Plasma Torches Brochure

This document is subject to the “Terms of Use” statement available at www.pyrogenesis.com. PLASMA TORCHES Air Torch These high power torches use compressed air as the plasma forming gas and range in power from 50 kW to 500 kW. The torches have been used to gasify waste on-board marine ships as well as on land-based systems by PyroGenesis and its clients. They can be designed to withstand extreme temperatures, such as direct exposure to molten slag or a hot reactor atmosphere with particulates. Figure 1 – Air Torch in operation Each torch includes three electrodes: • A hot-button tungsten cathode, which can last well over 1000 hours of operation. • An ignition nozzle, which serves to “spark” the plasma arc and also lasts over 1000 hours. • An anode made entirely of copper which lasts up to 500 hours. All of the electrodes are cooled with high pressure de-ionized water in order to extend their useful life, while a small amount of nitrogen gas is used to shield the cathode from oxygen. The compact length model is lightweight, weighing approximately 20 pounds and can easily be handled by a single person. The dimensions of the compact model air torch can be seen in Figure 2. This document is subject to the “Terms of Use” statement available at www.pyrogenesis.com. Figure 2 - Air Torch Drawing This document is subject to the “Terms of Use” statement available at www.pyrogenesis.com. Reverse Polarity Torch (RPT) The RPT was designed to operate at high enthalpy, while being able to preserve the purity of the materials being produced. The use of tungsten inserts in both the anode and cathode electrodes as well as a solid tungsten nozzle tip allow for high purity processing of materials. The torches have been used by McGill University in Montreal, Canada to produce carbon nanotubes and fullerenes. Figure 3: Three RPTs Converging on Titanium Wire to Make Spherical Powder The RPT model has also been used for the plasma atomization of titanium and titanium alloys, producing an extremely high quality and high purity spherical powder. If the process requires an inert atmosphere, argon or nitrogen can be used as the plasma forming gas. A maximum power of 100 kW is achievable with this design. These torches can be arranged in groups with a common convergence point in order to combine their outputs. The tungsten nozzle tips can be customized to achieve the length and diameter of plasma plume necessary for any application. The RPT can also be used for waste destruction. This document is subject to the “Terms of Use” statement available at www.pyrogenesis.com. Compact Coaxial Plasma Spray Torch (Minigun) PyroGenesis Canada offers the Compact Coaxial Plasma Spray Torch, or Minigun, for atmospheric plasma spray (APS) coating operations. Using these low power plasma spray torches, metal or ceramic powders are injected radially through the side of the plasma stream, resulting in molten and semi-molten particles being projected onto a substrate, providing a functional coating to a component. Figure 4: Compact Coaxial Plasma Spray Torch (Minigun) In operation since 1995, these torches provide up to 50 kW of power, and can also be adapted for use in small-scale waste destruction processes. PyroGenesis Canada Inc. 1744 William, Suite 200 Montreal, QC H3J 1R4 CANADA P +1 514.937.0002 F +1 514.937.5757 E plasma@pyrogenesis.com