Abstract: A conical inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch (100) and a method for processing sample particles is disclosed. In this method raw, unprocessed, irregularly shaped sample particles (21) are injected into the conical torch, and pass through the plasma to form molten particles (22) and a spheroidization of the particles finally generates solid, smooth, spherical and dense processed particles (23) once cooled. The conical torch has a torch tube that has a conical section and an injector tube (2) that has a conical end. The conical section of the torch tube and the injector tube form an annular gap through which outer plasma gas is passed through. This conically exiting outer gas flow results in a rapid rise in gas temperatures and a short plasma region that rapidly melts any particles.

Abstract: A conical inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch (100) and a method for processing sample particles is disclosed. In this method raw, unprocessed, irregularly shaped sample particles (21) are injected into the conical torch, and pass through the plasma to form molten particles (22) and a spheroidization of the particles finally generates solid, smooth, spherical and dense processed particles (23) once cooled. The conical torch has a torch tube that has a conical section and an injector tube (2) that has a conical end. The conical section of the torch tube and the injector tube form an annular gap through which outer plasma gas is passed through. This conically exiting outer gas flow results in a rapid rise in gas temperatures and a short plasma region that rapidly melts any particles.