The working conditions analysis of the electrodes of plasma torch EDP-104A in nitrogen plasma

Abstract

The analysis of the electrode conditions and performance of plasma torches EDP-104A in nitrogen plasma is carried out. It is shown that the life of the plasma torch is determined by the erosion of the tungsten thermal cathode. It is confirmed that the erosion depends on the strength of the current and the oxygen content in the plasma-forming gas. At the current strength of 1 kA with an increase in oxygen content from 0.1 to 0.5%, erosion increases from 10-12 to 10-9 kg/C. To reduce cathode erosion, it is necessary to limit the oxygen content in technical nitrogen.