Span gas bottle online shopping UK: Shielding Gas for Gas Metal Arc Welding: For GMAW the additions of helium range from around 25% helium up to 75% helium in argon. By adjusting the composition of the shielding gas, we can influence the distribution of heat to the weld. This, in turn, can influence the shape of the weld metal cross section and the speed of welding. The increase in welding speed can be substantial, and as labor costs make up a considerable amount of our overall welding costs, this can relate to a potential for significant savings. The weld metal cross section can also be of some consequence in certain applications.
Safety: While argon is a good fit for a variety of welding jobs, it can be a safety risk. As with any gas work, there are steps to take to prevent causing an accident. Argon is stored in high-pressure tanks, and although its inert qualities mean that it doesn’t easily react to other chemicals, it is essential to be fully trained in handling and transporting gases to minimise the risk of accidents and hazards. The risk of gas leaking or spilling needs to be taken seriously; gas should be stored in a well-ventilated room. Argon is colourless and odourless so ensuring ventilation is available and that tanks are sealed adequately is critical.
WSD (weldingsuppliesdirect.co.uk) supplies a wide range of shielding gases specifically designed to optimise performance in particular conditions. In vehicle repair and manufacturing, argon-based gas mixtures are commonly used to MIG weld carbon and low alloy steels. Argoshield Light is one of those choices. It’s ideal if you are welding thinner carbon steel ranging from 0.6 to 5mm in thickness. The addition of oxygen to Argoshield increases arc stability to minimise spatter and fast weld speeds with its low heat input reduce distortion. So it’s perfect for our earlier example where the components of a car are being painted or powder coated after welding. See extra info on Gas Bump.
The normal gas for TIG welding is argon (Ar). Helium (He) can be added to increase penetration and fluidity of the weld pool. Argon or argon/helium mixtures can be used for welding all grades. In some cases, nitrogen (N2) and/or hydrogen (H2) can be added to achieve special properties. For instance, the addition of hydrogen gives a similar, but much stronger, effect as adding helium. However, hydrogen additions should not be used for welding martensitic, ferritic or duplex grades. Alternatively, if nitrogen is added, the weld deposit properties of nitrogen alloyed grades can be improved. Oxidizing additions are not used because these destroy the tungsten electrode. Zero calibration gas is a gas that does not contain flammable gas. You will need this gas in the calibration of analyser’s or gas detectors. Span calibration gases are a more advanced type of calibration gas. They contain a more precise total make up of detectable gases.
Nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) are known collectively as nitrous gases (NOx). They can be generated by oxidation of nitrogen in the air by heat from an arc or flame. Chemical Hazard Alert Notices (CHANs) were issued in UK in 2003, withdrawing the exposure limits of NO and NO2 because they were not considered to be adequate to protect occupational health. New exposure limits of 1ppm 8-hour TWA have been recommended for each gas. Source: weldingsuppliesdirect.co.uk.