Authors:
Pelle Mellin (1), Oskar Karlsson (1), Hanna Nilsson Åhman (1), Ulrika Danielsson (2), Henrik Lidman (3), Kim Färnlund (4)
1- Swerim AB, Kista, Sweden
2- Siemens Energy AB, Finspång, Sweden
3- Befesa Scandust AB, Landskrona, Sweden
4- Amexci AB, Karlskoga, Sweden
Abstract:
Here, a Zefon Bio-Pump Plus from Cole-Parmer was used to capture airborne metal powder and dust particles on a sticky surface. The sticky surface coats a glass slide, which is enclosed in a single-use cassette called Air-O-Cell. The method is normally used for capturing fungal spores. However, we show here that metal powder and dust particles can be captured as well. SEM-EDS enable identification of the alloy that constitutes the captured particles.
Using said method, airborne powder particles were captured in three separate workshops processing large quantities of PBF-LB powder (15-45 μm). Regardless of workshop, the diameter of captured powder particles ranged from 0.8-10 μm. Air classification removes most of these particles from PBF-LB powder, but some remain, and we show here that these particles become airborne.
Post-processing generated much more dust and large particles appear to travel farther, probably since the post processed alloys were lightweight (Al and Ti-base).
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59499/EP235765510