A Stochastic Spray Model for the Radio-Frequency Inductively Coupled Plasma

A stochastic spray model has been implemented into a time-dependent 2-D radio-frequency inductively coupled plasma model. The model was used to predict the height of complete evaporation of liquid sprays in a 20.0-kW argon plasma torch. The heights that the spray can reach in the torch were predicted for a variety of spray parameters and hydrocarbon liquids. The effects of the spraying parameters on the local cooling and the evaporation and transportation of liquid spays were also studied. The local cooling effect of the spray on the plasma is evident. The results suggest that increasing the spray cone angle and injection velocity within a certain range can decrease the complete evaporation height of liquid sprays. Increasing liquid mass flow rate and droplet size leads to an increase of the complete evaporation height of the spray. In general, droplet collisions produce bigger droplet and delay the evaporation of the spray.