The process is successfully applied in field to join Tee-branch of gas pipe to be laid underground.
In this report, the author studies the exothermic material, operating condition and mechanical properties of the brazed Tee joint with the following conclusion:
1) The exothermic material is based on thermit mixture, chiefly composed of aluminum powder and partially of metal oxides, refractory materials and binder, and accordingly the oxygen quantity necessiated for thermit reaction is not sufficient unless it is supplemented by the oxygen in air.
thus, the exothermic material does not produce metal as normal thermit mixture does after burning, and it retains its original geometry, although its active constituents are consumed to generate heat enough to complete a brazed Tee joint of pipe.
2) According to factorial experiment, mechanical and chemical treatments of joining surface, condition of flux, and kind of filler metal have comparatively large effect on mechanical properties of Tee joint of pipe.
It is, therefore, necessary for a sound brazed Tee joint to select the above factors properly.
3) Standard thermit brazed Tee joint has mechanical properties required for Tee joint of pipe and is rather superior to malleable cast iron Tee pipe, and similar to conventional welded joints.
4) As thermit brazed joint is a joint of dissimilar metals, corrosion of joint must be considered. But, tension test of the joint laid in corrosive media for 180 days shows no change in tensile strength.
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