Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a set of torch consumable components secured to a torch head, wherein a supply of cooling fluid flows coaxially through the torch to cool torch components and a supply of plasma gas and secondary gas flows through the torch to generate and stabilize a plasma stream for operations such as cutting workpieces. The torch consumable components, in part, comprise an electrode and a tip that include a variety of configurations for improved cooling, electrical contact, and attachment to adjacent torch components. Further, a consumables cartridge is provided for ease of use and replacement of the torch consumable components. Additionally, methods of operating the plasma arc torch at relatively high current levels are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.

Abstract: Plasma torch (8; 10) of improved performances, comprising: an electrode (13) provided with a respective electrode head (18; 37); a nozzle (14); and an outside jacket (26), there being formed a first cooling circuit (20, 21) of a coolant for the electrode head (18; 37) having an end passage (22), said head being characterised in that it comprises a device (25) for disposing of the electrode heat, located inside of the first cooling circuit.

Abstract: A variety of electrodes for use in a plasma arc torch are provided that improve cooling between the electrode and an adjacent cathodic element such as a cathode. At least one passageway is formed between the electrode and the cathode for the flow of a fluid, e.g. cooling fluid, wherein the flow of the fluid is proximate, or through an adjacent vicinity of, electrical contact between the cathode and the electrode. The passageway is formed through the electrode, through the cathode, between the electrode and the cathode, and through a third element in the various forms of the present invention. Further, methods of operating a plasma arc torch using the electrodes according to the various forms of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch and method for improving the life of the consumable parts of the plasma arc torch, including the electrode, the tip and the shield cap. The method includes turbulating gas as it flows over the exposed surfaces of the electrode, tip and shield cap to increase turbulence in the hydrodynamic boundary layer of the gas flow, thereby enhancing convective heat transfer. The result of enhanced cooling is improved consumable parts life. For example, to increase the turbulence of the gas flow over the outer surface of the electrode, the plasma arc torch electrode has a roughened, or textured outer surface formed with dimples, axially extending grooves or spiraling grooves formed in the outer surface of the electrode. The inner and outer surfaces of the tip and the inner surface of the shield cap are similarly textured.

Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.

Abstract: A cooling system for a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a coaxial fluid flow that improves cooling of components within the plasma arc torch and that provides a more compact torch design. The coaxial fluid flow, namely, the cooling fluid flow, is distributed circumferentially about the central longitudinal axis of the torch and is flowing in the same direction at any radial location from the central longitudinal axis. The cooling fluid flows distally towards the consumable components, then proximally towards the torch head, then distally again, and then proximally again for recirculation. Additionally, both the plasma gas flow and the secondary gas flow are also flowing coaxially in addition to the cooling fluid flow.

Abstract: Plasma arc torches are provided that include a mounting for an electrode and a coolant tube telescopingly mounted on the plasma arc torch to engage and deliver coolant to electrodes of different sizes mounted in the mounting. The telescopingly mounted coolant tube may extend to a closed position in which coolant does not flow when no electrode is mounted in the mounting. The telescopingly mounted coolant tube may further be used to electrically connect a cathodic member with the electrode mounted in the mounting.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch that includes a torch body having a nozzle mounted relative to a composite electrode in the body to define a plasma chamber. The torch body includes a plasma flow path for directing a plasma gas to the plasma chamber in which a plasma arc is formed. The nozzle includes a hollow, body portion and a substantially solid, head portion defining an exit orifice. The composite electrode can be made of a metallic material (e.g., silver) with high thermal conductivity in the forward portion electrode body adjacent the emitting surface, and the aft portion of the electrode body is made of a second low cost, metallic material with good thermal and electrical conductivity. This composite electrode configuration produces an electrode with reduced electrode wear or pitting comparable to a silver electrode, for a price comparable to that of a copper electrode.

Abstract: A method for cooling the discharge tube in a gas discharge or atomic emission detector is described. An air cooled discharge detector is also disclosed. In the method and the detector, air is passed over the outer surface of the discharge tube thereby cooling the outer and inner surface of the discharge tube. Air cooling is utilized in any gas discharge detector including radio frequency powered atomic emission detectors.

