US2923811A - Singlephase or polyphase electric arc device for producing gas currents having a high energy density - Google Patents

Singlephase or polyphase electric arc device for producing gas currents having a high energy density Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US2923811A
US2923811A US752020A US75202058A US2923811A US 2923811 A US2923811 A US 2923811A US 752020 A US752020 A US 752020A US 75202058 A US75202058 A US 75202058A US 2923811 A US2923811 A US 2923811A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
gas
arc
electrodes
chamber
energy density
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US752020A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Feldmeyer Erich
Schallus Erich
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Knapsack AG
Knapsack Griesheim AG
Original Assignee
Knapsack AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Knapsack AG filed Critical Knapsack AG
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US2923811A publication Critical patent/US2923811A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J37/00—Discharge tubes with provision for introducing objects or material to be exposed to the discharge, e.g. for the purpose of examination or processing thereof
    • H01J37/32—Gas-filled discharge tubes
    • H01J37/32009—Arrangements for generation of plasma specially adapted for examination or treatment of objects, e.g. plasma sources
    • H01J37/32055—Arc discharge
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for producing gas currents having a high energy density and high temperatures by heating gases in a single phase or polyphase electric arc.
  • gases is here intended also to include vapors, for example steam or hydrocarbon vapors.
  • the power consumption of the electric arc must be sufficiently high.
  • the current intensity is to be increased, it must be taken into consideration that, with a view to keeping the electrodes cool, the current density in the electrode cross-section must not exceed certain values.
  • narrow limits are set for the dimension of the electrode cross-section for reasons concerned with the construction and thermal efiiciency of the equipment.
  • the distance between the electrodes must be relatively great even for normal operation. This requires a sufficient distance between the electrodes and the wall of the arc chamber to prevent fiashover to the said wall. This measure, in its turn, results in a greater volume of the arc chamber, whereby the energy density which is of importance in these processes for any given power, is decreased.
  • the present invention provides an arrangement which enables the above-mentioned disadvantages to be overcome and ensures quiet burning of a heavy-current arc between graphite electrodes supplied with single phase or polyphase current, even if great amounts of gas are introduced into the arc chamber which simultaneously serves as a reaction chamber, the energy density being of the order of kcal./m. h.
  • a device for the production of gas currents having a high energy density by heating gases in a singlephase or polyphase electric arc in which at least two electrodes project into the reaction zone of an arc chamber, each of the electrodes being surrounded, in the region where it enters the combustion chamber, by an annular gas supply channel so arranged that each electrode becomes uniformly enveloped by a branch current of the gas which is introduced into the reaction chamber and subsequently passes through the electric are where it is heated.
  • the arc chamber casing is provided with an annular slot associated with a short inlet pipe through which an additional gas current can be introduced into the reaction zone to mix with the gas currents which have been heated in the electric arc.
  • the electrodes are advantageously disposed at acute angles or almost parallel to one another, the branch currents of gas flowing at acute angles or almost parallel to one another in the reaction zone before uniting tangentially.
  • Devices for controlling the speed at which the gas passes through the arc may be fitted.
  • the current intensity: voltage ratio of the arc can then be regulated by means of the velocity of the gas.
  • the supply of the branch currents of gas entering along the electrodes may be periodically interrupted by means of a shut-off device working on the operating frequency so that only those electrodes which are producing the are are enveloped by the gas to be heated.
  • the walls of the arc chamber may be lined with a material reflecting light rays and heat rays.
  • the lining may furthermore be porous, thus allowing a current of gas or of liquid which has been introduced into and flows in the space between said lining and the wall to diffuse into the arc chamber and to cover the lining of the latter with a mist of gas or liquid. In this manner transmission by convection of too great an amount of heat to the walls of the arc chamber is prevented.
  • the annular slots and annular channels through which the gases enter the arc chamber may be provided with diffusers of burned or sintered porous material.
  • the position of the annular slot in the arc chamber casing is variable with respect to the position of the electric arc.
  • the direction in which the gases leave the annular slot may also be variable.
  • each branch current Upon entering the arc chamber, each branch current envelops its respective electrode like a jacket, thus cooling it at the same time.
  • the current intensityzvoltage ratio of the arc can be varied by adjusting the rate at which the gas enters the arc chamber.
  • the flowing gas entrains the charge carriers of the arc for a certain distance, thus increasing the length of the arc and thereby its resistance.
  • an elevated voltage may be applied in spite of a short distance between the electrodes.
  • This means an increased power in put and, since a shorter distance between the electrodes and a smaller electrode cross-section permit the use of a smaller arc chamber, the energy density is also increased. The phenomenon is especially pronounced if the electrodes are almost parallel to one another.
