Plasma torch structure

A method and means for more efficiently stabilizing a plasma arc produced within a plasma producing device. Improved arc stabilization is achieved by dissipating the heat generated by the electrodes of the plasma producing device under controlled conditions. This is achieved, in one instance, by direct...     

An atomic beam apparatus for producing pulsed beams of neutral atomic particles.

An array of adjacent wave guides feed high-frequency energy into a vacuum chamber in which a toroidal plasma is confined by a magnetic field, the wave guide array being located between two toroidal current windings. Waves are excited in the wave guide at a frequency substantially equal to the lower frequency...     

A compact plasma-MIG welding torch in which the non-consumable electrode and the contact tube for the consumable electrode are accommodated in separate passages in the housing whereby the distance between the non-consumable electrode and the contact tube becomes comparatively small, the distance between...     

Plasma-MIG welding involving the use of two parallel consumable electrodes axially introduced into a plasma arc initiated by a non-consumable electrode and out through a nozzle. All three electrodes are maintained at a positive polarity whereby a substantial increase of the deposition rate is achieved,...     

An improved multiphase series reactor consisting of a number of interconnected coils, each coil being formed from sub-coil wherein the sub-coils consist of a number of laterally-spaced single-plane spirals, each spiral being formed from hollow electrical-conducting material. Each sub-coil is wound in...     

Precise concentric alignment of the coolant, plasma and sample gas tubes d in conventional ICPs is an operationally important factor often achieved by fused arrangements which effectively preclude dismountability for maintenance and repair. Spacer rings slip-fitted into the coolant and plasma passages...     

Electrical insulation may be provided between two parts of a structure intended for exposure to high temperature radiation from a heat source, e.g. the interior wall of an electrical discharge furnace, by providing slot in the structure positioned so that the base of the slot cannot view the heat source...     

There is disclosed a plasma burner which has contact protection for protecting the operator against impermissibly high voltage and the burner head itself against destruction. The plasma burner comprises a burner shaft, a nozzle and a nozzle cap surrounding the nozzle, with cooling water flowing between...     

A plasma generator comprises a discharge chamber provided with a means for introducing a plasma-forming medium and associated with a cathode assembly and an anode assembly. The latter includes at least two plasmatrons each having a hole for an inlet for the plasma-forming medium and being provided with...     

Disclosed herein is a gas shielded welding torch of the TIG type, having a removable head portion to readily accommodate heads of different angular configurations. The torch includes a body portion which can be either air or water cooled, a removable head portion threadably engaged with the body portion,...     

Disclosed is a transferred arc plasma torch in which a tubular anode is mounted in a bore at the lower end of a barrel of the torch, the bore being formed at a preselected angle to the axis of the barrel. The cathode is a length of tungsten rod which is held in a coaxial relation with the anode by cementing...     

A heavy duty plasma spray gun for extended industrial service is disclosed. The gun includes a gas distribution member made of a material having a coefficient of expansion different from that of the parts surrounding it. The gas distribution member is forcibly urged by a resilient member such as a coiled...     

A plasma generator comprises a metallic tube of small diameter inside which can circulate a gas such as argon at a small flow rate, which is discharged at the front end of the tube. The tube is coupled with an energizing structure which can comprise a frequency generator supplying electromagnetic microwaves,...     

A capacitatively coupled plasma device has a plasma tube, an electrode positioned near the tube and means to supply a high voltage, high frequency potential such as a radio frequency to the tube to energize a flow of argon or like gas to form a plasma. A sample of material is excited by the plasma energy...     

A plasma arc torch is disclosed which comprises a rear electrode, an aligned front tubular electrode, and vortex generating means for generating a vortical flow of gas between the rear and front electrodes. The torch further includes an inner shroud which is electrically connected to the front electrode,...     

This invention relates to arc working torches. To prevent the operator from touching the live electrode, the free end of the torch is provided with a cowling formed by a protective skirt on the one hand and on the other hand by a tilting stirrup hinged on this skirt which engages on the torch body while...     

