Waste to Wealth: Reuse of Slag as a Flux in Submerged Arc Welding

Abstract

In the present work an attempt has been made to use slag waste as a flux in submerged arc welding. Slag generated during submerged arc welding has been recycled by mixing varying percentages of crushed slag with fresh flux to use in subsequent runs. The influence of using flux-slag mixture on weld chemistry has been investigated. The results indicate that the use of such a mixture in submerged arc welding does not adversely affect the chemistry of weld metal. In addition, slag detachability and bead appearance both were found satisfactory. Arc stability observed during welding was also satisfactory.