EP1994808B1 - Transferred-arc plasma torch - Google Patents

Transferred-arc plasma torch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1994808B1
EP1994808B1 EP07726439.8A EP07726439A EP1994808B1 EP 1994808 B1 EP1994808 B1 EP 1994808B1 EP 07726439 A EP07726439 A EP 07726439A EP 1994808 B1 EP1994808 B1 EP 1994808B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrode
torch
gas
sheath
plasma
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EP07726439.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1994808A1 (en
Inventor
Christophe Girold
Arnaud Bourgier
Lionel Bruguiere
Florent Lemort
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Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
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Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA
Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
    • H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
    • H05H1/24—Generating plasma
    • H05H1/26—Plasma torches
    • H05H1/32—Plasma torches using an arc
    • H05H1/34—Details, e.g. electrodes, nozzles
    • H05H1/3421—Transferred arc or pilot arc mode
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/16—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas incorporating means for heating or cooling the material to be sprayed
    • B05B7/22—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas incorporating means for heating or cooling the material to be sprayed electrically, magnetically or electromagnetically, e.g. by arc
    • B05B7/222—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas incorporating means for heating or cooling the material to be sprayed electrically, magnetically or electromagnetically, e.g. by arc using an arc
    • B05B7/224—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas incorporating means for heating or cooling the material to be sprayed electrically, magnetically or electromagnetically, e.g. by arc using an arc the material having originally the shape of a wire, rod or the like
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
    • H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
    • H05H1/24—Generating plasma
    • H05H1/26—Plasma torches
    • H05H1/32—Plasma torches using an arc
    • H05H1/34—Details, e.g. electrodes, nozzles
    • H05H1/3425—Melting or consuming electrodes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of plasma torches and more particularly plasma torches transferred arc.
  • Plasma torches are used for the treatment of matter (solid, liquid or gas) at a very high temperature in an atmosphere of controlled reactivity. Plasma torches are typically used in welding, marking, thermal spraying and waste treatment.
  • Plasma is a gas in the ionized state, classically considered as a fourth state of matter.
  • plasma torches are used. These provide the necessary energy for the ionization of the gas by means of an electromagnetic wave (radio frequency or microwave) or an electric arc. We will consider here only the arc torches that are the only technology to achieve significant operating power.
  • Arc torches are classified into two categories: blown arc torches and transferred arc torches.
  • the two electrodes for the establishment of the arc are contained in the torch and the arc is therefore confined inside thereof.
  • Plasma plume created by the passage of a gas in the arc is ejected outside the torch.
  • the torch comprises only one electrode and the arc is established between the torch and another material acting as a counterelectrode. Examples of blown-arc and transferred-arc torches are described in the application EP-A-706308 .
  • Two transferred arc torches can be used in a paired fashion to maintain an arc between them, one serving as a cathode and the other anode.
  • This device is known as bipolar twin torches or "twin torches”.
  • twin torches An example of twin torches is described in the application EP-A-1281296 .
  • the so-called “hot” electrodes made of refractory material with a high boiling or sublimation point, such as tungsten and zirconium
  • so-called “cold” electrodes made of low-point material. boiling and with high thermal conductivity like copper. Whatever the type of material used, the electrode undergoes erosion wear.
  • the document US Patent 4146772 relates to a plasma-MIG sounding device in which the electrode establishing the electric arc is non-consumable and the sounding wire is consumable.
  • the object of the present invention is to have a transferred arc plasma torch having the same utilization properties as cooled electrode plasma torches but without presenting the disadvantages thereof, in particular in terms of size and complexity. mounting and maintenance.
  • the present invention is defined as a transferred arc plasma torch comprising a sleeve cooled by a cooling fluid and an electrode inserted in said sleeve, wherein said electrode, intended to establish an electric arc in a plasmagene gas in cooperation with a counter electrode, is made of a consumable material and the torch comprises means for supplying the electrode of this material so as to compensate for its erosion.
  • the means for supplying the material electrode comprise means for automatically feeding the electrode towards the distal end of the torch.
  • the means for supplying the material electrode comprise means for automatically feeding the electrode towards the distal end of the torch.
  • the torch comprises gaseous cladding means ensuring the cladding of said electrode by a neutral gas and plasmagene inside said sheath.
  • the gaseous cladding means ensure the scanning of the electrode by said gas and its diffusion at the distal end of the electrode.
  • the sheath may comprise conduits for supplying a secondary gas at its distal end, the torch comprising injection means connected to said supply ducts for injecting a gas secondary downstream of the electrode.
  • the plasma torch comprises a fixed torch body supporting all of the gas connections, the cooling fluid and the power supply.
