DEVICE FOR MEASURING COMPONENTS OF A PIPE BEFORE WELDING

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of gas distribution pipelines made of polymer material. More specifically, the invention relates to the welding of several joints in these pipelines.

[0002] Currently, more than 200,000 connections are made each year on the national gas distribution network in France. The majority of these connections are made automatically using automated systems, according to state-of-the-art technologies such as butt welding or electrofusion welding.

[0003] According to French patent FR 2 762 540, welding automation systems are known that can operate in automatic mode thanks to the integration of an electronic module that manages the different phases of welding.

[0004] However, such automated systems and the processes implemented cannot guarantee a robust and durable welded joint throughout the pipeline's lifespan, given the possibility of weld quality defects at certain stages, particularly at the initial stage due to the scraping and cleaning of the components to be welded. These scraping and cleaning steps are necessary to remove a chemical barrier that hinders the interdiffusion of macromolecules. Such drawbacks result in significant leak detection costs, as well as initial excavation costs. These costs are then followed by equally significant costs related to leak repairs once leaks have been identified.

[0005] Furthermore, the steps of measuring the surface condition of components in order to determine whether these components have all the necessary requirements for the welding step are complex operations to carry out given the environment in which they must be carried out and generally require the use of several independent devices.

[0006] US 7 064 300 B1 describes a method for determining the surface quality of a natural gas pipe.

[0007] The invention aims, in particular, to facilitate the measurement of the surface finish of components to be welded, thereby drastically reducing the costs associated with these steps. Furthermore, the detection of a component's surface finish that is unsuitable for a quality weld can be improved, ultimately reducing poor welds and all the associated costs throughout the pipeline's lifespan.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a device for measuring the surface condition of a polymer component, this device comprising: a measuring device comprising at least one sensor capable of measuring at least one data relating to the surface condition of the component and at least one transmitter capable of transmitting the data from the sensor, and a support for the measuring device comprising means for assembly to the component.

[0009] Thus, the device of the invention makes it possible to provide one or more data relating to the surface condition of a component to a data acquisition unit, which makes it possible in particular to carry out the step of creating a representation of the surface condition of the component.

[0010] The measurement of this data relating to the surface condition of the component is performed using the sensor of the measuring element. To this end, the measuring element of the device of the invention may advantageously include a power source for supplying power to the sensor and / or the transmitter. Preferably, this power source may be wireless, such as a battery. A wireless power source simplifies the use of the device since it is not constrained by the problems of tangled wires or the need for a fixed power source located nearby.

[0011] Sensor activation and data transmission are managed by the electronic component of the measuring device. The data measured by the sensor is transferred to the data acquisition unit, which processes it to create a representation of the surface condition of the component. The data acquisition unit then analyzes this representation to obtain one or more parameters related to the component's surface condition and compares each parameter with at least one predetermined threshold value stored in the data acquisition unit.

[0012] To measure data on the component's surface, the measuring element can be moved in translation and / or rotation to scan the surface. Preferably, the measuring element can be moved to scan the entire surface to be welded, thus enabling data to be measured across that entire surface.

[0013] The components of the pipeline to be assembled can correspond to any type of joint, weldable in pairs, known to those skilled in the art, provided that one of the two components is a pipe. For example, these components can be pipes, couplings, or branch saddles. Thus, the predetermined roughness and cleanliness thresholds can be specific to one or more types of joints.

[0014] The polymer material used to manufacture these pipeline components can be any material known to those skilled in the art that allows the two components to be welded together to form a gas pipeline network, particularly using butt welding or electrofusion techniques. Suitable polymer materials include thermoplastics. Polyethylene (PE) and polyolefins are particularly well-suited.

[0015] Advantageously, the sensor is of the laser profilometry type.

[0016] Thus, the step of creating the roughness representation of the component is implemented using a sensor whose use is not destructive to the component to be soldered, which helps to maintain an optimal surface condition of the portion of the component that must be soldered.

[0017] Advantageously, the sensor is of the UV fluorescence type.

[0018] Thus, the step of creating the representation of the cleanliness of the component is implemented by means of a sensor whose use is not destructive to the component to be soldered, which helps to maintain an optimal surface condition of the portion of the component that must be soldered.

