Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes an impedance matching circuit, a balun having a first unbalanced terminal connected to the impedance matching circuit, a grounded second unbalanced terminal, a first balanced terminal and a second balanced terminal, a grounded vacuum container, a first electrode electrically connected to the first balanced terminal, a second electrode electrically connected to the second balanced terminal, an adjustment reactance configured to affect a relationship between a first voltage applied to the first electrode and a second voltage applied to the second electrode, a high-frequency power supply configured to supply a high frequency between the first unbalanced terminal and the second unbalanced terminal via the impedance matching circuit, and a controller configured to control an impedance of the impedance matching circuit and a reactance of the adjustment reactance.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to an emitter for dissociating exhaust gases on a molecular level into their respective elemental constituents. The emitter includes a palladium plated anode and a cathode, at least a portion of which is palladium plated. When properly powered, the emitters create a non-linear quantum dissonance field to dissociate molecules in exhaust.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to an emitter for dissociating exhaust gases on a molecular level into their respective elemental constituents. The emitter includes a palladium plated anode and a cathode, at least a portion of which is palladium plated. When properly powered, the emitters create a non-linear quantum dissonance field to dissociate molecules in exhaust.

Abstract: A plasma treatment system includes a plasma arc torch, a tee attached to a hollow electrode nozzle of the plasma arc torch, and a screw feed unit or a ram feed unit having an inlet and an outlet attached to the tee. The plasma arc torch includes a cylindrical vessel having a first end and a second end, a first tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to the first end, a second tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to the second end, an electrode housing connected to the first end of the cylindrical vessel such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel, and a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the second end of the cylindrical vessel such that a centerline of the hollow electrode nozzle is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel.

Abstract: A plasma system includes a plasma arc torch, a cylindrical tube and an eductor. The plasma arc torch includes a cylindrical vessel having a first end and a second end, a first tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to the first end, a second tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to the second end, an electrode housing connected to the first end such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel, and a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the second end of the cylindrical vessel. The cylindrical tube is attached to the hollow electrode nozzle and aligned with the longitudinal axis, the cylindrical tube having a side inlet and a radio frequency coil disposed around or embedded within the cylindrical tube. The eductor is attached to the cylindrical tube and aligned with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that includes a glow discharge cell and a plasma arc torch. A first valve is connected to a wastewater source. An eductor has a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet, wherein the first inlet is connected to the outlet of the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel, the second inlet is connected to the first valve, and the outlet is connected to the tangential inlet of the plasma arc torch. A second valve is connected between the tangential outlet of the plasma arc torch and the inlet of the glow discharge cell, such that the plasma arc torch provides the electrically conductive fluid to the glow discharge cell and the glow discharge cell provides a treated water via the outlet centered in the closed second end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma source which is arranged in floating fashion on a vacuum chamber, wherein the plasma source comprises a source housing, and a filament is provided in the source housing and is arranged so as to be insulated therefrom, wherein means for measuring the potential drop between the source housing and the filament are provided. The measured potential drop can be used for regulating the voltage heating the filament. According to the invention, corresponding means are provided.

Abstract: A glow discharge cell includes an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel, a hollow electrode, a cylindrical screen, a first insulator, a second insulator and a non-conductive granular material. The hollow electrode is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel and extends at least from the first end to the second end of the cylindrical vessel. The hollow electrode has an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of slots or holes. The cylindrical screen is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel and disposed between the hollow electrode and the cylindrical vessel to form a substantially equidistant gap between the cylindrical screen and the hollow electrode. The first insulator seals the first end of the cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode. The second insulator seals the second end of the cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode. The non-conductive granular material is disposed within the substantially equidistant gap.

Abstract: A retaining cap for a plasma torch is provided that includes fast securing threads. The retaining cap includes internal threads that couple to external threads of a torch body of the plasma torch. The internal and external threads may be multiple start threads having a thread angle greater than 60°. Plasma torches and plasma cutting systems are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum plasma processing materials in a vacuum chamber composed primarily of carbonaceous polymer. The various components of the vacuum chamber can be formed by traditional polymer assembly techniques. The polymers may be electrically non-conductive to allow external placement of electrodes for either capacitive coupling, inductive coupling, or both.

