GB868708A - Method of performing chemical, metallurgical, and other industrial processes by means of an electric glow discharge - Google Patents

Abstract

868,708. Treating gases with discharges. ELEKTROPHYSIKALISCHE ANSTALT B. BERGHAUS. Oct. 28, 1957 [Oct. 27, 1956], No. 33589/57. Class 39(1). In a method of carrying out chemical or metallurgical processes in gases under the action of an electrical glow discharge, a zone of lower pressure is created in a zone of higher pressure by the action of flowing gas, or by localised heating, or by both, the electric discharge being maintained in the zone of lower pressure by means of an electric field superimposed on this zone. In Fig. 1 the intensity of the discharge produced between hollow tube 22 and inner electrode 25 is increased until the temperature within tube 22 reaches 1000 to 2000‹C. The inner electrode 25 may be cooled by circulating fluid. The pressure in chambers 20 and 21 is then adjusted from 10 mm. Hg. to 250 mm. Hg. The high temperature within tube 22 may be attained by heating the electrode 25 by means of an electric resistance heater. In another embodiment the outer tube 25 is provided with annular channels and a hollow cathode discharge is formed in them. The gas may be supplied through the inner electrode 25 which is hollow and apertured for the purpose. In Fig. 4 the gas is supplied to an annular recess 36 in a body 34 and emerges through nozzle-like radial ducts 38 into the reaction space in the form of gas jets. An intense electric discharge is set up to raise the temperature. In Fig. 5 a gas jet introduced through a nozzle 40 creates a zone of lower pressure within the tube 42, and the gas for entering into the reaction is introduced through radial nozzle openings from an annular duct 46. The gas jet may comprise an inert gas or a gas also entering into the reaction. The electric discharge is formed between a ring electrode 43 and the tube 42.