Abstract: A modular inductively coupled plasma torch assembly is described. A rear connector unit is positioned and detachably held at a rear end of a tubular plasma chamber to provide a flow of material into it. Detachable connector units are positioned on opposite ends of a tubular jacket, and hold the tubular plasma chamber concentrically within the tubular jacket so as to define an annular chamber between the two tubes. An inductor coil is disposed concentrically around the tubular jacket and energized so as to generate plasma from the material flowing in the tubular plasma chamber. To cool the tubular plasma chamber, coolant flows through the annular chamber using inlet and outlet ports in the detachable connector units for such flow of coolant.

Abstract: A coolant tube and electrode are adapted to mate with each other to align the tube relative to the electrode during operation of the torch. Improved alignment ensures an adequate flow of coolant along an interior surface of the electrode. In one aspect, an elongated body of the coolant tube has a surface adapted to mate with the electrode. In another aspect, an elongated body of the electrode has a surface adapted to mate with the coolant tube. The surfaces of the tube and electrode may, for example, be flanges, tapered surfaces, contours, or steps.

Abstract: Plasma arc torches are provided that include a mounting for an electrode and a coolant tube telescopingly mounted on the plasma arc torch to engage and deliver coolant to electrodes of different sizes mounted in the mounting. The telescopingly mounted coolant tube may extend to a closed position in which coolant does not flow when no electrode is mounted in the mounting. The telescopingly mounted coolant tube may further be used to electrically connect a cathodic member with the electrode mounted in the mounting.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for oxygen cutting pieces of steel. The cutter and trimmer members (5, 10) are positioned in such a manner that the cutting jet (6) is applied to the top face (1.1) of the piece (1) in a substantially vertical direction, while the trimming jet (12) is applied to the bottom face (1.2) of said piece in an oblique direction that remains pointed towards the outlet point (14) of the cutting jet (6), simultaneous cutting and trimming being performed by moving the cutter and trimmer members (5, 10) horizontally in synchronous manner. A sprayer member (11) is also provided for spraying fluid during the cutting process towards molten particles in order to reduce fume emissions.

Abstract: Three adjustable electrodes (33a-33c) within a chamber (40) form a thermal plasma generating system (30). The electrodes (33a-33c) are positioned with a narrow gap at one portion and a wide gap at another portion to form a cone shape. The gap between the electrodes is adjusted to accommodate for wear on the electrodes (33a-33c). An electric arc is initiated at the narrowest point between two electrodes which moves over the length of the electrodes because of a magnetic field created by the arc and the forward motion of the injected stream. At the end of the electrodes, the arc is extinguished and another arc is initiated. The continuous are moving along the electrodes ionizes a working stream that is tangentially injected from three pneumatic rings (35a-35c) which provide improved mixing of the working stream for high quality thermal plasma. The thermal plasma exits through a narrow orifice (42).

Abstract: The invention features a centralized control architecture for a closely-coupled plasma arc system, in which the “intelligence” of the system is integrated into a single controller. The closely-coupled plasma arc system includes a power source, an automatic process controller and a torch-height controller, where each of these components individually has a closed-loop dynamic relationship with the controller.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a first chamber having a first wall with an inner peripheral surface and an outlet. A plurality of fluid supplying outlets are disposed along the first wall and are configured to supply a cooling fluid into the first chamber that travels in a circumferential direction around the inner peripheral surface of the first wall and in a direction towards the outlet. The cooling fluid exiting the plurality of fluid supplying outlets forms a cooling layer for cooling the inner peripheral surface of the first wall, and the outlet is configured for allowing the cooling fluid to exit therethrough while retaining the plasma within the chamber.

Abstract: A cooling system for a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a coaxial fluid flow that improves cooling of components within the plasma arc torch and that provides a more compact torch design. The coaxial fluid flow, namely, the cooling fluid flow, is distributed circumferentially about the central longitudinal axis of the torch and is flowing in the same direction at any radial location from the central longitudinal axis. The cooling fluid flows distally towards the consumable components, then proximally towards the torch head, then distally again, and then proximally again for recirculation. Additionally, both the plasma gas flow and the secondary gas flow are also flowing coaxially in addition to the cooling fluid flow.

Abstract: An induction plasma torch comprises a tubular torch body, a gas distributor head located at the proximal end of the torch body for supplying at least one gaseous substance into the chamber within the torch body, a higher frequency power supply connected to a first induction coil mounted coaxial to the tubular torch body, a lower frequency solid state power supply connected to a plurality of second induction coils mounted coaxial to the tubular torch body between the first induction coil and the distal end of this torch body. The first induction coil provides the inductive energy necessary to ignite the gaseous substance to form a plasma. The second induction coils provide the working energy necessary to operate the plasma torch. The second induction coils can be connected to the solid state power supply in series and/or in parallel to match the impedance of this solid state power supply.

