Certain gases and liquids are housed in closed containers, known as pressure vessels, under high pressure. These containers are held together with welds, instead of bolts, due to the high pressure levels and a need for air tightness. Preparing a pressure vessel before welding involves cleaning the edges where this bonding will happen, wearing the proper safety gear and wiping down the surfaces you will be welding.
Preparing a pressure vessel before welding
A pressure vessel needs to be strong. To prevent potential leaks and hazards, the workman must carefully prep the container pieces before welding them. Without proper preparation, there is a good chance that the high-pressure gases or liquids could leak out.
The edges of the pressure vessel where the welding will happen needs to be clean of paint and dirt. For this type of cleaning, an angle grinder will do the job. Add a grinding wheel to the grinder and secure it according to the manufacturer's directions.
Wearing safety gear is important when grinding metal due to the sparks and flying metal bits. One layer of protection is long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, which will help protect the skin of the legs and arms. Wearing a welder's mask and gloves provide the front line of protection. The mask protects the face and eyes while the gloves offer protection for the hands, wrists, and forearms.
Use the angle grinder to clean the surfaces of the pressure vessel you are going to weld. When grinding, it is critical that you take it down to the bare metal. There should be no dirt or paint on the surface, which could weaken the weld. Flatten down any sharp edges before welding.
Once you have bare metal on the container pieces, use a vacuum on the pieces, floor, and surrounding surfaces to pick up dust and bits of metal. You do not want any particulates to contaminate the weld.
Take a moist rag and wipe down all the surfaces of the pressure vessel you will be welding. Wiping down these surfaces will get rid of any loose bits that the vacuum did not pick up. Then the pressure vessel surface is ready for welding.
If you need an industrial general contractor, you need to talk with the experts here at SERCO, Inc. We work on industrial construction involving welding, compressor stations, plant expansion and renovation, and fabrication and repair of pressure vessels. Give us a call today at (806) 273-7614 if you have any questions about our products or services. You can also connect with us via email on our Contact Us page. Feel free to stop by our office located at 1430 North Main Street in Borger, Texas.
Preparing a pressure vessel before welding
A pressure vessel needs to be strong. To prevent potential leaks and hazards, the workman must carefully prep the container pieces before welding them. Without proper preparation, there is a good chance that the high-pressure gases or liquids could leak out.
The edges of the pressure vessel where the welding will happen needs to be clean of paint and dirt. For this type of cleaning, an angle grinder will do the job. Add a grinding wheel to the grinder and secure it according to the manufacturer's directions.
Wearing safety gear is important when grinding metal due to the sparks and flying metal bits. One layer of protection is long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, which will help protect the skin of the legs and arms. Wearing a welder's mask and gloves provide the front line of protection. The mask protects the face and eyes while the gloves offer protection for the hands, wrists, and forearms.
Use the angle grinder to clean the surfaces of the pressure vessel you are going to weld. When grinding, it is critical that you take it down to the bare metal. There should be no dirt or paint on the surface, which could weaken the weld. Flatten down any sharp edges before welding.
Once you have bare metal on the container pieces, use a vacuum on the pieces, floor, and surrounding surfaces to pick up dust and bits of metal. You do not want any particulates to contaminate the weld.
Take a moist rag and wipe down all the surfaces of the pressure vessel you will be welding. Wiping down these surfaces will get rid of any loose bits that the vacuum did not pick up. Then the pressure vessel surface is ready for welding.
If you need an industrial general contractor, you need to talk with the experts here at SERCO, Inc. We work on industrial construction involving welding, compressor stations, plant expansion and renovation, and fabrication and repair of pressure vessels. Give us a call today at (806) 273-7614 if you have any questions about our products or services. You can also connect with us via email on our Contact Us page. Feel free to stop by our office located at 1430 North Main Street in Borger, Texas.