Hygienic process facilities frequently need multiple outlets in a common distribution or collection manifold tube. This is a common requirement in food processing, pharmaceutical, and biopharmaceutical industries. One method for producing these manifolds is to form the branch connection mechanically out of the run tube using a pulled tee system invented by T-DRILL. These T-shaped extrusions are called T-pulls or collars. You may be wondering - what exactly are T-Pulls and can they be welded with an orbital welding machine?
An elliptical hole is first drilled in the manifold. Then, a spinning forming tool shapes the outlet extrusion. This is a commonly used process, important to industries manufacturing or installing high-purity systems under the ASME Bioprocessing Equipment (BPE-2019) code standards.
So, what is the benefit of using this technology? With a collar, only a single butt weld is required to connect the branch tube. This eliminates several additional welds that would otherwise be required, saving you both time and money.
Orbital welding can and should be used to make these critical welds, as this type of welding guarantees a smooth, fully penetrated, crevice-free ID bead.