  • the sheath has a tubular portion secured to a torch head and passes therethrough, the torch head resting on said torch body and cooperating with it to ensure the continuity of the gas, cooling fluid and gas flow circuits. power supply between said connectors and said sleeve.
  • the tubular portion of the sheath comprises two concentric shells delimiting a cavity connected to the cooling circuit.
  • a guiding and holding device may be provided so as to position the torch head on said body in a predetermined position and fix it to said body in this position. The assembly and disassembly will be facilitated and in particular one will avoid sealing problems resulting from a misalignment between the body and the torch head.
  • the power supply of the electrode is ensured by means of at least one metal broom mounted on the head of the torch and pressing on the surface of the electrode by the action of a spring. Again, the assembly and disassembly of the electrode will be facilitated.
  • a first idea underlying the invention is to provide a consumable electrode fed continuously material.
  • a second idea underlying the invention is to protect this electrode by a sheath of neutral gas in the sheath.
  • the invention will advantageously be used for producing twin plasma torches, one serving as anode and the other as a cathode. However, these two torches being structurally identical, only one will be described.
  • the Fig. 1 represents a transferred arc plasma torch according to the invention. It comprises a support 10 referred to as a torch body, a sheath 25, preferably metal, having a tubular portion integral at its upper part with a torch head 20, a consumable electrode 30, for example a graphite electrode, a guiding device and 40, a diffuser 50, a device for advancing the electrode 60, means for electrical connection to the brush electrode 70.
  • the torch body 10 constitutes the fixed part of the torch which is never disassembled and supports all the connection with the fluid circuits, gas and power supply.
  • the connections are the arrival and departure of cooling water from the head and sheath, the arrival of plasma gas, the secondary gas supply and the power supply.
  • the torch body comprises in its upper part a plate 11 which open the gas circuits, cooling fluid and electrical connections.
  • the torch head 20 is mounted on the plate 11 of the torch body by means of a guiding and holding device 40.
  • This device ensures guiding and fixing of the torch head on the torch body in a predetermined position. Guiding is provided by a guiding pin or a centering device on the support body or a combination of these means. The maintenance is for example achieved by means of a quick fastening mechanism.
  • the continuity of the fluid and gas circuits between the support body 10 and the torch head 20 is provided by systems suitable seals, for example by means of seals, in particular O-rings, or by means of special connections at the plate 11.
  • the graphite cylindrical electrode 30 passes right through the torch head and extends into the sheath. Its power supply is performed by a metal brush contact 70 pushed on the electrode by a spring 71. Means are provided to allow the supply of the electrode consumable material, for example by means of automatic advance placed at the level of the torch head. These means of advance are for example motorized rollers 60 with adjustable speed, coming to rest on the electrode, in diametrically opposite positions and advancing the electrode by friction towards the distal end of the torch.
  • the Fig. 2 describes more precisely the end of the torch head according to the invention.
  • the electrode 30 is protected by the sheath 25 and the torch head 20.
  • the distal end 31 of the electrode is advantageously set back from the nose 26 of the torch.
  • the sheath is cooled by internal circulation of a cooling fluid 21, for example water.
  • the sleeve has a tubular shape with two concentric envelopes, the cooling fluid circulating in the cavity defined by these two envelopes.
  • conduits 22 disposed inside the cavity allow the supply of the secondary gas 23 to the distal end of the torch.
  • the plasma torch comprises gaseous cladding means adapted to maintain a neutral and protective gas sheath around the electrode.
  • This neutral gas is also used to generate the plasma.
  • the gaseous cladding means ensure not only the scanning of the electrode by the neutral gas but also the diffusion of this gas at its istale or active end. Thus the electrode is protected from the external environment, especially if it is oxidizing.
  • the gas cladding means comprise the gas supply circuit and the diffuser 50.
  • the latter fulfills several functions: in addition to the circulation of the plasmagenic neutral gas 80 between the electrode 30 and the sheath 25 and its diffusion at the active end of the electrode, it ensures the coaxial centering of the electrode 30 relative to the sheath 25 and their mutual electrical insulation.
  • the diffuser 50 may be in the form of an insulating ring provided with a flange 51 at its lower part.
  • the insulating ring is held in the sleeve 25 by a metal stop ring or equivalent clipping system.
  • the inner diameter of the ring is chosen so as to maintain the sheath slightly overpressure and ensure the scanning of the electrode 30, by the neutral gas and plasmagene.
  • the flange is traversed by nozzles 52 fed by the supply pipe or pipes 22 of the secondary gas so that the secondary gas is injected into the plasma zone downstream of the electrode.
  • the plasma gas allows the creation of a plasma with a stable arc while the secondary gas makes it possible to obtain a plasma having the desired chemical composition or physical properties.
  • argagene and oxygen secondary gas will be used as plasma neutral gas.
  • Such a system can be used in all applications requiring the generation of a plasma and in particular in the field of waste treatment.

