Magnetically Assisted Transferred Plasma Torch Applied to Vitrification of Ceramic Clay

A new magnetically assisted transferred plasma torch (MA-TPT) was specially developed for the treatment of ceramic clay and harmful substances. The electrical plasma source consists mainly of a power buck converter and an alternating magnetic field, which allow sustaining a highly efficient plasma discharge at different arc lengths. The interaction of the electric arc with the magnetic field produces a broadening arc effect on the anode, enhancing the heat fluxes to the ceramic clay. Electrical and thermal characterization of the plasma torch showed that high thermal efficiency is easily reached with the current plasma configuration. In turn, the characterization tests of the vitrified clay revealed that the final vitrified product presents good chemical stability.