Thermite Weld Joint Protection

[nightfox1925]

Our client earthing standards specifies corossion protection of Thermite Weld Conections. Our contractor is suggesting applying Bitumen Coat in all joints. is this method enough to satisfy the requirement? or applying (in addition) rubber and vinyl tapes more advantageous? Your views and suggestions are highly appreciated.

HAPPY NEW YEAR...

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[davidbeach]

The weld should not need any corrosion protection beyond what is applied to the rest of the grounding (earthing) system. Since most grounding systems are intended to provide as much contact with the earth as possible, the use of corrosion protection is generally not considered.

 

[BJC]

I once worked on a job for a large well known midwestern utilit. They had experts on every field of engineering and operation.
On the job I was on their resident genius decided that the grounding system should be protected from corrosion. They did this by buying copper cable with a lead coating ( about a 1/4" thick). No insulation just a lead jacket over the bare copper. Were there were joints the led was cut back and then recovered with sheeting that had a mastic material applied. I think 3M made them. After that they were taped ( scotch 23 or some thick rubber tape and coated.
The lead covered copper cost a fortune, a lot of it got used inside after the lead was stripped off. A lot of the lead went to fishing sinkers and bullets.

 

[Marmite]

Check out

http://www.cda.org.uk/megab2/elecapps/earthing/index.htm

for everything you ever needed to know, or wouldn't even dream to ask about copper earthing systems. As davidbeach suggests, no protection should be necessary unless there is something nasty in the soil, or atmosphere, or a possibility of electolytic action.
Regards
Marmite

 

[nightfox1925]

I was under the impression that exothermic (thermit) connections provide very good joint connection with 90% and above copper content is highly corrosion resistant. I was having this baseline that whenever this type of connection and content is achieved, there is no need for further mitigation of the joint connections.

I believe corrosion protection only applies to terminal connections or joints at the equipment or above ground taps where bolted/compressive connections are used either joining similar or dissimilar metals.

Any comments on this?

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