GB1135389A - Arc generator - Google Patents

Abstract

1,135,389. Arc generators. IONARC SMELTERS Ltd. (N.P.L.). 20 Dec., 1965 [21 Dec., 1964], No. 53994/65. Heading H5H. A high intensity arc generator 110 for the high temperature processing of non-gaseous chemical reactants comprises a main chamber 111 and an inlet 138 for introducing reactant gas to the chamber along with non-gaseous reactant, (which may be particulate material in a carrier gas), fed via an inlet 141, see also Fig. 2 (not shown), through the inlet tube 125, defining a reactant flow path through the chamber, and between the two electrodes 112, 113, between which, in operation, a high intensity arc (including a " tail flame ") is formed. " Inert " gas such as argon is introduced tangentially via an inlet 142 so that it swirls around to the electrode tips 131. Each electrode 112, 113, includes coolant passages 128, 129. An ion source and preheater preionize the reactant gas entering through inlet 138, and a particle accelerator 139 accelerates the ions and electrons so formed, and a magnetic lens 140 focuses the beam which passes through the arc, and through a cooled casing 144 and a focusing lens 149, to a secondary chamber 145 in which chemical recombination reactions occur. Eventually the heated gaseous and particle streams expand into a cooling chamber (not shown) via a cooled casing 147 and a defocusing lens 153. High frequency A.C. can be supplied to the electrodes 112, 113. The generator is used for ionizing chemicals for their subsequent controlled recombination, e.g. for the high temperature reduction of ores, metals, scrap metals and chemicals.