Pin Brazing
Pin Brazing is metallurgically safe and easy process of making electrical
connections to metallic structures, such as steel and ductile iron
pipelines, which are needed to be electrically earthed or cathodically
protected. The pin brazing system has some major advantages over alternative
systems. In this process, operator training and equipment maintenance should
be of high standard.
The
Process
The technique of pin brazing is based mainly upon electric-arc silver
soldering using a pin brazing unit, a hollow brazing pin containing silver
solder and flux. The pin brazing technique is well designed for joints
between insulated pipe sections, installation of sacrificial anodes,
connection to measuring cables, and bonding zinc bracelets to offshore
pipelines. It provides high mechanical strength, extremely low resistance,
and easy and fast installation. A large number of connections are required
for anode cables, measuring posts etc, within a cathodic protection system.
The pin brazing system is ideally suited to this.
History
A revolution in itself when first introduced way back in the 1950's, Pin
brazing was basically developed to ensure safe & flawless electrical
connection when applied to the varied types of steel structures, be it the
attachment of rail bonds, joints between pipes, installation of sacrificial
anodes, connection to measuring cables, test posts to name a few. Almost any
electrical joint is possible within seconds by this automatic brazing method
which has taken the industry by storm.
Cathodic Protection
Cathodic protection is a method to prevent a metal surface from corrosion
by making that surface the cathode of an electrochemical cell. It is a
technique, which is used to protect the bigger metal structures from
corrosion. The cathodic protection systems are primarily used to protect
water and fuel pipelines and storage tanks, steel, steel pier piles, ships,
onshore oil well casings and offshore oil platforms. It is an effective
method of preventing stress corrosion cracking.
Pin Brazing for Cathodic Protection
Pin brazing easily attach the electrical cable connection over the joints,
such as in the case of application of cathodic protection system to a
pipeline with spigot and sleeve joints. It gets brazed at both the spigot
and sleeve ends of the pipe and the cable attached. In case of pipes of
ductile or cast-iron, one goes for threaded brazing pins application where a
prefabricated cable with nuts is fastened. As for steel pipes, pin brazing
either in the form of threaded brazing pins with nuts or cable is used. It
gets brazed directly onto the pipe by means of a lug.
As we know, Cathodic protection controls the corrosion of any metal surface
by simply transforming that particular surface into the cathode of an
electrochemical cell. The system protects steel, water & fuel pipelines &
storage tanks to name a few.
Consisting vital units essential for providing safe cable connections as
the availability of connections for anode cables, test posts et al in a
cathodic protection system, pin brazing makes the task much easier. Apart
from these, Pin brazing even acts as a welding generator such as a power
source in situations where a great many connections need to be made in one
place such as pipe coating yards, lay barges etc.
Advantages
There are innumerable advantages of using Pin brazing system because of its
varied plus points which has made it one of the most sought after brazing
solution. Let us take a look at the distinct salient features of Pin
brazing.
- Speed of Installation
The pin brazing process is very fast in installation and requires just
one minute for any connection.
- Low Temperature
Approx 650°C of low melting point of the solder needed. The
thermal effects on the steel is restricted to minimum due to the short
heating time. It's requirement for temperature is much less than the
thermit welding.
- All-Weather
Perfect to suit any weather type, Pin brazing do not face any weather
hazardous situation & can withstand any condition. None can stop the
operator from working safely and effectively. Not even the damp pipes
can cause any problem to these amazing brazing process.
- Safety
Pin brazing is one of the most vital brazing operators and demand
absolutely no special precautions.
- Easy to Use
The pin brazing operators can be trained in any given time without
taking much time simply because of its automated nature. The brazing
process takes only a second while the entire preparation takes less than
a minute.
- Versatile
Quite versatile in nature, pin brazing system is portable in nature &
these connections can be made in almost any location.
Steps For Pin brazing
There are four simple and straight steps to perform pin brazing functions.
Air
Condition/Refrigerator
