External Industrial Electric Tank Heating

epoxy laminated panel heaters
Epoxy laminated panel heater installation.
If you’re looking for an excellent external tank heating solution you may want to consider epoxy laminated panel heaters (ELPs). The heaters provide a low watt density heating profile, and along with their inherent low mass,  ELPs provide excellent thermodynamic performance.

These electric heating panels use a flat foil resistive element laminated in a multi-layer fiberglass “sandwich” using epoxy resin. Manufactured under tightly controlled heat and pressure to assure bonding and structural integrity, the resulting heater is a water-proof and durable semi-flexible heating panel.

Epoxy laminated panels are used in a variety of applications, from freeze protection to process heating. They are used on either vertical or horizontal metallic or non-metallic tanks with diameters of 48" and above. They are also applied in dry or wet areas, corrosive environments, and carry FM approval for hazardous area use.

No special tools or skills are required, so they are quick and easy to install. Typically the ELPs are installed by banding them to the tank with metal bands or polyester straps, taking just a few minutes. After installation, adhesive aluminum tape should be applied to the edges of the heaters to act as a seal, preventing thermal insulation becoming trapped between the heating panels and the tank.

For more information contact:

HotfoilEHS
2960 East State Street Ext.
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone # 609.588.0900
Fax # 609.588.8333
www.hotfoilehs.com
Email: dap@hotfoilehs.com

240 Volt Dual Electronic Thermostat Tank Heating System Controller

The fiberglass enclosure is UL/CSA listed for use in NEMA 4, 4X, 12 and 13 environments. Employing two electronic controllers, the assembly can be used for a variety of tank and pipe heating applications requiring reliable control. Components carry UL, CSA, and CE approval with internal wiring that is NEC and IEEE compliant. The complete assembly can be provided with a UL/CUL approval stamp per customer request.

All Stainless Heat Treat Power Consoles

Hotfoil-EHS Stainless Steel Power Consoles
Hotfoil-EHS Stainless Steel Power Consoles
Power consoles are standardly offered in 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 zone configurations with a variety of control and recording systems. All Hotfoil-EHS Power Consoles are available in Stainless Steel and can be customize to your requirements.

With decades of experience in challenging applications, and thousands of successful installations, Hotfoil-EHS maintains their well deserved reputation as the highest quality and most competitively priced manufacturer of heat treat power consoles in the world.

Freeze Protection and Temperature Maintenance for Metallic & Non-Metallic Tanks and Vessels

Hotfoil ELP heating panel construction
Hotfoil ELP heating panel construction.
With winter around the corner, manufacturing plants need to consider the possibility of freezing or low process temperatures effecting outdoor storage tanks and transfer vessels. The most common approach is to install electric heating panels on the outer surface of these tanks and vessels to prevent the contents from freezing. Lower than normal ambient temperatures can also have negative effects on the flow of liquids for a given process. In these situations it is important to maintain liquids at a constant temperature. Electric heating panels are easy to install on tanks and vessels and provide the flexibility to heat a large area of the tank surface. They can also be used to target heat to specific areas on a tank.

Typical Hotfoil ELP heating panel placement
Typical Hotfoil ELP
heating panel placement
Hotfoil ELP heating panels are suitable for installation on metallic tanks and vessels for freeze protection or process temperature maintenance up to 79°C/175°F. They incorporate flat foil resistive elements that are laminated by heat and pressure in a multi-layer fiberglass construction with epoxy resin. The resulting electric heater design is a semi-flexible panel that is waterproof and durable. They are used in a variety of heating applications spanning from freeze protection to process heating with exposure temperatures ranging from -40 F to +212 F.

ELP heating panels can be used on either vertical or horizontal tanks with diameters of 48" and above, with either metallic or non-metallic construction.  They can be used in dry, wet, or corrosive environments, are available in 120 and 240 volts, and are approved for hazardous and non-hazardous areas.

For more information, visit www.hotfoilehs.com or call 609.588.0900

Fusion45: New Rugged Induction Heater Improves Weld Quality

Welding Induction Heater
New Welding Induction Heater
Heat treating isn’t done in a laboratory, or a clean room. Applications are out in the real world, where dirt, grease and grime are normal. Hotfoil’s new induction heater is designed to work in the toughest conditions, and continue to run shift after shift.

Induction heating works very quickly, and since there is no contact with the target piece, there are far less concerns about part contamination. Many industrial processes use induction heating when very high temperatures and uniform control is desired.

Pre and post-weld heat treating (stress relieving) is a growing market for induction heating systems because it offers significant benefits such as excellent heat placement and distribution, lower cycle times, safety, ease of use, and efficiency.

Induction heating can improve your bottom line by decreasing weld failures, and decreasing setup and tear down times. The technology allows for accurate temp control, without heavy electrical service or complicated controls. The portability and ease of use will allow you to heat more welds faster.

Check out the new Hotfoil-EHS Fusion45 Induction Heater:

Important Event: Canweld Expo

On October 4th and 5th Canada's largest welding, fabricating, and metal finishing conference is taking place in Edmonton, Alberta.

