Welding works
The main components of the welding aerosol released into the air during welding and cutting of steels are oxides of iron, manganese and silicon (about 41, 18 and 6%, respectively). The dust may contain other compounds of alloying elements.
Toxic inclusions that are part of the welding aerosol and harmful gases when they enter the human body through the respiratory tract have an adverse effect on it and can cause a number of occupational diseases. Fine dust particles from 0.4 to 5 microns, penetrating deep into the respiratory tract, pose the greatest danger to health, dust particles up to 10 microns or more are retained in the bronchi, also causing their diseases.
Manganese MnManganese is one of the most harmful dust secretions, it clogs the tubules of nerve cells. The conduction of the nerve impulse decreases. As a result, fatigue, drowsiness increases, the speed of reaction, efficiency decreases, dizziness, depressive, depressed states appear.
Manganese is almost impossible to remove from the body; it is very difficult to diagnose manganese poisoning, because the symptoms are common and inherent in many diseases, most often a person simply does not pay attention to them.
Silicon dioxide SiO2 prolonged inhalation may cause occupational lung disease - Silicosis is a disease in which foreign tissue forms in the lungs, which reduces the ability of the lungs to process oxygen, the most common and severe type of pneumoconiosis. It is characterized by diffuse growth of connective tissue in the lungs and the formation of characteristic nodules. Silicosis causes the risk of tuberculosis, bronchitis and emphysema of the lungs.
Chromium compoundscan accumulate in the body, causing headaches, diseases of the digestive organs, anemia.
Titanium oxide causes lung diseases.
In addition, the body is adversely affected by compounds of aluminum, tungsten, iron, vanadium, zinc, copper, nickel and other elements.
Methods of air purification during welding
Local air outlet, the most common method of smoke removal during welding, includes flexible exhaust devices as part of mobile FVU, and separately, exhaust umbrellas, on-board suction, welding tables with a built-in hood, etc.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
High efficiency of smoke removal due to the removal of air in the immediate vicinity of the aerosol release site. | Эффективны только при правильном позиционировании относительно точки сварки. Effective only when properly positioned relative to the welding point. |
A small air flow is sufficient for effective smoke removal. | When welding medium and large-sized products, it is necessary to constantly move the receiving funnel of the exhaust device. When welding bulk products, it is necessary to move the exhaust device. All this creates additional inconveniences in the work. |
Pronounced human factor. As a rule, welders neglect additional operations with the hood, and it is not actually used. | |
It is not always possible to apply these solutions: welding of large frame structures, containers, and other products of large size or complex configuration. |
PUSH-PULL system. It is one or more aspiration systems connected by special receiving and feeding air ducts. The system provides a directional laminar air flow in the working area and continuous cleaning.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
It does not require additional operations for full functioning. | Requires a lot of performance, price. |
High efficiency due to directional laminar air flow, minimal mixing of clean and dirty air. | The complexity of the installation, a lot of additional elements. |
Improving the overall cleanliness of the indoor air, reducing the cost of cleaning, repairs, etc. | It does not provide instant removal of welding aerosol from the working area. |
High degree of automation of installations. | Not everywhere can be mounted. |
No heat loss. |
Recirculation system with directional air discharge.
The movement of the air masses is ensured by the directional release of clean air through the adjustable rotary nozzles. Dirty air is taken directly from the receiving flange of the installation or through the receiving panel / air duct.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
It does not require additional operations for full operation. | More performance is required. |
Compact, all-inclusive. | Compared to PUSH PULL the overall efficiency is lower due to the higher mixing ratio of the air masses. |
Easy installation and maintenance. | Does not provide instant removal of welding aerosol from the working area. |
Improving the overall cleanliness of the indoor air, reducing the cost of cleaning, repairs, etc. | Lower efficiency when used in large-volume workshop areas, less pronounced zonal effect. |
High degree of automation of installations. | |
No heat loss, does not disturb the supply and exhaust balance. |
Separately, you can select welding tables, which are a workplace with an integrated hood.
Also, to organize the working space and reduce the noise level in the room, we suggest considering enclosures made of noise-absorbing panels.