[0019] Advantageously, the sensor is of the infrared spectrometer type.

[0020] Similar to the UV fluorescence type sensor, the step of creating the representation of the cleanliness of the component is implemented using a sensor whose use is not destructive to the component to be soldered.

[0021] Advantageously, the support includes a ferrule for assembly to the component.

[0022] Thus, it is possible to position the support, at least partially, within a hollow pipe component to enable the measurement of data relating to the component's external surface. Such a ferrule can be moved along a longitudinal translational motion relative to the component's longitudinal axis. This ferrule also allows for rotation of the measuring element around the component's longitudinal axis. The combination of these two movements enables a more complete scanning of the component's weldable surface.

[0023] Advantageously, the support includes a clamping frame around the component.

[0024] Thus, the measuring element can be positioned to measure the internal surface of a component to be soldered. The clamping frame is designed to allow the measuring element to move in both a longitudinal translational and a rotational motion, both relative to the longitudinal axis of the component. The combination of these two movements enables a more complete scan of the component's surface to be soldered.

[0025] Advantageously, the measuring device includes an infrared thermometer.

[0026] Therefore, it is possible to provide a device that also addresses the issue of measuring component temperature before welding. The measuring device measures the component's temperature. This measurement is transmitted by the transmitter to the data acquisition unit, which processes it and determines the amount of energy required for welding.

[0027] Advantageously, the measuring device according to the invention includes a wireless power source configured to power the sensor and / or transmitter.

[0028] The invention also relates to a control system comprising a device according to the invention and a data acquisition unit.

[0029] The invention also relates to the use of a control assembly according to the invention for the implementation of a method for verifying components made of polymer material before welding or for the implementation of a method for welding components made of polymer material. Brief description of the figures

[0030] We will now present several embodiments of the invention solely by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings in which: [ Fig.1 ] there figure 1 is a diagram illustrating elements of a pre-welding verification device for a polymer tube and a polymer accessory according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment, [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2is a diagram illustrating elements of a pre-welding verification device for a polymer tube and a polymer accessory according to a third embodiment and a fourth embodiment, [ Fig.3 ] there figure 3 is a flowchart representing different stages of the verification process according to a first implementation method, [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a flowchart representing different steps of the process according to a second implementation method, and [ Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is a flowchart representing different stages of the welding process of the invention according to a first implementation method, [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 is an example of representing the surface condition of a component. Detailed description

[0031] We have represented on the Figures 1A to 2B, elements of measuring devices 1 of the surface condition of a component 4, 5 or 6 made of polymer material, according to four different embodiments.

[0032] In all these different embodiments, the measuring device 1 includes a measuring member 2 and a support 3 for the measuring member 2 including means for assembly to the component 4, 5 or 6. These components 4, 5 or 6 have a cylindrical tubular profile shape with a circular cross-section.

[0033] The measuring unit 2 comprises a main body 20, a laser profilometry type sensor 21, a UV fluorescence type sensor 22, an infrared thermometer 23, transmitters 24 and at least one wireless power source 25 which supplies power to the four types of elements mentioned above.

[0034] The main body 20 can be in the form of a bar, which allows the different elements of the measuring organ 2 to be arranged easily.

[0035] As illustrated in the Figure 1A The measuring device 1 allows, in particular, the measurement of data relating to the surface condition (roughness, cleanliness and temperature) of an external portion 41 of a hollow tube 4, the end of which is intended to be welded into the half-socket of the sleeve 5 of the figure 1BThe support 3 includes a ferrule 31 suitable for positioning in the tube 4 and an arm 32 extending from the ferrule 31, which allows the measuring element 2 to be offset relative to the portion 41 of the tube 4. For carrying out the measurements, the main body 20 is suitable for translational movement relative to the tube 4, along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube 4. The main body 20 is also suitable for rotational movement relative to the tube 4, around this longitudinal axis. Thus, the laser profilometry type sensor 21 and the UV fluorescence type sensor 22 can scan the entire portion 41 of the tube 4. These two sensors provide data relating to the surface condition (roughness and cleanliness) of the portion 41 of the tube 4. This data is transmitted to a data acquisition unit 9 by means of transmitters 24. The data acquisition unit 9 is capable of processing and analyzing the data it receives.