The CanWeld Expo is described as "the only Canadian-made major exhibition dedicated to welding, metal fabricating and finishing. Held in partnership with the Canadian Welding Bureau’s award-winning CanWeld Conference, this annual event will visit the centre of Alberta’s manufacturing heartland – Edmonton. This location also aims to service the region’s active oil & gas, petrochemical, agriculture and general manufacturing supply chains."

Hofoil-EHS will in exhibiting as a guest of Stein Industries in London, Ontario. Stein will be exhibiting its high quality, custom designed, affordable induction heaters built to withstand harsh environments with wide applications.

This is a great opportunity to see major welding equipment vendors and new technologies being introduced. If you plan on being at CanWeld, please stop by the Stein Industries at booth 820 in the Main Hall.

Diagram of Equipment for Typical Weld Heat Treating

weld preheat console in use
Weld preheat
console in use
Weld preheating involves heating a section of, or the entire part, to a specific desired temperature, generally referred to as the preheat temperature.

The heating may or may not continue during welding, dependent on the heat generated by the arc. The goal is to maintain a certain temperature from the first weld pass to the last.

Preheating produce several very beneficial effects, including producing a more ductile metallurgical structure that cracks less, helps in releasing trapped hydrogen, and reduces stress cracking during cooling.

It is always recommended that you should consult with weld heating experts and learn the fundamentals of this process in order to avoid costly errors in preparation or wasting money on the using the wrong equipment.



Here is a very general diagram of the typical welding pre-heat equipment layout.


For more information, visit HotfoilEHS.com or call 609.588.0900

Industrial Heat Treating: Gas Train Basics

Industrial Heat Treating Burners
Industrial Heat Treating Burners
The item on gas fired heat treating equipment that produces and controls the heat is generally referred to as the “Gas Train.” Its job is to properly and safely mix the fuel / air together and cause combustion.

The combustion provides the thermal energy to heat the workpieces in an oven or furnace to the desired temperature.  The gas train can be broken down into several major components. The major parts of a gas train are:

Blower:

Industrial Heat Treating Gas Train
Industrial Heat Treating Gas Train
The blower introduces and mixes atmospheric air with the available fuel to create combustion. Blowers come in many sizes and velocities to accommodate the combustion required for the work. Common blower sizes are 10HP and 15HP motor and can move up to 2200 cubic feet/minute.

Regulator

Regulates the total volume of fuel available to the burner and available to mix with the combustion air.

Control System

Gas Train Control System
Gas Train Control System
Includes regulating valves and ignition control system. The control system's primary purpose is to control the volume of fuel to the burner, assure that proper gas pressure is available, monitor for the presence of flame, and provide alarms and shutdown in the event of flameout or loss of fuel supply. Safety is paramount for gas trains, so many safety components are designed in the control system. Examples are redundant pilot and main valves, UV sensors, high and low gas pressure switches, power/kill switches, master/slave controllers, warning lights, and purge components to expel gas from the system.

Ignition System and Transformer

Provides the required voltage to create an arc sufficient to light the burner. The ignition system is used to ignite the fuel / air mix - once the ignition takes place, the ignition system is no longer active. Electrical system includes circuit breakers for high and low voltage, starter contactors with over-load, and 750vA transformers for low voltage side.

High Velocity Nozzle Burners

Where the mix of fuel and air combusts and expels a high velocity / high BTU flame as the thermal energy source. Common sizes for burners are 6-10 million BTU, 3-6 million BTU, and 1 million BTU. Features commonly included are separate air and gas connections, UV hook-up, spark ignitors, ample lengths of air and gas hoses.

Watch the video below for a great visual on how a gas train works!


For more information, contact Hotfol-EHS at www.hotfoilehs.com or call 609.588.0900.

New Hotfoil-EHS Catalog Available for Download

Electric Heating Systems, Inc. (EHS), established in 1994 in Robbinsville, NJ, is a designer and supplier of turnkey, permanent low temperature heating systems for the electric power and tank fabricating industries. Later, this division's name was changed to Hotfoil, and the EHS division began manufacturing ceramic mat (pad) heaters, power consoles, and accessories for the heat treating industry.

Hotfoil-EHS is now a major manufacturer and producer of standard and custom designed industrial heat treating products with an exhaustive inventory including custom control panels, heat treating power consoles, cables and splitters, temperature recorders, thermocouple attachment units and pin guns.

Pre and Post-weld Stress Relief with Induction Heating

pre and post-weld stress relief
Induction heating is used to heat conductive materials. Developed in the early 20th century, it quickly became a popular choice for hardening military equipment parts during wartime. Because of induction heating’s controllability, speed and consistent output, its popularity continued to grow as new manufacturing and production methodologies were developed. Today, induction heating has become a popular technology for the welding industry to provide pre and post-weld stress relief.