A plasma arc torch is disclosed which comprises front and rear coaxially aligned electrodes, and vortex generator for generating a vortical flow of gas, such as air, between the two electrodes. A power supply system is operatively connected to the two electrodes for generating an arc which is adapted...     

The plasma torch comprises a hollow torch body whose interior is connected to a source of plasma-producing gas, a hollow electrode lodged inside this body and electrically connected to an electric supply conductor, and a nozzle provided with an orifice for the outlet of the plasma. The feature of the...     

The plasma torch has a hot cathode (3) connectable to the negative poles of a main current course and of an arcing current source, an anode (2) connectable to the positive pole of the main current source, and an intermediate arcing electrode (6) connectable to the positive poles of both sources. An inert...     

A plasma generator comprises a metallic tube of small diameter inside which can circulate a gas such as argon at a small flow rate, which is discharged at the front end of the tube. The tube is coupled with an energizing structure which can comprise a frequency generator supplying electromagnetic microwave...     

An apparatus for controlling a plasma discharge includes a light gathering tube remotely directed at the plasma discharge. The gathered light is transmitted, via a filter optic light pipe, to a detector that produces a signal that is compared with at least one reference signal. After comparing the signals...     

In an improved plasma torch, a metal tube delivers a plasma-generating gas to an end discharge outlet. The delivery tube is excited by microwave energy by means of a waveguide of rectangular cross-section. The tube traverses the waveguide through openings of larger diameter than the delivery tube. Metal...     

This invention relates to plasma torches in which, the gas entering the electrode holder is divided into a plasmagenic gas flow and into a cooling gas flow by two series of openings drilled in one and the same metal element forming the electrode holder.

An impedance matching network for continuously and automatically maximizing RF power transfer to a plasma emission torch includes a dual phase detector network. Signals from the detector network control, via a control unit, a variable impedance network.

A plasma torch comprises an electrode secured to a liquid-cooled electrode holder and formed with a flow passage communicating with a central outlet for delivering an ionizable gas and a nozzle body which surrounds the electrode and serves to conduct gas along the outside surface of the electrode. To...     

The radio frequency powered gas discharge tube of an atomic emission detector is cooled with a flow of liquid, and means are provided for grounding points in the flow that are on opposite sides of the radio frequency field so as to reduce the amount of radio frequency energy escaping from the discharge...     

A plasma generating device, and in particular a duoplasmatron ion gun, is disclosed that is air cooled, high vacuum compatible and hence very clean with a stable ion current output. The device is mounted to a standard type flange held at ground potential without the necessity of subsequent high voltage...     

A plasma arc torch is disclosed having an upper body of a non-conductive material supporting an electrode and a lower body of a conductive material supporting a nozzle through which an arc is formed between the electrode and a work piece. Means is provided for blowing a mixture of inert gas and a fusible...     

An improved pre-aligned demountable plasma torch wherein the three tubes that are generally used in demountable plasma torches are now joined together with standard taper joints. The axis of the standard taper joints are essentially centrally aligned with the central long axis of the tubes so that the...     

Nozzle for plasma arc torch includes internal and external forming nozzles mounted one within other and fitted to the torch housing to form first and second gaps. The first gap is formed between the torch cathode and the internal nozzle, an internal vortex generator mounted in it. An external vortex...     

A plasma feed nozzle 3 for a furnace 1 which has a tubular mixing chamber 7 open at one end to the furnace, a plasma torch 13 which provides superheated gases axially to the central portion of the mixing chamber 7, shroud gases which enter the end of the mixing chamber opposite the end open to the furnace...     

Disclosed herein is an electrode which may be used in plasma cutting torches which has a superior service life over similar electrodes found in the prior art, due to a design which improves cooling of the electrode, and which allows advancement and resurfacing of the electrode insert.

An electric arc plasma steam generator includes a pair of electrodes for generating the arc plasma, and a housing for enclosing the arc plasma. Jets of water are directed into the arc plasma to convert the water into steam and to ionize the hydrogen and oxygen components of the steam. Arrangements including...     

