Use of a Microwave Plasma Process at Atmospheric Pressure for Bacterial Inactivation without Thermal Effects

An atmospheric microwave plasma argon was used for the inactivation of bacteria E. coli. The employed device, called Axial Injection Torch (or TIA for Torche à Injection Axiale), consisted of a microwave power source, a waveguide and a gas supply system. Using this argon plasma source, we studied the effects of the exposure time, the exposure distance, the input power, and the gas flow rate on the reduction rate of Escherichia coli cells. The first part of the study was carried out with a static sample exposed to the plasma and then in the second part the sample was set in motion relative to the plasma jet. A log reduction number of E. coli of 4 (10-4 CFU/mL) was obtained with UV and active species, for UV only a log of 1 (10-1 CFU/mL) was obtained.

Numerical Simulation of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in a DC Non-Transferred Arc Plasma Torch Operating Under Laminar and Turbulent Conditions

In this work, a magnetic fluid dynamics （MHD） model is used to simulate the electromagnetic field, heat transfer and fluid flow in a DC non-transferred arc plasma torch under laminar and turbulent conditions. The electric current density, temperature and velocity distributions in the torch are obtained through the coupled iterative calculation about the electromagnetic equations described in a magnetic vector potential format and the modified fluid dynamics equations. The fluid-solid coupled calculation method is applied to guarantee the continuity of the electric current and heat transfer at the interface between the electrodes and fluid. The predicted location of the anodic arc root attachment and the arc voltage of the torch are consistent with corresponding experimental results. Through a specific analysis of the influence of mass flow rates and electric current on the torch outlet parameters, the total thermal efficiency, thermal loss of each part, and the laws of the variation of outlet parameters with the variation of mass flow rates and electric current was obtained. It is found that operation under a laminar condition with a limited area of the anode could increase the total thermal efficiency of the torch.

Effects of the Nozzle Design on the Properties of Plasma Jet and Formation of YSZ Coatings under Low Pressure Conditions

How to control the quality of the coatings has become a major problem during the plasma spraying. Because nozzle contour has a great influence on the characteristic of the plasma jet, two kinds of plasma torches equipped with a standard cylindrical nozzle and a converging-diverging nozzle are designed for low pressure plasma spraying（LPPS） and very low pressure plasma spraying（VLPPS）. Yttria stabilized zirconia（YSZ） coatings are obtained in the reducing pressure environment. The properties of the plasma jet without or with powder injection are analyzed by optical emission spectroscopy, and the electron temperature is calculated based on the ratio of the relative intensity of two Arlspectral lines. The results show that some of the YSZ powder can be vaporized in the low pressure enlarged plasma jet, and the long anode nozzle may improve the characteristics of the plasma jet. The coatings deposited by LPPS are mainly composed of the equiaxed grains and while the unmelted powder particles and large scalar pores appear in the coatings made by VLPPS. The long anode nozzle could improve the melting of the powders and deposition efficiency, and enhance the coatings＇ hardness. At the same time, the long anode nozzle could lead to a decrease in the overspray phenomenon. Through the comparison of the two different size＇s nozzle, the long anode is much more suitable for making the YSZ coatings.

Characteristics and Temperature Measurement of a Non-Transferred Cascaded DC Plasma Torch

Dependence of the current-voltage characteristics of a non-transferred DC cascaded plasma torch used for nanoparticle synthesis, on the plasma current and the plasma argon gas flow rate are reported in this paper. The potential structure inside the torch and its dependence on the plasma current and gas flow rate are also investigated. The arc voltage is seen to exhibit negative characteristic for a current below 150 A and positive characteristic above that current value. The voltage drop near the electrodes is found to decrease with the increase in plasma current. 25~ of the total voltage is dropped near the cathode at a plasma current of 50 A and a argon plasma gas flow rate of 10 liter per minute （LPM）, and it decreases to 12% with the current increasing to 300 A, and to 17% with a gas flow rate of 25 LPM. The variation in the torch efficiency with the gas flow rate and plasma current is also reported. The efficiency of the torch is found to be between 36% and 48%. In addition, the plasma gas temperature at various positions of the reactor and for different currents and voltages are measured by calorimetric estimation with a heat balance technique.

Studies on Excitation and Rotational Temperatures of an Oxygen-shielded Argon Microwave Plasma Torch Source

Excitation（ Texc ） and rotation（ Trot ） temperatures were determined under different conditions for an oxygen-shielded argon microwave plasmsa torch source（OS-Ar-MPT）. The Texc value, which was shown to be between 4300 and 5250 K under different operating conditions, was calculated from the slope of the Boltzmann plot with Fe as the thermometric species. The Trot value, which was in the range of 2100-2500 K, was measured with OH molecular spectra. The influences of microwave power, flow rates of the support gas, cartier gas, and shielding gas, as well as the observation height on Texc and Trot were investigated and discussed. The detailed results of Texc and Trot provided a better understanding of the performance of an OS-ArMPT as a source for atomic emission spectrometry.