Induction heating is unique because it uses molecular excitation as its source of heat, as opposed to open flames or external electric elements. Conduction heaters consist of a few primary components: An electromagnet and an electronic oscillator that passes a high-frequency alternating current (AC) through the electromagnet. RF (radio frequency) energy is transferred into the workpiece via electromagnetic waves. These alternating magnetic waves penetrate the object, creating electric eddy currents. These eddy currents (Foucault currents) flow through the target piece and produce heat. Its important to note that the heat is created from inside the object itself, with no open flame or external electric heat source.

Induction heating works very quickly, and since there is no contact with the target piece, there are far less concerns about part contamination.  Many industrial processes use induction heating when very high temperatures and uniform control is desired.

Pre and post-weld heat treating (stress relieving) is a growing market for induction heating systems because it offers significant benefits such as excellent heat placement and distribution, lower cycle times, safety, ease of use, and efficiency.

Induction heaters provide temperatures and cycle times hard to achieve otherwise. By virtue of their high temperature capabilities, very fast heat up times, precise application of heat, excellent controllability, and ease of setup / breakdown, the use of induction heating has been know to cut 30% to 50% of total weld cycle time in real-life welding applications.

For more information about induction heaters for pre and post-weld heat treating contact:

Hotfoil-EHS, Inc.
2960 East State Street Ext.
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone # 609.588.0900
Fax # 609.588.8333
www.hotfoilehs.com

Demand Pulse Welding: A Brief History

Demand Pulse Welder
Demand Pulse Welder
One of the oldest welding technologies still in use today is resistor controlled arc welding. The technology is old, but when combined with more modern controls, provides exceptionally high quality performance. Resistor controlled arc welding incorporates edge-wound resistors using a special current-controlling alloy.

From the 1930’s until 1990, nearly all Multiple Operator Systems were the same general layout – a big bulk power supply, with “grids” connected by means of cable to form a system of distributed power. Originally designed for use in shipyards, this system minimized the use of high voltage primary power, distributing 75-80 volts of secondary voltage instead.

Historically, the most common application of resistor controls has been in Multiple Operator Welding Systems, widely used in shipyards and heavy construction. Nearly all the Nuclear Electric Power Plants were built using Multiple Operator Systems.

Big Four Manufacturing Company of Saint Louis, Missouri, pioneered the concept of connecting Multiple Operator systems in a complete loop configuration. This LOOP concept greatly improved the voltage stability of  Multiple Operator systems, because with all the power connected to a single circuit, voltage drops were reduced or eliminated due to the nature of a DC circuit. In 1977, Big 4 Manufacturing introduced their innovative and very successful Series 77 Control.

After the Three Mile Island incident and the subsequent slowing of the Nuclear Power Industry, Big 4 decided it was in their best interest to expand into the general fabricating, refinery and petro-chemical markets. Their popular soft arc was great for most welding, but was inadequate on pipe root passes with 5P, then the most common method use for oil related pipe. To provide an arc better suited for pipeline, Big 4 devised a circuit to make their resistor grid “think” it was a Lincoln generator. They called this new system “Arc Ram”. Arc Ram worked beautifully with 5P and similar electrodes and led to the design of a MIG system which they called  Demand Pulse.

Not to be confused with ...

"Short-circuiting Metal Transfer" (Short Arc) welding was introduced by Linde in the late fifties for welding sheet metal. During the 1960s, short-arc became widely used, sometimes for the wrong applications. When using short-arc the wire can contact the molten weld pool resulting many times with the weld not fusing to the base metal. This is called a "cold lap". Cold lap associated with Short Arc became a reason why many welding shops won’t use “wire” welding processes on pressure welds. Unfortunately, mis-used Short Arc welding gave ALL GMAW welding on pressure welds a bad name.

Demand Pulse to the Rescue

Demand Pulse rarely extinguishes the arc. Metal transfers through the arc, and the arc’s are much shorter than those from Pulse Spray. The transfer occurs above the molten pool, so spatter doesn't explode from the puddle. It is a "constant current" process. The operator selects a base current, similar to some GMAW Pulse Spray applications, adjusts the wire feed speed to give the correct voltage, and begins to weld. Lower voltage will cause the puddle to freeze faster, higher voltage will cause the puddle to be more fluid.

In short arc, a current pulse is triggered by the short-circuit condition caused by the wire driving into the work piece. Demand Pulse forces the transfer to occur before short-circuit, at a voltage selected by the operator, above the weld pool. This has two important effects: the arc does not extinguish and the spatter level is greatly reduced because the molten tip of the wire does not contact the weld pool. Because the arc is not extinguished, cold laps are virtually eliminated.

Many reference books describe short arc as a "random pulse" method of welding. Random in the sense that the pulse is triggered as a function of wire feed speed. The faster the wire feed speed, the faster the short circuits (pulses). Demand Pulse is exactly the same, except it does not short!

This blog post was abstracted from a 2004 press release from Aftek Welders, the only remaining company providing resistor controlled welding machines, and parts supplier for all Multiple Operating Systems. You can read the full version of  "AFTEK – the Best Welders you never heard of…” here.

