3 Welding Tips For Purge Equipment
Welding is one of the most important professions in the United States. In fact, the American Welding Society reports that welding affects more than 50% of the products made in America today. Also according to the American Welding Society, there are more than 500,000 welders employed in the United States. But the job isn’t an easy one, and there are a lot of things that one must know, like when to use purging equipment for welding and welding jobs.
Purge equipment such as plate clamps and argon purge monitors help keep track of how much oxygen is present during the welding process, ensuring a secure, lasting weld. But if you’re new to welding and are uncertain about purging, or what to do when you have to purge, it can be overwhelming. There are a lot of things to keep track of. So, to assist the newcomer, here is a short list of important tips to keep in mind.
Why Do We Purge?
Before we talk about tips for using purging equipment for welding, it’s important to understand why a welder purges at all. Purging uses inert gases to flush away oxygen during the welding process, which prevents oxidation from occurring at the welding joint. It is typically performed with argon.
With that basic definition, here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Use only the best equipment Double check all your hoses and hose connections before starting the purging process. You want to avoid absolutely any leakage. When purchasing purging equipment, always get the best hoses possible. You also want to ensure you’re using the best possible gas, which is called Five Nines Argon. It is 99.999% Argon, and 0.001% oxygen (10 ppm max).
- Avoid Tape If Possible Don’t use tape, especially normal masking tape or duct tape, to seal any gaps. If you must use tape in the process, be sure you have one specifically designed for the procedures, like purging tape. Be careful to ensure it’s sealed tight and that there is no adhesive facing into the root gap.
- Use a Purge Monitor A Weld Purge Monitor is an important piece of purging equipment for welding. It takes samples of the air above the purge inlet. You want to attach it to the exhaust line and continue using it there until the oxygen levels fall below at least 100 ppm. Do not use an oxygen monitor, as they are calibrated to read oxygen at atmospheric pressure. The best Purge Monitors are designed to read at the 100 or 10 ppm levels, depending on which is selected.
These are just three tips for the aspiring welder to keep in mind when beginning their purging education. For more information on getting the right gear for the job, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.