Does anyone have any tips on how to weld a magnetized gas line.

The tools used t

o monitor the piping have magnetized it. I cannot weld on the body of the pipe t
o connect them with a bar. The first bead would blow out until it finally got en
ough in between the two pieces of pipe to neutralize the magnetization. This unf
ortunately causes a huge mess which has to be ground off and it takes forever to
do. So if anyone knows how to de-magnetize the pipe or anything to make welding
it easier I would appreciate it.

metengr (Materials) 6 Aug 07 22:39

Yes. I have dealt with magnetized main steam lines at Power Plants over the year
s. The key is to introduce an opposing magnetic field to counteract the existing
field in the pipe.

The opposing magnetic field can be introduced by two methods; a long welding lea
d (protected to prevent arcing) that is coiled or draped over the pipe circumfer
ence. Start with a low setting and increase gradually after a few minutes. Remov
e the welding lead and check for magnetism in the pipe.

The second method is a portable de-mag unit that NDT firms or contractors to de-
mag large steam turbines or pump cases.