Water vapor cooled nozzle used in the MIG and TIG arc welding process

A vapor cooled nozzle, suitable for use in the MIG and TIG arc welding process, comprising:

• a. an outer shroud;
• b. a nozzle, disposed within the outer shroud, having an external diameter less than the internal diameter of the outer shroud, where said nozzle is positioned within the outer shroud so as to define an airspace between the outer shroud and the nozzle, where said airspace has a closed forward end, and an open rear end;
• c. a liquid delivery means, which directs atomized liquid into the airspace between said shroud and nozzle, where said liquid is able to contact the exterior surface of the nozzle and absorb sufficient heat to cause said atomized liquid to undergo a phase change from liquid to a gas, with said gas able to vent out of the open rear end of the airspace.

A method of using liquid to cool a nozzle assembly, suitable for use in the MIG and TIG arc welding process, comprising the following steps:

• a. delivering liquid to an airspace that is defined between a nozzle and an outer shroud, so that said liquid is able to contact the outer surface of the nozzle;
• b. allowing the liquid to absorb sufficient heat so as to undergo a phase change from liquid to a heated gas;
• c. allowing the heated gas to vent from the airspace.