plasmarc™ air curtain

For use with M3 Plasma System

and PT-36 Plasma Torch
ESAB Assembly Number: 37440

Instruction Manual

The Air Curtain is a device used to improve the performance of Plasmarc™ cutting torches when cutting underwater.

The device mounts onto the torch and produces a curtain of air. This allows the plasma arc to operate in a relatively
dry zone, even though the torch has been submerged to reduce noise, fume, and arc radiation.

0558006404 05 / 2006
 Be sure this information reaches the operator.
You can get extra copies through your supplier.

caution
These INSTRUCTIONS are for experienced operators. If you are not fully familiar with the
principles of operation and safe practices for arc welding and cutting equipment, we urge
you to read our booklet, “Precautions and Safe Practices for Arc Welding, Cutting, and
Gouging,” Form 52-529. Do NOT permit untrained persons to install, operate, or maintain
this equipment. Do NOT attempt to install or operate this equipment until you have read
and fully understand these instructions. If you do not fully understand these instructions,
contact your supplier for further information. Be sure to read the Safety Precautions be-
fore installing or operating this equipment.

USER RESPONSIBILITY
This equipment will perform in conformity with the description thereof contained in this manual and accompa-
nying labels and/or inserts when installed, operated, maintained and repaired in accordance with the instruc-
tions provided. This equipment must be checked periodically. Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment
should not be used. Parts that are broken, missing, worn, distorted or contaminated should be replaced imme-
diately. Should such repair or replacement become necessary, the manufacturer recommends that a telephone
or written request for service advice be made to the Authorized Distributor from whom it was purchased.

This equipment or any of its parts should not be altered without the prior written approval of the manufacturer.
The user of this equipment shall have the sole responsibility for any malfunction which results from improper
use, faulty maintenance, damage, improper repair or alteration by anyone other than the manufacturer or a ser-
vice facility designated by the manufacturer.


WARNING ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL!
DISCONNECT POWER TO PLASMA POWER SOURCE BEFORE
TOUCHING OR SERVICING THE AIR CURTAIN AT THE TORCH.

DISCONNECT POWER TO CONTROL BOX BEFORE SERVICING.

NOTE:
Remove existing Nozzle Retaining Cup before
installing air curtain.

Plasma Torch Body

Installation of Air Curtain Assembly on plasma torch
1 1. Slide Split Bushing on to stainless steel body of
torch as shown.
2
2. Slide the chrome plated Air Curtain Body, P/N
37438, onto the stainless steel body of the torch.
Snug locking collar screw on air curtain body. Fi-
nal positioning of air curtain will be done as a last
step.

NOTE:
It will ease assembly if all o-rings in the air curtain
3 body are lightly lubricated with silicone grease.

3. Install Nozzle Retaining Cup, P/N 37431,

4
4. Assemble shield in shield retainer separately to as-
5 sure proper metal to metal contact.

5. Hand tighten shield and retainer assembly on torch.

Double check shield / retainer for proper seating.
6
6. Install an Air Curtain Sleeve, P/N 37436, over the
completely assembled torch and push it into the air
curtain body until fully seated.

7 7. Secure the sleeve by installing the Air Curtain Re-

tainer, P/N 37435. The retainer turns to engage or
disengage with the locking pins.

8 8. Adjust the position of the Air Curtain Assembly on

the torch until the nozzle is recessed 0.06 inch from
the end of the air curtain sleeve as illustrated. Lock
the Air Curtain in place by tightening the Allen screw
on the Air Curtain.

NOTE:
The Air Curtain Sleeve (37436) must remain
completely bottomed in the Air Curtain Body for
adjustment to be correct.
0.06 (1/16) in.


 Replacement Parts for Air Curtain - P/N 37440

1
2
O-ring (Item 7) not
supplied with as-
sembly. Shown for
reference only

9
4
10
5
11

Item Part Number Description

1 21380
2 37438
3 37435
4 37431
5 0558004616
6 37436
7 85W87
8 519369
9 443315
10 2221978
11 92114581
Split Bevel Bushing
Air Curtain Body
Air Curtain Retainer
Nozzle Retaining Cup Assembly
Shield Retainer, Insulated
Air Curtain Sleeve
O-ring, 1.984 ID x .139 W, Neoprene
O-ring, 3" ID x 3-3/16" OD x 3/32" - use with Water Muffler ONLY
O-ring, 1.612 ID x .103 W, Neoprene
O-ring, 1.799 ID x .103 W, Silicone Rubber
O-ring, 2.114 ID x .070 W, Neoprene, 70A

 Note:
For a complete listing of all available 25 Micron
lengths and part numbers for air curtain Filter
hose assemblies refer to m3 plasma sys- Air Supply
tem instruction manual.

See Detail "D"

See Detail D for loca-

tion of air pressure
Shield Gas Box regulator / gauge
0560940877

See Detail "C"

Air Curtain Hose

See Detail "B"

Plasma Gas Box

0560940765

See Detail "A"

Torch Air Curtain Hose

Lead
Air Curtain Assembly
37440

PT-36 Plasma Torch

Workpiece

Earth Work Table

Ground

 Note:
For air curtain hose assembly connec-
tor details refer to m3 plasma system
Detail "A" instruction manual.

Torch Leads
For torch lead connection details re-
fer to m3 plasma system instruction
manual.

Air Curtain Connection

(to air curtain assembly)

Plasma Gas Box 0560940765

Detail "B"

Air Curtain
Connection


 Note:
For air curtain hose assembly connec-
tor details refer to m3 plasma system
Detail "C" instruction manual.

Air Curtain Connection

Shield Gas Box 0560940877

Air Pressure Regulator
Remove outer enclosure and
adjust between 18-22 psi

Air Pressure
Gauge

Air Curtain Connection

(air supply)

Detail "D"


 ESAB Welding & Cutting Products, Florence, SC Welding Equipment
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0558006404 05 / 2006