SOFA 2008 - Thermite Welding RR-Rail

Preheating the rail takes about 6 to 7 minutes. The rail ends are 1" apart so the preheat extends down the rail and up through the riser ports. While this is being done the crucible is being prepared. Thermite Preheating the rail

Judging the Heat is a done by eye. While this is a timed operation the skill of the human eye is used to be sure the rail is at the right temperature. Placing the Thermite crucible

30 seconds is the maxiumum time allowed to setup the crucible. Here we cannot clearly see the crucible but when the Railtech crew does the second joint we will have a much better view. Thermite burining

The thermite is lite with a special high temperature "sparkler" type fuse which was lit from the preheat torch. As soon as the thermite is lit the welders move back. . . much more . .

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September 30, 2008
SOFA CONF 2008
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