Condition of packaging
Unbroken
Opened but electrodes
left in packet
Electrodes exposed
outside the packet
Storage and handling of Elga cored wires.
Max. storage time
Unlimited
Storage:
1. Cored wires shall be stored in their original,
undamaged packaging under properly maintained
climatic conditions of 10-30°C and relative humidity
as low as possible, maximum 80%.
2. Packaging shall not be placed directly on the floor,
but on a wooden pallet or equivalent, at a distance
of at least 10 cm from the ground and outside wall.
3. Transportation to and from the storage place
shall be carried out in covered vehicles and direct
exposure to rain and snow avoided.
12 h
4h
For type 2 electrodes in type A packaging the following recommendation is given:
During the working period, keep the electrodes in
heated portable canisters at a minimum temperature
of 70 °C. After the work period, store the remaining
electrodes in a heated storage cabinet. This recommendation is also valid for electrodes in opened
package type B, if the electrodes are not likely to be
consumed within the times specified above.
Storage of cored wires outside the original
packaging.
When the wire has been taken out of the original
packaging, it can be stored in normal heated premises, (workshop etc.), for up to 5 days.
Re-drying
Rutile electrodes, type 1, which show any signs of
damage from moisture pick-up (poor arc stability,
heavy spatter, poor slag detachability) can be redried at around 90 °C for 1 h in order to restore
welding characteristics.
Basic coated C-Mn and low alloy electrodes (type 2)
are normally re-dried at a temperature of around 350
°C for 1-2 h, in order to reach a hydrogen content
of the level 4-10ml/100g weld metal as given in
the data sheet. The guiding rule is to follow the redrying instructions in the data sheet or on the label.
Re-drying should be limited to 5 cycles.
To obtain an extremely low hydrogen level, i.e.
<4ml/100g, it is possible in certain cases to redry at higher temperatures than 350 °C. However,
under these circumstances Elga must be contacted
first for detailed instructions, otherwise there is a
risk that the coating can be damaged. Normally
this will reduce the maximum allowed number of
re-drying cycles.
5-15ºC <60% RH
15-25ºC <50% RH
> 25ºC <40% RH
Handling
•Ifweldingisconductedinanenvironmentthat
is subject to snow, rain, marine conditions or dust,
covered wire feed units should be used.
•Duringoutdoorusage,orwhenusedinunheated
workshops or premises, the wire should be moved
to a dry, heated storage area when not in use for a
period of 8 hours or more.
•Ifthewireistobeputbackinstorage,thespool
shall be protected with its plastic bag, or equivalent.
Scrapping
•Iftracesofrust/corrosionarefoundonthewire
surface, this indicates that the wire has not been
stored or handled correctly. A wire with rust traces
should be scrapped.
If there is any suspicion that the wire has not been
stored correctly, Elga recommends that the wire be
SCRAPPED.
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