The invention relates to plasma arc apparatus. In plasma arc apparatus it is known to provide a torch, there being provided within the torch an electrode suitably connected to a source of supply, and there being the provision for the passage of gas through the torch and through a nozzle on the torch...     

A plasma arc hole cutting device is disclosed for removing selected portions of metal workpieces, such as stainless steel, for testing or marking purposes. A plasma torch is connected at one end to a rotatable cam element and spaced a distance from the center of the cam element such that rotation of...     

A plasma generating system comprises a plasma gun including a hollow cylindrical anode member, a hollow cylindrical intermediate member electrically isolated from and juxtaposed coaxially with the anode member to form a plasma-forming gas passage through the intermediate member and the anode member,...     

An electrode used in a plasma-arc torch has ridges formed on the side surface thereof for initiating a pilot arc. The required voltage for initiating a pilot arc is substantially reduced by employing this type of electrode. The ridges have much smaller radii of curvature which substantially enhance the...     

An arc plasma generating system includes components for adjusting spacing between the cathode and the anode. A piston affixed to the cathode is slidingly positioned in a cylinder partitioning therein a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is receptive of discharged cooling fluid at reduced...     

A torch positioning apparatus controls a torch as it moves downward at a relatively rapid rate toward a work piece until it trips a proximity switch, causing the rate of travel of the torch to be slowed. The torch continues its travel until it strikes the work piece and stops, and the increase in the...     

A low temperature plasma reactor for the treatment of particulate material. A housing is provided having an exit for treated material. Within the housing, the particulate material, and any desired additional reactants, undergo thermo-chemical reaction while being subjected to cyclonic action. The particulate...     

An inductively coupled plasma torch including a base member, a plasma tube and a threaded insert member within the plasma tube for directing the plasma gas in a tangential flow pattern. The design of the torch eliminates the need for a separate coolant gas tube. The torch can be readily assembled and...     

In a device of the plasma scalpel type (40, 41) including at least two spaced-apart electrodes (21, 22) subjected to electrical potential differences such that electric arcs take place therebetween, together with structures for producing at least one fluid flow passing through a region of space where...     

A plasma torch head adapted to cut longitudinal slots in tubes from the interior is disclosed. The plasma torch head includes an outer body made of reinforced fiberglass. An adhesive is used to affix fiberglass components of the torch head together to form a gas tight seal. As a cut is made, the outer...     

A microwave plasma production apparatus according to the present invention is so configured that a cylindrical coaxial wave guide is formed by a cylindrical outer conductor and a helical coil shaped inner conductor, and at least a part of a nonconductive discharge tube is disposed inside said inner conductor,...     

An ion thruster for accelerating positively charged ions produced by the collision of free electrons with gas atoms. An ion thruster (10,100) includes a cathode chamber (12, 60, 118) and an ionization chamber (14, 106). The outer surface of an emitter tube (28, 61, 128) is coated with a dielectric material...     

A plasma arc cutting torch embodying an electrode having a swirl tube and a nozzle thereabout, a spring mechanism bearing on the swirl tube and nozzle being caused by them to complete a circuit, the circuit not becoming completed in the absence of one of or both the swirl tube and nozzle.

This plasma arc torch includes an improved front end assembly to create an improved gouge path when compared with prior art plasma arc gougers. The front end assembly includes a unique secondary gas nozzle for distribution of the secondary gas in a partial radial blanket up to 300.degree. around the...     

A three-part front-end assembly for a plasma arc cutting torch utilizing a single inlet gas is disclosed. The front-end assembly includes (1) an electrode having an integral, hollow, elongated, interior cooling tube, (2) a tip element with integral swirl ring, and (3) a nozzle. The electrode having an...     

A plasma torch is provided with a safety switch which is connected in a circuit so as to control high voltage applied to the torch. The switch is held closed by the torch tip. When the tip is removed, as for service or replacement, the switch opens and disables the high voltage, so that personnel cannot...     

An intra-microspray ICP torch for use in conjunction with spectographic analysis generates a high temperature ionized gas in a plasma region at one end of the torch, and includes a preshaped tube mounted within the torch, with a first end of the tube terminating adjacent the plasma region, and a nebulizer...     

