Abstract: A method is described for a thermal treatment of materials that can be pumped or blown, particularly for the pyrolysis of waste materials, An electric arc is established in a gap between a pair of concentric electrodes, and the material to be treated is pumped or blown into the gap and through the electric arc to effect the thermal treatment. The product of the thermal treatment is forced to pass through a high temperature smelt. The method can be carried out utilizing a sealed receptacle (11) equipped with an electrode tube (15) having a material supply at one end and an open end directed towards or located in the smelt. A sleeve or other wall means can be placed in the receptacle near the electrode tube to create circulation and spread the decomposition products in the smelt.

Abstract: Plasma burner provided with an electrode holder for the support of a cently arranged electrode and an outer electrode, a device for applying an electrical voltage for producing an electric arc between the electrodes and a device for the supply of gas to the electric arc area of the electrodes. The electrodes constitute a continuously consumable electrode system in which the outer electrode has the shape of a pipe while the other electrode is pipe- or rod-shaped and coaxially arranged within the outer electrode so as to define therebetween a passage of annular cross-section. The electrode holder is designed to conduct gas through the passage forwards to a front, free end of the electrodes where the electric discharge occurs from the end of the inner electrode.