Measures to avoid Hydrogen Cracking
- Preheat the weld area to the recommended minimum temperature.
- Measure the preheat temperature according to preheating recommendations.
- Use processes and consumables that provide a maximum hydrogen content of 5 ml/100 g weld metal.
- Keep the joint clear from impurities like rust, grease, oil, or frost.
- Use only classifications for welding consumables recommended by SSAB.
- Apply a proper welding sequence to minimize residual stresses.
- Place weld starts and stops preferably at least 50–100 mm (2”–4”) from a corner to avoid excessive stresses in these regions, see illustration below.
- Avoid a root opening size exceeding 3 mm (1/8”); see illustration below.
- Gap size should not exceed 3 mm (1/8”); see illustration below.
Avoid start and stop in highly stresses areas and root gaps larger than 3 mm.
The information in this report is only applicable to SSAB’s products and should not be applied to any other products than original SSAB products.
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