Butt Welding of Ductile Iron 1

[carlomaderazo]

Can anybody explain if butt welding for ductile iron material is applicable? What parameter required to obtain good sound weld?

Thanks.

 

[metengr]

carlomaderazo;
What is the application? Ductile iron can be butt welded but precautions are required, and a high nickel weld rod must be used.

Please visit here for more information and options for joining ductile iron.

http://www.ductile.org/didata/Section8/8intro.htm

 

[carlomaderazo]

Hi metengr,
Originally, the pipe has a bell and spigot joint. Then, it has been shorten the length as required at site installation. Then, the proposed solution is to join the pieces by butt welding.

 

[racookpe1978]

Pressure? Temperature? Soil movement or rating of the new joint?

Is this a low pressure water supply in soil?

 

[carlomaderazo]

Hi racookpe1978,
It is a gravity pressure in soil...

 

[cybo11]

With respect to all the experts here, as a welder this is a difficult assignment. Is the pipe fixed in position or can it be rotated? Nickel rod flows like water and you'll have a heckuva time if you are in position, running uphill or down. I have had good success welding ductile with SMAW in as flat a position as you can manage: tight bevel prep to keep shrinkage to a minimum and most importantly PRE and POST heat- lots of it. 900-1350F. Keep the casting (as much area as possible near the weld) dark cherry before, during and after welding and wrap with refractory wool, lime, vermiculite, whatever, to help it anneal and re-spheroidize, then leave it overnight before handling. Back-gouging would be ideal but is probably impractical given the situation.
Honestly, I like brazing better for most cast irons; less thermal shock , less bevel prep and (most often) perfectly adequate mechanical properties after the fact. If possible, give the certified welder/brazier a test coupon if you're worried about procedure devolpment.
Steve

ICC SI, CWI, UT III, Blacksmith