The requirements for a high-quality weld and weld surface finish are paramount in dairy and other food and beverage industries. Consequences of poor surface and weld quality can be costly and dangerous.<\/p>\n
![\"Process](\"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Process-tank.jpg\")
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Recent contamination scares in the dairy sector provide some examples of the consequence of not getting things right.
\nIn effect, every metre of weld inside a storage or process tank or vessel represents a risk to be managed. Fabricators must make significant efforts to ensure that both the weld integrity is adequate, and that the surface finish meets the specified requirement for hygiene.<\/p>\n
Automatic plasma arc welding (PAW).<\/h3>\n
Automated welding equipment produces higher quality welds with improved efficiency. Weld quality is evident by the superior radiography test performance that results from the PAW method. Butt welds up to 8 mm thickness can be completed in a single pass, with only a gas backing shield required.
\nThe\u00a0<\/span>PAW<\/a>\u00a0process enables an excellent weld quality to be produced, with the introduction of minimal heat. Plus, no removal of parent material required for weld preparation.
\nUnlike the TIG process, which is susceptible to tungsten inclusions from the exposed electrode, PAW has no exposed electrode. Consequently, this significantly reduces the risk of inclusions.<\/p>\n
\nWeld reinforcement is minimised, assisting in the subsequent surface treatment to obtain a smooth weld finish suitable for sanitary applications.<\/p>\n