Plasma torch device component monitoring

Abstract

Aspects and embodiments relate to plasma torch device component monitoring, a plasma torch device component monitoring system and a plasma torch device including such a monitoring system or suitable for use with such a system. The monitoring method comprises: collecting electromagnetic radiation generated by a plasma torch in a plasma torch device; analysing the collected electromagnetic radiation generated by the plasma torch; comparing the analysed electromagnetic radiation generated to known electromagnetic radiation associated with one or more components of the plasma torch device; and triggering one or more actions in the event that the analysed emission differs from the known emission. Such a monitoring method can allow for ameliorative action to be taken in the event that degradation of one or more components forming the device is detected.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.