FLUX DAM ASSEMBLY AND METHOD

摘要

The flux dams used to form mounds of granular flux in submerged arc welding deteriorate rapidly because they are subjected to elevated temperatures and high heat. These flux dams also twist and distort creating gaps. Granular flux bleeds through these gaps. Flux is wasted and the welding arc may be exposed to the atmosphere. Flux dams are also awkward to move and slow production down. The apparatus and method disclosed herein overcome these problems by utilizing an elongate flux dam (19) that is stationary during welding and which extends for the length of the weld. The flux dam (19) is mounted on a heat exchanger (24) by a mounting plate (21) that minimizes thermal distortion of the flux dam (19). The heat exchanger (24), the mounting plate (21), and the flux dam (19) are pivotally connected to a support arm (26) that is mounted for motion about the platform (6) on a pivot point (32).