Handling Requirements for

SMAW Electrodes
Document Number EN-MPS-719
Revision 1
Approved by Ric Morris
All Stations
09/14/05
Active Divisions/Departments
FEMC

Raytheon Polar Services Company

Facilities, Engineering, Maintenance, and Construction (FEMC)
Contract No. OPP 0000373
HARD COPY NOT CONTROLLED-CONTROLLED COPY AVAILABLE ONLINE

Raytheon Polar Services Company

Handling Requirements for SMAW Electrodes
Stations

EN-MPS-719
Revision 1

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................. i
Purpose................................................................................................................................ 1
Responsibility ..................................................................................................................... 1
Welder, FEMC................................................................................................................. 1
Discussion ........................................................................................................................... 1
Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 1
Tools and Equipment....................................................................................................... 1
Selecting and Handling SMAW Electrodes ........................................................................ 2
Rebaking Electrodes ........................................................................................................... 3
References........................................................................................................................... 4
Records ............................................................................................................................... 4

Facilities, Engineering, Maintenance, and Construction (FEMC)

Contract No. OPP 0000373

Raytheon Polar Services Company

Handling Requirements for SMAW Electrodes
Stations

EN-MPS-719
Revision 1

Purpose
This procedure outlines the necessary requirements for the handling and
storage of SMAW electrodes at all USAP stations.

Responsibility
Welder, FEMC

Discussion
In order to ensure quality in the SMAW process at all USAP stations, RPSC
will follow the procedures outlined in this document for the handling and
storage of SMAW electrodes. The handling and storage procedures adopted by
RPSC follow American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and American
Welding Society (AWS) standards.

Requirements
Tools and Equipment
Electrode baking oven

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Contract No. OPP 0000373

Page 1 of 4 pages

Raytheon Polar Services Company

Handling Requirements for SMAW Electrodes
Stations

EN-MPS-719
Revision 1

Selecting and Handling SMAW Electrodes

To properly select and handle SMAW electrodes, welders must use the
following steps:
1. Select electrodes to be used for a weld as per the design and shop
drawings.
2. After removing electrodes from a hermetically sealed container, use the
electrode within the times listed in the following table:
Electrode
A5.1

A5.5

E70XX
E70XXR
E70XXHZR
E7018M
E70XX-X
E80XX-X
E90XX-X
E100XX-X
E110XX-X

Hours (Maximum
Exposure Time)
4
9
9
9
4
2
1

3. If the seal is broken on the container, do not use the electrodes until they
are properly rebaked.
Note The electrode-baking oven for McMurdo Station is located in the

metal shop in Building 136. There are three ovens located at South
Pole Station.
Note If there is any doubt of the electrodes status during any step of the

welding process, dispose of them and obtain a new batch.

4. Store all electrodes in an oven at 250F if they are removed from the
hermetically sealed container, but not used immediately.
5. If electrodes are exposed to the atmosphere for a time period less than
the limits listed in the table, return them to a holding oven maintained at
250F.

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Raytheon Polar Services Company

Handling Requirements for SMAW Electrodes
Stations

EN-MPS-719
Revision 1

After a minimum hold period of four hours, the electrode may be used
again and rebaked after it reaches its maximum exposure time as listed
above.
6. Obtain a new batch of electrodes for use whenever the current batch
exceeds the maximum time exposure to the atmosphere.
7. Do not use electrodes that are or have been wet.
8. If electrodes are exposed to the atmosphere for time periods greater than
the limits set in the table, then refer to the Rebaking Electrodes section
outlined below.
Results By following these steps, welders will ensure that the proper

electrodes are used during welding.

Rebaking Electrodes
Once electrodes are exposed to the atmosphere for time periods greater than
the limits set in the timetable, they must be rebaked. To rebake SMAW
electrodes after they exceed the limits for exposure, complete the following
steps:
1. Bake all electrodes with low-hydrogen coverings conforming to
ANSI/AWS A5.1 for at least two hours at temperatures between 500F
(260C) and 800F (430C).
2. Bake all electrodes with low-hydrogen-coverings conforming to
ANSI/AWS A5.5 for at least one hour at temperatures between 700F
(370C) and 800F (430C).
Note After completing the baking process, the time limits are once

again in effect as listed in the table. Electrodes shall not be

rebaked more than once.
Results After completing these steps, the electrode is ready for reuse

according to the listed time limits.

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Raytheon Polar Services Company

Handling Requirements for SMAW Electrodes
Stations

EN-MPS-719
Revision 1

References
ANSI/AWS D1.1-9.6 and American National Standard for Pressure Piping

Records
This procedure generates no records.

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