New Video Highlighting Custom Heat Treating Power Console Examples

This new video illustrates the variations in design and custom capabilities Hotfoil-EHS has for building specialized power consoles.  Special power requirements, corrosion-resistance, weather-proofing, custom paint or coatings, special control options and custom cable sets are all available from Hotfoil-EHS. Challenge them with your toughest heat treating requirement. You'll be pleasantly surprised with the response.

Hotfoil EHS Provides "The Heat" for Strong, New Tappan Zee Bridge

welding heat treating
The Tappan Zee Bridge stretches over the Hudson River and connects South Nyack, NY with Tarrytown, NY. The original bridge, completed in 1955, was only intended to last 50 years. Construction on a new, $3.9 billion replacement bridge started in 2013 and is scheduled for completion in 2018.

Hotfoil EHS is working closely with the bridge contractors supplying welding heat treating equipment. Large metal structures, such as bridge supports, pilings, and girders need careful pre-heating and post heating to ensure strong, lasting welds. Contractors on the Tappan Zee Bridge specified Hotfoil EHS power consoles, electric heaters, and thermocouples for their welding heat treating requirements.

welding heat treating
Clam shell heater.
Here are photos from the pre-heating of piling welds. The applications uses "clam shell" heaters with magnetic thermocouples. The clam shell heaters are named that because of their hinged design, making it easy to place them around large, round workpieces. The magnetic thermocouples are very convenient because the magnets keep them firmly in place and are quick to remove.

welding heat treating
Close-up of heater fastener.
A Hotfoil 6-way (six zones) power console is used to control the temperature of the workpiece by controlling the power provided to the clam shell heaters.

For more information, visit http://www.hotfoilehs.com.








welding heat treating
Piling with clam shell heater and
thermocouples installed.
   

welding heat treating
6 Way Power Console




Custom Heat Treating Power Consoles Solve Many Potential Field Problems

Weather-proof, Stainless Steel Power Console
Weather-proof, Stainless Steel
Power Console
Standard heat treating power consoles available from a variety of manufacturers pretty much cover the same set of basic welding requirements. In many field situations however, there can be unusual circumstances such as difficult locations, available power sources, and environmental concerns. In these situations custom manufactured power consoles will provide welding outcomes with fewer operational problems, higher quality output, and greater safety.

Standard power consoles are available 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and 36 zone configuration (zones are many times referred to as "way" such as 3 way console, 6 way console, 9 way console, etc.) Each zone provides a point of control. The type of control can vary depending on the requirement of the weld. Some zones only need simple on-off or proportional control. Some welding jobs require more sophisticated temperature control profiles, thus requiring tight control with temperature vs. time ramping. Additionally, these more sophisticated control requirements may also need data logging or recording for quality compliance. In many situations custom cable sets are required to deliver the heater power and thermocouples to the workpiece. A power console manufacturer should have the experience and knowledge to consult, recommend, and install whatever zone control and cabling requirements your job needs.

Power console and custom cable sets
Power console and
custom cable sets
The operating environment is another important consideration for power console customization. Standard power console cabinets are usually made from a medium gage sheet metal and painted with an industrial grade rust-resistant paint. While fine for relatively dry and non-corrosive atmospheres, these are subject to quick deterioration when moved into areas where higher than normal concentrations of salt, chlorine, or other corrosive gasses exist. In these situations, careful consideration of exposed materials needs to be applied. Perhaps an all stainless steel design is needed? Or maybe special corrosion resistant paints or epoxy resins should be specified? Or maybe you only need a special color paint? Working with a power console manufacturer who has the flexibility in their manufacturing process and experience on the floor to provide these options is preferred.

Custom painted power console
Custom painted
power console
Finally, look for a power console manufacturer who can handle unusual power system requirements. A manufacturer who can adapt their systems to unique voltages and current requirements is a big plus. Look for an equipment company that has experience and production capabilities for a wide variety of transformers - single or dual- and can even supply custom built transformers.

And of course, always try and find equipment built right here in the USA.

For more information on ANY welding power console, contact:

Hotfoil-EHS
2960 East State Street Ext.
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone # 609.588.0900
Fax # 609.588.8333
www.hotfoilehs.com
Email: dap@hotfoilehs.com


New Video on Ceramic Mat Heaters for Welding Heat Treating

Just a short video on Hotfoil EHS pre and post weld heat treating mat heaters (also known as pad heaters).

New Hotfoil EHS Welcome Video

We just introduced a new Hotfoil EHS Welcome video for our YouTube Channel. Check it out!

Ceramic Pre Weld and Post Weld Heaters Get The Heat to the Weldment Efficiently

Ceramic mat heaters
Ceramic mat heaters
The most important feature of a resistance heater is the ability to transfer the heat away from the resistance wire to the outer covering where it can be absorbed by the work piece. Even when accurately controlled, a poorly designed or poorly applied heater can cause the wire temperature to exceed the wires operational limits. Ceramic mat heaters, also known as ceramic pad heaters, are designed to produce more even and efficient heat transfer while maintaining maximum flexibility.