Abstract: A nozzle for a liquid cooled plasma torch includes a nozzle bore for the exit of a plasma gas beam at a nozzle tip, a first section, of which the outer surface is essentially cylindrical, and a second section connecting the nozzle tip, of which the second section the outer surface tapers essentially conically towards the nozzle tip, wherein at least one liquid supply groove is provided and extends over a part of the first section and over the second section in the outer surface of the nozzle towards the nozzle tip and at least one liquid return groove separate from the liquid supply groove is provided and extends over the second section.

Abstract: A plasma gun system comprising: a plasma gun comprising an outlet, wherein the plasma gun is configured to generate a plasma stream and provide the plasma stream to the outlet; and a plasma gun extension assembly configured to be coupled to the plasma gun, wherein the plasma gun extension assembly comprises an extension chamber and a port, the extension chamber having an interior diameter defined by a chamber wall and being configured to receive the plasma stream from the outlet of the plasma gun and to enable the plasma stream to expand upon entering the extension chamber, and the port being configured to introduce a powder to the expanded plasma stream at a location outside of the plasma gun.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plasma generating apparatus having excellent sterilization performance and deodorization performance together with high safety. The plasma generating apparatus includes a pair of electrodes formed with a dielectric film on at least one side of facing surfaces thereof, and serves to apply a predetermined voltage between the electrodes to discharge plasma, wherein the dielectric film has a relative dielectric constant of 20 to 200.

Abstract: A glow discharge cell includes an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel, a hollow electrode, a cylindrical screen, a first insulator, a second insulator and a non-conductive granular material. The hollow electrode is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel and extends at least from the first end to the second end of the cylindrical vessel. The hollow electrode has an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of slots or holes. The cylindrical screen is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel and disposed between the hollow electrode and the cylindrical vessel to form a substantially equidistant gap between the cylindrical screen and the hollow electrode. The first insulator seals the first end of the cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode. The second insulator seals the second end of the cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode. The non-conductive granular material is disposed within the substantially equidistant gap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-mode plasma arc torch that includes a cylindrical vessel having a first end and a second end, a first tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to the first end, a second tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to the second end, an electrode housing connected to the first end of the cylindrical vessel such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel, and a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the second end of the cylindrical vessel such that the center line of the hollow electrode nozzle is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel. Adjusting a position of the electrode with respect to the hollow electrode causes the multi-mode plasma arc torch to operate in a dead short resistive mode, a submerged arc mode, an electrolysis mode, a glow discharge mode or a plasma arc mode.

Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a cavity in a front face at a first end of the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the cavity. The first end of the electrode body is formed of high purity copper containing at least 99.81% copper. The insert has a first end and a second end and is formed of a high emissivity material. A diameter of the first end of the insert is less than a diameter of a second end of the insert. An electrode is compressed to retain the insert using radial compression. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode, and a method of operation of an electrode in a plasma torch.

Abstract: In one embodiment an ion source includes an arc chamber and an emitter having a surface disposed in the arc chamber, where the emitter is configured to generate a plasma in the arc chamber. The ion source further includes a repeller having a repeller surface positioned opposite the emitter surface, and a hollow cathode coupled to the repeller and configured to provide a feed material into the arc chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus for providing plasma to a process chamber are provided. In some embodiments, an apparatus may include a first ground plate; an electrode disposed beneath and spaced apart from the first ground plate by a first electrical insulator to define a first gap between the first ground plate and the electrode; a second ground plate disposed beneath and spaced apart from the electrode by a second electrical insulator to define a second gap between the electrode and the second ground plate; a gas inlet to provide a process gas to the first gap; a plurality of through holes disposed through the electrode coupling the first gap to the second gap; and a plurality of first gas outlet holes disposed through the second ground plate to fluidly couple the second gap to an area beneath the second plate.

