Industrial-worthy plasma torches: State-of-the-art

Abstract

Abstract

Thermal Plasma Gasification of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

“…The use of plasma torches is not new. Westinghouse (now a subsidiary of AlterNRG) reportedly began building plasma torches for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in conjunction with the Apollo Space Program as long ago as the 1960s for the purpose of testing heat shields for spacecraft [33]. In DC arc plasma, the plasma state is maintained between two electrodes of the plasma torch by electrical and mechanical stabilization that are built into the plasma torch hardware.…”

A study on medium voltage power conversion system for plasma torch

“…Many different kinds of plasma torches optimized for different applications have been built and introduced in the market [1]. These have a variety of power ratings and different physical structures.…”

“…The plasma torch is a device believed to have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in these industry sectors [1]. The plasma torch system has intrinsic characteristics of high ignition arc voltage and dynamic behavior during steady-state operation.…”

Georgia Tech Final Report Demonstration In Situ Plasma Vitrification Technology for Savannah River Site Contaminated Soils (U)

“…A plasma torch is a device that converts electrical energy into thermal energy (Camacho, 1988(Camacho, , 1991. A plasma is an ionized gas that is conditioned to respond to electromagnetic e forces.…”

“…Plasma torches of the reverse-polarity design generally operate in the 100 kW to 10 M W power level range. The electrical to thermal energy conversion is approximately 90% efficient (Camacho, 1988).…”