Design:

1) Sintered alumina oxide is formed into shapes and fired at precise temperatures to produce a ceramic insulator with a combination of high dielectric strength and efficient, fast heat transfer. This ceramic is also solid enough to withstand physical shock and resistance to oxidation and corrosion from a broad range of chemicals and atmospheres.

2) An accurately measured length of stranded nickel-chromium wire is precisely wound through the ceramic beads ensuring electrical isolation to produce a compact and flexible resistance heater. Suitable for operation at 2000 deg. F.

3) The resistance wire is then metallurgically bonded to a stranded nickel-copper wire to provide trouble free electrical continuity. The flexible stranded cold junction wire is connected to brass Twistlock connectors fitted with insulated sleeves. The cold junction extension leads are rated for 250 deg. C continuous temperature.

Ceramic mat heaters are efficient, time-tested, and proven heater technology in pre-weld and post weld heating, and are designed for the harsh realities of the welding environment.

For more information, contact:

Hotfoil-EHS, Inc.
2960 East State Street Ext.
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone # 609.588.0900
Fax # 609.588.8333
www.hotfoilehs.com

Use External Electric Heating Panels for Ease and Simplicity

ELP tank heater
ELP tank heater construction
When it comes to heating process tanks electrically, you have two options - immersion or externally mounted panels. Immersion heaters must penetrate the tank wall, or be placed of over-the-side in an open top tank. Both approaches add cost and/or safety considerations. Sometimes entry to the tank may not be possible at all.  A good alternative are electric heating panels.

One type of exterior heater design, the epoxy laminated panel (or ELP), is a very versatile tank heater. Possessing unique flexibility, ELP heating panels can be used in a variety of heating applications ranging from freeze protection to process heating up to 212 deg. F . These panels can be used on either vertical or horizontal tanks of metallic or non-metallic construction. They can be used in dry, wet, or corrosive environments in ordinary or approved hazardous locations.

ELP heating panels are quick and easy to install, require no special tools or skills. Heaters are usually installed by banding them to the tank with metal bands or polyester straps. Installation of several ELP heating panels takes only a few minutes.

Check out the following document for more information on the epoxy laminated panel heaters.

Large Scale Post Weld Heat Treating Project? Use a Custom Heat Treating Furnace

custom PWHT furnace
Custom PWHT furnace
As opposed to factory production, onsite production of large fabricated steel equipment could be the most cost-effective way to proceed on a large construction project. When you consider the costs of factory production, which includes complexities in permitting and approvals, logistics of materials and personnel, and most importantly transportation costs, the argument for onsite production starts to make sense.

The benefits of onsite fabrication of large vessels, heat exchangers, condensers, sections of pipe, spool pieces or any other large item are compelling.

They include:
custom PWHT furnace
Heated parts exiting furnace
  • Elimination of costly transport of large parts, including permitting and bureaucratic issues
  • Reduction of fabrication cost and time
  • Reduction of inspection and approval complexity
  • Close control over production 
  • Fabrication under local, consistent and watchful quality control methods
Onsite manufacturing is complex, and requires localized production equipment and know-how. All aspects of the fabrication process which include engineering, material logistics, material preparation, field heating, welding, post heat weld heat treatment, and testing must be carefully considered.

With regards to post weld heat treatment (PWHT), it is advantageous to have a large enough capability to do the stress relieving in one shot with a field erected heat treating furnace. The most common approach for large part PWHT is to place the fabricated part inside the furnace and heat it to the required temperature in a single firing, as per procedure. This is the most desirable type of PWHT because all parameters in the heating, soaking and cooling can be carefully controlled.  

custom PWHT furnace
Large field erected PWHT furnace

PWHT furnaces can be diesel, gas, or electrically fired, and can be built to accommodate very large work-pieces. Computer controls accurately ramp the item up to temperature, assure the required soak, and then cool the parts down according to specification.

Custom furnace designs range from smaller low through-put sizes, to much larger rail-driven furnaces designed to move back and forth over the materials being heated.  These larger furnaces may include crane wheels and drive systems, or even hydraulic lifting systems that lift the entire furnace for optimal transport and placement.

Large field erected PWHT furnace
Large field erected PWHT furnace with vessel entering
If you have any questions about custom PWHT furnaces, contact Hotfoil-EHS for a no obligation consultation. Hotfoil-EHS has years of experience in the engineering, design, fabrication, and commissioning of large scale post weld heat treating furnaces with many successful installations around the USA.

Hotfoil-EHS, Inc.
2960 East State Street Ext.
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone # 609.588.0900
Fax # 609.588.8333
www.hotfoilehs.com


Portable Hardness Testing for Field Welding

Hardness Testing Kit
Portable Hardness Testing Kit
Hardness testing is an easy and informative test to learn important information about material properties. For most general applications, hardness can be described as the property a material has to resist indentation. In welding, its important to measure hardness of welds for quality and material compliance.

Various methods and procedures are used to measure hardness. One method is to create a "dent" on a target material (under controlled conditions) and then carefully measure the resulting indentation. The indentation correlates directly to the hardness of the material. In very general terms, the smaller the mark, the harder the material, and the larger the indentation, the softer the material.

The Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) and Brinell testers are very popular. Brinell testing is done by pressing a perfectly spherical ball (10 mm in size) into a target material with a force of over 6600 lbs (3000kg to be exact) for a minimum of 10 seconds, and then measuring the resulting impression. After which, the size of the impression is measured by an optically scaled microscope positioned over the impression.

Laboratory Brinell testers are obviously impractical in the field, but portable, lightweight Brinell testers are available for weld hardness testing in the field. These portable testers are easily transported and simple to use.  No special training is required and in a few minutes anyone can learn to determine a Brinell Hardness Number accurately.

The accuracy of portable Brinell testers are done via NIST traceable test bars. The test bars are calibrated to a uniform hardness of ±3% of their labeled Brinell Hardness Number. Additionally, the microscopes used for measurement are capable of reading within .05 millimeters.

Typical Field Procedure

A test bar with a known BHN, and approximately the hardness of the target material to be tested, is chosen. The test bar is inserted into the Brinell test instrument and the instrument placed upon the specimen.  A steel impression ball, secured in the the head of the instrument, is in contact with both the test bar and the target material. Built-in to the test instrument is an anvil, which is then struck sharply with a hammer. Via the impression ball, the impact of the hammer, regardless of force, is transmitted equally to the test bar and to the target material, leaving marks in both. The diameters of the resulting indentations are directly related to the respective hardnesses of the test bar and the specimen.  The bar is removed from the test instrument and the microscope is positioned over the appropriate indentation.  The impression in the specimen metal is measured in the same manner and the hardness is determined.

For more information on portable Brinell Harness Test kits, contact:

Hotfoil-EHS, Inc.
2960 East State Street Ext.
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone # 609.588.0900
Fax # 609.588.8333
www.hotfoilehs.com


Postweld Heat Treatment

Welding sparks from process involving postweld heat treatment
Some welding operations require postweld heat treatment
Welding is a process of joining materials, usually metal or thermoplastic, by causing a fusion at the junction of two or more physical parts. The fusion is accomplished through the creation of specific conditions at, and adjacent to, the joint area. Welding is a heat based process, but there are other heat based processes used for joining metals. The welding process differs from lower temperature joining operations, such as soldering or brazing, that do not require melting of the base metal.

There are numerous welding methods, as well as specific procedures that are applicable to different metal alloys and intended use of the finished product. Some of these procedures involve controlled heating and/or cooling of the weld and the closely adjacent area of the parts being joined. This is generally termed heat treatment, and more specifically, preheating and postweld heat treatment.

Heat treatment, in any form, is a time consuming and costly operation. Strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, and residual stress of the joint are all impacted by the proper application of heat treatment. Many application codes and standards require specific protocols for heat treating, which is utilized to achieve a specific resulting condition in the subject material or to restore material characteristics altered by production processes such as welding.

Stress relief is a benefit and goal of postweld heat treatment. During the welding process, base materials near the weldment, deposited weld metal, and the heat affected zones exhibit different levels of metallurgical phase transformation. Various degrees of material hardening occurs, particularly in the heat affected zone adjacent to the weld metal deposit, with high stresses due to melting and solidification. Stress relief through heat treatment is accomplished by controlled heating and cooling of the affected material area to relieve a significant amount of the imposed stresses. This postweld heat treatment can reduce the hardness and increase ductility, lessening the incidence of cracking in weldments. The process generally involves maintaining the target area at a specific temperature (soaking), then executing a controlled cooling schedule.

One respected source, TWI, sums up post weld heat treatment (PWHT).....
The necessity for PWHT depends on the material and the service requirements. Other factors that influence the need for PWHT are the welding parameters and the likely mechanism of failure. In some standards, PWHT is mandatory for certain grades or thicknesses, but where there is an option, cost and potential adverse effects need to be balanced against possible benefits. The energy costs are generally significant due to the high temperatures and long times involved, but costs associated with time delays may be more important. Detrimental effects include distortion, temper embrittlement, over-softening and reheat cracking, which means that control of heating and cooling rates, holding temperature tolerances and the times at temperature are extremely important, and must be carefully controlled in order to realise the full benefit of the process.
The precise level of heat control, as well as the substantial quantity of heat, required to successfully accomplish a PWHT protocol calls for the use of special purpose equipment intended for PWHT. Hotfoil EHS is a recognized manufacturer of industrial application heating equipment and specializes in the design and manufacture of power consoles, ceramic mat heaters, and accessories for pre and post-weld heat treatment. Share your application challenges with them and work together to develop a cost effective solution.

Rely on Experienced Welding and Heating Applications Experts for Improved Outcome and Efficiency

Product Experts
Work with the manufacturer's experts for better outcomes
When it comes to selecting the right equipment for welding and industrial heating jobs, projects and tasks are best completed and accomplished through the proper application of the right resources. There exists an access point to high level technical knowledge and assistance that can be easily tapped and brought to bear on your successful task or project completion. The manufacturer's own internal experts.
 
