Automatic gas control for a plasma arc torch

A method and apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a plasma arc torch uses a proportional control solenoid valve positioned adjacent the torch to manipulate the gas flow to the torch, thereby extending electrode life during arc transfer and shutdown. Swirl ring design can be simplified and gas s...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors LIEBOLD STEPHEN M, KAMATH GIRISH R, BEST GUY T, LINDSAY JON W, BRANDT AARON D, DUAN ZHENG, PASSAGE CHRISTOPHER S, SELMER SHANE M
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 27.07.2006
Subjects
CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING
CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING
MACHINE TOOLS
METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
PERFORMING OPERATIONS
SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING
TRANSPORTING
WELDING
WORKING BY LASER BEAM
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Summary:A method and apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a plasma arc torch uses a proportional control solenoid valve positioned adjacent the torch to manipulate the gas flow to the torch, thereby extending electrode life during arc transfer and shutdown. Swirl ring design can be simplified and gas supply and distribution systems become less complicated. The invention also allows manipulation of shield gas flow to reduce divot formation when making interior cuts. The system can be controlled with a digital signal processor utilizing a feedback loop from a sensor.
Bibliography:Application Number: US20060341992