Atomic Hydrogen Welding (AHW)

The atomic hydrogen welding (AHW) employs two tungsten electrode held in special atomic hydrogen torch. These electrodes are connected to a constant current ac power source with an open circuit voltage of about 300 volts. The shielding gas used here is hydrogen which is reactive in nature. The hydrogen molecule (H2), when passing through an electric arc, gets dissociated into two hydrogen atoms (H). The reaction is endothermic in which energy is supplied by the arc. H2 H + H 100700 cals The main difference between TIG (or GTAW) welding and this process is that in AHW, the arc is produced between two tungsten electrodes rather than between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece. Atomic hydrogen when it impinges the workpiece reunites to form molecular hydrogen has a temperature of about 37000 C and can, thus be used for welding. Atomic hydrogen also combine with oxygen, if present, to form water vapour and produce heat to melt the base metal. Because of the heat, the molten metal becomes highly fluid and, therefore, atomic hydrogen welding is used for the flat positions only. Filler metal when needed is melted intermittently in the arc fan for fusing with the base metal. The path of electron travel (arc) between the two electrodes is not a straight path as in other arc welding processes. Instead, they travel in the form of a fan. The fan shaped arc maintained between the electrodes is usually 9 to 20 mm in size and gives out a sharp singing sound. This fan shape can be changed by altering the distance between the electrodes and the current level. The dc machine could also be used in atomic hydrogen welding, but because of the electron flow being only in one direction, the wear of the electrode is particularly high. Therefore, only ac power supply is used. When properly performed, the atomic hydrogen arc welding gives an extremely clean weld with excellent quality. The hydrogen atmosphere provided in the process results in reducing envelop around the molten weld pool and keeps it protected from the deleterious effects of atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen. It is generally used for welding of tool steels containing tungsten, nickel and molybdenum as also for hard surfacing and repairing of moulds, dies and tools. Though it can be used for any job, its high costs prohibits it general usage.