Influence of the Laminar Plasma Torch Construction on the Jet Characteristics

Based on two typical laminar plasma torches （LPT）, i.e. a multi-electrode plasma torch （MEPT） with segmented anode structure and a two-electrode plasma torch （TEPT） with conventional structure, this paper studied the influence of the LPTs construction on the jet characteristics. Experiments were designed to measure their arc voltage, jet length, thermal efficiency and specific enthalpy using a home-made data acquisition system. With them, the jet characteristics of the two different LPTs were compared in detail. Results show that different plasma torch construction leads to distinctively different characteristics of the generated plasma jet. Based on the different jet characteristics, a plasma torch with appropriate construction could be used to meet the different application requirements.

Three-Dimensional Numerical Modeling of an Ar-N_2 Plasma Arc Inside a Non-Transferred Torch

A three-dimensional numerical model is developed to study the behaviour of an argon-nitrogen plasma arc inside a non-transferred torch. In this model, both the entire cathode and anode nozzle are considered to simulate the plasma arc. The argon-nitrogen plasma arc is simulated for different arc currents and gas flow rates of argon. Various combinations of arc core radius and arc length, which correspond to a given torch power, are predicted. A most feasible combination of the same, which corresponds to an actual physical situation of the arc inside the torch, is identified using the thermodynamic principle of minimum entropy production for a particular torch power. The effect of the arc current and gas flow rate on the plasma arc characteristics and torch efficiency is explained. The effect of the nitrogen content in the plasma gas on the torch power and efficiency is clearly detected. Predicted torch efficiencies are comparable to the measured ones and the effect of the arc current and gas flow rate on predicted and measured efficiencies is almost similar. The efficiency of the torch, cathode and anode losses and core temperature and velocity at the nozzle exit are reported for five different cases.

Study on the ignition process of a segmented plasma torch

Direct current plasma torches have been applied to generate unique sources of thermal energy in many industrial applications. Nevertheless, the successful ignition of a plasma torch is the key process to generate the unique source （plasma jet）. However, there has been tittle study on the underlying mechanism of this key process. A thorough understanding of the ignition process of a plasma torch will be helpful for optimizing the design of the plasma torch structure and selection of the ignition parameters to prolong the service life of the ignition module. Thus, in this paper, the ignition process of a segmented plasma torch （SPT） is theoretically and experimentally modeled and analyzed. Corresponding electrical models of different stages of the ignition process axe set up and used to derive the electrical parameters, e.g. the variations of the arc voltage and arc current between the cathode and anode. In addition, the experiments with different ignition parameters on a home-made SPT have been conducted. At the same time, the variations of the arc voltage and arc current have been measured, and used to verify the ones derived in theory and to determine the optimal ignition parameters for a particular SPT.

Comparison of Reynolds average Navier-Stokes turbulence models in numerical simulations of the DC arc plasma torch

Five turbulence models of Reynolds average Navier-Stokes(RANS),including the standard k-ω model,the RNG k-e model taking into account the low Reynolds number effect,the realizable k-ω model,the SST k-ω model,and the Reynolds stress model(RSM),are employed in the numerical simulations of direct current(DC)arc plasma torches in the range of arc current from 80 A to 240 A and air gas flow rate from 10 m^3 h^-1 to 50 m^3 h^-1.The calculated voltage,electric field intensity,and the heat loss in the arc chamber are compared with the experiments.The results indicate that the arc voltage,the electric field,and the heat loss in the arc chamber calculated by using the standard k-ω model,the RNG k-ωmodel taking into account the low Reynolds number effect,and the realizable k-ω model are much larger than those in the experiments.The RSM predicts relatively close results to the experiments,but fails in the trend of heat loss varying with the gas flow rate.The calculated results of the SST k-ω model are in the best agreement with the experiments,which may be attributed to the reasonable predictions of the turbulence as well as its distribution.