Abstract: A plasma gun with two gap electrodes on opposite ends of a chamber of ablative material such as an ablative polymer. The gun ejects an ablative plasma at supersonic speed. A divergent nozzle spreads the plasma jet to fill a gap between electrodes of a main arc device, such as an arc crowbar or a high voltage power switch. The plasma triggers the main arc device by lowering the impedance of the main arc gap via the ablative plasma to provide a conductive path between the main electrodes. This provides faster triggering and requires less trigger energy than previous arc triggers. It also provides a more conductive initial main arc than previously possible. The initial properties of the main arc are controllable by the plasma properties, which are in turn controllable by design parameters of the ablative plasma gun.

Abstract: The support and electrode assemblies of the ion implanter are cooled by circulating a coolant through these parts during operation. The support for the arc chamber includes a one piece block of aluminum through which coolant passes and a hollow rectangular post on which the arc chamber sits with a space therebetween.

Abstract: A plasma generation device assembly includes a base including a top surface. The plasma generation device assembly also includes a plasma generation device and a plurality of coupling members. The plasma generation device includes a body unitarily formed from an ablative material and a plurality of plasma generation device terminals coupled to the body. The plasma generation device is positioned on the top surface and is configured to emit ablative plasma when the plasma generation device is activated. The plurality of coupling members is configured to couple the plasma generation device to the top surface.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma torch and a plasma torch head comprise an elongated electrode holder with a front surface on the electrode tip and a hole arranged in the electrode tip along a central axis through the electrode holder, and an emission insert arranged in the hole such that an emission surface of the emission insert is exposed. The emission surface is set back relative to the front surface of the electrode holder. An electrode for a plasma torch and a plasma torch head also comprise an electrode socket and an electrode holder, the electrode socket having an internal thread, and the electrode holder having an external thread and an O-ring in a groove in the cylindrical outer surface. The electrode holder is screwed together with the electrode socket via the external thread and the internal thread and sealed by means of the O-ring.

Abstract: In some aspects, nozzles for plasma torches can include a nozzle body having a proximal end and a distal end that define a nozzle body length and a longitudinal axis. The body can include an exit orifice defined by the distal end; a plenum extending from the proximal end to a plenum floor, a distance from the plenum floor to the distal end defining a plenum floor thickness, and a distance from the plenum floor to the proximal end defining a proximal end height; and a bore extending from the plenum floor to the exit orifice that has a bore length and a bore width. The nozzle body has a nozzle width in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The nozzle body length is greater than the width and a ratio of the proximal end height to the plenum floor thickness is less than 2.0.

Abstract: A plasma-generating device includes an anode plate and a cathode plate spaced apart from the anode plate. The cathode plate includes a substrate and a hybrid diamond layer formed on the substrate. The hybrid diamond layer includes ultra-nanocrystalline diamond grains, an amorphous carbon disposed among and bonded to the ultra-nanocrystalline diamond grains, micro-crystalline diamond grains disposed among the ultra-nanocrystalline diamond grains, and a graphite phase disposed among the ultra-nanocrystalline diamond grains. Each of the micro-crystalline diamond grains is surrounded by the graphite phase.

Abstract: An ion generation method uses a direct current discharge ion source provided with an arc chamber formed of a high melting point material, and includes: generating ions by causing molecules of a source gas to collide with thermoelectrons in the arc chamber and producing plasma discharge; and causing radicals generated in generating ions to react with a liner provided to cover an inner wall of the arc chamber at least partially. The liner is formed of a material more reactive to radicals generated as the source gas is dissociated than the material of the arc chamber.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the total power of non-thermal plasma power systems are described. Various embodiments of the present invention provide non-thermal plasma reactor assemblies and methods of operating said assemblies, each assembly comprising: (a) at least two non-thermal plasma reactors, each reactor comprising at least one inlet circumferential gas flow inlet apparatus, an electrode, and a flow restricted exit portal, said reactor configured to eject a jet of non-thermal plasma external to said reactor; (b) said at least two non-thermal plasma reactors configured to work in tandem with one another such that a first reactor electrode can be maintained at a high voltage electric potential relative to a second reactor electrode, said first and second reactor electrodes forming an electrode pair able to maintain a non-thermal plasma discharge between the first and second reactor electrodes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to an electrode for a plasma arc torch, the electrode comprising a generally tubular outer wall, an end wall, and a protrusion. The end wall is joined to a distal end of the outer wall and supports an emissive element in a generally central region. The protrusion extends from the generally central region of the end wall and is configured to connect with an electrode holder by a releasable connection, wherein the protrusion is configured such that at least one coolant passage forms between the protrusion and the electrode holder when the electrode is connected with the electrode holder. In some embodiments, the releasable connection comprises a threaded connection, wherein the protrusion is threaded to releasably connect to a threaded coolant tube of the electrode holder. In other embodiments, at least one coolant passage is defined by the threaded connection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glow discharge cell comprising an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel having a first end and a second end, and at least one inlet and one outlet; a hollow electrode aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel and extending at least from the first end to the second end of the cylindrical vessel, wherein the hollow electrode has an inlet and an outlet; a first insulator that seals the first end of the cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode and maintains a substantially equidistant gap between the cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode; a second insulator that seals the second end of the cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode and maintains the substantially equidistant gap between the cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode; a non-conductive granular material disposed within the gap, wherein the non-conductive granular material (a) allows an electrically conductive fluid to flow between the cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode

Abstract: An arc containment device is presented. The arc containment device includes a shock shield further having a multiple apertures for escape of gas, the shock shield configured to surround an arc source. The device further comprises an inner enclosure having a multiple openings generally aligned with the multiple apertures, the inner enclosure configured to provide an electrical insulation base for the arc source. An outer enclosure disposed is provided around the inner enclosure, the outer enclosure configured to direct the gas to the environment outside the device.

Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a cavity in a front face at a first end of the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the cavity. The first end of the electrode body is formed of high purity copper containing at least 99.81% copper. The insert has a first end and a second end and is formed of a high emissivity material. A diameter of the first end of the insert is less than a diameter of a second end of the insert. An electrode is compressed to retain the insert using radial compression. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode, and a method of operation of an electrode in a plasma torch.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing plasma comprises a first electrode and a porous element. The first electrode is in direct contact with a first side of the porous element. A second electrode is positioned adjacent a second side of the porous element, at least a portion of the second electrode being spaced from the second side of the porous element so as not to be in direct contact with the second side of the porous element. A plasma generating region is defined adjacent the second electrode.

Abstract: An electrode head of the plasma cutting machine is provided. The electrode head comprises a sheath, a bearing means, an electrode core, a first brazing means and a second brazing means. The sheath has a first end and a second end. A first flange extends radially inward from the first end. The bearing means has a third end and a fourth end. A second flange extending from the third end is fixed to the first flange of the sheath via the first brazing means. A protrusion portion is provided axially from the interior of the fourth end. A recess portion is extending from the third end into the interior of the protrusion portion. The electrode core is fixed in the recess portion via the second brazing means.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an electrical contact assembly for a plasma torch tip, and may include an electrical contact portion, a compressible portion in mechanical communication with the contact, and a mounting portion in mechanical communication with the compressible portion. Some embodiments may be adapted to maintain contact with an uneven substrate during translation of the torch tip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma torch, comprising: a plasma generator comprising a cathode extending along an axis X and an anode (24), the cathode and the anode being arranged so as to be capable of generating, in a chamber (26), an electric arc between the anode and the cathode due to an electrical voltage, the plasma generator also comprising a plasmagen gas injection device (30) comprising an injection pipe (72) leading, along an injection axis (Ii), to an injection opening (74) in the chamber; a means for injecting a material to be discharged into a plasma flow generated by said plasma generator, the plasma torch being characterized in that: the relationship R? between: the radial distance (yi) of said injection opening, defined as the minimum distance between the axis X and the center of said injection orifice; the largest transverse size (DC) of the cathode in the region of the chamber downstream from the position PAC, wherein PAC denotes the axial position of maximum radial mutual encroachment of th

Abstract: A shield for a plasma arc torch that pierces and cuts a metallic workpiece producing a splattering of molten metal directed at the torch, the shield protecting consumable components of the plasma arc torch from the splattering molten metal. The shield can include a body, a first surface of the body configured to be contact-cooled by a gas flow, a second surface of the body configured to be contact-cooled by a liquid flow, and a seal assembly configured to be secured to the body and disposed relative to the second surface configured to retain the liquid flow contact-cooling the second surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a thermal barrier coating on components in gas turbine engines and the like. The apparatus includes a microplasma spray gun having an anode, cathode, and an arc generator for generating an electric arc between the anode and cathode. The apparatus includes a nozzle for emitting arc gas into the electric arc. The electric arc is operable for ionizing the gas to create a plasma gas stream. A powder injector injects powdered thermal barrier coating material into the plasma gas stream. Defective areas of the thermal barrier coating can be patched on the component without masking the component.

Abstract: The system includes a glow discharge cell connected to a plasma torch. The glow discharge cell includes an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel having an inlet, an outlet, and a hollow electrode. The hollow electrode has an inlet and outlet. A first insulator seals the first end of the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode and maintains a substantially equidistant gap between the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode. A non-conductive granular material is disposed within the substantially equidistant gap. The plasma arc torch includes a cylindrical vessel, a tangential inlet connected to the outlet of the electrically conductive vessel of the glow discharge cell, a tangential outlet, an electrode housing connected to the cylindrical vessel such that a first electrode is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel and extends into the cylindrical vessel, and a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the cylindrical vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glow discharge cell comprising an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel having a first end and a second end, and at least one inlet and one outlet; a hollow electrode aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel and extending at least from the first end to the second end of the cylindrical vessel, wherein the hollow electrode has an inlet and an outlet; a first insulator that seals the first end of the cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode and maintains a substantially equidistant gap between the cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode; a second insulator that seals the second end of the cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode and maintains the substantially equidistant gap between the cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode; a non-conductive granular material disposed within the gap, wherein the non-conductive granular material (a) allows an electrically conductive fluid to flow between the cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode

Abstract: A ceramic electrode for a gliding electric arc system. The ceramic electrode includes a ceramic fin defining a spine, a heel, and a tip. A discharge edge of the ceramic fin defines a diverging profile approximately from the heel of the ceramic fin to the tip of the ceramic fin. A mounting surface coupled to the ceramic fin facilitates mounting the ceramic fin within the gliding electric arc system. One or more ceramic electrodes may be used in the gliding electric arc system or other systems which at least partially oxidize a combustible material.

Abstract: A device for diverting energy away from an electrical arc flash is provided. The device comprises an arc source configured to create a second arc flash, a plasma gun configured to inject plasma in proximity of the arc source in response to the arc flash, an arc containment device to house the arc source and the plasma gun, an exhaust port configured to route exhaust gases out of the device in a first direction, and an exhaust duct coupled in flow communication with the exhaust port, the exhaust duct comprising a substantially hollow tube including a first tube portion and a second tube portion, the first tube portion coupled in flow communication with the exhaust port, the second tube portion defining an exhaust vent and coupled in flow communication with the first tube portion to route the exhaust gases out of the device in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glow discharge cell comprising an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel having a first end and a second end, and at least one inlet and one outlet; a hollow electrode aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel and extending at least from the first end to the second end of the cylindrical vessel, wherein the hollow electrode has an inlet and an outlet; a first insulator that seals the first end of the cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode and maintains a substantially equidistant gap between the cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode; a second insulator that seals the second end of the cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode and maintains the substantially equidistant gap between the cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode; a non-conductive granular material disposed within the gap, wherein the non-conductive granular material (a) allows an electrically conductive fluid to flow between the cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode

Abstract: A drag tip for use in a plasma cutting torch is provided that includes an inner tip portion defining a distal end face, an inner cavity through which a plasma gas flows, and an orifice disposed between the distal end face and the inner cavity. An outer tip portion surrounds the inner tip portion and defines an inner chamber to accommodate a flow of secondary gas and also a distal end portion. The distal end face of the inner tip portion is adapted for contact with a workpiece and extends distally beyond the distal end portion of the outer tip portion, and the flow of secondary gas exits the outer tip portion proximate the distal end portion. Variations of the drag tip and methods of operation are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for over-voltage protection is described. In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes an output port configured to deliver power to a plasma chamber to ignite a plasma. The apparatus also includes a shunt switch in parallel with the output port and a processor configured to receive an indicator of an arc in the plasma. The processor is configured to close the shunt switch for a period of time to divert current away from the arc. The processor is also configured to trigger a pulse of the shunt switch to limit a voltage of an increasing voltage condition associated with the arc.

