High enthalpy plasma torch

A plasma torch comprising:

• a) a torch housing;
• b) a rear tubular anode electrode and a front tubular cathode electrode coaxially mounted within said housing with a gap therebetween, both electrodes being fabricated from copper having tubular inserts of refractory material forming the arcing surfaces, the front cathode electrode including a cup shaped exit portion comprising an expansion followed by a constriction, the expansion being used to provide a stable arc attachment and the constriction to prevent materials from the surrounding environment from entering the electrode region and both the expansion and constriction being used to create a plasma gas back pressure for improving rotation of the arc inside the electrodes of the torch thus minimizing electrode erosion;
• c) a vortex generator for introducing a tangential flow of gas in opposite direction into said tubular electrodes through the gap between the two electrodes;
• and
• d) a cooling system for cooling the tubular electrodes.