ISSN:
1572-8986
Keywords:
Electrode erosion
;
plasma torches
;
magnetic rotation
;
effect of gas composition
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
,
Technology
Notes:
Abstract Experimental results are presented for electrode erosion on copper cathodes in magnetically rotated arcs in argon, dry air, nitrogen, ammonia, and carbon monoxide as well mixtures of the above with argon. Water-saturated argon was also used. Erosion rates were determined by weight loss after chemical cleaning, and the runs were sufficiently long (between 5 to 60 min) to represent steady-state operation. Arc currents of 100 A and gas pressures of 1.1 atm. were used. Pure argon gave the highest erosion rates and the lowest arc velocities. Small concentrations of any of the diatomic gases in argon greatly increased the arc velocity and decreased the erosion rates. The results suggest that erosion is primarily a thermal phenomenon but that the surface chemistry can greatly influence erosion rates by modifying arc behavior.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01016522
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