Span gas cylinder online shop UK: Helium / argon mixtures are sometimes used for their higher heat characteristics. Gas mixtures, usually 25% helium and 75% argon are sometimes used and can help to increase travel speeds when AC – gas tungsten arc welding. Mixtures of more than 25% helium for AC – gas tungsten arc welding are used, but not often, as they can tend to produce instability, under certain circumstances, in the AC arc. Pure helium or high percentages of helium (He-90%, Ar-10%) shielding gas are used primarily for gas tungsten arc machine welding with direct current electrode negative (DCEN). Often designed as seam welders, the combination of GTAW – DCEN and the high heat input from the gas used can provide fast welding speeds and outstanding penetration. This configuration is sometimes used to produce full penetration butt welds, welded from one side only, onto temporary baking with no vee-groove preparation, just a square edged plate.

Why is argon the specialist gas of choice when welding? In the manufacturing industry, when welding you know the importance of shielding gases. But do you know some gases are more preferable than others? More importantly, do you know why? The entire purpose of shielding gases is to prevent the welding area from atmospheric elements. Such exposure could leave you with a sub-optimal weld. If elements do come into contact with the welding area, it can reduce the overall quality which could jeopardise the whole operation.

Of course the right shielding gas is not the only consideration – your safety when using high-pressure cylinders is also paramount. It’s important to go to a reputable company to rent your shielding gases, so you can be sure strict standards are met and cylinders comply with regulations. Renting a cylinder from WSD (weldingsuppliesdirect.co.uk) gives you peace of mind. You know it is well maintained and renting can also be more cost effective. Find out why it’s good to rent. It’s also a priority to use the right safety equipment such as helmets and gloves, which you can also find through WSD (weldingsuppliesdirect.co.uk). See extra info at Calibration Gas Suppliers.

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. There are no rental charges on the cylinders. A large range of Calibration Gas regulator(s) are available from stock. Carry cases to compliment the cylinders are also available. The cylinders are non-refillable.

Exposure to gases may be measured according to the methodology defined in BS EN ISO 10882-2: 2000. Health and safety in welding and allied processes – Sampling of airborne particles and gases in the operator’s breathing zone – Part 2: Sampling of gases. Exposure measurement may be used to verify compliance with regulations, identify a need for exposure control or to identify faults with existing control systems. Source: www.weldingsuppliesdirect.co.uk.