An inductively coupled RF plasma generator and method. The plasma generator includes a body having a conduit having a gas inlet and an outlet. Induction structure surrounding the conduit inductively excites the gas, generating a plasma which leaves the conduit outlet as a tail flame. An electrically...     

A laser plasma spray apparatus for depositing a feed material onto a substrate includes a nozzle having a plasma confinement chamber into which a laser beam is focused, the focal point being at a distance sufficiently far from the substrate that the substrate is not melted. Finely divided feed material...     

A slag chute system for a hot cutting discharge device, including upper and lower removable tubular liner sections aligned below the hot cutting discharge, the internal bores of which are chrome plated and polished to resist adhesion of spatter. A removable annular insert ring surrounds the jet and has...     

The nozzle includes an axially extending discharge passage of circular cross-section and having a convergent entrance portion, a constricted throat which is axially and circumferentially convex, and an enlarged diameter exit portion which is concave in the axial direction as well as in the circumferential...     

Apparatus and method for the disintegration of waste by subjecting the waste within a closed chamber to plumes of an electrically generated high temperature plasma. The chamber is lined with an array of nozzles to produce the plumes and the nozzles are supplied with a cooling gas at all times. The nozzles...     

The present invention relates to a plasma torch intended for being submerged into a bath of molten metal, such as for example a steel melt. The torch comprises an outer electrode made from a non-consumable material and an inner electrode, where at least the outer electrode is made from a copper pipe...     

A cutting torch is provided circumjacent its tip with a stand-off cup which maintains a fixed distance between the torch orifice and the work piece. The distal end of the cup has a series of notches or windows which allow the operator to see the cutting arc and also permit escape of arc spatter. Between...     

A plasma torch comprises a torch housing, rear and front tubular electrodes coaxially mounted within such housing with a gap therebetween, both electrodes being fabricated from copper having tubular inserts of refractory material, a vortex generator for introducing a tangential flow of gas in opposite...     

A plasma arc torch having new electronic circuit concepts wherein main current regulated power means regulates the pilot current prior to main arc transfer. Further, the circuit may contain two inductors to which DC current initially flows but is interrupted upon main arc transfer such that one inductor...     

A cathode structure of a transition type plasma arc torch, in which a cooling effect is enhanced, and also an amount of consumption of cathode material is reduced by continuously moving a discharge point in the bottom end surface of the cathode during generating of a plasma arc. The cathode structure...     

Plasma cutting apparatus (10) for use in cutting a material (M). A torch (12) cuts the material. A control unit (14) controls the cutting operation performed by the torch and includes a control module (16) in which the control unit is housed. At least one power unit (18) supplies power to the cutting...     

Chemical waste is burned in oxygen using an electric plasma flame to heat a stream of gas which contains at least 70% by weight oxygen. Liquid waste in fine droplet form is introduced into the gas stream via a two-fluid atomizer using a carrier gas also preferably oxygen. The total amount of oxygen present...     

In accordance with the present invention, a plasma arc torch contact starting system has a torch head having an electrically conductive plasma exit nozzle at one end and a pilot arc chamber within the torch head immediately adjacent the plasma exit nozzle. An electrode is mounted in the torch head for...     

A plasma torch assembly that provides a removable and replaceable barrier to prevent catastrophic failure of a plasma arc torch following failure of an electrode. The torch assembly comprises the combination of an electrode body for providing an electrical path in a plasma arc torch, an electrode, and...     

Herein disclosed is a transferred plasma arc torch capable of obtaining an excellent cut face having a small angle of inclination even in the case of cutting a thick plate. In the torch, the tip of an electrode holder (2) holding an electrode (3) fixedly is enclosed by a nozzle (1) forming a tapered...     

A plasma-arc torch system is disclosed wherein a source provides gas and electrical power. A delivery device is connected to the source for supplying the gas and electrical power to a plasma-arc torch. A filter is disposed within the delivery device for filtering the gas being supplied to the plasma-arc...     

