Hyperthenr Air Plasma Adoption in Underground Construction Environments Zheng Duan, Ph.D. UGS 2014 Singapore, Sep. 25-26, 2014What is plasma? Plasma (fom Greek mAdopa, “anything formed’), is one ofthe four fundamental states of matter (he ‘others being sol, quid, and gas). When air or gas is fonized, plasma forms with conductive properties ‘similar to that of metals. Piasma isthe most abundant form of matter inthe Universe, because most ‘stars are ina plasma state + Detton rom vokipeda + The first 3 states of matter are well known: Solid, liquid, and gas + By applying energy in the form of heat itis possible to change states + Water goes from a solid (ice) toa liquid toagas + Adding more energy causes {gas to become ionized or more electrically conductive * Gas in its lonized phase be- comes plasmairis) seer keted Process evolved from the TIG welding process in the 1950's + Plasma power supply provides the energy to the torch for continuously generating plasma and controls + Plasma cutting torch constricts and controls the Tonized gas stream or plasma arc, + The heat of the arc melts or vaporizes the metal — plasma jet center temperature > 20,000 K + Gas flow pushes that material away ~ plasma jet ccenter velocity > 2,000 mis. cy Elec ‘ie = Work Pcs ==Net toazorese ya geeue ken sdi) Safety — + No flammable materials — acetyiene, ‘he most commonly used and efiient fel gas becomes sosgnted over 1 Dar pressure + No pre-heating + Use electricity, cutting on demandAdvantages of Portable Air Plasma Cutting Productivity — 3 + Fast cut speeds + Thick capabilities + No need for pre-heating Lhe ft | ir il- 1. — = BATAdvantages of Portable Air Plasma Cutting Highly portable scaled + Easy control panel adjustments Cyn ad + Ergonomic torches i + Nozzle shielding + Quick disconnect torches + Continuous pilot arc control for fast, easy cutting of expanded metal No gases to regulate in latest systems cat tr cotanceINN INe od ene yeaa eSue| tS + Wide range of systems + Wide range of torches, especially Hypertherm currently offering specially torches, + Cutting any electric conductive metals + Hand and automatic cutting capabilityAdvantages of Portable Air Plasma Cutting Gouging for = Repair = Back-gouging for arc welding = Forging and casting — Removal of surplus metal Structure and equipment maintenanceApplications in Singapore Underground ConstructionsApplications in Singapore Underground Constructions + Cutting in high pressure (recently 2.5 bar) TBM intervation using Hypertherm Powermax85 system??? Hyperthera ‘att entreeSurath once