A magnetically controlled arc for plasma torch incineration

Summary form only given. With the ever increasing problems of chemically hazardous and radioactive waste produced from federal, commercial, medical, academic, and nuclear utility sources, a safe means of waste elimination or disposal is desired. Plasma torches represent an electrical arc technology that possesses certain advantages in radioactive and hazardous waste incineration. A plasma torch provides an extremely high-temperature ionized gas (up to 1-2 eV) that can be used to incinerate (and possibly vitrify) solid waste. We discuss in this paper, recent developments in applying external magnetisation to plasma torches in order to enhance the electrode performance through arc distribution. These improvements show significant promise in improving electrode survivability and enhancing the potential of high power plasma arcs for waste incineration. Theoretical models for an applied magnetic field-line distortion by flowing magneto-plasma and field retarded plasma diffusive transport over the electrode surface are developed. Adequate coupling between flow and field is demonstrated. To validate our MHD model a 27 kW experimental plasma torch facility, MAGTOR, is used to examine the effects on electrode lifetime enhancement for various operating conditions with applied magnetization. Plasma flow gas species and flow rates are readily varied over a wide range of operation as is the varied applied magnetic field strength (0-1 kG) and topology.