Characterization of fume particles generated during arc welding with various covered electrodes

Abstract

Arc welding operations are considered to be risky procedures by generating hazardous welding fume for human health. This study focuses on the key characteristics, as well as dispersion models, of welding fumes within a work zone. Commercial and widely used types of electrodes with various types of covering (rutile, basic, acidic and rutile-cellulose) were used in a series of experiments on arc welding operations, under 100 and 150 amps of electric current. According to the results of this study, maximum levels of pollution with particles of PM10 fraction occur in the workspace during arc welding operations. Disregarding the types of electrodes used, the 3D models of dispersion of the РМ10 particles at the floor plane exhibit corrugated morphologies while also demonstrate high concentrations of the РМ10 particles at distances 0–3 m and 4–5 m from the emission source. The morphology of these particles is represented by solid and hollow spheres, ‘nucleus-shell’ structures, perforated spheres, sharp-edged plates, agglomerates of the tree-like (coral) shape. At last the bifractional mechanism of fume particle formation for this type of electrodes is also shown and described. In this article results are reported, which demonstrate the hazards of the arc welding process for human health. The results of the characterization of WFs reported improve our understanding of risks that these operations pose to human health and may strengthen the need for their control and mitigation.

Welding fumes composition and their effects on blood heavy metals in albino rats

“…Commonly used electrodes with different coatings were used and maximum pollution occurred with PM10 fraction during arc welding operations. It has also demonstrated excessive concentrations of PM10 particles at distances 0–3 m and 4–5 m from the emission source [ 66 ].…”

Preliminary study to investigate the distribution and effects of certain metals after inhalation of welding fumes in mice

“…These ndings are important since manufacturers only declare the chemical composition of the metal core wire, but the composition of the coating material is kept con dential. During the welding, a large part of the fumes is originated from this covering material (Hedberg et al 2021, Kirichenko et al 2018). The difference of the Mn content between the raw welding materials and the nal weld seem is caused by the different coating material (rutile or basic) because these have different capabilities to save the alloying metals in the weld seam.…”

Comparative and Combined In Vitro Vasotoxicity of Nanoparticles Containing Lead and Cadmium

“…At the same time, however, toxic effects of particles of similar size but different chemical composition have been compared much less despite their growing abundance industrially and environmentally, particularly in the nanometric range in the form of nanomaterials and engineered nanoparticles (NP) and as an important fraction of spontaneous workplace and ambient air aerosols. The latter arise from various metallurgical, welding and chemical technologies 1 - 4 and often comprise several toxic elements rather than just one metal.…”