GB1441122A - Method of joining a tubular component to an apertured component and assembly amde thereby - Google Patents

Abstract

1441122 Welding by pressure CLARKE CHAPMAN Ltd 6 June 1974 [24 March 1973] 14305/73 Heading B3R In a method of joining a tubular component 10 to an apertured component 12 such as a "thermal sleeve" 14, 16 or a tube plate (not shown), e.g. for use in constructing heat exchangers, the surfaces 11 are prepared by cleaning, e.g. etching, and outgassed, e.g. by heating in a vacuum for 24 hrs., the components are assembled then heated to a temperature above that at which surface contaminants dissolve into the metal, e.g. 800‹ C. for austenitic alloys, and the surfaces are forced together by applying fluid pressure uniformly over part of at least one component such as by inert gas pressure in an autoclave to cause the yield point of the materials of the components to be exceeded at the joining surfaces. The assembly may be fully enclosed, Fig. 1, by a containment sheath 18, e.g. of stainless steel or partly contained by annular sheath 20, Fig. 2, having stop-weld surface 22, gas pressure being provided in this case only between seals 24. The surfaces to be joined may be coated, e.g. by nickel plating to enhance bonding and minimize the presence of oxides.