Why to use a specific welding blanket for plumbing?

Torch welding is one of the most used procedures used in plumbing.

Torch welding is one of procedures applied to strong welding, for copper, tin, etc. and it is very used in specialised operations of union or reparation.

There are several types of torch welding: manual, semi-automatic and automatic.

In this post we will focus in the manual torch welding technique, that is most used in plumbing sector. We will explain the risks of this technique and the protection elements that must be used when applying this kind of welding.

Risk during the welding operation with manual torch:

1. The operator is in charge of using the torch and put the pieces for its union. It is used in low volume processes or in those when a machine will work hardly since in many times it is used to join or repair pipes places in places difficult to access or very small places. Its main inconvenience lies in the operator's ability to do the welding.  In addition, it must be taken into account that the temperature the metal will reach during the operation will range from 450ºC and 1500ºC, depending on the metal's fusion temperature of the pipe being repaired or joined.
   
   

Protective elements for manual torch welding:

• Like in all welding processes, the operator must be properly uniformed with facial mask or protective glasses against luminosity.
  
  
• Flame retardant clothing for protection against sparks and melted metal.
  
  
• Safety boots for protection against materials' impact.
  
  
• Special flame retardant gloves for welding protection.
  
  
• Flame retardant welding blanket, it is the most suitable element, regarding environment protection. Many times the reparations in houses or industries are placed in areas of hard access, being very narrow places for work where the annex areas must be protected from high temperatures released by the torch. In the case of plumbing or electrical works, the most used  fire blanket is commonly known as thermal blanket for plumbing.

Unlike typical welding blankets, this tpe of welding blankets for plumbing are usually in small sizes, very pliable and much more resisant to peak high temperatures realeased from torch welding.

Texfire, manufacturer especialised in textile products for protection against heat and high temperatures, has put on the market a fire blanket especially suitable for torch welding protection. Made with a double layer of fabric Weld SX, the welding blanket for plumbing, resists peak temperatures up to 1500ºC and it is especially flexible to adapt to the most complicated and narrow spaces where a welding job needs to be done.