Weld Metal Properties

* The wet welded samples were taken from two butt welded steel plates of grade AS1548-7-460R. Both welds were independently examined, and the mechanical properties obtained, met those requirements detailed in AWS D3.6-99 class 'B'. While, the X-ray quality me those of class 'A' standards.

Health & Safety

• Take all necessary precautions when welding:
• Follow employer's safety practices.
• Fume and gases can be hazardous to your health.
• Electric shock can kill.
• Arc rays can injure eyes and skin.
• Use adequate ventilation while welding on the surface.
• Wear suitable eye protection and protective clothing.
• Don't touch live electrical parts.
• Wear rubber gloves
• Only change the electrodes when cold.

Safety should always be in the forefront of everybody's mind. The guidelines as specified by the AODC code of practice "Safe us of electricity underwater" should always be followed.

Storage & Care*

Any physical damage to the electrode coating will have a detrimental effect on weldability. Electrodes should be handled and stored in a manner that prevents any physical damage.

Electrodes should remain in their packaging until required. Other than avoiding prolong immersion in water, no other special precautions are necessary when using the Barracuda, as the waterproof coating provides excellent physical protection thereby allowing for higher levels of misuse.

Handling & Transportation

Electrodes may be used directly from the packet and taken into the water in quantities that will allow for their use within a reasonable time. Any unused electrodes should be discarded. Ensure the transportation method allows for the electrodes to arrive at the worksite damage free.

We recommend that electrodes are not secured together using duck tape, as this may cause damage to the waterproof coating.

Electrodes should be transported in a suitable welder's quiver.

Electrodes that have been submerged for longer than 60 minutes should be discarded, as a detrimental effect on both the welding performance and resultant weld quality may ensure.Electrodes that have been submerged for longer than 60 minutes should be discarded, as a detrimental effect on both the welding performance and resultant weld quality may ensure.

Welding Parameter

Recommended Welding Techniques

The welding techniques we recommend for underwater wet welding are touch technique, of which, there are essentially three variations:

• Drag
• Oscillation
• Step-back

Click here for Lloyds/ABS welding procedures/lab reports. (PDF file 1.3mb)

Click here for tensile test reports, macro and hardness surveys. Bodycote lab testing reports. (PDF file 5mb)

Operating Instructions

We recommend that all underwater wet welding should be carried out using DCSP. However the electrode will also perform satisfactory on DCRP should this be necessary. In addition, a circuit breaker should be fitted into the welding circuit to allow for safe isolation. This may be either duel pole or single pole. The use of double insulated welding cables and a suitably insulated electrode holder is also required. The use of our Piranha weld control unit is recommended, as it also provides essential welding parameter information, and offers fault finding capabilities for the welding plant and welding circuit.

(See above for welding parameters & techniques).

Please note, the maximum recommended current rating for these electrodes. Should higher currents be used the electrodes may over heat, causing the flux and waterproof coating to breakdown prematurely. Typically the electrodes will perform satisfactorily down to a stub end of less than 50mm.

Electrode Preparation

Ensure the power is COLD.

• Fit a new electrode and gently rub the tip against an abrasive surface, so as to remove the waterproof coating, thereby ensuring good electrical contact.

Caution must be exercised so as not to unduly damage the flux coating.

• Carefully place the electrode where required, call to make it HOT, the arc should strike, if not gently twist the electrodes while exerting a slight downward pressure.

Occasionally the electrodes may stick, should this occur, make it COLD and then break the electrode away from the workplace. Should an excess amount of flux have broken away, make it HOT and lightly strike it along a suitable piece of material as in striking a match. This will burn away the excess core wire, once again producing a suitable striking condition. Call for the electrode to be made COLD, replace the electrode as required, call for it to be made HOT, the electrode should now start satisfactorily.