Welding Rod Waste. Certain welding rods often referred to as thoriated tungsten electrodes do indeed contain some radioactivity. This has ease of using the facility and its easy to handle too.
Many operators in this day and age monitor incoming waste shipments for radioactivity. PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION Product Name E6011 WELDING ELECTRODE Product Code IT7025B Recommended use Welding Chemical nature Inorganic solid blend Information on Manufacturer Emergency Telephone Number. Fumes are formed when a metal is heated above its boiling point and its vapours condense into very fine particles solid particulates.
Thoriated tungsten rods are not dangerous and can be disposed of like any other waste metal.
Thats from an MSDS sheet. Lets say you are using a 564 inch E6013 rod at the right amperage value but still your filler rod keeps sticking to the base metal. Slag does not contribute to strength or protection of metals after the welding process. The addition of thorium improves arc starting and stability reduces weld contamination and gives longer electrode life.