When using the autogenous orbital welding process, joints shall be continuously what inside and outside with inert gas as qualified with a procedure?

In the context of the autogenous orbital welding process, it is essential that joints are continuously purged with inert gas both inside and outside. This purging is crucial to prevent contamination and oxidation of the weld material. By maintaining an inert environment, the quality of the weld is significantly improved, reducing the risk of defects caused by atmospheric exposure.

The requirement for purging is a standard quality control measure in welding processes where the integrity of the weld is paramount, particularly in applications involving medical gas systems, where the purity and reliability of the joints are critical. This practice helps ensure that the welded joints meet the necessary standards outlined in the welding procedure specification (WPS). Therefore, continuous purging with inert gas safeguards the welding process by isolating the weld area from external contaminants that could lead to weaknesses or failures in the joint.