Inert Gas Chamber
Inert gas chamber is a hermetically sealed space flooded with shielding gases such as argon or helium. It protects reactive materials from oxidation and enables clean joining.
Physicochemical mechanism of action
The inert gas chamber is a closed space isolated from the environment. It is flooded with inert gases such as argon or helium that do not cause chemical reactions with the materials. This protects against oxidation and other reactive processes.
Metallurgical relevance & risks when welding
Without an inert gas chamber, reactive metals like steel or titanium can oxidize quickly, leading to porosity and loss of strength. This can result in weak welds and cracks in the material.
Workshop practice & instructions
To use an inert gas chamber effectively:
1. Make sure the space is hermetically sealed.
2. Flood the space with argon or helium to the desired concentration (usually 99.5% pure).
3. Use a strong vacuum supply to remove air from the space.
4. Constantly monitor gas supply and pressure in the space.