Thoriated Tungsten Electrode Introduction

Grinding
Grinding electrode will produce radioactive dust into atmosphere. So it is recommended during grinding should make up a dedicated grindstone and local dust extraction. Besides, a simple filter mask is necessary unless you contact with small number of electrodes (less than about 20 per year). On the other hand, if the grinding wheel is not fitted with a protective viewing screen, eye protection should be worn. What’s more, the air extract from the grindstone should be collection so that the particles are deposited into a substantial disposable bag and will not release to the atmosphere just in case of ingestion or inhalation by welders.

After finish welding process, the area round the grinding wheels should be cleaned daily with a vacuum cleaner to remove dust particles. Besides, welders should be encouraged to wash their hands or whole body.

Welding
Some hazardous substance of thoriated tungsten electrode does occur during welding but it is a very small amount and the corresponding level of radioactivity is extremely low. However, wearing mouth, nose and eye protection during welding would further reduce any risk of contamination, and make welders more safety.

Alternatives to thoriated tungsten electrode
Lanthanum, cerium, yttrium and zirconium oxides can all be used with tungsten to produce lanthanated, ceriated, zirconiated and yttriated tungsten electrodes. Compared with thoriated tungsten electrode, they are all marginally radioactive, so the risk is even lower than with thorium oxide, so no specific precautions are needed. At the present, especially in developed counties they prefer to use these electrodes to place thoriated tungsten electrode. Among these rare earth tungsten electrodes, ceriated or lanthanated tungstens electrode are acceptable alternatives to thoriated tungsten electrode, particularly with a DC current, while zirconiated tungsten is preferred for AC current welding. There are very minor differences in the arc voltages required for equal currents between the various alternatives. Consideration should be given to justifying the use of thoriated tungsten electrodes in preference to other suitable alternatives.