SudaWeld Exothermic Rail Bonding
Exothermic welding is a process used predominantly to create a permanent connection between two metallic elements that will guarantee conductivity and performance for the lifetime of the earth system. Frequently used by contractors to create reliable bonds to ensure conductivity or to create equipotential zones. The benefit and purpose of equipotential integrated elements is to avoid dangerous sparking between areas of differing electrical potentials. The process results in a weld metal powder superheating and liquefying to release liquid copper on to the conductors requiring connection, which fuses the metals together. The weld metal powders contain a number of sacrificial and contributing ingredients, including copper oxide and aluminium, which facilitate the formation of the exothermic connection. As this process takes only a few moments to complete and does not require any external power source it is ideal for use in remote locations, and project managers with restricted budgets for plant.
Exothermic connections perform more effectively than any mechanical or pressure type surface-to-surface contact connector. Because the connection produced is a molecular bond, an exothermically welded connection will not loosen, independently corrode, or increase in resistance over the lifetime of the installation.
As recommended by IEC and IEEE regulations all earthing system connections should be made by exothermic weld. Connections should include, but not be limited to, all cable to cable splices, all cable to earthing rods, earthing rod splices, cable to steel and cast iron, cable lug terminations, bus bar connections and cable to rail connections.
Advantages of exothermic welding:
- Current carrying (fusing) capacity equal to that of the conductor.
- Will not deteriorate with age.
- Permanent molecular bond that cannot loosen or corrode.
- Will withstand repeated faults.
- Low labour costs.
- No special skills required for usage.
- No external power or heat required.
- Can be checked visually for quality.
- Portable and usable even in remote locations.
Exothermic welding is applicable to materials such as:
- Copper
- Common steel
- Copper-clad steel
- Bronze
- Wrought iron
- Stainless steel
- Cast iron
- Brass
- Silicon Bronze
- Steel rail
- Columbium
- Commercially pure iron
- Galvanised metals
- Monel
- Niobium
If you require further information about SudaWeld please refer to our exothermic welding dedicated website
Website : www.exothermics.net
Online Catalogue : Exothermics