In a plasma torch, the contact surface (61) between the nozzle (6) and the swirler (5), the contact surface (4b) between the swirler (5) and the insulating cylindrical body (4), the contact surface between the insulating cylindrical body (4) and the electrode (3), and the contact surface (3a) between...     

A plasma torch and the method of cooling the torch wherein specified heated surfaces and in particular the heated tip portion of an electrode within the torch have a low volume of liquid coolant directed thereagainst. The volume of the liquid coolant is controlled so that the liquid coolant evaporates...     

Method for the production of fused silica in which a particulate silica feedstock material is passed from a silica feed tube through or near a plasma arc coupling zone in which at least two plasma arcs of opposite polarity are coupled, thereby raising the temperature of the feedstock material and collecting...     

In a convertible TIG, MIG or plasma arc welding system, a cylindrical docking body mountable in a socket at a welding station, has utilities passages therethrough for receiving an elongated metal electrode, shielding and plasma gases, welding potential and cooling water. The electrode passage is threaded...     

A microwave plasma processing device is composed of a vacuum chamber which is evacuated to a predetermined pressure and into which processing gas is introduced; a sample table disposed in the vacuum chamber to which an AC voltage is applied; a microwave generating apparatus which generates microwaves...     

A plasma torch is provided with a sharply converging nozzle which can prevent the lower end of the torch from making contact with a workpiece which has concavities and convexities during the cutting of the workpiece with the plasma torch. An upper portion (1a) of the nozzle (1) is provided with an outwardly...     

A welding torch for plasma arc welding apparatus has a transparent shield cup disposed about the constricting nozzle, the cup including a small outwardly extending polished lip. A guide tube extends externally of the torch and has a free end adjacent the lip. First and second optical fiber bundle assemblies...     

Parasite arcs which occur during the operation of plasma torches have an adverse economic effect and endanger important parts of the torch. Countermeasures of the prior art are only partly effective. Equipping the annular passage between the electrode and the surrounding nozzle which carries the plasma...     

A plasma arc welding torch wherein a first plasma gas is directed through the body of the welding torch and out of the body across the tip of a welding electrode disposed at the forward end of the body. A second plasma gas is disposed for flow through a longitudinal bore in the electrode. The second...     

A plasma gun assembly for use in high temperature environments couples electrode and cooling water supplying hoses to a plasma gun via an extension arrangement having a conductive cathode extension tube coaxially disposed within a conductive anode extension tube. The cooling water flows through the hollow...     

Maintenance aid device (1) for a plasma torch (2) affected by a breakdown, comprising an expert system (3) successively determining subassemblies (4) of said torch (2), of decreasing size, likely to contain the brokendown element, by means of questions (QU) relating to the state of certain subassemblies...     

The plasma spray apparatus for the coating of the inner walls of bores and tubes essentially comprises a housing, a supply member, a plasma gun shaft member and a plasma gun head member. The plasma torch created in the head member escapes transversely with regard to the central longitudinal axis of the...     

An electrode for a plasma torch comprises multiple platelets that are stacked together. The platelets have openings that are oriented to form a bore through the electrode adapted for generating a plasma arc. The platelets also have apertures arranged to form multiple coolant channels through the electrode....     

There is disclosed an anode for an arcjet thruster which resists erosion during start-up on constriction during steady-state operation. The anode includes a converging upstream portion, a diverging downstream portion and a constricted portion disposed therebetween. In one embodiment of the invention,...     

Gas-cleaning equipment is disclosed, which comprises a housing having an intake vent and an exhaust vent and having disposed between the two vents a fan having at least one rotating blade. Air pollutant-removing system using the gas-cleaning equipment is also disclosed. This gas-cleaning equipment can...     

A plasma torch includes an arc having a generator for producing an axial field in the arc's area of operation in which one or more bodies of ferromagnetic material are placed along the torches central axis; the body is in the form of an element incorporated in the torch and is cooled by the provision...     

The plasma gun head for plasma spraying apparatuses essentially comprises a cathode body mender, an anode body member and an insulating member inserted there between and electrically insulating these two members from each other. Inserted into the cathode body member is a cathode assembly, and into the...     

