Effect of current connection to the anode nozzle on plasma torch efficiency
- Cidade Univ. Armando de Salles Oliveira, Sao Paulo (Brazil)
- Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (United States). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Experiments have been performed to demonstrate the influence of the location of the electric power connection to the anode nozzle on the efficiency of dc plasma torches. The dc plasma torch used in these experiments offers the flexibility to work with different anode geometries and the possibility of connecting the electrical power to the anode at two different locations. For each set of experiments, the controllable parameters such as total gas flow rate, gas composition, and electric current were kept constant, changing only the location of the electrical connection to the anode nozzle. The efficiency of the torch, derived from a conventional energy balance, shows a significant change as the location of the electrical connection to the anode nozzle is changed. The measured mean voltage as well as the amplitude of the voltage fluctuations were also affected by the location of the electrical connection to the anode nozzle. An explanation for the arc behavior is given, based on an analysis of the forces acting on the anode arc column and their influence on the variation of the arc column length. Experimental data are in good agreement with analytical predictions.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-85ER13433
- OSTI ID:
- 596822
- Journal Information:
- IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 25; ISSN ITPSBD; ISSN 0093-3813
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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