Table 2.
Characteristics of welding fume particulates generated at regular and high voltage.
| Regular voltage (RVSS) | High voltage (HVSS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Particle morphology | Chain-like aggregates | Chain-like aggregates |
| Particle size, MMAD (GSD) | 0.39 μm (1.65) | 0.36 μm (1.59) |
| Major elements (Wt%) | ||
| Fe | 53.5 ± 5.7 | 57.0 ± 1.5 |
| Mn | 26.4 ± 2.8 | 19.4 ± 0.6a |
| Cr | 13.6 ± 3.0 | 17.0 ± 0.6 |
| Ratio of Fe:Mn | 2:1 | 3:1a |
| Ratio of Fe:Cr | 4:1 | 4:1 |
Particle morphology was determined from SEM photomicrographs depicted in Fig. 2. Particle size distribution was determined in the exposure chamber by using Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor (MOUDI) and Nano-MOUDI. Elemental analysis was performed by ICP-AES and fume content of major metals is presented as weight % of total metals. Values are Mean ±S.E. (n = 4; fume samples were collected at 30 min intervals).
MMAD (GSD), mass median aerodynamic diameter (geometric standard deviation); RVSS, regular voltage stainless steel fume particulates; HVSS, high voltage stainless steel fume particulates.
Significantly different from corresponding value in RVSS fumes.