US 7,411,353 B1 · Alternating current multi-phase plasma gas generator with annular electrodes

Abstract

A plasma generator for three phase mains alternating current operation has three plasma generation tubes interconnected with a nozzle, each plasma generation tube having a plasma initiator for forming a plasma into an electrode ring, the electrode ring including substantially tangential gas introduction orifices which cause gas entering the electrode ring to helically rotate. Each of the electrode rings is coupled to a unique one of the three phases of AC voltage supply, such that when the initiator plasma is introduced into one of the electrode rings, a plasma discharge occurs with a path from the electrode ring, through the plasma generation tube, and to a different electrode ring. Each electrode ring has gas introduced in a helically rotating manner such that the erosion of the surface of the electrode ring is uniform over the entire surface, and minimally erosive in a single arc attachment spot, since the arc spot is constantly moving as provided by the helical trajectory of the gas entering the electrode.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A plasma generator having:

a nozzle;
a plasma gas;
a plurality of annular electrodes, each annular electrode having an axis and an inner surface, each said annular electrode separated from said nozzle by a plasma channel;
each said annular electrode having a source of initiated plasma, each said annular electrode having a plurality of apertures located on said inner surface, at least one said aperture positioned substantially tangent to a circle located between said inner surface and said axis, said apertures coupled to said plasma gas;
said annular electrode also having a first plasma gas introduction region on an end furthest to said nozzle and a second plasma gas introduction region closest to said nozzle, said first plasma gas introduction region and said second plasma gas introduction region coupled to said plasma gas;
said annular electrode apertures and said first and second plasma gas introduction regions causing a plasma forming on said annular electrode inner surface to rotate circumferentially and also to move from said electrode nozzle near end to said nozzle far end.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Alternating current multi-phase plasma gas generator with annular electrodes

Life of this patent

Alternating current multi-phase plasma gas generator with annular electrodes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22