Preliminary Study of Thermal Treatment of Coke Wastewater Sludge Using Plasma Torch

Thermal plasma was applied for the treatment of coke wastewater sludge derived from the steel industry in order to investigate the feasibility of the safe treatment and energy recovery of the sludge. A 30 kW plasma torch system was applied to study the vitrification and gas production of coke wastewater sludge. Toxicity leaching results indicated that the sludge treated via the thermal plasma process converted into a vitrified slag which resisted the leaching of heavy metals. CO2 was utilized as working gas to study the production and heat energy of the syngas. The heating value of the gas products by thermal plasma achieved 8.43 k J/L, indicating the further utilization of the gas products. Considering the utilization of the syngas and recovery heat from the gas products, the estimated treatment cost of coke wastewater sludge via plasma torch was about 0.98 CNY/kg sludge in the experiment. By preliminary economic analysis, the dehydration cost takes an important part of the total sludge treatment cost. The treatment cost of the coke wastewater sludge with 50 wt.% moisture was calculated to be about 1.45 CNY/kg sludge dry basis. The treatment cost of the coke wastewater sludge could be effectively controlled by decreasing the water content of the sludge. These findings suggest that an economic dewatering pretreatment method could be combined to cut the total treatment cost in an actual treatment process.

Comparative Observation of Ar,Ar-H_2 and Ar-N_2 DC Arc Plasma Jets and Their Arc Root Behaviour at Reduced Pressure

Results observed experimentally are presented, about the DC arc plasma jets and their arc-root behaviour generated at reduced gas pressure without or with an applied magnetic field. Pure argon, argon-hydrogen or argon-nitrogen mixture was used as the plasma-forming gas. A specially designed copper mirror was used for a better observation of the arc-root behaviour on the anode surface of the DC non-transferred arc plasma torch. It was found that in the cases without an applied magnetic field, the laminar plasma jets were stable and approximately axisymmetrical. The arc-root attachment on the anode surface was completely diffusive when argon was used as the plasma-forming gas, while the arc-root attachment often became constrictive when hydrogen or nitrogen was added into the argon. As an external magnetic field was applied, the arc root tended to rotate along the anode surface of the non-transferred arc plasma torch.

Study of Spectral Character of Alkali Metals Using Microwave Plasma Torch Simultaneous Spectrometer

A microwave plasma torch （MPT） simultaneous spectrometer was used to study the spectral character and the matrix effect on alkali metal ions in solution. The main parameters were optimized. The microwave forward power was 100 W. The argon flow rate that was used to sustain the Ar-MPT included the flow rate of carrier gas and the flow rate of support gas, which were 0. 8 and 1.0 L/min, respectively. The HC1 concentration in the solution was 0.02 mol/L. The observation height was 9. 0 ram. The detection limits of Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs were 0. 0003, 0. 0004, 0. 009, 0.07 and 2.4 mg/L, respectively, and the resuhs obtained by the Ar-MPT were compared with those obtained by argon inductively coupled plasma（Ar-ICP） and argon microwave induced plasma（Ar-MIP）. The interference effects of several matrix elements were also studied.

Experimental study on the jet characteristics of a steam plasma torch

Thermal steam plasma jet is promising for applications in environmental industries due to its distinctive characteristics of high enthalpy and high chemical reactivity. However, the performance of the steam plasma torch for its generation is limited by the problems of the large arc voltage fluctuation and serious erosion of the electrodes. In this study, a gas-stabilized steam plasma torch which can operate continuously and stably was designed. Experiments were conducted to reveal the effect of the different working parameters, including the anode diameter, the cooling water temperature, the arc current and the steam flow rate, on its Volt-Ampere characteristics, arc voltage fluctuation, thermal efficiency, jet characteristics and electrodes erosion. Results showed that the use of hot water to cool the electrodes can effectively prevent the condensation of steam on the inner wall of the electrodes, thus significantly reducing the arc voltage fluctuations and electrodes erosion. This is crucial for increasing the working life of the electrodes and ensuring long-term stability of the steam plasma torch. In addition, suitable anode diameter can greatly reduce the arc voltage fluctuation of the steam plasma torch and effectively improve the stability of the steam plasma jet. Furthermore, high arc current can effectively reduce the fluctuations of the arc voltage and increase the length and the volume of the steam plasma jet. Finally, using steam as the plasma forming gas can achieve higher thermal efficiency compared to air. An ideal thermal efficiency can be achieved by properly reducing the arc current and increasing the steam flow rate.

A New Technology for Treating Pulp Waste with Plasma

New methods for both the treatment of pulp waste liquor called black liquor （BL） and the recovery of chemicals by using plasma, and the concentration of BL with the freezing technique were developed. The new methods aiming at the pilot plant scale are described and the experiments in a small-scale research facility for demonstration and test are presented. The energy consumption for treating waste liquid is 1 kg/kWh. Plasma processing can reduce the costs for treatment and eliminate pollution.

