ESAB Submerged Arc Welding

Storage and Handling of Fluxes

Storage

  • Unopened flux bags must be stored in maintained storage conditions as follows:
       Temperature: 68°F, +/- 18°F (20°C, +/- 10°C)
       Relative humidity: As low as possible - not exceeding 60% max.
  • Fluxes should not be stored longer than 3 years.
  • The content of unheated flux hoppers must, after an 8 hours shift, be placed in a drying cabinet or heated ?ux hopper at a temperature of 300°F, +/- 45°F (150°C +/- 25°C).
  • Remaining flux from unopened bags must be placed at a temperature of 300°F, +/- 45°F (150°C +/- 25°C).

Re-Cycling

  • Moisture and oil must be removed from the compressed air used in the re-cycling system.
  • Addition of new flux must be done with the proportion of at least one part new ?ux to one parts re-cycled ?ux.
  • Foreign material, such as millscale and slag, must be removed by a suitable system, such as sieving or magnetic separator.

Re-Drying

  • When handled and stored as above, the ESAB ?uxes can normally be used straight away.
  • In severe applications, stipulated by the applicable material speci?cation, re-drying of the ?ux is recommended.
  • Furthermore, if the flux has somehow picked up moisture, redrying can return the ?ux to its original moisture content.
  • Re-drying shall be performed as follows:
       Agglomerated ?uxes: 570°F, +/- 45°F (300°C +/- 25°C) for about 2-4 hours.
       Fused ?uxes: 390°F, +/- 90°F (200°C +/- 50°C) for about 2-4 hours.
  • Re-drying must be done either in equipment that turns the flux so that the moisture can evaporate easily or in an oven on shallow plates with a flux height not exceeding 2 in (5 cm).
  • Re-dried flux, not immediately used, must be stored at 300°F, +/- 45°F (150°C +/- 25°C) before use.

Disposal

  • Discard any product, residue, disposable container or liner in an environmentally acceptable manner, in full compliance with federal and local regulations.
  • Please address your local disposal company for prescribed disposal.
  • Information on product and residues are given in the Safety Data Sheets available through www.esabna.com/msds.