Manufacturers provide services that may help you save time and cost, while also achieving a better outcome for the entire project. Consider a few elements the technical sale rep brings to your project:
  • Product Knowledge: Product managers and sales support personnel will be current on product offerings, proper application, and capabilities. They also have information regarding what products may be obsolete in the near future. This is an information source at a level not generally accessible to the public via the Internet.
  • Experience: As a project engineer, you may be treading on fresh ground regarding some aspects of your current assignment. There can be real benefit in connecting to a source with past exposure to your current issue. 
  • Access: Through the manufacturer's internal applications people, you may be able to establish a connection to “behind the scenes” information not publicly available. The people at the manufacturer can provide answers to your application questions.
Certainly, any solutions proposed are likely to be based upon the products sold by the manufacturer. That is where considering and evaluating the benefits of any proposed solutions become part of achieving the best project outcome.

Develop a professional, mutually beneficial relationship with the manufacturer's technical sales team, and don't be shy to develop a professional and trusting relationship. Their success is tied to your success and they are eager to help you.

Resistance Heating Mats for Welding Pre and Post Heat Treatment

ceramic mat heater
Ceramic Mat Heater
Resistance heating mats (or pads) are constructed of ceramic beads strung on nichrome or Kanthol wire. These resistance heating elements accurately heat the workpiece to the proper temperature before, during, and after welding, assuring compliance with recommended preheat, interpass, and PWHT practices. Designed as semi-flexible ceramic heater pads, with interlocking beads and high temperature wire, so a proper fit to the workpiece. Capable of temperatures up to 1,850 degrees F., ceramic mat (pad) heaters have an additional benefit in that they can withstand welding temperatures and don’t have to be moved during welding.

Air Carbon-arc Gouging: A Fast and Efficient Way to Get Rid of Metal

Air Carbon-arc GougingIn metal working maintenance and repair, it is sometimes required to repair or replace a weld, or remove excess metal from a worn or defective part. A process called air carbon-arc (also known as air arc) gouging, developed in the 1940’s, has become a widely accepted method for metal working. Compared to grinding, chipping, and cutting, air arc gouging provides a much faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective means to remove unwanted metal.

Air carbon-arc gouging differs significantly from oxy-fuel cutting (OFC) and plasma cutting. Air carbon-arc does not require oxidation to maintain the cut and is able to be used on many kinds of metal. Air carbon-arc gouging cuts and removes metal by an electric arc created a carbon or graphite electrode as it is drawn along the target metal. As the arc melts the target metal, a steady, high velocity air stream blows the molten material out of the way. The arc is supported by a constant current power source. A compressed 60 to 100 psi gas source supplies the air stream. A special air arc torch is required, as it not only holds the electrodes, but has unidirectional air ports built in to direct the air stream.

Air carbon-arc gouging will work on any material that will conduct electricity and which can be melted by the electric arc, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, cast irons, and many copper alloys. Metal removal rate is controlled by increasing the gouger’s amperage, slowing down the movement of the electrode, and by the efficiency of the air stream. Most common uses for air arc gouging are cutting, removal of defective welds, removal of bolts, removal of rivets, making holes, and casting finishing.

If you have any questions about air carbon-arc gougers, contact:

AFTEK-EHS Welders
6121 Airways Blvd.
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone # 423.424.0515
Fax # 423.424.0518

FM Approved Silicone Rubber Heaters for Tank and Vessel Heating

Silicone rubber electric heating element
Silicone rubber electric heating element for tank and vessel heating.
Silicone rubber electric heating elements are well proven, tried and tested flexible heaters for heating plastic or metallic tanks and vessels. Their low mass offers virtually no thermal inertia and within minutes can achieve elevated temperatures. They are generally easy to apply to the surface of tanks, chutes, or hoppers and can be custom designed in virtually any shape, all that is required is a sketch of the heated area and information about the electrical connections.

Silicone rubber electric heating elements are constructed by vulcanizing a nichrome heating element to the silicone rubber layer to produce a homogenous laminate. Two layers of 0.028” thick silicone rubber compound, sheath cured on one side, are calendared with high strength fiberglass mesh and vulcanized together under heat and pressure. This bonding sandwiches the resistance heating element between the two layers. An electric grounding mesh is located on the assembly and a further layer of silicone rubber is applied and vulcanized, making a homogenous assembly.

The heaters are used primarily for metallic and non-metallic tank and vessel heating. Their flexibility, both physically and design-wise, allow the heaters to be used for a wide variety of applications. Silicone rubber heaters are water-resistant and may be used for outdoor or “wet” applications, as long as the thermal insulation or exterior covering over the heaters is weatherproofed.

Silicone rubber heating systems must be correctly temperature controlled. The controls and all electrical components must be approved for the area as classified. All wiring must follow Federal, State and Local codes and be fully compliant with the NEC as it relates to the project. If in doubt, please contact an industrial heating applications expert for assistance.