  • the arc chamber is made of or lined with a material having a high reflecting power.
  • shape and the surface finish of the walls of the arc chamber which is to serve also as a reaction chamber, are also important since it is here a question of diminishing as far as possible the heat transfer between the hot flowing gas and the walls of the reaction chamber.
  • the flow of gas should therefore be as laminar as possible, except for a thin boundary layer.
  • a smooth surface of the walls furthermore impedes any deposition of reaction products such as soot.
  • the casing of an arc chamber is formed by an axially symmetrical bodv 2 and a flan e carrying the electrodes.
  • the body 2 is provided with an annular cooling channel 3 for a cooling agent.
  • the arc combustion space 4 serving as the reaction zone is disposed concentrically in the arc chamber casing 2. 10.
  • the flange 10 carrying the electrodes is disposed beneath the body 2 and is connected with the latter in a gastight manner by means of recesses provided with packing rings and projections 5.
  • An annular channel concentrically surrounding the arc combustion space is represented at 6. If desired. a gas can be introduced into the said annular channel 6 throu h a short inlet nine 8. The gas then enters the reaction zone 4.
  • the fian e 10 wh ch is likewise axially symmetrical is conncentrv'callv fixed to the bodv 2 and is provided with bore-ho es for inlet conduit nipples 20 which support the elect ode 30.
  • the number of inlet nipples 20 and electro es 30 depends on the number of phases of the power enuinment.
  • the inlet nipples 20 are provided with axi l channels. for example annular channels 22, into which the gas to be heated is introduced by way of short nines 21. This as flows throu h the annular channels 22 into the reaction zone 4.
  • the inlet nipples 20 must be electrically insulated with respect to one another and with respect to the flange 10. For this pur ose layers of aluminum oxide produced by anodic oxidation are used with special advantage.
  • the annular channels 22 are sealed in a gastight manner against the exterior bv rings 23 provided with packing members not shown in the drawing.
  • the electrodes 30 are automatically advanced in known manner as they are used up.
  • a cooling channel 3 is disposed through which a suitable cooling agent may be passed.
  • a suitable cooling agent may be passed.
  • one of the gaseous reactants to be introduced into the reaction zone 4 may serve as a cooling agent.
  • the said reactant travels, prior to its entrance into the reaction chamber, through the cooling channel 3 thus cooling the body 2 whereby it is itself simultaneously preheated.
  • branch currents of gas which are introduced into the reaction zone 4 by being conducted along the electrodes 30 through the annular channels 22 do not enter the reaction chamber steadily, but are periodically interrupted in cyclic alternation in a manner such that each branch current of gas is cut off as long as the electrode allotted to it is without electric current.
  • This may be achieved by mean of a shut-off device which is simultaneously operated with the operating frequency.
  • Gas currents which have been heated to high temperatures in this manner may be used for various purposes, if desired with the use of a suitably profiled expanding nozzle.
  • the thermal energy of the gas current may be used directly for the cutting. welding or melting of substances, or for the thermal splitting up of compounds introduced in gaseous form.
  • the thermal energy may also be converted to kinetic energy to be used, for example, for driving jet power plants. It is also possible to use the energy latent in the thermal spl tting up of gas molecules into atoms as recombination heat for carrying out endothermic chemical reactions.
  • the apparatus shown in the accompanying drawing may be used in any position in space, for example in a position inverted with respect to that shown in the drawing in which case the electrodes and the gas outlet point downwards.
  • a device for producing a gas current of high energy density by heating gases in an electrical comprises an arc chamber, a reaction zone in said chamber, at least two electrodes projecting into the reaction zone of the arc chamber, a gas supply conduit surrounding each electrode in the regions where said electrodes enter the reaction chamber.
  • each electrode being uniformly enveloped by a current of the gas issuing from the gas supply conduits which gas passes into the reaction chamber and through an electrical are formed by the electrodes to be heated, and an annular cooling channel extending through the arc chamber through which channel a cooling agent is passed.
  • a device for producing a gas current of high energy density by heating gases in an electrical arc which device comprises an arc chamber, a reaction zone in said chamber, at least two electrodes projecting into the reaction zone of the arc chamber, a gas supply conduit surrounding each electrode in the regions where said electrodes enter the reaction chamber, each electrode being uniformly enveloped by a current of gas issuing from the gas supply conduits which gas passes into the reaction chamber and through an electrical are formed by the electrodes to be heated, an annular gas feed channel disposed in the arc chamber, and communicating with the reaction zone, and means connecting with another in the reaction chamber before uniting tangenthe feed channel and extending externally of the arc tially.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Carbon And Carbon Compounds (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
US752020A 1957-08-09 1958-07-30 Singlephase or polyphase electric arc device for producing gas currents having a high energy density Expired - Lifetime US2923811A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DEK0032659 1957-08-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US2923811A true US2923811A (en) 1960-02-02

