Optimization of Parameters for Welding of Spark Plug Detector

Abstract

One of the spark plug leak detectors employed in high temperature liquid sodium systems had failed to detect a sodium leak and systematic failure analysis was carried out to identify the ischolar_main cause of the failure. Radiography image of the leak port nozzle revealed that the extension wire which was welded with spark plug electrode had snapped. Since the failure originated from the cracks present in the weld, it was decided to standardize the welding procedure of spark plug electrode to extension wire to prevent the possibility of similar failures in future. Three different materials viz, stainless steel, nickel, inconel were chosen as extension wires as well as filler wires to optimize the welding parameters. Microstructural studies in terms of presence of defects, interface integrity between the weld and extension wire as well as that of spark plug electrode were carried out. Based on this, the final choice of welding parameters, material for extension wire and for filler wire to achieve a sound weld was proposed.