Abstract: A system for transferring electrical energy to thermal energy which comprises two electrodes separated by a distance along the axis joining them and able to create field lines defining a zone of influence when subjected to a potential difference, an electrical power supply device for these electrodes, which is able to provide the potential difference, and a device for triggering an electric arc between these two electrodes. The triggering device comprises a device for emitting a laser pulse, a device for focusing the pulse at N focusing points situated in the zone of influence of the two electrodes, with a peak power density of the pulse per focusing point of greater than 1 GW/cm2, N being determined as a function of the peak power of the pulse and of the distance d which is fixed, so as to form an electrically conducting zone between the two electrodes.

Abstract: Treating a synthesis gas includes generating a plasma jet from a non-transferred arc torch having a main axis, the jet having a propagation axis substantially collinear with the torch main axis. The plasma torch is mounted on a feed enclosure. The syngas is received at an inlet port of the feed enclosure, downstream from the plasma torch and feeding the syngas so the flow encounters the plasma jet to mix the syngas and plasma jet in a distribution chamber. The mixture is propagated in a reactor downstream from the feed enclosure to convert the syngas into an outlet gas. The reactor is in communication in its upstream portion with the feed enclosure through a flared segment, and has a longitudinal axis that is substantially collinear with the propagation axis of the plasma jet. The outlet gas is extracted via an outlet port and particles are captured by a submerged conveyor.

Abstract: A system for transferring electrical energy to thermal energy which comprises two electrodes separated by a distance along the axis joining them and able to create field lines defining a zone of influence when subjected to a potential difference, an electrical power supply device for these electrodes, which is able to provide the potential difference, and a device for triggering an electric arc between these two electrodes. The triggering device comprises a device for emitting a laser pulse, a device for focusing the pulse at N focusing points situated in the zone of influence of the two electrodes, with a peak power density of the pulse per focusing point of greater than 1 GW/cm2, N being determined as a function of the peak power of the pulse and of the distance d which is fixed, so as to form an electrically conducting zone between the two electrodes.

Abstract: Treating a synthesis gas includes generating a plasma jet from a non-transferred arc torch having a main axis, the jet having a propagation axis substantially collinear with the torch main axis. The plasma torch is mounted on a feed enclosure. The syngas is received at an inlet port of the feed enclosure, downstream from the plasma torch and feeding the syngas so the flow encounters the plasma jet to mix the syngas and plasma jet in a distribution chamber. The mixture is propagated in a reactor downstream from the feed enclosure to convert the syngas into an outlet gas. The reactor is in communication in its upstream portion with the feed enclosure through a flared segment, and has a longitudinal axis that is substantially collinear with the propagation axis of the plasma jet. The outlet gas is extracted via an outlet port and particles are captured by a submerged conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process and an device for plasma fusion inertizing of toxic materials, consisting of a melting vessel having an internal volume defined by walls. At least one non-transferred arc plasma source intended to generate a lance of plasma is inclined toward the lower part of the melting vessel and propagated along an axis of propagation situated outside of the vertical plane containing the normal to the wall at the point of intersection of said propagation axis with said wall so as to agitate the melting bath. The melting vessel is in fluid communication with the upstream part of a refining and pouring vessel and consists of an opening to which a non-transferred arc plasma source is connected, said source being mounted so as to emit a plasma lance to strike the refining bath directly in said upstream part.