Abstract: The present invention refers to a plasmatron as well as to a process for stable operation of plasmatrons with steam as the plasma gas, in the case of which the operational fluctuations which are typical of steam plasmas as well as the increased degree of electrode erosion are to be avoided. In accordance with the present invention, this is achieved on the basis of a limitation of electrode cooling by using hot water as a coolant having a temperature of at least 80.degree. C. If necessary, it is possible to use, on the one hand, hot water cooling and to exclude, on the other hand, a condensation of the steam on the electrodes by admixing a gas which will lower the condensation temperature of the steam.

Abstract: Toxic wastes are destroyed by contact thereof with a steam plasma jet and immediately thereafter with an oxidizing medium followed by washing of the resultant gaseous product with an alkaline medium. An apparatus for carrying out this method is in the form of a tubular assembly adapted to be received on a plasmatron in axial alignment therewith.