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUETECHNICAL AREA

La présente invention concerne le domaine des torches à plasma et plus particulièrement des torches à plasma à arc transféré.The present invention relates to the field of plasma torches and more particularly plasma torches transferred arc.

ÉTAT DE LA TECHNIQUE ANTÉRIEURESTATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Les torches à plasma sont utilisées pour le traitement de matière (solide, liquide ou gaz) à très haute température en atmosphère de réactivité contrôlée. Les torches à plasma trouvent classiquement application en particulier dans le soudage, le marquage, la projection thermique et le traitement des déchets.Plasma torches are used for the treatment of matter (solid, liquid or gas) at a very high temperature in an atmosphere of controlled reactivity. Plasma torches are typically used in welding, marking, thermal spraying and waste treatment.

Le plasma est un gaz à l'état ionisé, classiquement considéré comme un quatrième état de la matière. Pour obtenir l'ionisation d'un gaz à la pression atmosphérique, on utilise des torches à plasma. Celles-ci apportent l'énergie nécessaire à l'ionisation du gaz au moyen d'une onde électromagnétique (radio fréquence ou micro onde) ou d'un arc électrique. Nous ne considérerons ici que les torches à arc qui constituent la seule technologie permettant d'atteindre des puissances de fonctionnement importantes.Plasma is a gas in the ionized state, classically considered as a fourth state of matter. To obtain the ionization of a gas at atmospheric pressure, plasma torches are used. These provide the necessary energy for the ionization of the gas by means of an electromagnetic wave (radio frequency or microwave) or an electric arc. We will consider here only the arc torches that are the only technology to achieve significant operating power.

On classe les torches à arc en deux catégories : les torches à arc soufflé et les torches à arc transféré. Dans le cas des torches à arc soufflé, les deux électrodes permettant l'établissement de l'arc sont contenues dans la torche et l'arc est donc confiné à l'intérieur de celle-ci. Le panache de.plasma créé par le passage d'un gaz dans l'arc est éjecté à l'extérieur de la torche. Dans le cas des torches à arc transféré, la torche ne comprend qu'une seule électrode et l'arc s'établit entre la torche et un autre matériau faisant office de contre-électrode. Des exemples de torches à arc soufflé et à arc transféré sont décrits dans la demande EP-A-706308 .Arc torches are classified into two categories: blown arc torches and transferred arc torches. In the case of blown arc torches, the two electrodes for the establishment of the arc are contained in the torch and the arc is therefore confined inside thereof. Plasma plume created by the passage of a gas in the arc is ejected outside the torch. In the case of transferred arc torches, the torch comprises only one electrode and the arc is established between the torch and another material acting as a counterelectrode. Examples of blown-arc and transferred-arc torches are described in the application EP-A-706308 .

Deux torches à arc transféré peuvent être utilisées de façon jumelée afin d'entretenir un arc entre elles, l'une faisant office de cathode et l'autre d'anode. Ce dispositif est connu sous le nom de torches jumelées bipolaires ou « twin torches ».Two transferred arc torches can be used in a paired fashion to maintain an arc between them, one serving as a cathode and the other anode. This device is known as bipolar twin torches or "twin torches".

Un exemple de torches jumelées est décrit dans la demande EP-A-1281296 .An example of twin torches is described in the application EP-A-1281296 .

Quelle que soit la technologie de torche à arc mise en oeuvre, le problème principal demeure la faible durée de vie des électrodes.Whatever arc torch technology is used, the main problem remains the short life of the electrodes.

