Efficient flame heating before welding and cutting

In addition, in some cases, pre-heating is even recommended before cutting. There are a number of different methods used for pre-heating, each with specific advantages and disadvantages. In this article we will take an in-depth look at how the somewhat forgotten method of pre-heating works, and consider the strengths and weaknesses associated with it.

In many cases, an improvement in the mechanical properties of steel mean it is more susceptible to cold cracks during welding. The occurrence of cold cracks is linked to:

• The chemical composition of the base material and weld metal
• Thickness of plate
• The weld metal's hydrogen content
• Heat input/ Internal stress levels
• Voltage levels

The micro-structure of the weld metal is significantly affected by a combination of the heat Chemical, composition and thickness.

A wide range of factors may lead to the formation of cracks, including the choice of material, design, choice of welding process and parameters (heat input, fillers, gas and/or powder with low hydrogen content), management of the welding process and pre-/post-heating carried out.

This article focuses on flame heating as a means of method for reducing the risk of cold cracks during welding (and cutting). Pre-heating reduces the rate of cooling (affecting the structural change, for example, by reducing the proportion of martensite as well as the hardness of weld metal and HAZ). Pre-heating also reduces the hydrogen content (this can also be done through PWHT).

For ferritic steel, refer to the guidelines in EN 1011-2: 2001. Typical temperatures for a selection of materials:

• CMn- and HSS 50-150°C
• Creep resistant steel: 75-200 °C
• Tool steel: 200-350°C

As there is a wide variety, it is best to consult with your steel supplier in order to obtain the correct preheating recommendations. What is less well known is that certain materials, for example, HARDOX, sometimes need to be pre-heated prior to cutting.

In combination with oxygen, the temperature may reach up to around 2,800 °C. The temperature is more evenly distributed in the flame than when acetylene is used, although heating is not as precise. LPG is recommended for heating thicker weld metals. There is a 4:1 blend ratio of oxygen to LPG, which significantly increases oxygen consumption in addition to noise levels. The large flame also results in an increased thermal load on the operator.

It is not realistic to use compressed air rather than oxygen in the LPG flame, as the air flow will assume massive proportions. However, this is a possibility for small torches.

Propylene and natural gas are also commercially available for heating purposes. Propylene (sometimes referred to as Thermolene, its trade name) shares many of the characteristics of LPG. However, the flame temperature is somewhat higher and less oxygen is used. Natural gas is practically accessible only when there is a connection to the natural gas network. The flame temperature is somewhat lower than when using LPG/oxygen.

In addition, there are a wide range of so-called Bunsen burners. These run on flammable gas and atmospheric air. What is common among them is that they often fail to provide the effect required for demanding heating applications.

There are a wide variety of heating torches available on the market. For straightforward applications, so-called burner inserts are attached to the existing torch. Nowadays however, there are special torches for heating purposes. There are both manual and mechanical torches, which can be tailored to every possible application.

Suitable for large-scale production, mechanized torches can be equipped with automatic ignition, wireless temperature monitoring and flame monitoring to ensure maximum safety. They come in sizes which can process up to around 30,000 litres of flammable gas per hour.

Manual torches come in a large number of different forms, for oxygen, compressed air and various flammable gases. There are also a wide variety of sizes available. The smallest torches, which consume a couple of hundred litres of flammable gas an hour, are suitable for small jobs, while the larger ones, processing up to 20,000 litres of gas per hour, are used to heat heavier plates and structures. When working with thinner metals or if a milder flame is required, oxygen/ODOROX can be replaced by compressed air.

Despite falling under the radar somewhat in the last few years, this application is still extremely useful and ought to be considered whenever there is a heating requirement. The benefits of the process are as follows:

• Excellent flexibility
• High efficiency grade
• Fast heating
• Low investment cost
• The flammable gas used can be adapted to the requirements of the job

Read about LINDOFLAMM Flame Solutions at this link.

Naturally, there are also disadvantages:

• The gas supply must be dimensioned to the consumption. The gasification capacity of gas cylinders used must be taken into account, and the number of acetylene packages connected must be adjusted to the size of the torches.
• Safety. Training is required in order to ensure optimum safety and performance when performing the application.

Heating with acetylene/compressed air provides moisture-free surfaces and, if necessary, an increased working temperature.