Welding with Nitrogen, Hydrogen and Oxygen
Welding is an incredibly complex and sophisticated process that requires a basic understanding of chemistry, physics and mathematics in order to effectively carry out. Much like any other form of welding, the process of welding with nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen (NHO) is no different. In fact, welding with NHO is known as one of the most difficult welding techniques, as the exact combination and amount of each element must be respected to achieve a perfect weld every time.
The most common use of NHO welding is in the field of sheet metal fabrication. Sheet metal fabrication is a process that uses machinery to bend, shape and form a piece of sheet metal in order to create specific parts and components. In this type of welding, NHO produces an oxide-free weld, meaning that theres almost no oxidation of the metals being welded. This characteristic makes it perfect for applications that require durability and maximum strength for the welds.
NHO welding is used extensively in industries such as pipeline construction, automotive manufacturing and even aeronautics. Generally speaking, the NHO mixture is usually composed of nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen in varying proportions and compositions.
The three gases in the weld have different properties that influence the weld. Nitrogen (N2) is used to reduce the oxygen and hydrogen contents of the weld. While it does this, the nitrogen content in the weld helps to reduce the amount of porosity, which is the presence of small bubbles or pores within the metal that can reduce the integrity of the weld.
Hydrogen (H2) is used to reduce the nitrogen content in the weld and promote a faster cooling rate. This helps to reduce the amount of warping that is experienced when metal cools down after being welded. Without an adequate amount of hydrogen in the weld, the weld could potentially become too brittle.
Oxygen (O2) is used to ensure that there is enough oxygen available for the chemical reaction to take place during welding. Too much oxygen will result in poor weld quality, especially since oxygen can cause the weld material to become brittle or have less structural integrity.
Overall, NHO welding is one of the most complex and difficult welding processes available. The precise combination and amount of each element must be adjusted to achieve a successful weld every time. Its precise approach makes NHO welding perfect for applications that require maximum strength and durability in the welds. For example, NHO welding is commonly used in sheet metal fabrication, pipeline construction and automotive manufacturing, as they require a superior weld that can withstand greater levels of stress and pressure as compared to other types of welds.