Depuis plusieurs années, de nombreux travaux de recherche ont essentiellement porté sur l'amélioration de la durée de vie des électrodes des torches à plasma par le choix du matériau des électrodes. Ces dernières sont classées en deux catégories : les électrodes dites « chaudes », réalisées en matériau réfractaire à haut point d'ébullition ou de sublimation tel le tungstène et le zirconium et les électrodes dites « froides », réalisées en matériau à bas point d'ébullition et à forte conductivité thermique comme le cuivre. Quel que soit le type de matériau utilisé, l'électrode subit une usure par érosion.For many years, much research has focused on improving the life of plasma torch electrodes by choosing the material of the electrodes. These are classified in two categories: the so-called "hot" electrodes, made of refractory material with a high boiling or sublimation point, such as tungsten and zirconium, and so-called "cold" electrodes, made of low-point material. boiling and with high thermal conductivity like copper. Whatever the type of material used, the electrode undergoes erosion wear.

Différentes solutions technologiques ont été mises au point pour diminuer la vitesse d'usure des électrodes : dopage du tungstène au thorium, usinage de l'extrémité de l'électrode etc. La nécessité de refroidir l'électrode elle-même par circulation interne d'eau est rapidement apparue et a eu pour principale conséquence de rendre plus complexe l'architecture des torches, la présence de deux voire trois circuits de refroidissement distincts n'étant guère compatible avec des systèmes de taille limitée comme les torches à plasma thermique. En outre, les opérations de maintenance et de remplacement des électrodes sont rendues malaisées par la nécessité de déconnecter préalablement les raccords des circuits de refroidissement.Various technological solutions have been developed to reduce the wear rate of the electrodes: doping of tungsten with thorium, machining of the end of the electrode, etc. The need to cool the electrode itself by internal circulation of water quickly appeared and had the main consequence of making the architecture of the torches more complex, the presence of two or three separate cooling circuits being hardly compatible. with limited size systems such as thermal plasma torches. In addition, maintenance and replacement of the electrodes are made difficult by the need to previously disconnect the connections of the cooling circuits.

Il est par ailleurs connu dans un domaine éloigné de celui des torches à plasma, à savoir celui de l'électrolyse de l'aluminium ou de la sidérurgie d',utiliser des électrodes consommables, se présentant sous la forme d'un simple cylindre massif en graphite. Cependant, les seules applications possibles de ces électrodes sont en atmosphère gazeuse plutôt réductrice car en atmosphère oxydante, la combustion du graphite entraînerait une érosion rapide de celles-ci.It is also known in a field far from that of plasma torches, namely that of the electrolysis of aluminum or steel, to use consumable electrodes, in the form of a simple massive cylinder in graphite. However, the only possible applications of these electrodes are in a gas atmosphere rather reducing because in an oxidizing atmosphere, the combustion of graphite would cause rapid erosion thereof.

Le document US-A-4146772 concerne un dispositif de sondage de type plasma-MIG dans lequel l'electrode établissant l'arc électrique est non-consommable et le fil de sondure est consommable.The document US Patent 4146772 relates to a plasma-MIG sounding device in which the electrode establishing the electric arc is non-consumable and the sounding wire is consumable.

Le but de la présente invention est de disposer d'une torche à plasma à arc transféré ayant les mêmes propriétés d'utilisation que les torches à plasma à électrodes refroidies mais sans en présenter les désavantages, notamment en termes d'encombrement et de complexité de montage et de maintenance.The object of the present invention is to have a transferred arc plasma torch having the same utilization properties as cooled electrode plasma torches but without presenting the disadvantages thereof, in particular in terms of size and complexity. mounting and maintenance.

EXPOSÉ DE L'INVENTIONSTATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

La présente invention est définie comme une torche à plasma à arc transféré comportant un fourreau refroidi au moyen d'un fluide de refroidissement et une électrode insérée dans ledit fourreau, dans laquelle ladite électrode, destinée à établir un arc électrique dans un gaz plasmagène en coopération avec une contre-électrode, est réalisée dans un matériau consommable et la torche comprend des moyens pour alimenter l'électrode en ce matériau de façon à compenser son érosion.The present invention is defined as a transferred arc plasma torch comprising a sleeve cooled by a cooling fluid and an electrode inserted in said sleeve, wherein said electrode, intended to establish an electric arc in a plasmagene gas in cooperation with a counter electrode, is made of a consumable material and the torch comprises means for supplying the electrode of this material so as to compensate for its erosion.

Ainsi il n'est pas nécessaire de prévoir un circuit de refroidissement supplémentaire pour refroidir l'électrode.Thus it is not necessary to provide an additional cooling circuit to cool the electrode.

Selon un mode de réalisation, les moyens pour alimenter l'électrode en matériau comprennent des moyens d'avance automatique de l'électrode vers l'extrémité distale de la torche. On pourra notamment prévoir des galets faisant avancer par friction l'électrode vers l'extrémité distale de la torche.According to one embodiment, the means for supplying the material electrode comprise means for automatically feeding the electrode towards the distal end of the torch. In particular, it is possible to provide rollers which frictionally advance the electrode towards the distal end of the torch.