[0036] To check the surface condition of the inner portion 51 of the sleeve 5, the support 3 of the device 1, according to a second embodiment, includes a clamping frame 33. This clamping frame 33 includes tabs 34, each of which exerts a compressive force on the outer surface of the sleeve 5, thus holding the support 3 in a stationary position relative to the sleeve 5. The support 3 also includes a central portion 35 in which an opening (not shown) is provided. This opening allows the measuring element 2 to be at least partially positioned in the half-socket of the sleeve 5. Through this opening, the main body 20 of the measuring element 2 can be moved in a translational motion relative to the sleeve 5, along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 5. Thus, the measuring element 2 can be inserted further into the sleeve 5.The main body 20 can also be moved in a rotational motion relative to the sleeve 5, around this longitudinal axis. This combination of longitudinal and rotational movements allows the laser profilometry type sensor 21 and the UV fluorescence type sensor 22 to scan the entire internal portion 51 of the sleeve 5. By measuring the internal surface condition of the sleeve 5, it is possible, in particular, to determine anomalies present on the heating mat (e.g., displaced wires, cavities, etc.). etc .).

[0037] A third embodiment is illustrated in the figure 2A and allows checking the surface condition of a portion 41 of a tube 4, intended to be welded with a portion (not visible) of a branch saddle 6.

[0038] To this end, the support 3 comprises two rings 37 forming circular housings adapted to encircle the tube 4. These two rings 37 are connected to each other by means of two clamping rods 36 which secure the entire support 3 to the tube 4. Each of the two circular housings 37 has an opening (not shown) allowing the measuring element 2 to be positioned offset from and opposite the portion 41 of the tube 4. As in the first two embodiments presented, the main body 20 of the measuring element 2 can be moved in translation and rotation so that the laser profilometry sensor 21 and the UV fluorescence sensor 22 can scan the entire portion 41 of the tube 4.

[0039] The branch saddle 6, intended to be welded to the tube 4 illustrated in the figure 2Bis a hollow, semi-cylindrical component. To check the surface condition of the internal portion 61 of the branch saddle 6, the support 3 of the checking device 1 according to the fourth embodiment comprises two contact elements 38. These contact elements 38 are suitable for positioning each on one end of the branch saddle 6. They are connected to each other by means of a clamping rod 36 which secures the entire support 3 and holds it in a fixed position relative to the branch saddle 6. Each of the two contact elements 38 has an opening (not shown) allowing the measuring element 2 to be positioned offset from the inner surface of the branch saddle 6.As with the previous embodiments, the main body 20 of the measuring member 2 can be moved in translation and rotation so that the laser profilometry type sensor 21 and the UV fluorescence type sensor 22 can scan the entire weldable portion of the branch saddle 6. By measuring the internal surface condition of the branch saddle 6, it is particularly possible to determine anomalies present on the heating pad (e.g., displaced wires, cavities, etc.). etc .).

[0040] Device 1 can also be associated with automated means to implement a verification process for components 4, 5, and 6 before welding. These automated means include the data acquisition unit 9, which, together with the measuring device, forms the control unit of the invention. The data measured by the various sensors 21, 22, and 23 of Device 1 are transmitted to this unit. The measuring device 1 can be an automated system enabling the automated implementation of the verification process.

[0041] We have represented on the figures 3 And 4 two methods of implementing a verification process before welding a polymer tube 4 and a polymer accessory 5 or 6.

[0042] The verification process according to the first implementation method ( figure 3The process begins with a first step A, which determines the respective roughness values ​​of the tube 4 and the fitting 5 or 6 to be welded, in this case for the purpose of forming a gas pipeline. This method is also suitable for pre-welding verification of a pipeline intended to receive containers other than gas, provided their transport is compatible with the polymer material of the tube 4 and the fitting 5 or 6. Such a container could, for example, be a fluid, such as water.

