Transferred-arc plasma reactor for chemical and metallurgical applications
First Claim
1. A process for high temperature treatment of feed material using a plasma reactor comprising a bottom portion forming a crucible for receiving molten material, a sleeve mounted on top of the crucible, a cathode assembly including a cathode mounted on top of the said sleeve and electrically insulated therefrom, means for injecting a plasma forming gas into the reactor adjacent to the cathode, an anode, and gas exit ports in the bottom portion of the reactor, comprising the steps of:
- (a) mounting said anode in the crucible in contact with the molten material in the crucible but electrically insulated from the sleeve;
(b) supplying feed material conveyed by a carrier gas near the top of said sleeve at a pressure such that the material is fed against the inner wall of the sleeve;
(c) establishing a plasma arc between the cathode and anode via the molten material in the crucible to melt the feed material and to form a falling film of molten material on the inside wall of the sleeve which drops in the crucible underneath; and
(d) tapping the molten material from the crucible.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A process for high temperature treatment of feed material rising a plasma reactor. Feed material is conveyed by a carrier gas at a pressure such that it is fed against a sleeve which is mounted on top of the crucible that is equipped with the plasma arc.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A process for high temperature treatment of feed material using a plasma reactor comprising a bottom portion forming a crucible for receiving molten material, a sleeve mounted on top of the crucible, a cathode assembly including a cathode mounted on top of the said sleeve and electrically insulated therefrom, means for injecting a plasma forming gas into the reactor adjacent to the cathode, an anode, and gas exit ports in the bottom portion of the reactor, comprising the steps of:
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(a) mounting said anode in the crucible in contact with the molten material in the crucible but electrically insulated from the sleeve; (b) supplying feed material conveyed by a carrier gas near the top of said sleeve at a pressure such that the material is fed against the inner wall of the sleeve; (c) establishing a plasma arc between the cathode and anode via the molten material in the crucible to melt the feed material and to form a falling film of molten material on the inside wall of the sleeve which drops in the crucible underneath; and (d) tapping the molten material from the crucible. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification