Abstract: An electric arc reactor having a substantially straight feed material passage extending through both the anode and the cathode. Gas is fed into the gap between the two electrodes so as to swirl about the axis of the feed passage and thereby confine the lateral extend of the arc and also confine the location at which the upstream arc root attaches to the upstream electrode. An enlargement of the passage in the gap end of the upstream electrode provides an internal sloping root attachment surface. A similar enlargement may be provided in the downstream electrode, but spaced from the gap, if the downstream electrode forms the cathode. Gas flow in a direction towards the upstream end of the feed passage is used to control the location at which an arc root attaches to the sloping surface of a passage enlargement. Magnetic means is provided to induce rotation of the arc such as to form a hollow arc column which is coaxial with the feed passage and through which feed material can pass.

Abstract: An electric arc generating device including, a first electrode and at least two further electrodes. A source of electrical power is connected to said electrodes so as to cause an arc to burn between the first electrode and one of the further electrodes. The distribution of power within the zone of the arc is controlled by repetitively changing the path of the arc. That is, one root of the arc may remain attached to the first electrode, whereas attachment of the other root is transferred between two or more of the further electrodes on a repetitive basis. The timing and extent of each change may vary according to circumstances of use. The changes in arc path are due at least in part to repetitive modification of the influence of the power source on one or more of the further electrodes, but variation of the flow rate of gas/material through the arc zone can be another controlling factor.