The flux on the welding rod has caught fire; bubbles are also forming and dripping down. What’s going on?

The reason why the flux on the welding rod catches fire, forms bubbles, and drips downward may be that the flux has not been dried or was stored improperly, allowing moisture to get in. First, the welding rod coating needs to be stored in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption. If stored for a long time or in an environment with high humidity, the flux on the welding rod may absorb moisture. Secondly, the ignition and bubbling of the welding rod coating may be due to moisture still remaining inside the welding rod. Welding rods are usually baked before use to remove any moisture inside them. If proper baking is not carried out, the moisture inside the electrode may be heated and evaporated during welding, forming bubbles that drip downward. The solution is to first check the storage conditions of the welding rods, ensuring that their coatings are stored in a dry environment. Secondly, the welding rod must be thoroughly baked before use to evaporate the moisture inside it. If the welding rod has caught fire and bubbles have formed, it is recommended to stop using that rod and replace it with a dry one in order to avoid affecting the quality of the weld. .