Patent ID: 8809748

Claim:
A heating apparatus for heating a metal pipe or a metal pipe weld joint, comprising: a) at least one heating collar configured for being disposed around the pipe or weld joint, the at least one heating collar configured for pre-heating the metal pipe to a prior welding temperature or for heating the metal pipe weld joint to a hydrogen bake out temperature, to a stress test temperature or to a post weld treatment temperature; b) a controller unit configured for connecting to a source of electrical power, the controller unit operatively coupled to the at least one heating collar and further configured for controlling the supply of electrical power to at least one heating collar; c) a contactor disposed in the controller unit for controlling the supply of electrical power to the at least one heating collar; and d) a digital controller disposed in the controller unit configured for turning the contactor on and off, the digital controller further comprising a program for turning the contactor on and off at predetermined times wherein the at least one heating collar can heat the pipe or weld joint at the predetermined times.