Avantageusement, la torche comprend des moyens de gainage gazeux assurant le gainage de ladite électrode par un gaz neutre et plasmagène à l'intérieur dudit fourreau.Advantageously, the torch comprises gaseous cladding means ensuring the cladding of said electrode by a neutral gas and plasmagene inside said sheath.

Ainsi l'érosion de l'électrode sera considérablement freinée et sa durée de vie prolongée. De manière à optimiser la protection, les moyens de gainage gazeux assurent le balayage de l'électrode par ledit gaz et sa diffusion à l'extrémité distale de l'électrode.Thus the erosion of the electrode will be considerably slowed down and its service life extended. In order to optimize the protection, the gaseous cladding means ensure the scanning of the electrode by said gas and its diffusion at the distal end of the electrode.

Le fourreau pourra comprendre des conduits d'amenée d'un gaz secondaire à son extrémité distale, la torche comportant des moyens d'injection connectés aux dits conduits d'amenée pour injecter un gaz secondaire en aval de l'électrode. Cet arrangement compact permet d'obtenir un plasma de la composition souhaitée en aval de l'électrode.The sheath may comprise conduits for supplying a secondary gas at its distal end, the torch comprising injection means connected to said supply ducts for injecting a gas secondary downstream of the electrode. This compact arrangement makes it possible to obtain a plasma of the desired composition downstream of the electrode.

Avantageusement, la torche à plasma comprend un corps de torche fixe supportant l'ensemble des raccords des gaz, du fluide de refroidissement et de l'alimentation électrique. Le fourreau présente une partie tubulaire solidaire d'une tête de torche et la traverse de part en part, la tête de torche reposant sur ledit corps de torche et coopérant avec lui pour assurer la continuité des circuits de gaz, de fluide de refroidissement et d'alimentation électrique entre lesdits raccords et ledit fourreau.Advantageously, the plasma torch comprises a fixed torch body supporting all of the gas connections, the cooling fluid and the power supply. The sheath has a tubular portion secured to a torch head and passes therethrough, the torch head resting on said torch body and cooperating with it to ensure the continuity of the gas, cooling fluid and gas flow circuits. power supply between said connectors and said sleeve.

Ainsi, il n'est pas nécessaire de démonter les raccords de gaz, de fluide de refroidissement et d'alimentation électrique lors d'un changement d'électrode.Thus, it is not necessary to disassemble the gas connections, coolant and power supply during an electrode change.

Typiquement, la partie tubulaire du fourreau comprend deux enveloppes concentriques délimitant une cavité reliée au circuit de refroidissement.Typically, the tubular portion of the sheath comprises two concentric shells delimiting a cavity connected to the cooling circuit.

En outre, un dispositif de guidage et de maintien peut être prévu de manière à positionner la tête de torche sur ledit corps dans une position prédéterminée et la fixer au dit corps dans cette position. Le montage et le démontage s'en trouveront facilités et l'on évitera notamment des problèmes d'étanchéité résultant d'un défaut d'alignement entre le corps et la tête de torche.In addition, a guiding and holding device may be provided so as to position the torch head on said body in a predetermined position and fix it to said body in this position. The assembly and disassembly will be facilitated and in particular one will avoid sealing problems resulting from a misalignment between the body and the torch head.

L'alimentation électrique de l'électrode est assurée au moyen d'au moins un balai métallique monté sur la tête de la torche et appuyant sur la surface de l'électrode par l'action d'un ressort. Là encore, le montage et le démontage de l'électrode s'en trouveront facilités.The power supply of the electrode is ensured by means of at least one metal broom mounted on the head of the torch and pressing on the surface of the electrode by the action of a spring. Again, the assembly and disassembly of the electrode will be facilitated.

BRÈVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINSBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture d'un mode de réalisation préférentiel de l'invention fait en référence aux figures jointes parmi lesquelles :

  • La Fig. 1 représente schématiquement une torche à plasma à arc transféré selon l'invention ;
  • La Fig. 2 représente un détail d'une torche à plasma à arc transféré selon l'invention.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the attached figures among which:
  • The Fig. 1 schematically represents a transferred arc plasma torch according to the invention;
  • The Fig. 2 represents a detail of a transferred arc plasma torch according to the invention.

