Aquasol Water Soluble Paper & Tape for Purge Gas Barriers

Biodegradable, Low-Permeability Purge Paper & Tape for TIG Pipe Welding

Aquasol Water Soluble Paper & Tape provides a simple, flexible way to build custom purge dams directly inside pipe during TIG welding. Made from sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose and wood pulp, this purge paper forms a low-air-permeability barrier that helps retain noble shielding gases such as argon and helium right at the weld zone — reducing gas use and improving joint quality.

Unlike traditional rigid purge systems that must be set far from the weld and are costly or labor-intensive, Aquasol’s product lets welders place dams close to the weld and tailor them to pipe diameter. When hydro-testing or cleaning is complete, the material dissolves quickly in water or steam, leaving no residue behind.

This product page is for rolls of paper for cutting to size, as well as pre-cut sheets.

Key Features:

Excellent Purge Gas Barrier

• Low air-permeable material helps retain shielding gas at the root during TIG pipe welding.

• Works for both stainless steel and aluminum pipe.

• Customizable to any pipe diameter or joint configuration.

Biodegradable & Safe

• Made from sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose and wood pulp — no plastics, no toxic components.

• EPA and CE approved for safety and environmental compliance.

• 100% biodegradable and leaves no residue after dissolution.

Easy to Use

• Paper can be cut, scored and shaped by hand to create a purge dam that fits pipe schedules and sizes.

• Secures with water-soluble tape, which reactivates with moisture for airtight sealing.

• Quick dissolution with hot or cold water during hydro-testing or cleaning.

Cost-Efficient

• Placing purge dams close to the weld zone reduces inert gas consumption versus distant fixed purge chambers.

• Flexible sizing eliminates the need for multiple rigid purge fixtures.

Typical Uses / Applications

• TIG welding purge of stainless steel pipe and tubing.

• TIG welding purge of aluminum pipe and fittings.

• Fabrication, repair, and construction requiring high root quality control.

• Nuclear, petrochemical, and food & beverage process piping with hygiene requirements.

• Situations where purge material should leave no trace after welding or testing.

How It Works (Simplified)

1. Trace & Cut — Press the paper inside the pipe to mark the inner diameter, trim to size.

2. Slit — Score radial slots (~1″–2″) so the dam conforms to pipe curve.

3. Place & Tape — Position inside pipe and secure with water-soluble tape.

4. Activate Tape — Moisten tape area to reactivate adhesive and create airtight seal.

5. Purge & Weld — Introduce noble gas and weld.

6. Dissolve — After welding or during hydro-test, flush with water/steam to dissolve paper and tape.

Options Available: