The processes of oxyfuel cutting, plasma cutting and shielded metal arc welding represent material processing technologies that are strongly associated with particulate matter emissions. These particles have a negative impact on the health of the operator, as they penetrate deep into the lungs due to their small size. The effects are determined by measuring particulate matter emissions, particle morphology, chemical composition of the particles and particle size. Methods for measuring these parameters are discussed in ISO 13322-1: 2014. The first part of which provides recommendations for the analysis of the collected particles.
In the master thesis the emitted particulate matter, which are produced by flame cutting and plasma cutting of S460 steel and manual arc welding of S460 and AISI 316 steel, were analysed. The collection of the particles was carried out by the personal sampler Zambelli, the weighing of the particles was done on an electronic balance, particle size, morphology and chemical composition were determined with a field emission scanning electron microscope.
By comparing the results obtained, it was determined how the measurements of these parameters are influenced by the choice of steel, the choice of processing technology and the use of a suction device. It was found that both cutting processes produce more particulate matter emissions than manual arc welding. In all processes spherical particles and agglomerates were formed, consisting mainly of iron and oxygen, which are present in the form of various oxides.
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