[0043] In the implementation method illustrated in the figure 3Step A involves creating a representation of the roughness of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6. This step is carried out using one or more laser profilometry sensors 21 of device 1, which measure data relating to the roughness of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6 to be welded. The measured data is then processed by computer via a data acquisition unit 9 integrated into the automated means, enabling the creation of the representation, an example of which is illustrated in three dimensions. figure 6 .

[0044] After the roughness representation of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6 has been produced, it is analyzed to determine the respective values ​​relating to the roughness of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6. Such values ​​may be derived from the following non-exhaustive list: total roughness (Rt), mean deviation (Ra), mean roughness, maximum peak (Rp), maximum trough (Rc), period of the main groove, developed area of ​​the portion of the component to be welded, structural anisotropy, striation in the direction of scraping.

[0045] This first step A is followed by a comparison step B, in which the respective roughness values ​​of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6 are compared to a roughness threshold for tube 4 and a roughness threshold for the accessory. This determines whether a predetermined condition between the roughness value of tube 4 and a roughness threshold for tube 4, and whether a predetermined condition between the roughness value of accessory 5 or 6 and a roughness threshold for accessory 5 or 6, are met. If so, the process proceeds to step C. However, if at least one of the two conditions in step B is not met, automated means prevent the process from proceeding to step C (step Z1). It is not possible for an operator to manually override the process blockage caused by the automated means.These devices may include a tablet, computer, or smartphone containing software programmed to prevent progress to step C if one of the predetermined conditions necessary for validating that step is not met. For example, automated systems may be programmed to allow the release of the resources enabling step C only if both predetermined conditions of step B are met.

[0046] Step C is a step of determining respective values ​​relating to the cleanliness of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6.

[0047] According to this first implementation, step C includes a step for generating a representation of the cleanliness of tube 4 and the accessory. This step can be implemented using one or more UV fluorescence sensors 22 of device 1, which measure data relating to the cleanliness of the surface of tube 4 and the accessory 5 or 6 to be soldered. Alternatively, or in addition to the UV fluorescence sensors 22, device 1 can also include one or more infrared spectrometers, which also measure data relating to the cleanliness of the surface of tube 4 and the accessory 5 or 6 to be soldered. The measured data are then processed by computer via the data acquisition unit 9, which allows for the generation of the aforementioned representation.

[0048] After the representation of the cleanliness of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6 has been carried out, the latter is analyzed in order to determine the respective values ​​relating to the cleanliness of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6. Such values ​​may relate to the level of surface contamination, such as the amount of grease or the amount of dust.

[0049] Step C is followed by a comparison step D, in which the respective cleanliness values ​​of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6 are compared to a cleanliness threshold for tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6, respectively. This allows verification of whether a predetermined condition between the cleanliness value of tube 4 and a cleanliness threshold for tube 4, and whether a predetermined condition between the cleanliness value of accessory 5 or 6 and a cleanliness threshold for accessory 5 or 6, is met. If so, the automated process allows the procedure to proceed to step E, which involves measuring the temperature values ​​of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6. This temperature measurement is performed using the infrared thermometer 23 of the measuring element 2 of device 1.

[0050] However, if at least one of the two conditions in step D is not met, then the automated means prevent the process from proceeding to step E (step Z2). Again, it is not possible for an operator to manually bypass the process blockage caused by the automated means. The process blockage at this stage can take various forms. For example, the automated means may prevent the release of the means in device 1 that perform the temperature measurement of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6. Thus, it is impossible to bypass this blockage using the automated means.

[0051] Step E is followed by a comparison step F, during which the respective temperature values ​​of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6 are compared to a temperature range. If the measured temperature values ​​of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6 fall outside the temperature range, the automated means prevent the process from proceeding to step F, which involves mounting accessory 5 or 6 onto tube 4 (step Z3). Conversely, if these temperature values ​​fall within the temperature range, the automated means allow the process to proceed to step G, which involves mounting accessory 5 or 6 onto tube 4, and the operator mounts accessory 5 or 6 onto tube 4 using mounting means (not shown) for the verification device 1.

[0052] When all the predetermined conditions of steps B, D and F are met and the assembly step G has been carried out via assembly means (not shown) or manually, the verification process according to this first method of implementation is completed and the tube 4 and the accessory 5 or 6 can therefore be welded together.

