Thorium tungsten electrode contains thorium oxide (Th02 or thorium oxide), which is the most commonly used tungsten electrode and has become a standard for judging the quality of other tungsten electrodes. However, due to the low-level radioactive hazards of this tungsten electrode, many users have switched to other options. In general, 2% thorium tungsten electrode is a relatively good tungsten electrode, with the lowest work function, and it performs well even under overload voltage. The performance of thorium tungsten electrode is better than pure tungsten electrode in many aspects. Thorium oxide provides a current-carrying capacity that is about 20% higher than that of pure tungsten, generally has a longer service life, and helps prevent pollution during welding.
Using thorium tungsten electrodes, arc starting is easier, and the arc is more stable than pure tungsten electrodes or zirconium tungsten electrodes. Both thorium tungsten electrode 1% (EWTh – 1) and thorium tungsten electrode 2% (EWTh – 2) can be used for DCEN.
Thorium-tungsten electrodes are usually used for DC negative electrodes or positive electrodes such as carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and titanium alloys. They have good performance and can weld well even under overload current.
Thorium tungsten electrode contains 1-1.2% thorium oxide. Thorium is a radioactive material, which is affected by radiation during welding and contact with thorium tungsten rod.
1. External irradiation
2. Enter the body through the respiratory and digestive systems to cause internal body irradiation. A large number of investigations and measurements on argon arc welding and plasma arc welding have proved that their radiological hazards are relatively small, because the daily consumption of thorium tungsten poles is only 100-200 mg, and the radiation dose is very small, which has little effect on the human body. .
1. When welding in the container, the ventilation is not smooth, and the radioactive particles in the smoke may exceed the hygienic standard;
2. The concentration of radioactive aerosol and radioactive dust during the grinding of thorium tungsten rods and where there are thorium tungsten rods can meet or even exceed sanitary standards. The intrusion of radioactive materials into the body can cause chronic radiation sickness, which is mainly manifested in the general functional state weakening, obvious weakness, weak resistance to infectious diseases, and weight loss.
The above information is provided by the Tungsten electrode supplier.
