What Is Arc Blow and How Do You Prevent It?

What is arc blow and how do you prevent it?
Characteristics and causes
In some circumstances a welding arc may be deflected away from the point of welding,
which can mean that the weld quality may suffer. Such arc deflection, usually forward or
backward of the welding direction, is known as 'arc blow'.
Arc blow tends to occur if the material being welded has residual magnetism at a certain
level, particularly when the weld root is being made, and the welding current is direct
current (DC positive or negative). This is due to interaction between the directional
magnetic field of the welding arc and the directional field of the residual magnetism.
Whilst any material in which a magnetic field can be induced could exhibit arc blow, it is
a phenomenon that is most common in steels. As a rule of thumb, if the magnetic field
strength is greater than ~ 50 gauss (50 x 10-4 tesla) arc blow may be experienced. Whilst
individual items may have relatively low residual magnetism, when they are brought
together for welding the magnetic field across the root gap may increase significantly.
Some steels are particularly prone to the induction of high levels of residual magnetism
during their manufacture and de-magnetization may be necessary as a final
manufacturing operation. 9% Ni steel is an example of such a steel, and particular care
is needed to prevent magnetic induction during transport, storage and subsequent
handling and preparation for welding.
Overcoming arc blow
When arc blow is encountered, it may not be possible to totally eliminate it, but steps can
be taken to reduce its disruptive effect. Such measures are:
Use as short an arc length as possible (lower arc voltage) and the lowest current that is practical for the
affected joint (possibly a smaller diameter electrode)
Backward arc blow tends to occur when welding in a direction towards the current return connection, or
earth connection, and forward arc blow when welding in the other direction. As it is likely to be easier to
control a backward deflecting arc than a forward deflecting one during MMA welding, it is usually better to
weld towards the return or earth connections. Use of multiple earth connections may solve the problem
altogether.
Use alternating current (AC) rather than DC for the root run. Note: this may be regarded by some Codes
as change of an essential variable and require re-qualification of the welding procedure.
If arc blow still persists when using AC for the root run, the power cable can be wrapped around the
workpiece several times near to the joint. Care will be needed if preheat is applied.
Reduce the residual magnetism in the steel to a tolerable level (less than ~50 gauss). This requires
application of an auxiliary magnetic field with careful control. This is illustrated as follows - for pipe
welding when the joint has been set up for welding:
1.
Measure the residual magnetism by inserting a 'blade' type gaussmeter (a Hall probe) in the
weld gap, and move it around the circumference of the joint;
2.
Note the maximum reading and mark its position on the pipe;
3.
Wrap welding cable around each of the pipe ends with the edge of the extreme coil about
60mm from the joint line. Connect cable to the poles of a DC power source (the number of coils
required will depend on the maximum level of magnetism recorded and the current-carrying
capacity of the cable and may require some trials: there will probably be need for at least 2
turns but possibly significantly more for high residual magnetism);
4.
Gradually increase the current and monitor the magnetic field strength. If the strength
increases, reverse the polarity of the current through the coil and then adjust the current to
reduce the magnetic field strength in the weld gap to a low level (monitor the magnetic filed
strength at the initial highest level position marked on the joint and around the circumference);
Complete the root run with current applied to the de-magnetizing coils. Once the root is complete, arc blow should
not continue to be disruptive and the de-magnetizing coils can be removed.

What Is Arc Blow and How Do You Prevent It?

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What Is Arc Blow and How Do You Prevent It?

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What is arc blow and how do you prevent it?

Characteristics and causes

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