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Competence Line
Argon VARIGON® N
Nitrogen
Performance Line
Forming gas 95/5 – 70/30
VARIGON® H
When subjected to high temperatures and Differentiating between two different Two groups of gases are used for root
atmospheric oxygen, many metals tend to purging methods protection
intense oxidation. The oxides generally ap- In the case of gas displacement, the backing Inert or low-activity gases, such as argon or
pear as temper color, for example, with gas pushes forward the air to be removed, nitrogen (4.6 or higher)
stainless steel or titanium materials. Temper with only little mixing occurring. This principle Inert or low-activity gases with added
colors will greatly impair the corrosion resis- is conceivable, for example, for large vessels. hydrogen
tance of such metals. Furthermore, severe With this method it is very important to take
oxidation will impair the formation of weld the relative density of the backing gas into Thanks to the reducing action of hydrogen,
roots. Thus, in many cases, the root side has account. In a – purely theoretical – ideal-case root-shielding gases containing hydrogen offer
to be protected against oxygen in order to scenario, with this type of purging, only as greater protection against the formation of
ensure optimum corrosion resistance. The much backing gas is used as that of the volume temper colors. However, they are not suitable
careful exclusion of atmospheric oxygen can to be purged. for all metals. The type of gas used for root
prevent oxidation and temper colors. protection primarily depends on the type of
In the case of dilution purging, the backing gas metal of the component to be purged. Steels
is distributed uniformly throughout the area and that are sensitive to hydrogen or highly reactive
mixes with the air to be removed. The purging metals, such as titanium, are generally purged
continues until the amount of residual oxygen with argon. Austenitic stainless steels can be
has fallen below a certain threshold. The amount protected with root shielding gases containing
of shielding gas required is thus several times hydrogen, for example, with gases from the
that of the purging volume. “Forming gas” or the VARIGON® H series.
Gases for root protection 23
1.4
1.3 Ar mixtures
Heavier than air
1.2
1.1
1.0 Air
0.8
0.7 N2 mixtures
0.6
4 8 12 16 20 24
% of H2 by volume TIG seam, root side, with root protection