Abstract: A plasma torch includes an interchangeable cartridge (100) consisting of just six parts: an anode nozzle made of electrolytic copper 1 a cathode support made of el S32-0684-AMctrolytic copper 2 a doped tungsten cathode 3 a cathode centring diffuser device made of plastic material 4 an assembler made of plastic material 5 a ceramic insert 6. These parts are assembled by means of a press and the assembly of these parts constitutes volumes 71, 72, 73 constituting the cooling circuit of the anode 1 and other components of the torch, and plasmagene gas inflow conduits and connectors. Fluid inflows and outflows are ensured through a connecting and holding structure provided for easy cartridge (100) assembly.

Abstract: A transferred plasma heating anode for heating a molten metal in a container by applying Ar plasma generated by passing a direct current through the molten metal, the transferred plasma heating anode comprising; an anode, composed of a conductive metal, that has an internal cooling structure, a metal protector having an internal cooling structure that is placed outside the anode with a constant gap between the anode and the protector, and a gas supply means that supplies an Ar-containing gas to the gap, is characterized by the central portion on the external surface of the anode tip end being inwardly recessed.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch and method of fabricating the same are disclosed, and wherein the electrode comprises a copper holder defining two coaxial cavities. An emissive element is secured to one of the cavities and serves as the cathode terminal for the arc during operation. A relatively non-emissive separator is disposed about the emissive element within the other cavity, and acts to separate the copper holder and the emissive element, as well as resisting detachment of the arc from the emissive element and attachment to the copper holder.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus for performing plasma processing of an article, comprising: a central electrode; a tubular outer electrode which is provided so as to surround the central electrode; a tubular reaction pipe which is disposed between the central electrode and the outer electrode so as to electrically insulate the central electrode and the outer electrode from each other; a gas supply device for supplying a plasma producing gas to a discharge space defined between the central electrode and the outer electrode in the reaction pipe; an AC power source for applying an AC voltage between the central electrode and the outer electrode; wherein not only the plasma producing gas is supplied to the discharge space by the gas supply device but the AC voltage is applied between the central electrode and the outer electrode by the AC power source so as to generate a glow discharge in the discharge space under atmospheric pressure such that a plasma jet is blown to the article from a blow-off outlet of the reac

Abstract: The invention relates to a blow torch (6) for a cutting process, in particular a steam cutting process, comprising a control device (3), a liquid supply system, in particular a container (5) for a liquid (8), and a power source (2), the blow torch (6) being connected via lines (9, 10) to the power source (2). The blow torch (6) is connected by a supply line (7) to the liquid supply system. At least one duct or flow passage for the liquid (8) having a predeterminable cross section and path is provided in the blow torch (6) and is designed to convert the liquid (8) into a gaseous state, in particular a gas (19).

Abstract: An apparatus for ion beam neutralization is disclosed in this invention. The apparatus is a plasma flood source with an arc discharge chamber enclosed in a source housing with sufficient cooling so that the housing temperature is near room temperature. Arc discharge between a filament and the arc chamber ionizes the bleeding gas atoms or molecules in the arc chamber and produces plasma. The low energy electrons together with ions in the plasma drift out of the arc chamber and neutralize the passing ion beam. The sufficiently cooled source housing prevents radiation to the processed wafers, reduces metal particle concentration in the plasma and therefore metal contamination on the wafers, and keeps beamline pressure low while more electrons are extracted from the flood source through the apertures with larger area.

Abstract: An object is to provide a plasma torch having a function to achieve fully satisfactory cooling of the nozzle and shield cap. A plasma torch 1 comprises a nozzle 17 positioned at the front end portion of the torch 1 so as to cover an electrode 13, with a plasma gas passage 37 interposed therebetween. A shield cap 21 is mounted at the front end of the nozzle 17, and these components 13, 17 and 21 are accommodated in a retainer cap 23. Assist gas passages 45, 55 are formed in the wall of the retainer cap 23, and feed assist gas to the vicinity of the plasma arc 81. A space enclosed by the retainer cap 23, nozzle 17 and shield cap 21 is a cooling water passage 63. The retainer cap 23, nozzle 17 and shield cap 21 faces the cooling water passage 63, and hence directly and powerfully water-cooled.