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HIRE
Practical answers on braided hose for argon and other inert shielding gas supplies, from fitting and leak-testing to keeping it safe.
Yes. Argon is heavier than air and, in still air, it can collect in low-lying layers and disperse only slowly. The HSE warns that shielding and purging gas can build up inside confined spaces and fabrications and displace oxygen, and people can lose consciousness without warning.Keep hoses and connections leak-free, make sure there is suitable ventilation, and follow your risk assessment and safe system of work before welding in a tank, vessel or other enclosed space.
Make the connections, turn on the gas and apply a proprietary leak-detection solution to each joint and along the hose. Bubbles show where gas is escaping. Check connections and equipment regularly for faults and leaks, and repair or replace leaking parts straight away.Wipe the fluid off afterwards. If a joint leaks, turn the gas off, release the pressure and re-make it or replace the part. A split, cracked or bulging hose should be replaced rather than tightened harder.
A leak lets air into the shielding gas stream, and TWI lists leaks in the gas line among the common causes of porosity (small holes in the weld). TWI notes that even a small amount of air getting into the shield can cause distributed porosity, so a small leak matters.If you see porosity or discoloured welds, check the whole gas path before changing settings: cylinder valve, regulator, hose joints, torch connection and the hose itself. Draughts and too high a flow can cause the same problem.
Check the maker's instructions for your hose and fittings. HSE gas welding guidance, which is written for oxy-fuel equipment, says hose is usually supplied as assemblies with fittings crimped on, and that worm-drive or similar screw-tightened clips are not recommended for fastening hoses.The principle of using the right crimp or ferrule for the hose size and fitting is sensible for shielding gas too. Cut the hose square, push it fully home and leak-test the joint afterwards.
Turning off the gas at the cylinder when the job is finished stops gas escaping through a small leak or faulty connection while nobody is there. HSE gas welding guidance lists this among the basic precautions against leaks, and the HSE warns that leaking shielding gas can collect in enclosed spaces.Close the valve, release the pressure in the line by following the regulator or machine instructions, and check the gauges read zero. It also stops gas being wasted.
Keep hose away from sharp edges and abrasive surfaces, away from places where vehicles or trolleys can run over it, and away from hot metal, spatter and sparks. Avoid tight bends and kinks, and do not drag the hose by its fittings.Coil it loosely when it is not in use and hang it up rather than leaving it on the floor. A hose that rubs against metal edges will wear through the braid and need replacing.