Diffusible hydrogen management in underwater wet self-shielded flux cored arc welding

This article reports the effect of underwater wet welding parameters and conditions on the diffusible hydrogen content in deposited metal for welding with a self-shielded flux cored wire. The diffusible hydrogen content in deposited metal was determined using the glycerin method according to the Plackett-Burman design determining the significance of the effect of the stick out length, welding current, arc voltage, travel speed and water salinity. The results of the measurements of the diffusible hydrogen content in deposited metal ranged from 25.85 to 44.12 ml/100 g. The effect of all the tested factors is statistically significant. An equation was also developed, the analysis of which showed, that the hydrogen content cannot be reduced by technological methods below 21 ml/100 g.