[0053] The process according to the second embodiment shares the steps of the process according to the first embodiment. It further includes a step I of scraping a previously unscraped portion of tube 4 and / or replacing the accessory 5 or 6, which are carried out after the automated means have prevented the process from proceeding to step C (step Z1). The alternative to step I, in which tube 4 is scraped on a previously unscraped portion, is implemented if the predetermined condition between the relative roughness value of tube 4 and a tube 4 roughness threshold is not met. Step A is then repeated to determine whether the roughness of the newly scraped portion of tube 4 meets the necessary scraping requirements to allow for a weld of lasting quality.If this is still not the case, the automated system again prevents the process from proceeding to step C (step Z1), and the verification loop is repeated. This allows for the efficient guarantee that tube 4 has adequate roughness for a quality weld, without having to replace tube 4, which would be a complex and costly operation.

[0054] The alternative in step I, where accessory 5 or 6 is replaced, is implemented if the predetermined condition between the relative roughness value of accessory 5 or 6 and a roughness threshold for accessory 5 or 6 is not met. In this case, accessory 5 or 6 is replaced, and steps A and B are repeated. As before, if this condition is still not met during the new step B, the automated means again prevent the process from proceeding to step C (step Z1), and the verification loop is repeated.

[0055] The method according to the second implementation also includes a second verification loop comprising steps C, D, Z2, and J. Specifically, when the automated means block the transition to step E, a step J is implemented. Step J involves cleaning the surface of tube 4 and / or the surface of accessory 5 or 6, depending on which predetermined condition of step D is not met. Similar to the first verification loop, step C is implemented again immediately after the completion of step J, followed by the comparison step D. If at least one of the predetermined conditions is still not met, the automated means block the transition to step E, which measures the temperature values ​​of tube 4 and accessories 5 and 6, and the second verification loop is implemented again.

[0056] We represented at the figure 5, an implementation method of a welding process of a polymer tube 4 and a polymer accessory 5 or 6 to form a gas pipeline, in which the verification process according to the second implementation method described above is implemented.

[0057] This welding process includes all the steps described in the description of the verification process according to the second implementation method.

[0058] In an unshown variant of the welding process of the invention, a third verification loop is performed between steps E, F, and Z3. More specifically, a second measurement step E is implemented after step Z3 to determine a new measurement relating to the temperature of the tube 4 and the accessory 5 or 6. This second measurement step is performed using the infrared thermometer 23 of the measuring element 2 of the device 1 and is implemented after a certain time has elapsed, to allow the temperature of the tube 4 and the accessory 5 or 6 to return to ambient temperature. Step F is then implemented again, and if either of the second measured values ​​relating to the temperature of the tube 4 and the accessory 5 or 6 is still outside the temperature range, the automated means again prevent the process from proceeding to step G.Furthermore, if it turns out that one of the measured values ​​relating to the measured temperature of tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6 is too far from one of the limits of the temperature range, such that tube 4 or accessory 5 or 6 cannot reach an acceptable temperature for a welding step, then the process can be stopped by automated means.

[0059] When the result of step F, comparing the measured values ​​relative to the temperature measured in step E, is positive, i.e., that these measured values ​​are within the temperature range, the automated means allow the transition to step G of the process.

[0060] In step H, the amount of energy to be supplied to the welding machine for welding between tube 4 and accessory 5 or 6 is determined based on the temperature values ​​measured in step E. According to these measured temperatures, the heating time and power are adjusted by the machine to ensure a durable assembly. This assembly is carried out during the implementation of welding step S.

[0061] After the completion of the welding step (step S), a report preparation step (step K) is carried out in order to issue a welding and traceability report for the welded components, with the aim of listing the two welded components and the welding conditions.

[0062] The welding process of the invention may also include pre-scraping steps on the tube 4 prior to step A. These pre-scraping steps are intended to prepare the surface of the tube 4 for the welding step with regard to the tube 4 scraping requirements. This process may also include pre-cleaning steps on the tube 4 and the accessory 5 or 6 prior to step C. These pre-cleaning steps are intended to prepare the surface of these components for the welding step with regard to the cleanliness requirements for each of these components.

