Water-Soluble Purge Paper, Dams & Film

Water-soluble purge products let you build a purge dam inside the pipe, weld, then flush it away with water — nothing to retrieve from the line. We supply three Aquasol options: EZ Purge preformed purge dams for standard pipe sizes, water-soluble purge paper and tape (often called welding rice paper or dam paper) for custom shapes, and Liquifilm transparent purge film.

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Purge dams, purge paper or purge film?

EZ Purge damsPurge paper & tapeLiquifilm
Best forRepeat work on standard pipe sizesOne-off diameters, ducts, irregular openingsCustom dams where you want to see placement
Sizes1/2 to 84 in. pipeSheets, rolls and 1–2 in. tape1 m x 20 m rolls
Set-upPeel, insert and pressCut, shape and tapeCut, fold and tape
RemovalDissolves in water or steam after welding

How far from the weld should the dam sit?

Pipe sizeDistance from weld joint
2–8 in. (51–203 mm)6 in. (152 mm)
10–22 in. (254–559 mm)8 in. (203 mm)
24–36 in. (610–914 mm)12 in. (305 mm)
40 in. and up24 in. (610 mm)

Or the distance your project engineer specifies.

Frequently asked questions

What is welding rice paper?

“Rice paper” and “dam paper” are welders’ names for water-soluble purge paper. Aquasol’s is made from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and wood pulp and dissolves in water after welding.

How do I remove a water-soluble purge dam?

Flush the line with water or steam, for example during the hydro-test. The dam dissolves, so nothing has to be pulled out of the pipe.

Do I still need an oxygen monitor?

Yes, if your procedure sets an oxygen limit. A dam contains the purge; a weld purge monitor confirms it has reached the limit before you weld.

Guide: Purge paper vs purge dams: which should you use?

Request a quote or call 1-866-277-0661.