EXPOSÉ DÉTAILLÉ DE MODES DE RÉALISATION PARTICULIERSDETAILED PRESENTATION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

Une première idée à la base de l'invention est de prévoir une électrode consommable alimentée en continu en matériau. Une seconde idée à la base de l'invention est de protéger cette électrode par un gainage de gaz neutre dans le fourreau.A first idea underlying the invention is to provide a consumable electrode fed continuously material. A second idea underlying the invention is to protect this electrode by a sheath of neutral gas in the sheath.

L'invention sera avantageusement utilisée pour la réalisation de torches à plasma jumelées, l'une faisant office d'anode et l'autre de cathode. Toutefois, ces deux torches étant structurellement identiques, une seule sera décrite.The invention will advantageously be used for producing twin plasma torches, one serving as anode and the other as a cathode. However, these two torches being structurally identical, only one will be described.

La Fig. 1 représente une torche à plasma à arc transféré selon l'invention. Elle comprend un support 10 dit corps de torche, un fourreau 25, préférentiellement métallique, présentant une partie tubulaire solidaire en sa partie supérieure d'une tête de torche 20, une électrode consommable 30 par exemple une électrode en graphite, un dispositif de guidage et de maintien 40, un diffuseur 50, un dispositif d'avance de l'électrode 60, des moyens de connexion électrique à l'électrode par balai 70.The Fig. 1 represents a transferred arc plasma torch according to the invention. It comprises a support 10 referred to as a torch body, a sheath 25, preferably metal, having a tubular portion integral at its upper part with a torch head 20, a consumable electrode 30, for example a graphite electrode, a guiding device and 40, a diffuser 50, a device for advancing the electrode 60, means for electrical connection to the brush electrode 70.

Le corps de torche 10 constitue la partie fixe de la torche qui n'est jamais démontée et supporte toute la connectique avec les circuits fluides, gaz et alimentation. Les raccords sont l'arrivée et le départ en eau de refroidissement de la tête et du fourreau, l'arrivée de gaz plasmagène, l'arrivée de gaz secondaire et de l'alimentation électrique. Le corps de torche comporte en sa partie supérieure une platine 11 où débouchent les circuits de gaz, de fluide de refroidissement et les connections électriques.The torch body 10 constitutes the fixed part of the torch which is never disassembled and supports all the connection with the fluid circuits, gas and power supply. The connections are the arrival and departure of cooling water from the head and sheath, the arrival of plasma gas, the secondary gas supply and the power supply. The torch body comprises in its upper part a plate 11 which open the gas circuits, cooling fluid and electrical connections.

La tête de torche 20 est montée sur la platine 11 du corps de torche au moyen d'un dispositif de guidage et maintien 40. Ce dispositif assure le guidage et la fixation de la tête de torche sur le corps de torche dans une position prédéterminée. Le guidage est assuré par un pion de guidage ou un dispositif de centrage sur le corps support ou une combinaison de ces moyens. Le maintien est par exemple réalisé au moyen d'un mécanisme de fixation rapide. La continuité des circuits de fluide et de gaz entre le corps support 10 et la tête de torche 20 est assurée par des systèmes étanches appropriés, par exemple au moyen de joints, en particulier de joints toriques, ou bien au moyen de raccords spéciaux au niveau de la platine 11.The torch head 20 is mounted on the plate 11 of the torch body by means of a guiding and holding device 40. This device ensures guiding and fixing of the torch head on the torch body in a predetermined position. Guiding is provided by a guiding pin or a centering device on the support body or a combination of these means. The maintenance is for example achieved by means of a quick fastening mechanism. The continuity of the fluid and gas circuits between the support body 10 and the torch head 20 is provided by systems suitable seals, for example by means of seals, in particular O-rings, or by means of special connections at the plate 11.

L'électrode cylindrique 30 en graphite traverse de part en part la tête de torche et se prolonge dans le fourreau. Son alimentation électrique est réalisée par un contact à balai métallique 70 poussé sur l'électrode par un ressort 71. Des moyens sont prévus pour permettre l'alimentation de l'électrode en matériau consommable, par exemple grâce à des moyens d'avance automatique placé au niveau de la tête de torche. Ces moyens d'avance sont par exemple des galets motorisés 60 à vitesse réglable, venant s'appuyer sur l'électrode, en des endroits diamétralement opposés et faisant progresser l'électrode par friction vers l'extrémité distale de la torche.The graphite cylindrical electrode 30 passes right through the torch head and extends into the sheath. Its power supply is performed by a metal brush contact 70 pushed on the electrode by a spring 71. Means are provided to allow the supply of the electrode consumable material, for example by means of automatic advance placed at the level of the torch head. These means of advance are for example motorized rollers 60 with adjustable speed, coming to rest on the electrode, in diametrically opposite positions and advancing the electrode by friction towards the distal end of the torch.