A plasma torch can produce a uniform and intense swirl in the operating gas, and as a result further stabilize the output of the plasma jet, which results in good cutting quality, so as to extend the life of consumables or the like. This is achieved when jet ports (3) from which operating gas G is ejected...     

An electric-arc plasma torch has a body (1) having an axially arranged nozzle-anode (2) and a cathode (4), as well as a container (6) for working fluid, filled with a moisture-absorbing material (7). A nozzle (5) interconnecting the body and the container is filled with a porous heat-conducting material...     

A plasma arc torch is provided which has a very long electrode lifetime, even if the number of times that an arc is generated and stopped is great. Improper electric discharge can be effectively prevented, and the lifetime can be increased due to the excellent resistance to heat. For this purpose, a...     

The present invention relates to an induction plasma torch of the type used in plasma deposition methods for depositing pure or doped silica when manufacturing preforms for optical fibers, the plasma torch comprising: a "reaction" tube inside which a plasma production zone is located; means for injecting...     

A plasma oscillator photonic energy water heater/steam boiler, establishes, amplifies and stores photonic energy in a plasma wherein resonance and temporary energy storage is maintained until energy is transferred on demand by thermal radiation and conduction of molecular kinetic energy to a heat exchanger...     

This disclosure relates to a stabilized plasma injector device specifically adapted to incubate, shape and develop plasma under the influence of an adjustable electromagnetic field to provide ignition and further promote energy coupling between the plasma and a combustible mass. The device includes a...     

An in-torch vaporization sample introduction system for introducing a sample to be analyzed into a spectrometer, comprising a sample holder means for carrying the sample to be analyzed, a modified Fassel-type torch having a plasma fed by inert gas through outer and intermediate feed channels in an enlarged...     

A plasma torch comprising an elongated electrically conductive nozzle with an internal, generally cylindrical chamber; an electrically conductive electrode with an elongated, cylindrical nose extending into the cylindrical chamber of the nozzle to define a relatively thin, elongated annular gas passage...     

An air plasma arc cutter includes spaced apart front and rear panels. A partition wall has its opposed two edges coupled to the front and rear panels to divide the space therebetween into upper and lower regions. An AC-to-DC voltage converter is disposed in the upper region and converts an AC voltage...     

A thermal spray apparatus for depositing a coating on to a substrate is provided which includes a plasma generator for selectively changing gas from a gaseous state to a plasma, and apparatus for filtering plasma. Powder particles entrained in the plasma change from a solid state to a molten state. The...     

An electrode for supporting an arc in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes a metallic holder having a front end, and a cavity in the front end, the cavity having an enlarged outer end portion. An insert assembly is mounted in the cavity and includes an emissive insert composed of a metallic material...     

The Plasma-Gun Voltage-Generator (PVG) uses a pulsed plasma-flow to displace magnetic flux, thereby inducing high voltages across multi-turn coils. Typical operating parameters are voltages of 0.5 to 1 MV, pulsetimes in the microsecond regime and output impedances in the few Ohm range. The use of capacitor-bank...     

Method and apparatus for the disposal of waste including a rotary kiln comprising at least one, and preferably a plurality of plasma guns positioned within a chamber defined by the rotary kiln, and at least one target electrode which is rotatable. One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises...     

A combustion system having a combustion chamber having a fuel inlet, a preheating chamber surrounding the combustion chamber, an air inlet for tangentially feeding combustion air to the preheating chamber, the combustion chamber having an elongate slot for tangentially admitting preheated air in circulating...     

A plasma producing device is furnished with a half height waveguide that transmits microwave energy through a window into an evacuated chamber, adjustable spacers controlling the distance between an opening of the waveguide and the window, and/or a return piece adjacent a permanent magnet producing the...     

A plasma torch comprises a tubular nozzle having an end wall and an electrode in the nozzle having a nose end facing the end wall. The nose end and end wall provide a plasma gas chamber, and the end wall has a gas chamber outlet opening extending axially therethrough. The gas chamber has an entrance...