Two of the defining features for stainless steel are its ability to be resistant to decay and corrosion and its ability to be easily cleaned. These are important aspects for the metal to have as it is often used in pharmaceutical, industrial and food production settings. Heat tint is the greatest threat to stainless steel and can cause damages that cause many problems for owners of these appliances. Luckily, it can also be prevented through a process known as purge welding.
A Heated Problem
Heat tint is the oxide buildup that occurs in stainless steel tubes when it is welded without expelling all of the oxygen first. While not overly damaging at first, the discolouration and corrosion created by heat tint can spread and cause more destruction in the form of increased corrosion and infestation of bugs.
Under normal circumstances, gas can be forced to flow into the metallic area if access is easily granted. However this is highly impractical, if not impossible, when the stainless steel object is a pipe with a small diameter. For these objects, there is another method that is most useful for getting rid of heat tint.
The Purge
Purge welding is a very useful process for minimising or eliminating heat tint in hard to reach places. It works by controlling oxygen levels when the steel inside is heated considerably. Then a tiny weld is manoeuvred inside of the pipeline and thus allowing the heat tint to be worked away.
It may sound simple, but purge welding takes a steady hand and experienced skill. If performed correctly, it ensures that the stainless steel will keep on shining for a long time to come, making it as resilient and cleanable as it was meant to be.
Corrosion-Resistant
While stainless steel is one of the best materials to use in pharmaceutical and food producing environments, there are still threats to this material in the form of heat tint. Thankfully, this can be minimised or avoided through purge welding, which greatly reduces heat tint and keeps the steel strong. This can be a tricky process, so be sure to consult professional stainless steel fabricators in your Perth area if you are uncertain.
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