초록 ▼

A high power DC steam plasma torch system (S) includes a steam plasma torch assembly (1) wherein superheated steam (46) is used as the main plasma forming gas, thereby resulting in a very reactive steam plasma plume. The superheated steam (46) is injected internally directly into the plasma plume vi

A high power DC steam plasma torch system (S) includes a steam plasma torch assembly (1) wherein superheated steam (46) is used as the main plasma forming gas, thereby resulting in a very reactive steam plasma plume. The superheated steam (46) is injected internally directly into the plasma plume via a ceramic lined steam feed tube (25) for reducing condensation of steam before reaching the plasma plume. The superheated steam (46) flows through a gas vortex (16) which has tangentially drilled holes thereby resulting in a high speed gas swirl that minimizes electrode erosion. In the present steam plasma torch system (S), the plasma torch assembly (1) is ignited using an ignition contactor which is housed external to the plasma torch assembly (1). The superheated steam (46) is injected into the plasma plume using a water cooled steam vortex generator assembly (15).

대표청구항 ▼

1. A plasma torch assembly, comprising an electrode assembly for igniting the plasma torch assembly, a gas delivery system adapted to feed gas to the electrode assembly, a cooling system adapted to cool the electrode assembly, and a steam delivery system adapted for injecting steam directly into a p

1. A plasma torch assembly, comprising an electrode assembly for igniting the plasma torch assembly, a gas delivery system adapted to feed gas to the electrode assembly, a cooling system adapted to cool the electrode assembly, and a steam delivery system adapted for injecting steam directly into a plasma plume, wherein the electrode assembly for igniting the plasma torch assembly includes a conical cathode, a tubular ignition electrode and a tubular anode, and wherein steam is adapted to be injected between the tubular ignition electrode and the tubular anode. 2. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plasma torch assembly is adapted to operate in a range between approximately 30 kW and 150 kW gross power (electrical). 3. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plasma torch assembly is adapted to operate with superheated steam. 4. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 3, wherein the superheated steam is at 200° C. and 30 psi (gauge). 5. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 3, wherein the superheated steam is the only main plasma forming gas used in the plasma torch assembly. 6. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the steam delivery system includes a steam vortex generator assembly for injecting the superheated steam into the plasma plume. 7. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 6, wherein the steam vortex generator assembly includes insulated superheated steam injection tubes. 8. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 1, further including vortex generators to stabilize the steam plasma plume. 9. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a shroud/ignition gas vortex generator mounted between the conical cathode and the ignition electrode. 10. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 9, wherein the shroud/ignition gas vortex generator comprises substantially tangentially drilled holes to create a gas shroud around the conical cathode. 11. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary gas vortex generator, mounted in front of the ignition electrode. 12. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 11, wherein the auxiliary gas vortex generator comprises tangentially drilled holes to create a gas vortex for the auxiliary plasma forming gas injected between the ignition electrode and the tubular anode. 13. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a water cooled steam vortex generator assembly comprising a steam vortex generator mounted in the back of the tubular anode. 14. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 13, wherein the steam vortex generator comprises tangentially drilled holes to create a gas vortex for the steam plasma forming gas. 15. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 13, wherein a water cooled stainless steel housing is provided to hold the steam vortex generator in its place. 16. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the conical cathode is a button type cathode. 17. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 1, wherein superheated steam is adapted to be injected directly into the plasma plume using a water cooled steam vortex generator assembly. 18. The plasma torch assembly according to claim 17, wherein the water cooled steam vortex generator assembly includes a steam vortex generator and a feed tube, wherein the inlet superheated steam flows through the feed tube to reach the steam vortex generator.