Patent ID: 10150175

Abstract:
A gas delivery system delivers a shielding gas from a source through one or more hoses to a torch having a nozzle during welding of a workpiece. A shielding gas controller includes an inlet, an outlet, and at least one valve between the inlet and the outlet. The valve operates in response to a predetermined minimum shielding gas flow set point. The shielding gas controller operates the valve before or after a weld to change the flow of the shielding gas according to the predetermined minimum shielding gas flow set point. A method of welding includes predetermining a flow rate of a shielding gas, predetermining another flow rate of the gas, dispensing the gas at the first flow rate proximate a first weld pool during welding, and dispensing the shielding gas at the second flow rate, different from the first flow rate, during welding of another weld on the workpiece.