Evaluation of the feasibility for substituting the FeCr, by refractory chromites in welding consumables

ABSTRACT

The feasibility of using refractory chromite as a source of Cr to the weld bead is evaluated from a lining composed of a mixture of rutile, refractory chromite, graphite and limestone. The proportions in the mixtures for the coatings were established based on an experimental design of the Mc Lean Anderson type, where the input variables are: X1- chromite, X2- graphite and X3- limestone. The coatings were applied to the electrodes by pressing in a manual press, with subsequent air drying and calcined in oven. The recharge deposits of seven coating compositions were evaluated from the standpoint of chemical composition and hardness. Finding that the composition of the coating exerts a marked influence on the chemical composition and hardness of the deposited metal. What's more, it was found that it is possible to allocate the weld bead with more than 2 % chromium by carbothermic reduction of the refractory chromite, from the heat provided by the electric arc during manual recharging by welding with coated electrodes. Finally, the possibility of substituting FeCr in the manufacture of consumables with low Cr contributions for recharging is demonstrated, using refractory chromites in the electrode coating.

Key words
coated electrodes; refractory chromite; carbothermic reduction; recharge by electric welding