Hypertherm HT400 Air Injected Water Muffler System - Manual (Page 10)

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SAFETY, INTRODUCTION & SPECIFICATIONS
Air Injected Water Muffler System
Instruction Manual
INTRODUCTION
The Air Injected Water Muffler System is a plasma cutting torch option which greatly
improves the HT400 and HT4000/4001 plasma cutting systems safety and pollution
control capabilities. This water muffler system can be used to cut both above and
below water. The Air Injected Water Muffler System must be used in conjunction with
the Water Table Pollution Control System.
Above-Water Cutting
When used above water (material at the water line), the system becomes an effective
pollution control attachment which substantially reduces noise levels, ultraviolet
radiation, glare, and airborne particulates. Noise levels less than 86 dBA can be
expected when cutting with oxygen to a maximum current of 260A. Noise levels less
than 90 dBA can be expected when cutting with nitrogen to a maximum current of
400A. In addition, the water muffler improves cut quality by keeping the water table
water away from the cut zone and by continuously flushing the back of the workpiece
with air, preventing hydrogen from accumulating on the underside.
Underwater Cutting
When used underwater, the water muffler provides a water and air shield which
removes water from the cut zone, allowing for optimum operation of the plasma torch.
The water muffler greatly improves the quality of the cuts made underwater and
allows for cutting at the same speeds as above-water cutting. The continuous
flushing of the back of the workpiece with air, prevents hydrogen from accumulating.
Underwater operation also provides the maximum possible noise suppression over
the widest possible range of current levels. Less than 85 dBA can be expected for
both oxygen and nitrogen when cutting three inches or more below the surface of the
water.
System Components
Refer to Installation, Section 2, Upon Receipt , for a list of the system components.
Water Table Requirements
When cutting above water, the water level in the water table should be up to or
slightly above the bottom surface of the workpiece. The water reservoir located
beneath the plate prevents the high-intensity sound waves from escaping out from
the underside of the workpiece.
When the water muffler is used below water, the water level in the water table must
be three inches or more above the top surface of the workpiece.
The water muffler significantly cools the smoke and fumes generated by plasma
cutting (especially when cutting underwater). Proper ventilation and fume extraction
near the surface of the water table is required.
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