Experimental assessment of gases and fumes developed during gas metal arc welding

Abstract

Selecting the appropriate welding technique, the optimum parameters and the proper welding wire - shielded gas couple, the gases and fumes can be reduced and, consequently, the risks for the welder’s health and the impact on the environment are diminished. The main goal of this research was focused on the evaluation of carbon monoxide concentration and of microparticles amount that are produced during Metal Active Gas Welding, Flux-Cored Arc Welding and Metals-Cored Arc Welding processes, using different filler metals and applying different feed wire speeds. Eleven wires (solid, basic and rutile flux-cored, low fume flux-cored, metal-cored, low fume metal-cored), in combination with shielding gas such as carbon dioxide or Corgon 18, a two-gases mixture of carbon dioxide and argon, have been used in the experimental research. Combining the wire type, the shielding gas and modifying the wire feed speed, forty-five samples were performed by deposition welding. The experimental data in terms of carbon monoxide concentration and microparticles amount produced during welding were processed and comparatively discussed. The investigations revealed that the lowest risk on the welder’s health and the lowest impact on the environment are achieved during Metal-Cored Arc Welding with low fume metal-cored wire and Corgon 18 shielding gas.