Computer Simulation of Ventilation During Electric Welding Operations

Abstract

The article considers the construction of an integrated ventilation system that combines local exhaust ventilation of welders’ workplaces and general exchange ventilation of premises. Using the method of computer simulation, the air movement fields, air temperature and concentration of harmful impurities are calculated. A comparative analysis of the main types of stationary devices for local exhaust ventilation of electric welding workplaces, such as exhaust hoods, welding panels, as well as air-blow exhaust devices, is carried out. The conditions for the effective use of lift-and-turn exhaust devices have been determined. The factors influencing the efficiency of their operation have been identified, and combinations of influencing factors that ensure the maximum permissible concentrations of harmful emissions in the welders’ working areas have been established. The conditions under which the general exchange effect of local exhaust is sufficient to maintain the concentration in the room at the level of maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) have been determined. The results obtained can be used to develop engineering methods for calculating and optimizing ventilation devices and systems, as well as to analyze structural and design solutions for the ventilation of electric welding productions.