De cette manière, lorsque la tête de torche doit être démontée, seul le système de maintien 40 est à manipuler, ce qui permet de libérer la tête de torche 20 du corpus de torche 10, simplement en la soulevant verticalement de la platine. On voit ici l'intérêt de pouvoir désolidariser toute la partie mécanique de la torche sans avoir à déconnecter les circuits de fluides et gaz du corps de torche 10.In this way, when the torch head is to be disassembled, only the holding system 40 is to be manipulated, which makes it possible to release the torch head 20 from the torch body 10 simply by lifting it vertically from the platen. Here we see the advantage of being able to separate the entire mechanical part of the torch without disconnecting the fluid and gas circuits from the torch body 10.

La Fig. 2 décrit de manière plus précise l'extrémité de la tête de torche selon l'invention.The Fig. 2 describes more precisely the end of the torch head according to the invention.

Comme indiqué précédemment, l'électrode 30 est protégée par le fourreau 25 et la tête de torche 20. L'extrémité distale 31 de l'électrode est avantageusement située en retrait par rapport au nez 26 de la torche. Le fourreau est refroidi par circulation interne d'un fluide de refroidissement 21 par exemple d'eau. Le fourreau présente une forme tubulaire à deux enveloppes concentriques, le fluide de refroidissement circulant dans la cavité délimitée par ces deux enveloppes. En outre, des conduits 22 disposés à l'intérieur de la cavité permettent l'amenée du gaz secondaire 23 jusqu'à l'extrémité distale de la torche.As indicated above, the electrode 30 is protected by the sheath 25 and the torch head 20. The distal end 31 of the electrode is advantageously set back from the nose 26 of the torch. The sheath is cooled by internal circulation of a cooling fluid 21, for example water. The sleeve has a tubular shape with two concentric envelopes, the cooling fluid circulating in the cavity defined by these two envelopes. In addition, conduits 22 disposed inside the cavity allow the supply of the secondary gas 23 to the distal end of the torch.

La torche à plasma comprend des moyens de gainage gazeux adaptés à maintenir une gaine de gaz neutre et protecteur autour de l'électrode. Ce gaz neutre est également utilisé pour générer le plasma. Plus précisément, les moyens de gainage gazeux assurent non seulement le balayage de l'électrode par le gaz neutre mais aussi la diffusion de ce gaz à son extrémité d'istale ou active. Ainsi l'électrode est protégée de l'environnement extérieur, notamment s'il est oxydant.The plasma torch comprises gaseous cladding means adapted to maintain a neutral and protective gas sheath around the electrode. This neutral gas is also used to generate the plasma. More specifically, the gaseous cladding means ensure not only the scanning of the electrode by the neutral gas but also the diffusion of this gas at its istale or active end. Thus the electrode is protected from the external environment, especially if it is oxidizing.

Les moyens de gainage gazeux comprennent le circuit d'alimentation en gaz et le diffuseur 50. En fait, ce dernier remplit plusieurs fonctions : outre la circulation du gaz neutre plasmagène 80 entre l'électrode 30 et le fourreau 25 et sa diffusion à l'extrémité active de l'électrode, il assure le centrage coaxial de l'électrode 30 par rapport au fourreau 25 ainsi que leur isolation électrique mutuelle. Le diffuseur 50 peut se présenter sous la forme d'une bague isolante pourvue d'une bride 51 à sa partie inférieure. La bague isolante est maintenue dans le fourreau 25 par un jonc métallique d'arrêt ou tout système de clipsage équivalent. Le diamètre intérieur de la bague est choisi de manière à maintenir le fourreau en légère surpression et à assurer le balayage de l'électrode 30, par le gaz neutre et plasmagène. En outre, la bride est traversée par des buses 52 alimentées par le ou les tuyaux d'amenée 22 du gaz secondaire de sorte que le gaz secondaire est injecté dans la zone de plasma en aval de l'électrode.The gas cladding means comprise the gas supply circuit and the diffuser 50. In fact, the latter fulfills several functions: in addition to the circulation of the plasmagenic neutral gas 80 between the electrode 30 and the sheath 25 and its diffusion at the active end of the electrode, it ensures the coaxial centering of the electrode 30 relative to the sheath 25 and their mutual electrical insulation. The diffuser 50 may be in the form of an insulating ring provided with a flange 51 at its lower part. The insulating ring is held in the sleeve 25 by a metal stop ring or equivalent clipping system. The inner diameter of the ring is chosen so as to maintain the sheath slightly overpressure and ensure the scanning of the electrode 30, by the neutral gas and plasmagene. In addition, the flange is traversed by nozzles 52 fed by the supply pipe or pipes 22 of the secondary gas so that the secondary gas is injected into the plasma zone downstream of the electrode.

