Characterization and testing of 30 kV, 60 kW electron optical column for melting applications

High energy electron beams (30-150 keV) are widely used as intense heat source in welding, melting and evaporation of refractory metals. These operations are mostly carried out in high vacuum (10^-4-10^-5 mbar) to aid unimpeded flow of electrons from generation to the point of application. A 30 kV, 60 kW Electron beam optical column (EOC) is designed and developed under the high power beam technology programme. The optical column consists of an electron gun and twin electromagnetic focusing lenses. The heating power of emitter, gun perveance, grid voltage control, beam focusing with the twin electromagnetic lenses and beam spot size measurements are reported in this paper. The results are compared with the design values. Operational issues during the high power melting and the strategy for automation of the electron gun are discussed.