Important to Take Care of While
Welding Steel Pipes
Some precautions to be taken while welding pipes, otherwise
it will hazard the welding process and pipes as well. Welding
process differs significantly depending upon the shape, material
specification of steel pipe.
Some kinds of steel necessitate pre-heating and pre-cooling in order
to ensure crack and burst. MIG and TIG are the most reliable and
effective tools for welding pipes besides propane torch. As we know
that heat forms quickly on steel pipe, so the pipe gets hot enough
to spawn burns in a short while. Purging with argon gas is the most
critical part of welding steel pipes, this method is conducive to
safeguarding the backside and inside of the pipes.
You make sure that there should not be even a small amount of water
else it will thwart purging.
Make a vent into the upper part of the pipe and fill it with argon
gas that will dispel water that accumulates in the pipe.
It is tremendously important to check the flow of argon gas, because
the higher flow of purge gas does not mean that welding process gets
quicker than a lower flow rate. More gas flow is not always useful,
it sometimes devastates the purging work. So much gas is as bad as
little gas. Set the rate of gas flow about 15 to 20 cfh, that
actually depends on nozzle diameter.
Leaving the gap of 1/16th inch for weld between the two pipes is
recommendable. Checking the quality of weld is the most important
factors. If the weld gets oxidized, it gets infirm and may
contaminate the product, and the repair of the oxidized pipe is
expensive. Therefore stop oxidation by eliminating oxygen in the
first place with the help of purging gas that is heavier than air.
Purging gas not only removes oxygen but also protects the welded
joint unless it cools off. It is crucial to keep oxygen below 70ppm
in order to avoid damage to the weld.
It is advisable to heat up the end of the pipe, that will facilitate
the welding process. Welding rods and solders are essential
materials, generally used to bond during welding. Make sure that you
should melt the welding rod onto the joint of the pipe. Propane
torch is effective method to solder the joint. The entire area of
the pipe joint should be covered during welding. Let the welded
joint cool up. Eventually check out the soundness of the joint by
exerting pressure on welded area of the pipe. Welding stainless
steel pipe requires heat control that needs patience.
