Systems and methods for plasma gas venting in a plasma arc torch

A torch for a plasma cutting system, the torch comprising:

• a torch tip defining a plasma plenum and a plasma arc exit orifice;
• a torch body, including:
• a proximal end configured to connect to a power supply,
• a distal end configured to connect to the torch tip, the proximal end and the distal end having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough;
• and
• a plasma gas source channel within the torch body fluidly connected to at least one gas port at the distal end of the torch body;
• and
• a set of fluid conduits in the torch tip fluidly connected to the at least one gas port of the torch body and the plasma plenum, the set of fluid conduits including a first channel, a second channel, and an atmospheric vent port defined by a gap between the torch tip and the torch body,
• wherein the first channel is configured to direct a portion of plasma gas from the plasma plenum in a first direction along the longitudinal axis axially away from the plasma arc exit orifice and the second channel is configured to direct the portion of plasma gas in a second direction along the longitudinal axis axially toward the exit orifice and exit through the atmospheric vent port.

A plasma cutting system, comprising:

• a torch tip defining a plasma plenum and a plasma arc exit orifice, the torch tip having a proximal end and a distal end defining a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, wherein the plasma arc exit orifice is located at the distal end of the torch tip;
• a power supply having a distal end configured to connect to the proximal end of the torch tip;
• an atmospheric vent orifice having an outer opening in direct communication with atmosphere, wherein a distance between the plasma arc exit orifice and the atmospheric vent port along the longitudinal axis is less than about 8 inches;
• a first channel fluidly connected to the plasma plenum, the first channel shaped to direct an ionized gas in a proximal direction along the longitudinal axis axially away from the plasma arc exit orifice;
• and
• a second channel fluidly connected between the first channel and the atmospheric vent orifice, the second channel shaped to direct the ionized gas out of the plasma cutting system to atmosphere.

A plasma cutting system comprising:

• a torch tip having a proximal end and a distal end defining a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the torch tip including a plasma plenum and a plasma arc exit orifice located at the distal end of the torch tip;
• a lead having a distal end configured for connection to the proximal end of the torch tip;
• a venting means disposed between the plasma arc exit orifice and the distal end of the lead, the venting means configured to conduct a plasma gas flow to atmosphere;
• and
• a conduit means fluidly connecting the plasma plenum and the venting means, the conduit means comprising:
• a first channel means configured to direct a portion of ionized gas from the plasma plenum in a first direction axially away from the plasma arc exit orifice;
• and
• a second channel means, fluidly connected between the first channel means and the venting means, configured to direct the portion of ionized gas from the first channel means to the venting means.