Refrasil: High-Temperature Stability Welding Cloth

A new product line of Refrasil Welding Grade Cloth (WGC) has been introduced by BP Chemicals (Hitco), Inc. The products, in nominal widths of 36 in. and varying in thickness from .032 in. to .056 in., are designed to resist continuous temperatures to 1,800 degrees F (982 degrees C). Thermal protection continues during intermittent exposure to temperatures over 2,000 degrees F (1,093 degrees C), although some embrittlement and shrinkage does occur. When used as welding blankets, screens and shielding, Refrasil cloth reportedly protects personnel, equipment and finishes from radiant heat, molten metal splash and sparks. The cloth also finds wide usage for stress-relieving pads, furnace curtains, casting mold protection blankets, heat treating, separator cloth, and general weld protection in shipbuilding and repair, and many other industries. Standard weights of the fabric are 18 and 30 oz./sq. yd. An abrasion- resistant (AR) version (19 and 34 oz./sq. yd. weight) utilizes a urethane finish to enhance surface toughness and provide durability against dragging, scraping, tearing and snagging that may occur in a rugged industrial environment. WGC cloth products are made up of continuous filament amorphous silica fibers. The high silica content of 96 percent, according to Hitco, offers reliable thermal protection and resistance to most chemicals, corrosive compounds and other elements within the cloth's temperature range. Low chlorine content reportedly enhances suitability for welding stainless steels as well as ensuring against weld contamination.

The WGC products augment the existing line of industrial grade Refrasil cloth products which include Standard (UC 100), Abrasion Resistant (AR 100), Pre-Shrunk (C 100), higher-temperature Irish (C 1554) and Coated Irish (2221). For more information on BP Chemicals Circle 69 on Reader Service Card