System and method for detecting nozzle and electrode wear
US5844196A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05H1/3494
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A system and method for detecting nozzle and electrode wear of plasma arc torches in which the average change in the stand-off between the electrode or the nozzle assembly of the plasma arc torch and a workpiece is monitored, and corrective measures are taken once the average change in the stand-off of the electrode and nozzle assembly exceeds a predetermined value. The corrective measures may include changing the arc voltage of the plasma arc torch, modifying the speed at which the plasma arc torch travels, modifying the average current of the power supply of the plasma arc torch, or the flow rate of the plasma supply gases or cut water of the plasma arc torch. The number of corrections is monitored so that after a predetermined number of such corrections, the system and method notifies an operator or the plasma arc torch itself that the electrode or surrounding nozzle requires replacement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.