Abstract: A method of electric arc treatment of materials by constantly restored solid and hollow electrodes in plasma-forming mixtures including hydrocarbons and carbon oxides, whereby carbon is deposited on an initial electrode (2) to form said constantly restored true-carbon electrode (1). Treatment is performed at a temperature of contact of the initial and true electrodes (2,1) not exceeding the temperature of carbon sublimation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of plasma treatment of materials comprising introducing a plasma-forming mixture including carbon-containing compounds chosen from the class of hydrocarbons or carbon monoxide into the space between the electrodes of an electric arc device to provide deposition of carbon at least on one of the electrodes of an electric arc device in the course of arc burning, striking an electric arc, and introducing an oxidizing agent into said space between the electrodes to improve the stability of arc burning, the oxidizing agent being introduced into said space between the electrodes over a time interval between the instant when a heat flow into the electrode whereon carbon is deposited reaches its maximum value and the instant when said heat flow drops down to a steady value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-consumable electrode for arc processes, comprising a housing made of a heat and electrically conductive material and having an interior to supply a cooling liquid thereinto, a yoke made of a heat and electrically conductive material, fixed on said housing and having an interior to supply a cooling liquid therein, an active insert rigidly fixed in said yoke and formed as a truncated cone whose minor base faces the portion whereon an electrode drop region of an electric arc rests and whose major base faces the cooling interior and has a recess therein shaped as a spherical segment.