Field Testing Pulsed Power Inverters in Welding Operations to Control Heavy Metal Emissions

摘要

This study evaluated the emission reduction of hexavalent chromium , nickel, manganese and other metals generated during welding operations while using pulsed power inverter (PPI) technology. Particle size distribution and metal sp4ecies differentiation within each particle size was examined using gravimetric and laboratory analyses. Emissions from ozone, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides were evaluated using real-time monitoring. Emissions for operations using PPI technology were compared with welding processes, typically mild steel, used during maintenance operations at four DOD facilities. The goal was to confirm manufacturer's claims of significant metals reduction while using PPI Technology. There may be an increase in productivity and, once acclimated, welders accepted the new technology. However, the study did not find a significant reduction in weld fume constituent (metals) emissions on the four DOD operations studied. Welding material quality using PPI was similar to the currently used or conventional gas metal and metal arc (GMAW) and flux core arc welding (FCAW) operations.