Process of submerged arc welding in vertical and overhead position with flux retaining packing having a polyethylene foil

摘要

Submerged arc welding (SAW) process, comprising contacting a first edge of a first metal piece (1) with a second edge of said first metal piece (2) or a second edge of a second metal piece (2) so as to form a plan of joint (3,7) to be welded; depositing a flux (6) on said plan of joint and progressively delivering at least one welding consumable (5) into the flux (6); and progressively melting the consumable (5), at least a part of the first and second edges and at least a part of the flux (6) using at least one electric arc (4) thereby progressively forming a welding joint between said first and second edges along said plan of joint (3,7). Further, the plan of joint (3,7) to be welded forms an angle (±) of at least 30° with the horizontal, and flux (6) maintaining means are used for maintaining the flux (6) in position in the plan of join (3,7) at least during steps b) and c). The flux maintaining means can be a mechanical means, a flux packing comprising a polyethylene foil having an elongated tubular shape and containing a welding flux, or an adhesive flux composition comprising a welding flux (6) and at least one adhesive compound that is mixed with or added to the flux (6).