The discussion centers on the potential for air to be drawn into a leaking argon gas line used for atomization and backfilling a VIM melting chamber. It is established that if the argon line is under pressure and there is a leak, air can indeed be drawn in, creating a mixture of argon and air. The Bernoulli principle is referenced, indicating that flow rate and pressure must be considered when evaluating this risk. The participants also discuss methods for leak detection, including vacuum testing and helium checks, highlighting the importance of maintaining a purged system to prevent contamination.
PREREQUISITESEngineers, technicians, and quality control professionals involved in gas handling systems, particularly those working with argon in melting chambers and similar applications.
Is the argon under pressure as in mig welding systems or is it drawn into the chamber by the vacuum?Bladestein said:gas is turned on and flowing through pipe
Air has been purged from the system in theory. System pulls vacuum to remove air then back filled with argon. But when backfilling is air being pulled in also.jerromyjon said:If the pressure is considerably higher than atmospheric pressure I can't image it would draw in air, but according to the Bernoulli principle the higher velocity of the flow the lower the pressure that accompanies it, so the flow rate and the pressure have to be considered. Can we assume the air has been purged from the system initially?
Yes that would definitely drawn in air if there is a leak, and argon molecules are larger so they might not leak out when the system is pressurized.Bladestein said:But when backfilling is air being pulled in also.