Pre Weld and Postweld (PWHT) Heat Treatment Furnaces

pre post weld furnace
Industrial furnaces are used for pre and post-weld heat treating by welders and fabricators to heat-treat weldments or metallic parts. Industries that require these types of furnaces include pressure vessels and piping, storage tanks, building construction, bridge building, offshore platforms, petrochemical plants, power plants, and oil and gas refineries.

By using furnaces for PWHT,  stress introduced by the welding process is reduced and redistributed through the heating, soaking and cooling the weldment/machined surface. This greatly improves the weld properties. PWHT is most times mandatory in order to comply with welding codes and specifications for the welding of carbon steels, stainless/high alloy steels and work hardened steels.

pre post weld furnace
Fairly sophisticated control systems carefully follow mandatory heating and cooling profiles, as outlined by welding code. Control systems with thermocouples that monitor internal furnace temperature, along with weldment part temperature are usually included. These control systems also include the ability to ramp up to temperature and cool off over specified time intervals. Finally, the use of recorders or data loggers is common for quality control documentation.

pre post weld furnaceAdditional benefits of pre and post weld heat treating are:

  • Improved ductility and/or harness
  • Lower risk of brittle fracture
  • Improved metallurgical structure
  • Reduction in diffusible hydrogen induced cracking 


pre post weld furnaceMost pre or post weld heat treating furnaces are customized in one way or another, whether it size, total BTU output, energy source (electric, gas, oil), control scheme, door configuration, or having the furnace built on wheels or on rails.

pre post weld furnaceFurnaces can be designed permanently, portable, or field erected. By having the furnace local, or right on-site, companies eliminate the need to send parts out and thus save time and costs associated with shipping. Depending on the scope of work, its not uncommon for the investment made in a fabricated furnace to pay off within the first year.

For more information on any custom built pre heat or post weld heat treat furnaces, contact:


Hotfoil-EHS, Inc.
2960 East State Street Ext.
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone # 609.588.0900
Fax # 609.588.8333
Email: dap@hotfoilehs.com

pre post weld furnacepre post weld furnace

Multi-Operator Welding Systems

Aftek Quad Arc
Multi-operator welding system (Aftek Quad Arc 1200)
There are many different welding processes utilized in the welding industry today. Welding processes include stick arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), flux core arc welding (FCAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and air carbon arc gouging.

Most arc welding operations are performed using direct current from a DC power source an AC power source which has been rectified from AC to DC. Many industries use these welding processes in a wide variety of environments including factories, construction sites, power plant construction, boiler construction and repair, and shipyards.

Multiple operator welding equipment was developed to allow several welding modules to operate from a single common power supply. The power supply typically includes a transformer and rectifier to step down the supply voltage, and then convert the power from AC to DC.

Multi-station welding systems afford a number of advantages the principals of which are a lower initial capital cost, a much lower cost of installation, much lower maintenance cost and less power requirements as compared with single operator equipment. Multi-operator welding systems are practical and efficient as they provide a welding station where each welder has the ability to work. They provide for multiple simultaneous welding projects where workers can work efficiently and meet production deadlines.

The clear advantages of multi-operator welders:

  • Improved productivity
  • Lower total cost of ownership
  • Less equipment to transport
  • Reduced maintenance costs
  • Noise reduction

Portable Auxiliary Power Boxes (PAPB) for Convenient Source to Run Tools, Save Time, Improve Safety

Portable Auxiliary Power Boxes (PAPB)
Portable Auxiliary Power Boxes (PAPB)
30kVA (left) and 15kVA (right)
In many field welding situations simply having convenient access to 120 volt or 240 volt supply power to run auxiliary power tools such as grinders, stud guns, and drills is important. In some situations, bringing power to these locations can difficult or nearly impossible. Worse yet, short-cuts and quick fixes can compromise safety. While its not uncommon to have an available 480 or 575 volt power source, conversion to 120 or 240 volts is a challenge. Simply running extension cords can be impractical or present a safety hazard. What's really needed is a portable power box, with all necessary transformers, circuit protection and safety devices built-in to conveniently convert high voltage to 120/240 volt power.

Internal view of cabling and outlets
A new product by Hotfoil-EHS has been developed for just this situation. Named the PAPB (short for portable auxiliary power box), the new product taps into the available high voltage feed and puts convenient, usable 120/240 volt power right at the worker's location.

The PAPB is designed with small supplementary circuit breakers at each of the outgoing power connections for protection and ease of resetting. The main power supply is also protected by a main circuit breaker.
transformers
Transformers made in-house

Portable auxiliary power box's can be custom made and manufactured in virtually any size.  The ones pictured above are relatively small; 15kVA and 30kVA. 

Internal view
All PAPB's are made in the USA with major components being fabricated in-house.  All framework, tubing, sheet metal, transformers, wiring, and assembly is done at Hotfoil-EHS's production facility in Hamilton, NJ.  The units are 100% QC'd and tested  prior to shipping. When the equipment leaves the factory, it is 100% ready to go to work.

For more information, contact:

Hotfoil-EHS, Inc.
2960 East State Street Ext.
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Phone # 609.588.0900
Fax # 609.588.8333
Email: dap@hotfoilehs.com