a reduced pressure purge gas conduit, a primary purge gas diffuser, a secondary purge gas diffuser, a tertiary purge gas diffuser, and purge gas exit holes. Wherein the bladder fill conduit is configured to introduce purge gas into the bladder. Wherein the bladder is configured to expand and form a seal between the cannister and the piping assembly to be welded. And, wherein the bladder return conduit is configured to evacuate excess purge gas from the bladder.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a welding zone for welding together pipe sections. The temperature is controlled by a flow of inert gas through the pipes. The inert gas flow is cooled and acts as a heat sink to remove heat from the weld zone thereby controlling the weld zone temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming a shielding gas mixture at a worksite includes providing a first gas in a liquefied state; providing a second gas in a gaseous state; vaporizing the first gas to a gaseous state; and blending the first gas with the second gas to form the shielding gas mixture.