Study of Magnetic Fields Issued in Welding Processes Coated Electrode and TIG

Abstract

Welded Coated and TIG welding processes, widely used in industry, are executed largely manually and in them are used high levels of current in order to ensure higher productivity. The use of high intensity currents leads to the generation of high magnetic fields, which according to guidelines related to the health and safety of the worker can have harmful effects on human health. Thus, evaluations were made on the emission of magnetic fields in Welded Coated and TIG welding processes in function of the operational variables inherent to these processes and the level of exposure of welders by comparison with the safety limits established by the most current ICNIRP guidelines. The results showed that the magnetic field is larger as the welding current increases and the smaller the arc height. The electrode coating and shielding gas also influence the magnetic field strength by interfering, respectively, in the stability and shape of the electric arc. The results also showed that the magnetic field is influenced by the magnetic permeability of the base material.

Key-words:
Coated electrode; TIG; Exposure limits