FILARC flux - Esab

FILARC flux- andmetal- coredwelding wiresFILARC low-hydrogen coredwires, continuedContents page 4Previous pageNext pagedependable performance over the completerange of applicable parameters.Another important feature is the resistanceto moisture reabsorption. Moisture pick-upcan take place during long term storage inthe original packaging (shelf life) and duringunprotected exposure on the shopfloorafter opening the packaging.Accelerated shelf life tests under anatmosphere of 80%RH and 26.6°C, a forEurope severe climatic condition equalingan air moisture content of 20mg/m3, revealan initial increase in hydrogen content flatteningout as exposure times lengthen, forboth packed and unpacked wire.Evidently, this condition is unrealisticallysevere. Under normal warehouse conditionsshelf life is regarded as practicallyunlimited, whereas moisture pick-up onthe shopfloor is minimal when care is takento return partly used spools to theiroriginal packaging (see storage recommendations).The sensitivity to the air moisture contentduring welding is tested in a climate roomunder atmospheric conditions of 8, 20 and35mg moisture/m3. The latter equals anextreme tropical condition. As may beexpected from a gas shielded cored wire,PZ 6138 is practically insensitive to the airmoisture content.The same applies to PZ6125. For comparison,a 8016-G basic MMA electrode hasbeen tested as well, showing a substantialincrease in weld metal hydrogen content.The above diagrams reveal why FILARCPZ6138 has earned an excellent reputationin offshore fabrication and plays a keyrole in QA programmes aiming at crackfreewelding without, or with minimal preheating.Hydrogen parameter envelope for FILARCPZ6138/1.2mm in Ar/20%CO 2 .Accelerated shelf life tests for PZ6138/1.2 exposedpacked and unpacked (80%RH/ 26.6°C).Influence of absolute air moisture content duringwelding for FILARC PZ6138, PZ6125 and anE8016-G MMA electrode.24