man with drill
A backup ring is a small piece of material welded between two tubes. They are usually round to fit most tubes, but square shaped rings are also available. Also called backup ring or anti-extrusion ring. A typical backup ring is made of rubber or metal, such as aluminum, chrome, or carbon steel. Pipe support rings allow proper alignment between two joined pipes, hold pipe joints together and prevent leaks.
There are many types of backing rings, including plain rings, machine welded rings, and gaskets. Others, more advanced, include forest, flat, and ridge types. The exact choice of ring depends on the intended application. They are used for the maintenance of pipes and fittings in industries such as automotive, construction and aerospace.
The support ring is placed between the ends of two tubes to protect a joint. It is then welded so that the material melts and fuses with the pipes. When used correctly, it prevents solder from penetrating pipes. This converts the two tubes and the ring into one tube.
The quality, type, and skill of the welder are crucial factors in making backup rings effective. The goal is to create a smooth, even appearance for the tubes. The most important thing is that no gaps or cracks should be left to ensure the integrity of the pipe. No welding material can splash or adhere to the inside of the tube to ensure a smooth flow of water, gas or other chemicals.
A backup ring is a good welding part because the bond it creates is relatively stronger than that created by direct welding. A pipe joint support ring supports and aligns the two pipes to make it easier for the worker to weld and join them properly. It has the disadvantage of leaving small cracks and crevices not visible to the naked eye. After a while, these cracks will trap bacteria and ions like chloride that will cause corrosion. Rings that are not installed correctly will break due to thermal and mechanical stress.