Condition of packaging

Unbroken

Opened but electrodes

left in packet

Electrodes exposed

outside the packet

Max. storage time

Unlimited

Storage and handling of Elga cored wires.

12 h

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.

Storage:

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

• If welding is conducted in an environment that

is subject to snow, rain, marine conditions or dust,

covered wire feed units should be used.

• During outdoor usage, or when used in unheated

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.

• If the wire is to be put back in storage, the spool

shall be protected with its plastic bag, or equivalent.

Scrapping

• If traces of rust/corrosion are found on the wire

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.

252