Standard purge plugs just don't cut it in high purity situations. Pharmaceutical and Food Processing has incredibly strict rules in order to ensure a low risk of contamination. The standard purge plugs that welders use are considered health safety hazards for high purity applications due to the amount of scuffing and Inside Diameter (I.D.) variance they can cause; but Morgan Industrial Technology has developed a solution for high purity welding applications, the Outside Diameter (O.D.) quick-connect purge cap. Taking the original purge plug concept, we've developed a new type of cap that connects to the outside of the workpiece and creates and airtight seal, complying with FDA welding regulations for high purity welds.
Why does sanitary welding have such stringent regulations?
Sanitary welding is regulated by organizations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because welds can potentially contaminate food or pharmaceutical products. The regulations are designed to ensure that welds are clean and free of contaminants. Those contaminants cause 2 major issues for manufacturers. First, the contaminants can be extremely damaging to metal tubing over extended periods of time. Second, they can cause corrosion or oxidation, which can contaminate the end product, ruin the lines, and possibly cost the company millions in shut-downs and repairs. There are several welding solutions that have been designed specifically to meet these stringent requirements including automated welders with outside diameter (O.D.) purge plugs.
What are O.D. Purge Caps?
O.D. purge plugs are the next big thing in high purity stainless steel welding for food and pharmaceutical welding. They create a seal on the outside of the tube or pipe to ensure the inside is not scratched or affected in any way. This is different from Inside diameter plugs which only seal by inserting the plugs inside of the pipe or tube. O.D. purge plugs are more effective because they prevent contamination from the outside world and are less likely to allow air into the weld area as opposed to a purge patch.
Plus, they can be used in automated welding processes which makes them even more efficient and effective. The O.D. purge cap consists of 7 parts that work together to create an airtight seal around the tube. When the welder inserts the cap on the open end of the tube or pipe, they twist to the close position and the polymer O-rings compress to hold the end in an airtight seal. From there, it's standard to a normal purge plug. The welder will attach the gas via a quick connect coupler and fill the work piece with their gas of choice.
When it comes to high purity welding, the outside diameter purge cap is the next big thing. These caps create a seal on the outside of the tube or pipe, ensuring that the inside is not scratched or affected in any way. This is essential for food and pharmaceutical welding, as it helps to maintain the purity of the product. With this innovation, you can be sure that your welds are of the highest quality and purity.
We're launching the 1Arc Purge Caps in test markets this year! Interested in getting your hands on one? Let us know in the form down below!