May 29, 20222 min read

DGC OFFERING ON-SITE HEAT TREATMENT SERVICES

Dickinson Hotwork Services (Pty) Ltd provides a complete range of On-Site Heat Treatment Services to the metals smelting, mineral processing, chemical, refining, and thermal power industries.

These Hotwork Services are tailored to maximize the life of clients’ operational assets; they will be described in more detail below.

PRE / CONCURRENT HEAT

Dickinson Hotwork Services (Pty) Ltd’s Pre / Concurrent Heat systems minimize the heat difference between welding areas and their surrounding workpieces during welding operations. The techniques reduce moisture and thermal strains, thereby preventing cracking during welding and prolonging the life of welds. Typical applications include pipework and repairs to pressure vessels or high-strain areas.

POST WELD HEAT TREATMENT (PWHT)

The company’s PWHT processes involve the heating, soaking, and cooling of metals at calculated rates to return the molecular compound to their initial state; after welding operations. This eliminates stresses caused by welding, avoiding cracking or complete failure of welds. The PWHT parameters vary according to the material, material thickness, and welding techniques. PWHT is most commonly used on pressure vessels, high-pressure pipework, and high-strain areas.

EXPANSION FITTING OR REMOVAL

Our Expansion Fitting or Removal techniques involve the accurate and even heating of gears, bearings, or bushes for expansion, allowing them to be fitted or removed as required.

DE-GASSING

In the De-Gassing process, heat is applied to expand the molecules of a metal releasing hydrogen gasses, allowing the material to be welded and re-used.

ANNEALING, HARDENING OR NORMALIZING

Heating and cooling metals at calculated rates to harden, soften, or normalize them. This is commonly done on castings, materials needing machining, and cold-formed metals.