Generating discrete gas jets in plasma arc torch applications
First Claim
1. A nozzle for a transferred arc plasma cutting torch comprising, the nozzle comprising:
- a rear portion defining at least a portion of a plasma chamber; and
a front portion including a first end disposed adjacent to the rear portion, a second end defining a plasma exit portion, and a plurality of gas passageways disposed within the front portion, each of the plurality of gas passageways extending from the first end to the second end and defining a gas path that provides a flow of secondary gas that exits the gas passageway via a gas passageway exit portion, each gas passageway exit portion being (a) disposed adjacent the plasma exit portion and (b) coplanar with the plasma exit portion,the plurality of gas passageways and gas passageway exit portions, in combination, providing a plurality of discrete jets of the secondary gas which are disposed substantially parallel to a plasma jet and which reduce entrainment of an ambient fluid or the secondary gas into the plasma jet.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is generally directed to a nozzle for a plasma torch, the nozzle having a rear portion that defines at least a portion of a plasma chamber and a front portion that includes a first end and a second end. The first end is adjacent the rear portion, and the second end defines a plasma exit portion. One or more fluid passageways are disposed within the front portion and extend from the first end to the second end. The fluid passageways have passageway exit portions that provide one or more discrete jets of a secondary fluid to surround a plasma jet that is ejected from the plasma exit portion. Features of the invention include faster cutting, thicker workpiece piercing capability, reduced noise, improved arc stability, and increased consumable life, all of which improve productivity associated with plasma arc torch workpiece processing.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A nozzle for a transferred arc plasma cutting torch comprising, the nozzle comprising:
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a rear portion defining at least a portion of a plasma chamber; and a front portion including a first end disposed adjacent to the rear portion, a second end defining a plasma exit portion, and a plurality of gas passageways disposed within the front portion, each of the plurality of gas passageways extending from the first end to the second end and defining a gas path that provides a flow of secondary gas that exits the gas passageway via a gas passageway exit portion, each gas passageway exit portion being (a) disposed adjacent the plasma exit portion and (b) coplanar with the plasma exit portion, the plurality of gas passageways and gas passageway exit portions, in combination, providing a plurality of discrete jets of the secondary gas which are disposed substantially parallel to a plasma jet and which reduce entrainment of an ambient fluid or the secondary gas into the plasma jet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification