WO2019092416A1 - Ensemble torche à plasma - Google Patents

Ensemble torche à plasma Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019092416A1
WO2019092416A1 PCT/GB2018/053226 GB2018053226W WO2019092416A1 WO 2019092416 A1 WO2019092416 A1 WO 2019092416A1 GB 2018053226 W GB2018053226 W GB 2018053226W WO 2019092416 A1 WO2019092416 A1 WO 2019092416A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plasma torch
assembly
electrode
nozzle
flow rate
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2018/053226
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David Deegan
Stuart LANGRIDGE
Stewart HOCKLEY
Original Assignee
Tetronics (International) Limited
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 Tetronics (International) Limited filed Critical Tetronics (International) Limited
Publication of WO2019092416A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019092416A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • H05H1/28—Cooling arrangements
    • 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
    • H05H1/44—Plasma torches using an arc using more than one torch

Definitions

  • the invention relates to plasma torch assemblies and methods of using the same.
  • Plasma torches are well known devices described in numerous earlier applications such as WO 02/05601.
  • the invention provides a plasma torch defined by claim 1, a plasma torch assembly defined by claim 11, a plasma torch assembly defined by claim 13, a method defined by claim 15, and a plasma torch system defined by claim 25.
  • a preferred plasma torch comprises a nozzle assembly through which extends an electrode, wherein: the nozzle assembly comprises an upper nozzle assembly and a lower nozzle
  • the upper nozzle assembly comprises an inner upper nozzle extending within an outer upper nozzle and an upper flow divider therebetween; the lower nozzle assembly
  • Another preferred plasma torch assembly comprises: a coolant supply for circulating coolant through the plasma torch; a sensor assembly for sensing one or more of pressure, changes in pressure, flow rate, and/or changes in flow rate of the coolant; and flow reducing means for reducing the flow rate and/or pressure of coolant through the plasma torch in response to one or more of the sensed pressure, changes in pressure, flow rate, and/or changes in flow rate.
  • Another preferred plasma torch assembly comprises: a power supply for applying a voltage between the electrode and a return electrode; a voltage or current monitor for monitoring the voltage or current between the electrode and the return electrode; and a controller for controlling the power supply based on the monitored voltage or current .
  • a preferred method of treating material in a furnace with plasma comprises:
  • the invention can provide one or more of the following benefits: enabling plasma torch technology to be integrated into a thermal materials processing application to allow for continuous, or near continuous, operation; directed heat deposition; ease of movement; ease of maintenance; management of supporting services; and safety monitoring during
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a plasma torch
  • Figure 2a shows a side view of a joint in a nozzle assembly
  • Figure 2b shows a side view of an interface section of a lower nozzle assembly
  • Figure 3 shows a longitudinal diametric cross-sectional view of part of the joint of Figure 2a;
  • Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a live end of a plasma torch, including a cathode tip
  • Figure 5a shows a perspective view of a mechanism for adjusting the position of an electrode in a plasma torch
  • Figure 5b shows a cross-sectional view of a tip of an
  • Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the end of a lower nozzle assembly
  • Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a manifold-based cooling system in a plasma torch system, including a seal
  • Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of an electrical power system in a plasma torch system
  • Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a plasma torch system.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a plasma torch
  • the nozzle assembly 10 comprises a nozzle assembly 10 through which extends an electrode 5.
  • the nozzle assembly 10 comprises an upper nozzle assembly 20 and a lower nozzle assembly 30.
  • the lower nozzle assembly 30 is replaceable.
  • the upper nozzle assembly 20 comprises an inner upper nozzle 26 extending within an outer upper nozzle 22 and an upper flow divider 24 therebetween.
  • the upper flow divider 24 defines two annular passages. One between the outer upper nozzle 22 and the upper flow divider 24, and one between the inner upper nozzle 26 and the upper flow divider 24. These are for supplying and returning a cooling fluid (e.g. water), and so can be used to cool the working end of the nozzle.
  • a cooling fluid e.g. water
  • the lower nozzle assembly 30 comprises an inner lower nozzle 36 extending within an outer lower nozzle 32 and a lower flow divider 34 therebetween .
  • the lower flow divider 34 defines two annular passages. One between the outer lower nozzle 32 and the lower flow divider 34, and one between the inner lower nozzle 36 and the lower flow divider 34.
  • the passages are for supplying and returning a cooling fluid (e.g. water), and so can be used to cool the working tip.
  • a threaded joint connects the outer lower nozzle 32 and outer upper nozzle 22. It is preferable that the threaded joint comprises a male thread 33 formed in the outer lower nozzle 32 for engaging a female thread 23 formed in the outer upper nozzle 22.
  • the alternative arrangement is possible.
  • O-rings 32a can be provided. For example, one or more grooves may be formed in one or each of the contacting surfaces of outer nozzles 32, 22 and O-rings can be held in these.
  • the lower flow divider 34 and upper flow divider 24 are arranged such that when the threaded joint is fully engaged, the lower and upper flow dividers 34, 24 engage in a sealing connection.
  • the connection is formed by radial contact between the flow dividers 34, 24.
  • O-rings 34a can be provided.
  • one or more grooves may be formed in one or each of the contacting surfaces of flow dividers 34, 24 and O-rings can be held in these.
  • the inner lower nozzle 36 and inner upper nozzle 26 are arranged such that when the threaded joint is fully engaged, the inner lower and inner upper nozzles 36, 26 engage in a sealing connection.
  • connection is formed by radial contact between the inner nozzles 36, 26.
  • O-rings 36a can be provided.
  • one or more grooves may be formed in one or each of the contacting surfaces of inner nozzles 36, 26 and O-rings can be held between these.
  • the engagement of the lower flow divider 34 with the upper flow divider 24 is preferably achieved by sliding the lower flow divider 34 into the upper flow divider 24.
  • the alternative arrangement is possible.
  • the engagement of the inner lower nozzle 36 with the inner upper nozzle 26 is preferably achieved by sliding the inner lower nozzle 36 into the inner upper nozzle 26.
  • the alternative arrangement is possible.
  • annular shoulder 32b extending radially outwardly from the outer lower nozzle 32 comprises for abutment with the end 22b of the outer upper nozzle 22 when the threaded joint is fully engaged.
  • annular shoulder may be provided instead on the outer upper nozzle 22 for abutment with the end of the outer lower nozzle 32.
  • the lower flow divider 34 may be accurately located about the inner lower nozzle 36, it may comprise at least one alignment protrusion for abutment with the inner lower nozzle 36.
  • the alignment protrusion ( s ) may space the flow divider 34 radially from the inner lower nozzle 36.
  • the one or more alignment protrusion ( s ) are grub screws 38 to enable adjustment.
  • the electrode 5 is axially positionable within the nozzle assembly 10.
  • An electrode actuator 40 shown in Figure 5, may be provided for this purpose.
  • the electrode actuator 40 is an electromechanic actuator to allow the electrode 5 to be adjusted without direct user intervention.
  • the electrode actuator 40 is an electromechanic actuator to allow the electrode 5 to be adjusted without direct user intervention.
  • electrode tip may be re-profiled as part of a maintenance operation. This can allow the sharpness of the tip to be improved following operational wear, which can extend its working life-time. Since the axial position of the tip can be adjusted, any loss of axial length can be compensated for by the axial adjustment.
  • the tip 5a of the electrode 5 can be arranged to protrude from within the nozzle assembly 10 via the opening 39a.
  • a visual indicator 39b such as a line may be provided (marked and/or engraved) on the end face 39 to depict the maximum allowable extent of wear of the opening 39a.
  • This visual indicator 39a may indicate the point at which further wear of the opening 39a would breach (or risk a breach) of an internal flow path such as the flow path around the end of the flow divider 34 (as shown in Figure 4) . Such a breach could result in a leak of cooling fluid into the hot plasma furnace.
  • Preferred embodiments provide a plasma torch assembly 100 a portion of which is shown schematically in Figure 7.
  • the plasma torch described above may be provided as part of the plasma torch assembly 100 or, in some cases, a standard plasma torch may be used.
  • the plasma torch assembly 100 comprises: a coolant supply 50a for circulating coolant through one or more coolant paths 51b, 51c formed in the plasma torch.
  • a coolant supply 50a for circulating coolant through one or more coolant paths 51b, 51c formed in the plasma torch.
  • One or more of the coolant paths 51b, 51c may be formed in the nozzle assembly 10.
  • one or more of the coolant paths 51b, 51c may be formed in the electrode 5.
  • One or more further coolant paths 51a may be formed in the seal of the furnace, through which the plasma torch can extend when inserted into the furnace 400.
  • The/each coolant path 51 comprises a sensor assembly 54 for sensing one or more of pressure, change of pressure, flow rate, and/or change of flow rate of the coolant through the path.
  • the sensed pressure, change of pressure, flow rate, or change of flow rate may be analysed to detect disturbances or anomalies, e.g. a higher flow rate, a drop in pressure, etc. Such anomalies may indicate a coolant leak or an obstruction.
  • Flow reducing means 52, 53 for reducing the flow rate and/or pressure of coolant through the plasma torch 10 in response to the sensed pressure, change of pressure, flow rate, and/or change of flow rate of the coolant may be provided for the/each coolant path 51.
  • the/each coolant path 51 includes a first valve 53 that may be actuated
  • a bypass passage 52 bypassing the first valve 53, may be provided with a flow restriction to allow a portion of the flow to bypass the closed first valve 53.
  • each first valve 53 may allow a first flow of coolant to flow through the respective coolant path 51 unless it is closed in response to a sensed disturbances or anomaly.
  • valve 53 When valve 53 is closed, a second, lower flow of coolant will flow through the respective coolant path 51 via bypass passage 52. Accordingly, cooling may be continued with a supply of coolant having a lower flow rate. In this way water flow and vessel pressurisation can be limited as the water evaporates, without the need for complete shut-off of the supply which could lead to
  • a plasma torch system 200 as shown in Figure 8.
  • the plasma torch described above may be provided as part of the plasma torch system 200 or, in some cases, a standard plasma torch may be used.
  • the plasma torch system 200 comprises an electrical system
  • a first subsystem 210 may be provided to start an arc and a second subsystem
  • 220 may be provided to maintain the arc.
  • the second subsystem 220 preferably comprises a power supply
  • the return electrode could be separate from or part of the plasma torch assembly 100, and may be an additional electrode for placement in the base of a furnace 400 (described below) that contains a material to be heated by the plasma. Alternatively, the return electrode may be an intrinsic part of the furnace 400, such as the base.
  • Electrodes are the anode and which is the cathode, but typically the return electrode will be the anode .
  • a plasma torch system 400 comprising two or more plasma torch
  • the plasma torch assemblies 300 optionally include the above described cooling system and/or the above described electrical system 205.
  • the plasma torch described above may be provided as part of the plasma torch assemblies 300 or, in some cases, a standard plasma torch may be used.
  • the plasma torch system 400 comprises a furnace 400 having an opening for a plasma torch 10. Material may be placed in the furnace 400 to be heated by a plasma torch. Material may be added to the furnace 400 either periodically or continuously.
  • the first 300a of the two or more plasma torch assemblies 300 comprises a first portable frame 310a supporting a first plasma torch 305a.
  • the first portable frame 310a is
  • the second plasma torch assembly 300b comprises a second portable frame 310b supporting a second plasma torch 305b.
  • the second portable frame 310b is configured such that the second plasma torch 305b is mounted on and manoeuvrable relative to the second portable frame 310b (e.g., in the same manner as the first plasma torch 305a) .
  • a torch actuator 450 is provided.
  • the torch actuator 450 is preferably an electromechanically actuated arm such as a robot arm, configured for moving either of the first and second portable frames 310a, 310b to the furnace 400.
  • a torch frame support 410 over or around the furnace 400 for receiving one of the two portable frames 310a, 310b and for supporting the portable frame 310a, 310b relative to the furnace 400.
  • plasma torches may be supported relative to the roof of the furnace 400.
  • one of the portable frames 310a, 310b may be engaged with the furnace 400 roof such that the plasma torch 305 thereof is inserted into the furnace 400 roof, for example in a known location.
  • the torch actuator 450 may be configured for moving either of the first and second portable frames 310a, 310b away from the furnace 400 roof to thereby remove the plasma torch 305 thereof from the furnace 400 roof.
  • Each portable frame 310 may comprise a collar 315 arranged to pivot relative to the portable frame 310.
  • the respective plasma torch 305 extends through the collar 315. This allows the plasma torch 305 to be aligned with an opening of the furnace 400 roof, but to be slid into and out of the furnace to a desired position (e.g., a vertical position) and to be orientated at a desired angle.
  • the torch actuator 450 is additionally arranged to manoeuvre the torch 305 of either plasma torch assembly 300a, 300b relative to the respective frame 310, for example, during working operation.
  • a plasma torch system 500 may be used in a method of treating a material in a furnace 400 with plasma.
  • the system may use one plasma torch assembly 300 at one time to apply plasma to a material in the furnace 400.
  • the plasma torch assembly 300 in use may be deactivated, moved away from the furnace 400, and replaced by another plasma torch assembly 300. Maintenance, repairs, etc. may be carried out on the removed plasma torch assembly 300.
  • the method may comprise:
  • the method allows maintenance to be performed on the first plasma torch assembly 300a during step (g) and/or on the second plasma torch assembly 300b during step (d) .
  • the maintenance of a plasma torch assembly 300 may include removing the lower nozzle assembly 30, modifying, cleaning, assessing,
  • the maintenance of a plasma torch assembly 300 may include adjusting the axial position of the electrode 5 of the plasma torch

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Plasma Technology (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne des ensembles torches à plasma et leurs procédés d'utilisation. La torche à plasma comprend un ensemble buse à travers lequel s'étend une électrode. L'ensemble buse comprend un ensemble buse supérieure et un ensemble buse inférieure. L'ensemble buse supérieure comprend une buse supérieure interne s'étendant à l'intérieur d'une buse supérieure externe et un diviseur de flux supérieur entre celles-ci. L'ensemble buse inférieure comprend une buse inférieure interne s'étendant à l'intérieur d'une buse inférieure externe et un diviseur de flux inférieur entre celles-ci. La buse inférieure externe et la buse supérieure externe sont reliées par l'intermédiaire d'un joint fileté. Le diviseur de flux inférieur et le diviseur de flux supérieur sont reliés de façon étanche lorsque le joint fileté est complètement mis en prise. La buse inférieure interne et la buse supérieure interne sont raccordées de façon étanche lorsque le joint fileté est complètement mis en prise.
PCT/GB2018/053226 2017-11-07 2018-11-07 Ensemble torche à plasma WO2019092416A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1718399.7 2017-11-07
GB1718399.7A GB2568106B (en) 2017-11-07 2017-11-07 Plasma Torch Assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019092416A1 true WO2019092416A1 (fr) 2019-05-16

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ID=60664751

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2018/053226 WO2019092416A1 (fr) 2017-11-07 2018-11-07 Ensemble torche à plasma

Country Status (2)

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GB (1) GB2568106B (fr)
WO (1) WO2019092416A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023222903A2 (fr) 2022-05-19 2023-11-23 Tetronics Technologies Limited Plasmolyse d'hydrogène

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3980802A (en) * 1973-10-24 1976-09-14 Paton Boris E Method of arc control in plasma arc furnace torches
US4645899A (en) * 1984-09-28 1987-02-24 Fried. Krupp Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung Plasma torch with hollow fluid cooled nozzle
WO1990010366A1 (fr) * 1989-03-03 1990-09-07 Tetronics Research & Development Company Limited Torche a arc de plasma
US5206481A (en) * 1990-07-11 1993-04-27 Fried. Krupp Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung Plasma burner for transferred electric arc
US5798497A (en) * 1995-02-02 1998-08-25 Battelle Memorial Institute Tunable, self-powered integrated arc plasma-melter vitrification system for waste treatment and resource recovery
WO2013112177A1 (fr) * 2012-01-27 2013-08-01 Sulzer Metco (Us), Inc. Refroidissement en boucle fermée d'un pistolet à plasma pour améliorer la durée de vie de matériel
US20150041454A1 (en) * 2007-10-16 2015-02-12 Foret Plasma Labs, Llc Plasma whirl reactor apparatus and methods of use

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08215856A (ja) * 1995-02-13 1996-08-27 Komatsu Sanki Kk プラズマ切断方法
JP3657683B2 (ja) * 1996-03-05 2005-06-08 小池酸素工業株式会社 プラズマトーチ
DE102009006132C5 (de) * 2008-10-09 2015-06-03 Kjellberg Finsterwalde Plasma Und Maschinen Gmbh Düse für einen flüssigkeitsgekühlten Plasmabrenner, Düsenkappe für einen flüssigkeitsgekühlten Plasmabrenner sowie Plasmabrennerkopf mit derselben/denselben

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3980802A (en) * 1973-10-24 1976-09-14 Paton Boris E Method of arc control in plasma arc furnace torches
US4645899A (en) * 1984-09-28 1987-02-24 Fried. Krupp Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung Plasma torch with hollow fluid cooled nozzle
WO1990010366A1 (fr) * 1989-03-03 1990-09-07 Tetronics Research & Development Company Limited Torche a arc de plasma
US5206481A (en) * 1990-07-11 1993-04-27 Fried. Krupp Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung Plasma burner for transferred electric arc
US5798497A (en) * 1995-02-02 1998-08-25 Battelle Memorial Institute Tunable, self-powered integrated arc plasma-melter vitrification system for waste treatment and resource recovery
US20150041454A1 (en) * 2007-10-16 2015-02-12 Foret Plasma Labs, Llc Plasma whirl reactor apparatus and methods of use
WO2013112177A1 (fr) * 2012-01-27 2013-08-01 Sulzer Metco (Us), Inc. Refroidissement en boucle fermée d'un pistolet à plasma pour améliorer la durée de vie de matériel

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023222903A2 (fr) 2022-05-19 2023-11-23 Tetronics Technologies Limited Plasmolyse d'hydrogène

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2568106A (en) 2019-05-08
GB201718399D0 (en) 2017-12-20
GB2568106B (en) 2022-09-21

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