Family

ID=7219510

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US752020A Expired - Lifetime US2923811A (en) 1957-08-09 1958-07-30 Singlephase or polyphase electric arc device for producing gas currents having a high energy density

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US2923811A (en, 2012)
CH (1) CH363740A (en, 2012)
GB (1) GB841039A (en, 2012)
NL (1) NL111959C (en, 2012)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3082314A (en) * 1959-04-20 1963-03-19 Shin Meiwa Kogyo Kabushiki Kai Plasma arc torch
US3217056A (en) * 1960-12-24 1965-11-09 Knapsack Ag Process and apparatus for splitting hydrocarbons in an electric arc
US3368397A (en) * 1965-07-19 1968-02-13 North American Rockwell Arc chamber
US3387110A (en) * 1962-08-25 1968-06-04 Siemens Ag Apparatus for uniform feeding of powder into a plasma spray gun
US3472995A (en) * 1966-08-08 1969-10-14 Thermal Dynamics Corp Electric arc torches
US3514264A (en) * 1964-08-05 1970-05-26 Knapsack Ag Apparatus for electric arc-cracking of hydrocarbons
US4839492A (en) * 1987-02-19 1989-06-13 Guy Bouchier Plasma scalpel
US5079403A (en) * 1990-10-22 1992-01-07 W. A. Whitney Corp. Nozzle for plasma arc torch
EP0492422A1 (de) * 1990-12-22 1992-07-01 Castolin S.A. Mehrdraht-Lichtbogen-Spritzpistole zum Drahtspritzen
EP1668965B1 (en) * 2003-09-17 2010-03-17 Tomion Oy Cooled plasma torch and method for cooling the torch

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1946305A (en) * 1931-05-01 1934-02-06 Gen Electric Welding apparatus
US2011872A (en) * 1933-05-15 1935-08-20 Rava Alexander High temperature torch
US2215108A (en) * 1938-10-03 1940-09-17 Anonima Manifattura Ceramico P Electric heating system
US2819423A (en) * 1957-03-11 1958-01-07 Gen Electric Plasma transmitter

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1946305A (en) * 1931-05-01 1934-02-06 Gen Electric Welding apparatus
US2011872A (en) * 1933-05-15 1935-08-20 Rava Alexander High temperature torch
US2215108A (en) * 1938-10-03 1940-09-17 Anonima Manifattura Ceramico P Electric heating system
US2819423A (en) * 1957-03-11 1958-01-07 Gen Electric Plasma transmitter

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3082314A (en) * 1959-04-20 1963-03-19 Shin Meiwa Kogyo Kabushiki Kai Plasma arc torch
US3217056A (en) * 1960-12-24 1965-11-09 Knapsack Ag Process and apparatus for splitting hydrocarbons in an electric arc
US3387110A (en) * 1962-08-25 1968-06-04 Siemens Ag Apparatus for uniform feeding of powder into a plasma spray gun
US3514264A (en) * 1964-08-05 1970-05-26 Knapsack Ag Apparatus for electric arc-cracking of hydrocarbons
US3368397A (en) * 1965-07-19 1968-02-13 North American Rockwell Arc chamber
US3472995A (en) * 1966-08-08 1969-10-14 Thermal Dynamics Corp Electric arc torches
US4839492A (en) * 1987-02-19 1989-06-13 Guy Bouchier Plasma scalpel
US5079403A (en) * 1990-10-22 1992-01-07 W. A. Whitney Corp. Nozzle for plasma arc torch
EP0492422A1 (de) * 1990-12-22 1992-07-01 Castolin S.A. Mehrdraht-Lichtbogen-Spritzpistole zum Drahtspritzen
EP1668965B1 (en) * 2003-09-17 2010-03-17 Tomion Oy Cooled plasma torch and method for cooling the torch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH363740A (de) 1962-08-15
NL111959C (en, 2012)
GB841039A (en) 1960-07-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5958273A (en) Induction heated reactor apparatus
US2923811A (en) Singlephase or polyphase electric arc device for producing gas currents having a high energy density
EP1281296B1 (en) Twin plasma torch apparatus
US3718506A (en) Fuel cell system for reacting hydrocarbons
US4145403A (en) Arc heater method for producing metal oxides
WO1993012634A1 (en) A torch device for chemical processes
US3514264A (en) Apparatus for electric arc-cracking of hydrocarbons
CA1060107A (en) Polyphase arc heater system
US3764272A (en) Apparatus for producing fine powder by plasma sublimation
US4554435A (en) Electric arc heater having outlet gas admission
US20090056604A1 (en) Apparatus and Method of Electric Arc Incineration
US3497674A (en) Process and apparatus for direct electrical heating of gaseous substances
US4772775A (en) Electric arc plasma steam generation
US3733387A (en) Preparation of finely particulate silicon dioxide
US4725715A (en) Apparatus for producing a jet of gas at high temperature
US3300561A (en) Methods and devices for heating substances by means of radiant energy and plasma heat sources
GB1138971A (en) Method and equipment for the pyrolysis and synthesis of hydrocarbons and other gases
US3079325A (en) Device for carrying out endothermal reactions in the electric arc
US3578416A (en) High temperature reactor
CN111491435B (zh) 一种非射流的常压热等离子发生器
US6846467B1 (en) Plasma-chemical reactor
US3294952A (en) Method for heating gases
US3124425A (en) Richelsen
EP2116105A1 (en) Ceramic electrode for gliding electric arc
US3707644A (en) Apparatus for heating gases to high temperatures