Laser scattering for particulate fume measurement

Abstract

This paper investigates the use of laser light scattering to determine fume concentration generated by gas metal arc welding (GMAW). The effect of transfer mode on the intensity of scattered laser light was measured to compare the results with those generated by fume box measurements. Good correlation was found between previously measured fume formation rates and scattered light intensity across a range of transfer modes for two wire feed rates. Thus it is proposed that laser light scattering is a viable measurement technique for welding fume and demonstrates several advantages over traditional methods.