Weld Purge Plugs
Argweld weld purge plugs use expanding rubber seals and nylon bodies to close pipe and tube openings during purging. Specify the actual bore, stem style and gas connection for your assembly.
Argweld weld purge plugs provide a barrier for small-bore pipework, tube ends and fittings where inflatable dams or purge film are impractical. Typical applications include orbital welding, short assemblies, elbows, tees and branches requiring separate gas connections and closures.
Choose the stem and gas connection
Select a hollow-shaft plug where purge gas must pass through the plug. Solid-stem versions close an opening without providing that gas passage. Match the plug to the actual inside diameter and confirm the sealing range and connection before ordering.
| Listed nominal sizes | Stem configuration |
|---|---|
| 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25 and 1.5 inches | Solid-stem or small hollow-shaft versions; confirm the supplied thread |
| 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 and 6 inches | Hollow shaft with 0.5-inch BSP connection |
The 1.5-inch size appears in both groups because different stem arrangements are listed. Plug diameter does not identify the connection thread. Provide hose-end details when requesting an adaptor.
Body, seals and heat exposure
The Argweld range uses nylon bodies with standard natural-rubber seals. Alternative seal materials are available for specific applications. A wing nut compresses the seal to expand it against the bore; inspect the plug and follow the supplied installation instructions.
The manufacturer’s technical specifications list standard nylon plug use at 75°C (167°F) continuously and 105°C (221°F) intermittently. Confirm the limit for the complete supplied assembly and exposure duration. A silicone or other replacement seal’s material rating is not the working-temperature rating of the nylon body.
Specify the purge arrangement
Provide the pipe bore, openings to close, gas supply and exhaust arrangement, temperature and required oxygen limit. Use a weld purge monitor suited to the welding procedure. Purging equipment alone does not guarantee an oxide-free or defect-free weld.
For pressure or leak testing, obtain the pressure rating and installation requirements for the exact plug and service. This weld-purge listing is not a universal pressure-isolation approval.
Compare plug kits and other methods
See Justram pipe welding purge plug kits for separately listed kit configurations. For a different installation method, compare PurgElite inflatable systems or water-soluble weld purge film.
