LINCOLN Electric has a few tips for re-drying and recycling its submerged arc welding flux.
The fluxes can be used directly if they have been stored in its original, undamaged package in recommended conditions. However, it is possible under adverse circumstances for the flux to show signs of moisture.
Moisture in the flux results in porosity, a rough bead surface and slag which is unusually difficult to remove.
The fluxes can be re-dried by placing them in a clean oven set and heating them at temperatures between 260 degrees and 480 degrees Celsius for an hour.
Where the fluxes have model numbers MIL800-H and MIL800HPNi, the oven temperatures should be set between 120 degrees and 205 degree Celsius. Fluxes which require diffusible hydrogen control need to be heated at 425 degrees.
It is also possible to recycle flux by removing slag, metal, mill scale and other contaminants, and avoiding the separation of different sized particles in cyclones or ‘dead’ corners. The manufacturer also recommends adding at least 20% new flux to recycled flux to allow better welding.

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