1-40 kW steam respectively multi gas thermal plasma torch system

At the transferzentrum raumfahrt (TZR), a new plasma torch system for steam and other oxygen and carbon containing gases has been developed and qualif ied for different applications. Together with this torch, the complete oper ating subsystems were developed including the steam generator, the cooling system and the power supply. The main investigations were conducted in the 10 kW power range. The torch itself can be operated from 8-35 kW. The torch was optimized for steam as plasma gas but also tested with oxygen, air, ca rbon dioxide and methane. The typical operation characteristics for all gas es have been determined. Emission spectroscopic measurements of the hydroge n atomic lines H-alpha and H-beta have been carried out and thus the temper ature profiles on the atmospheric free burning steam plasma jet have been d etermined. This plasma torch system has already been successfully used in a plant for CFC-decomposition and for plasma spraying of oxide ceramics. In parallel to the 8-35 kW torch a small 800 W-2 kW torch was build and qualif ied with air and steam as plasma gas. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Scienc e Ltd.