Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) is a common arc Welding process. It requires a continuously fed consumable solid or tubular (flux cored) electrode. Molten weld and the arc zone are protected from atmospheric contamination by being submerged under a blanket of granular fusible flux consisting of lime, silica, manganese oxide, calcium fluoride and other compounds. When molten, the flux becomes conductive and provides a current path between electrode and the job. The thick layer of flux completely covers the molten metal thus preventing spatter and sparks as well as suppressing the intense ultraviolet radiation and fumes that are a part of the SMAW process.