Low-hydrogen welding electrodes must be stored in what type of containers?

Low-hydrogen welding electrodes are sensitive to moisture, which can significantly affect their performance and the quality of the welds produced. Storing these electrodes in hermetically sealed containers is crucial because it prevents exposure to humidity and moisture in the air, which can lead to hydrogen pick-up during the welding process. This hydrogen can cause issues such as hydrogen-induced cracking in the weld metal.

Hermetically sealed containers protect the electrodes from environmental moisture and other contaminants, ensuring that they remain dry and effective for use. This is particularly important for welds that must meet specific strength and integrity standards, especially in critical applications.

In contrast, storing electrodes in plastic, wooden, or open-air containers does not provide the necessary protection from moisture. Plastic containers may not completely seal out moisture, wooden containers can absorb moisture, and open-air containers expose the electrodes directly to atmospheric conditions, all of which can degrade the quality of the electrodes and, consequently, the welds made with them.