Contact start plasma torch
US6703581B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05H1/3489
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A contact start plasma torch and method of starting the torch includes a negatively charged cathode body and a positively charged anode body. A conductive element in the torch is constructed of an electrically conductive material and is free from fixed connection with the cathode body and the anode body. The torch is operable between an idle mode wherein the conductive element provides an electrically conductive path between the cathode body and the anode body and an pilot mode wherein a pilot arc is formed between the conductive element and at least one of the cathode body and the anode body. The pilot arc is blown by working gas flowing through the torch toward an exit orifice of the torch whereby the working gas is exhausted from the torch in the form of an ionized plasma.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.