SH-3
SH-3
SH-3 is a argon-hydrogen gas mixture for TIG and plasma welding. It offers high arc energy, a clean weld and is particularly suitable for automated and mechanised welding processes.
SH-3 is a mixture of argon and hydrogen with 3 % hydrogen. The gas is colourless, odourless, suffocating and flammable. Argon is the main component of the mixture, which makes the gases heavier than air and allows them to accumulate in low-lying spaces such as basements. This makes adequate ventilation and safety measures for gas handling particularly important.
SH-3 composition: 3% hydrogen + argon
SH-3 UN number: 1954
Valve: DIN 477 No. 10 RPV
SH-3 as welding gas
SH-3 is argon-hydrogen blend gas with a hydrogen content of 3%. The gas is specifically designed for TIG and plasma arc welding where additional arc energy, better penetration and a cleaner weld are required. The addition of hydrogen stabilises the arc, raises its temperature and improves mass transfer, thus reducing weld deformation. The gas is particularly suitable for welding thin austenitic stainless and acid-resistant steels and for root protection.
SH-3 is best suited for mechanised and automated welding, where the additional energy provided by hydrogen allows for a faster and more efficient process. It can also be used for manual welding, but the higher hydrogen content makes the gases unsuitable for welding ferritic, martensitic or low-alloy steels, as the risk of hydrogen embrittlement increases significantly.
Compared to SH-2 gas (2% hydrogen), SH-3 contain more hydrogen, which increases arc energy and efficiency, but requires more careful material selection and process control. The lower hydrogen content of SH-2, on the other hand, makes it a safer alternative for manual welding and reduces the risk of hydrogen embrittlement.
Available grades:
Industrial SH-3
Packaging:
SH-3 gas is available in cylinders.
Gases behave differently depending on their quality and state. Always consult the product’s safety data sheet before using the product. A safety data sheet is a document that conveys information about the properties, risks and safe use of a substance or mixture for industrial or professional use.
Risk of fire and explosion
SH-3 is a mixture of hydrogen and argon. Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas which burns hot with an almost invisible flame. A small amount of energy is required to ignite a hydrogen air mixture. Hydrogen under pressure may ignite when discharged without an obvious ignition source, e.g. static electricity or a hot surface. A hydrogen fire is always extinguished by shutting off the gas flow into the fire bag. Other extinguishing methods are dangerous because leaking hydrogen can easily re-ignite and the resulting gas cloud can create an explosion hazard. Fire propagation
cool the area around the burning area with water if you can do so safely.
Risk of suffocation
Increased concentration of SH-3 gas in the breathing air presents a risk of asphyxiation. Low concentrations may cause increased respiratory rate and headache. Asphyxiation occurs unnoticed and can be fatal. As air becomes heavier, it may accumulate in drains and basements and cause elevated concentrations of SH-3 gas in rooms.
First aid
A person suffering from oxygen deficiency should be immediately evacuated to fresh air. If the victim is having difficulty breathing or is not breathing, administer artificial respiration as quickly as possible and call for help. When rescuing a victim, it is important to remember not to enter an oxygen-deprived area without breathing equipment.
Use
– Follow the instructions and safe working practices when handling the substance.
– The gas handler must have appropriate training
– Use only carefully checked pressure regulators and other operating equipment suitable for this gas. If in doubt, contact Woikoske.
– Open the valve slowly, to avoid a pressure shock
– The valve is opened and closed by hand. The use of assistive devices is prohibited!
– It takes about one turn to open the bottle.
– The gas cylinder in use must be properly secured
– Keep the valve outlets clean!
– Close the bottle valve after each use and when the bottle is empty.
– Always report a damaged valve and bottle to Woikoske
Transport
– The driver must be aware of the potential dangers of the load and know his duties in the event of accidents and incidents.
– Cylinders shall be transported in an upright position
– The load must be secured
– Cylinders must not be knocked, thrown or dropped from the truck platform
– Attention to ADR regulations during transport
Storage
– Observe all legal and local requirements for the storage of cylinders.
– Store cylinders in a well-ventilated area
– Cylinders should not be stored in conditions that promote corrosion
– Cylinders are stored upright and secured so that they cannot fall over
– Valve guards must be in place AT ALL TIMES
– Empty and full cylinders to be kept separate
