Generating discrete gas jets in plasma arc torch applications

A nozzle for a transferred arc plasma cutting torch comprising, the nozzle comprising:

• a rear portion defining at least a portion of a plasma chamber;
• and
• a front portion including a first end disposed adjacent to the rear portion, a second end defining a plasma exit portion, and a plurality of gas passageways disposed within the front portion, each of the plurality of gas passageways extending from the first end to the second end and defining a gas path that provides a flow of secondary gas that exits the gas passageway via a gas passageway exit portion, each gas passageway exit portion being (a) disposed adjacent the plasma exit portion and (b) coplanar with the plasma exit portion,
• the plurality of gas passageways and gas passageway exit portions, in combination, providing a plurality of discrete jets of the secondary gas which are disposed substantially parallel to a plasma jet and which reduce entrainment of an ambient fluid or the secondary gas into the plasma jet.