Fine and ultrafine particles (smaller than respectively 2.5 µm and 100 nm) are potentially hazardous since they can enter the lungs through the respiratory system and get absorbed into the bloodstream. These particles mainly have long-term effects on human health.

Determining the total amount of dust released during arc brazing doesn’t always provide sufficient information about the possible health risk. That is why the Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI) is used to measure airborne particle size distribution and concentration in real-time within the range of 10 µm to 10 nm. In the ELPI, a cascade impactor is used to monitor and collect particles size selectively.

In this way, it is possible to further analyse particles. This allows a comprehensive and thorough investigation of the released particles in terms of size, morphology (round, oval, angular) or chemical composition by using a broad range of analytical techniques.

Conclusion

Dust analysis of the customer’s filler wires revealed that the filler wire resulting in the highest total dust concentration also contained the finest and hence, more hazardous particles. Thanks to a complete dust analysis, our customer could choose the best filler wire in terms of operator’s health.