Patent ID: 6121570
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
A plasma arc torch system having automatic purge and fill capability, comprising:a plasma arc torch which includes a nozzle, an electrode adjacent the nozzle and operable to support an electrical arc extending from the electrode through the nozzle to a workpiece, a passage within the torch for supplying a process fluid through the nozzle toward the workpiece, and a supply line coupled with the passage for supplying process fluid thereinto;a process fluid supply system including at least first and second supplies containing first and second process fluids, respectively, and a purge gas supply containing an inert purge gas;a valve system coupled between the process fluid supply system and the supply line, the valve system including at least one valve operable to selectively couple the supply line to one of the first and second process fluid supplies and the purge gas supply;an actuator system connected to the valve system, the actuator system being electrically activatable to cause the valve system to couple the supply line to one of said supplies;a control system including a programmable controller electrically connected to the actuator system, and an electronic data storage device in data communication with the controller, the data storage device containing at least one process set including a process fluid requirement, the controller being programmed to read the process set from the data storage device and to control operation of the actuator system so as to automatically couple the supply line with the first or second supply in accordance with the process fluid requirement defined in the process set.