Design and characteristics of a triple-cathode cascade plasma torch for spheroidization of metallic powders

Arc plasma torch is an effective tool for spheroidization of metallic powders.However,as most conventional plasma torches were not specifically designed for plasma spheroidization,they may exhibit the disadvantages of the radial injection of powders,large fluctuations in the arc voltage,large gas flow rate,and disequilibrium between multiple plasma jets during the spheroidization process.Therefore,this paper presents a triple-cathode cascade plasma torch(TCCPT)for plasma spheroidization.Its structural design,including three cathodes,a common anode,and three sets of inter-electrodes,are detailed to ensure that powders can be inserted into the plasma jet by axial injection,the arc voltage fluctuations are easily maintained at a low level,and the plasma torches can work at a relatively small gas flow rate.Experimental results showed that the proposed TCCPT exhibits the following characteristics:(1)a relatively small arc voltage fluctuation within 5.3%;(2)a relatively high arc voltage of 75 V and low gas flow rate range of10-30 SLM;(3)easy to be maintained at the equilibrium state with the equilibrium index of the three plasma jets within 3.5 V.Furthermore,plasma spheroidization experiments of SUS304 stainless steel powers were carried out using the proposed TCCPT.Results verified that the proposed TCCPT is applicable and effective for the spheroidization of metallic powders with wide size distribution.

Design and characteristics of a new type laminar plasma torch for materials processing

Laminar plasma jet(LPJ)generated by laminar plasma torch(LPT)has a favorable temperature and velocity distribution.Thus,it is superior to the turbulent plasma jet in material processing.However,most of the reported LPTs usually operate at a relatively low output power with a relatively low arc voltage and thermal efficiency,which limits its capabilities.In this context,this paper attempts to design a new type of high-power LPT with a relatively low arc current and a high thermal efficiency.In the first section,the design principle of the main components is studied and discussed in detail,and a new high-power LPT is proposed.Then,the experimental characteristics of the proposed high-power LPT are examined.Experimental results reveal the following characteristics of the proposed LPT.(1)The max jet length of the proposed LPT reaches at 540 mm.(2)Its mean arc voltage is higher than 290 V when the LPT works with arc currents lower than 200 A.leading to an output power greater than 50 kW.(3)The mean thermal efficiency is higher than 509f.Lastly,the proposed LPT has been applied to spheroidize the aluminum oxide powers.The experiment results for the production of spherical powders show that the proposed LPT hits a good characteristic for material processing.

Evaluation of Improved Ultrasonic Nebulizer for Miniature Simultaneous Microwave Plasma Torch Spectrometer

A new automatic sample solution introduction system for miniature simultaneous microwave plasma torch（MPT） atomic emission spectrometer was developed. The operating parameters were optimized. The detection limits of the spectrometer with an ultrasonic nebulizer for Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sr, and V are 5-10 times lower than those obtained with a pneumatic nebulizer and are also lower than those obtained by a Model JX-lOlO MPT spectrometer. Two practical samples were analyzed to test the reliability and sensitivity of the system.

Controlling chaos based on a novel intelligent integral terminal sliding mode control in a rod-type plasma torch

An integral terminal sliding mode controller is proposed in order to control chaos in a rod-type plasma torch system.In this method, a new sliding surface is defined based on a combination of the conventional sliding surface in terminal sliding mode control and a nonlinear function of the integral of the system states. It is assumed that the dynamics of a chaotic system are unknown and also the system is exposed to disturbance and unstructured uncertainty. To achieve a chattering-free and high-speed response for such an unknown system, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system is utilized in the next step to approximate the unknown part of the nonlinear dynamics. Then, the proposed integral terminal sliding mode controller stabilizes the approximated system based on Lyapunov＇s stability theory. In addition, a Bee algorithm is used to select the coefficients of integral terminal sliding mode controller to improve the performance of the proposed method. Simulation results demonstrate the improvement in the response speed, chattering rejection, transient response,and robustness against uncertainties.

EVALUATON OF MICROWAVE PLASMA TORCH FOR ATOMIC FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY WITH AN ULTRASONIC NEBULIZATION SAMPLE INTRODUCTION SYSTEM

In this paper, a new MPT(microwave plasma torch) device has been used as a atomizer for atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Spme elements, such as Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb, As, Co, Mg, Cu, Ag, Mn, Fe have been investigated in detail.

Effects of inter-electrode insertion on the performance and thermal flow fields of a hollow-electrode plasma torch

The effects of lntcr-ckxttxxk insertion on the performance of a hollow--electrode plasma torch have been investigated by numerical analysis.Simulation results revealed that when inter-dcctrodes arc inserted,the arc voltages and plasma powers increase due to the increase in the arc length.In addition,it was predicted that thermal efficiency can be improved with the increase in plasma power by injecting plasma gases through the gaps between inter-electrodes.These unique effects of inter-electrode insertion arc a result of the plasma temperatures adjusting themselves to increase arc voltages when the arc column is contracted radially by increasing gas-flow rate or decreasing inter-electrcxk diameter.