[0063] The automated means of the measuring device are arranged to assist the operator during the implementation of at least one of the processes as described above. Specifically, they are programmed to allow the process to proceed to the next step as indicated, or conversely, to prevent it if the required condition is not met. These means may control all or part of the process steps. To this end, the device includes, on a recording medium, a computer program containing code instructions capable of controlling these steps when executed on the device.

[0064] Steps G and H of the welding process implementation method figure 5 These two steps can be implemented in the reverse order of that described previously. They can also be implemented concurrently. List of references

[0065] 1: Measuring device 2: Measuring element 3: Support for the measuring element 4: Polymer tube 5: Polymer sleeve 6: Polymer branch saddle 9: Data acquisition unit 20: Main body 21: Laser profilometry type sensor 22: UV fluorescence type sensor 23: Infrared thermometer 24: Transmitter 25: Power source 31: Ferrule 32: Arm 33: Clamping frame 34: Clamping lugs 35: Central part 36: Clamping rod 37: Band 38: Contact element 41: Portion of the tube weldable surface 51: Portion of the sleeve weldable surface 61: Portion of the saddle weldable surface Step A: Determination of respective values ​​relating to the roughness of the tube and the accessory Step B: Comparisons related to the roughness of the tube and the accessory Step C: Determination of respective values ​​relating to the cleanliness of the tube and accessory step D: comparisons related to tube cleanliness andAccessory step E: measurement of respective values ​​relating to the temperature of the tube and the accessory; step F: comparisons related to the temperature values ​​of the tube and the accessory; step G: mounting of the accessory on the tube; step H: determination of the amount of energy required for welding; step I: scraping of a previously unscraped portion of the tube and / or replacement of the accessory; step J: cleaning of the surface of the tube and / or the surface of the accessory; step K: issuance of a welding and traceability report; step S: welding; steps Z1, Z2, Z3: blocking of the process by automated means

Claims

1. A device (1) for measuring the surface condition of a polymer component (4, 5, 6), comprising: - a measuring member (2) comprising at least one sensor (21, 22, 23) suitable for measuring at least one item of data relating to the surface condition of the component (4, 5, 6) and at least one transmitter (24) suitable for transmitting the data from the sensor (21, 22, 23), and - a support (3) for the measuring member (2) comprising means for mounting on the component (4, 5, 6), characterized in that the support comprises a ferrule (31) for mounting on the component (4, 5, 6), the measuring member being suitable for being driven in rotation about the longitudinal axis of the component such that the sensor is able to scan the surface of the component over 360°.

2. A device (1) for measuring the surface condition of a polymer component (4, 5, 6), comprising: - a measuring member (2) comprising at least one sensor (21, 22, 23) suitable for measuring at least one item of data relating to the surface condition of the component (4, 5, 6) and at least one transmitter (24) suitable for transmitting the data from the sensor (21, 22, 23), and - a support (3) for the measuring member (2) comprising means for mounting on the component (4, 5, 6), characterized in that the support comprises a clamping frame (33) around said component (4, 5, 6), the measuring member being suitable for being driven in a translational movement and a rotational movement, both relative to the longitudinal axis of the component, such that the sensor is able to scan the surface of the component over 360°.

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor (21, 22, 23) is selected from the list consisting of: a laser profilometry-type sensor (21), a UV fluorescence-type sensor (22), and an infrared spectrometer-type sensor.

4. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first sensor is of the laser profilometry type (21) and a second sensor is of the UV fluorescence type (22).

5. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first sensor is of the laser profilometry type (21) and a second sensor is of the infrared spectrometer type.

6. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring member (2) comprises an infrared thermometer (23).

7. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a wireless power source (25) configured to supply power to the sensor (21, 22) and / or to the transmitter (24).

8. A control assembly comprising a measuring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a data acquisition unit (9).

9. Use of a control assembly according to claim 8 for carrying out a process for verifying polymer components (4, 5, 6) prior to welding or for carrying out a process for welding polymer components (4, 5, 6).