Il convient de noter que le gaz plasmagène permet la création d'un plasma avec un arc stable alors que le gaz secondaire permet d'obtenir un plasma possédant la composition chimique ou les propriétés physiques recherchées. Avantageusement, on utilisera comme gaz neutre plasmagène de l'argon et comme gaz secondaire de l'oxygène.It should be noted that the plasma gas allows the creation of a plasma with a stable arc while the secondary gas makes it possible to obtain a plasma having the desired chemical composition or physical properties. Advantageously, argagene and oxygen secondary gas will be used as plasma neutral gas.

Un tel système peut être utilisé dans toutes les applications nécessitant la génération d'un plasma et notamment dans le domaine du traitement de déchets.Such a system can be used in all applications requiring the generation of a plasma and in particular in the field of waste treatment.

Claims (10)

  1. A transferred-arc plasma torch comprising a sheath (25) cooled using a cooling fluid (21) and an electrode (30) inserted in said sheath, characterized in that said electrode, designed to generate the plasma, is made of a consumable material and in that the torch comprises means (60) to supply the electrode (30) with this material so as to offset its erosion.
  2. The plasma torch according to claim 1, characterized in that the means to supply the electrode with material comprise means for automatically advancing the electrode toward the distal end of the torch.
  3. The plasma torch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises gas cladding means ensuring the cladding of said electrode by a neutral and plasmagene gas inside said sheath.
  4. The plasma torch according to claim 3, characterized in that the gas cladding means ensure the sweeping of the electrode by said gas and its diffusion to the distal end of the electrode.
  5. The plasma torch according to claim 4, characterized in that the sheath comprises admission conduits for a secondary gas at its distal end and in that the torch comprises injection means connected to said admission conduits ensuring the injection of the secondary gas downstream from the electrode.
  6. The plasma torch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a fixed torch body supporting the assembly of gas, cooling fluid and electrical supply connections.
  7. The plasma torch according to claim 6, characterized in that the sheath has a tubular part integral with a torch head, the sheath going completely through the torch body, the torch head resting on said torch body and cooperating with it to ensure the continuity of the gas, cooling fluid and electrical supply circuits between said connections and said sheath.
  8. The plasma torch according to claim 7, characterized in that said tubular part has two concentric envelopes defining a cavity connected to the cooling circuit.
  9. The plasma torch according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises a guide and maintenance device to position the torch head on said body in a predetermined position and fix it to said body in this position.
  10. The plasma torch according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the electrode is electrically supplied using at least one wire brush mounted on the head of the torch and bearing on the surface of the electrode through the action of a spring.
EP07726439.8A 2006-02-23 2007-02-20 Transferred-arc plasma torch Active EP1994808B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0650625A FR2897747B1 (en) 2006-02-23 2006-02-23 ARC PLASMA TORCH TRANSFER
PCT/EP2007/051618 WO2007096357A1 (en) 2006-02-23 2007-02-20 Transferred-arc plasma torch

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EP1994808A1 EP1994808A1 (en) 2008-11-26
EP1994808B1 true EP1994808B1 (en) 2014-04-09

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US (1) US9686850B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1994808B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5226536B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101376626B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101390454B (en)
FR (1) FR2897747B1 (en)
RU (1) RU2456780C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2007096357A1 (en)

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RU2456780C2 (en) 2012-07-20
CN101390454B (en) 2015-11-25
KR101376626B1 (en) 2014-03-20
CN101390454A (en) 2009-03-18
EP1994808A1 (en) 2008-11-26
FR2897747A1 (en) 2007-08-24
FR2897747B1 (en) 2008-09-19
US9686850B2 (en) 2017-06-20
RU2008137802A (en) 2010-03-27
US20090261081A1 (en) 2009-10-22
WO2007096357A1 (en) 2007-08-30
JP5226536B2 (en) 2013-07-03
KR20080095256A (en) 2008-10-28
JP2009527882A (en) 2009-07-30

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