Illinois Tool Works Inc.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GAS CONTROL DURING WELDING WIRE PRETREATMENTS

Abstract:

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for pretreating a wire that is used in a welding operation. Using embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein, one may remove hydrogen and/or other contaminants from a wire by passing the wire through a pre-treatment chamber, preferably one that isolates the gas discharged from the pre-treatment chamber from the shielding gas utilized in the welding operation; treating the wire within the pre-treatment chamber to release hydrogen and/or other contaminants; and creating a turbulent flow of gas through the pre-treatment chamber. By creating a turbulent flow of gas within the pre-treatment chamber, the transportation of the released hydrogen and/or other contaminants away from the wire may be improved, thereby preventing released contaminants from being reintroduced to the wire or otherwise transported into a weld.