Abstract: A reactor and method for the treatment of matter by plasma action. A plurality of electrode structures are positioned to define a reaction zone associated with the inter-electrode space. The inter-electrode space is conditioned (as by preionizing) and a series of discrete electrical discharges are produced throughout the reaction zone. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction zone is subjected to a sequence of discrete electrical discharges in a time interval less than the residence time of material to be treated within the reaction zone.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of matter by plasma action to produce a glassy product. A plurality of electrode structures are positioned to define a reaction zone associated with the inter-electrode space. The inter-electrode space is conditioned (as by preionizing) and a series of discrete electrical discharges are produced throughout the reaction zone. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction zone is subjected to a sequence of discrete electrical discharges in a time interval less than the residence time of material to be treated within the reaction zone.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of waste matter by plasma action. A plurality of electrode structures are positioned to define a reaction zone associated with the inter-electrode space. The inter-electrode space is conditioned (as by preionizing) and a series of discrete electrical discharges are produced throughout the reaction zone. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction zone is subjected to a sequence of discrete electrical discharges in a time interval less than the residence time of material to be treated within the reaction zone such that the waste material is pyrolyzed during its transit through the reaction zone.

Abstract: A reactor and method for the treatment of matter by plasma action. A plurality of electrode structures are positioned to define a reaction zone associated with the inter-electrode space. The inter-electrode space is conditioned (as by preionizing) and a series of discrete electrical discharges are produced throughout the reaction zone. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction zone is subjected to a sequence of discrete electrical discharges in a time interval less than the residence time of material to be treated within the reaction zone.

Abstract: A reactor and method for the treatment of matter by plasma action. A plurality of electrode structures are positioned to define a reaction zone associated with the inter-electrode space. The inter-electrode space is conditioned (as by preionizing) and a series of discrete electrical discharges are produced throughout the reaction zone. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction zone is subjected to a sequence of discrete electrical discharges in a time interval less than the residence time of material to be treated within the reaction zone.

Abstract: A low temperature plasma reactor for the treatment of particulate material. A housing is provided having an exit for treated material. Within the housing, the particulate material, and any desired additional reactants, undergo thermo-chemical reaction while being subjected to cyclonic action. The particulate material migrates or is driven toward the housing walls as it travels through the housing toward the housing exit. A plasma generator subjects that material that passes through the housing exit to plasma action. In a preferred embodiment, the housing includes a first portion wherein the cyclonic conditions are established, a throat portion through which treated material exits the housing and an adaptive portion extending between the first portion and the throat portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a metallic body in a predetermined and repeating pattern. A plasma torch and the metallic body are moved relative to each other. The relative movement includes a cutting relative movement in accordance with the predetermined pattern and a return relative movement in accordance with a repeat of the predetermined pattern. The metallic body serves as an operating anode during the cutting relative movement while a holding anode is provided for use during the return relative movement. The plasma torch is positioned in plasma retaining relation with the holding anode during the return relative movement. In a preferred embodiment, the power to the plasma torch is reduced during the return relative movement.

Abstract: A plasma reactor, in which particulate matter is caused to interact with low temperature plasma (i.e. below 100,000 K) comprises spaced stationary electrode structures 2, 11 of which at least one is annular, between which an arc or arcs 7 is established by a power supply which may include a thyristor (SCR) 9. The arc is pulsated and caused to orbit or circulate round the or each annular electrode structure to form a conical plasma zone between the electrodes, while particulate solids are introduced through inlets 5 to enter the plasma zone and interact with the plasma therein. Extended dwell periods and highly effective interaction are brought about by circulation and pulsation of the arc and a high particle population density.

Abstract: A plasma reactor, in which particulate matter is caused to interact with low temperature plasma (i.e. below 100,000 K.) comprises spaced stationary electrode structures 2, 11 of which at least one is annular, between which an arc or arcs 7 is established by a power supply which may include a thyristor (SCR) 9. The arc is pulsated and caused to orbit or circulate round the or each annular electrode structure to form a conical plasma zone between the electrodes, while particulate solids are introduced through inlets 5 to enter the plasma zone and interact with the plasma therein. Extended dwell periods and highly effective interaction are brought about by circulation and pulsation of the arc and a high particle population density.

Abstract: Material for the production of hydraulic cements or for pozzolanic materials which develop cementatious characteristics after blending with an activator, is treated in an expanded precessive plasma in a plasma reactor of the type in which at least one plasma gun orbits about a vertical axis and is directed obliquely to said axis towards a counter electrode. The material preferably includes at least a proportion of a naturally occurring carbonaceous material of low calorific value, such as colliery spoil, oil shale or oil sand. In such case, as the material emerges from the plasma it is preferably contacted with air to effect combustion of the combustible material. The thermal energy thus released is recovered by suitable instrumentalities and is preferably converted to electrical energy to power the plasma reactor.

Abstract: In a process for the carbothermal reduction of alumina, carbon and alumina are supplied to a molten reaction bed in a hearth in the floor of a reactor. The reaction bed is supplied with energy by contact with plasma or with plasma effluents. For this purpose the reaction bed itself may form the counter-electrode for a plasma gun orbiting about the vertical axis of the reactor or there may be an intermediate counter-electrode. In either case the hearth is preferably electroconductive to provide a current path from the material in the reaction bed. Some or all of the feed material entering the reaction bed may enter the upper end of the reactor and descend through the plasma. At least part of the carbon may be in the form of coarse lumps which are fed to the reactor via an entry duct in counter-current relation to evolved carbon monoxide which preheats and partially scrubs it.

Abstract: In a plasma reactor for reducing stable oxides, particularly alumina, oxide and carbon in particle form are allowed to descend through an upper plasma zone in which there is a precessive plasma column, into a lower collection zone, which has one or more gas outlets leading from a central region of its floor and a peripheral collection trough. The precessive plasma column imparts a rotational movement to descending particles so that solid or liquid droplets are separated from evolved carbon monoxide in the collection zone in the manner of a cyclone separator. High tension electrodes and/or liquid metal sprays may be provided to assist coalescence of fine droplets in the collection zone.

Abstract: Material for the production of hydraulic cements or for pozzolanic materials which develop cementatious characteristics after blending with an activator, is treated in an expanded precessive plasma in a plasma reactor of the type in which at least one plasma gun orbits about a vertical axis and is directed obliquely to said axis towards a counter electrode. The material preferably includes at least a proportion of a naturally occurring carbonaceous material of low calorific value, such as colliery spoil, oil shale or oil sand. In such case, as the material emerges from the plasma it is preferably contacted with air to effect combustion of the combustible material. The thermal energy thus released is recovered by suitable instrumentalities and is preferably converted to electrical energy to power the plasma reactor.

Abstract: Forming a blood trace of predetermined length and width on a flexible supporting strip by depositing a blood sample on the strip, contacting the sample with a trace tip carried by an adjacent strip and moving the sample relative to the tip through a predetermined course to control the width and length of said trace.