Where should low hydrogen covering electrodes be stored prior to use?

Low hydrogen covering electrodes are sensitive to moisture absorption, which can lead to hydrogen embrittlement in welds, compromising the quality and integrity of the weld. Therefore, proper storage is crucial to maintain their effectiveness.

Storing these electrodes in hermetically sealed containers ensures that they are protected from moisture and environmental contaminants. These sealed environments prevent any moisture from contacting the electrodes, thus keeping them dry and ready for use. This is essential for maintaining their low hydrogen characteristics, which are necessary for achieving high-quality welds.

While other storage options may provide some level of protection, they do not offer the same level of assurance against moisture as hermetically sealed containers. For instance, standard containers may not prevent moisture ingress, refrigeration may not be necessary, and simply storing in a dry environment does not guarantee the complete protection required. Thus, hermetically sealed containers are the best practice for storing low hydrogen covering electrodes before use.