The process of making a rail joint weld Everything you wanted to know about |
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Sparks fly as the existing joint is widened and ground smooth |
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The disposable crucible is prepared. It has two individual sides that surround the joint |
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The two sides are clampled together |
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The crucible is pre-heated |
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The thermite is loaded into the hopper Thermite burns at an extremely high temperature >2500C (nearly 5000F) |
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The setup is ready and the hopper
that |
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FIRE IN THE HOLE! |
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The thermite begins to burn, showering sparks everywhere |
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It looks like a volcano erupting |
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The thermite melts a 'plug' in the hopper and flows into the crucible |
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This compressed air-driven apparatus is used to break the crucible for removal |
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HOT!!! |
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The weld is then ground down to proper height |
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The finished product |