Abstract: A device for diverting energy away from an electrical arc flash is provided. The device comprises an arc source configured to create a second arc flash, a plasma gun configured to inject plasma in proximity of the arc source in response to the arc flash, an arc containment device to house the arc source and the plasma gun, an exhaust port configured to route exhaust gases out of the device in a first direction, and an exhaust duct coupled in flow communication with the exhaust port, the exhaust duct comprising a substantially hollow tube including a first tube portion and a second tube portion, the first tube portion coupled in flow communication with the exhaust port, the second tube portion defining an exhaust vent and coupled in flow communication with the first tube portion to route the exhaust gases out of the device in a second direction.

Abstract: A shield for a plasma arc torch that pierces and cuts a metallic workpiece producing a splattering of molten metal directed at the torch, the shield protecting consumable components of the plasma arc torch from the splattering molten metal. The shield can include a body, a first surface of the body configured to be contact-cooled by a gas flow, a second surface of the body configured to be contact-cooled by a liquid flow, and a seal assembly configured to be secured to the body and disposed relative to the second surface configured to retain the liquid flow contact-cooling the second surface.

Abstract: A cathode discharge device is provided. The cathode discharge apparatus includes an anode, a cathode and plural cathode chambers. The cathode is located inside the anode, where the cathode has plural flow channels and at least one flow channel hole, and the plural flow channels are connected to one another through the flow channel hole. The plural cathode chambers are located inside the cathode, wherein each of the cathode chambers has a chamber outlet and a chamber inlet connected with at least one of the flow channels.

Abstract: Device for emitting a plasma jet at ambient pressure and temperature, includes an electric-field generator for generating discharges between an anode assembly and a cathode assembly. The cathode assembly defines an inter-cathode dielectric space that extends inside the cathode assembly and is opposite at least one cathode surface of the cathode assembly, and has at least one cathode opening extending outside the inter-cathode space, the cathode opening being defined by at least one active edge of the cathode surface, the active edge(s) extending in a cathode opening plane. The anode assembly includes at least one pointed portion that is oriented toward the outside of the inter-cathode space and is laterally and deeply placed relative to the cathode opening. The pointed portion extends up to the cathode opening plane, for causing a plasma jet emission that is spontaneously sprayed in a predetermined direction toward the outside of the inter-cathode space.

Abstract: A plasma generating unit for a process monitoring device includes a hollow first electrode extending in a length direction and a second electrode extending in the length direction and positioned within and displaced from the first electrode with a distance therebetween. The first electrode has an inner diameter and the second electrode has an outer diameter selected to vary the distance between the electrodes in the length direction so that the plasma generating unit generates a plasma by ionizing a gas flowing between the electrodes at a different position in the length direction based on a pressure of the gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasmatron structure for heating working gas in a DC arc discharge at the atmospheric or lowered pressures and can be used for different electronic, engineering, or vehicle-building industries and for medicine. An object of the invention is to provide improved effectiveness of process gas activation and increased completeness of plasma-chemical reactions. These objects are achieved in a DC arc plasmatron comprising a rod cathode, a nozzle anode having a body member and a through axial orifice, a power supply unit connected to both electrodes, and a gas system for feeding plasma-forming gas into inter-electrode space and supplying suitably selected technologic gas or gas mixture into the anode orifice through an internal opening communicating with said orifice and positioned between its inlet and outlet parts.

Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a bore defined by and disposed in the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the bore. The insert and/or the bore of the electrode are configured to improve retention of the insert in the electrode, thereby extending electrode life. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode. The method includes a step of positioning an insert into a bore of an electrode such that an exterior gap is established that is greater than a second gap.