The present application relates to a plasma atomization process and apparatus for producing metallic powders from at least one wire/rod feedstock. In the process, an electrical arc is applied between the at least one wire/rod feedstock, and a plasma torch is employed to generate a supersonic plasma stream at an apex at which the electric arc is transferred to the at least one wire/rod to melt and atomize the at least one wire/rod feedstock to produce the metallic powders. An anti-satellite diffuser is employed to prevent recirculation of the powders in order to avoid satellite formation.

The present application relates to a plasma atomization process and apparatus for producing metallic powders from at least one wire/rod feedstock. In the process, an electrical arc is applied between the at least one wire/rod feedstock, and a plasma torch is employed to generate a supersonic plasma stream at an apex at which the electric arc is transferred to the at least one wire/rod to melt and atomize the at least one wire/rod feedstock to produce the metallic powders. An anti-satellite diffuser is employed to prevent recirculation of the powders in order to avoid satellite formation.

Methodologies, systems, and devices are provided for producing metal spheroidal powder products. By utilizing a microwave plasma, control over spheriodization and resulting microstructure can be tailored to meet desired demands.

The system and method for creating plasma flares in air by using an ultra-short pulse laser (USPL) that generates plasma filaments with a short lifetime (in nanoseconds), and by heating these plasma filaments with intense microwave (RF) radiation to induce robust air breakdown, resulting in long lifetime (up to milliseconds) plasma flares in the atmosphere.

In order to increase the operable range of a DC plasma torch in an abatement apparatus, the apparatus comprises a power control configured for controlling the power of the plasma torch by selective control of the plasma source gas flow regulator.

In order to increase the operable range of a DC plasma torch in an abatement apparatus, the apparatus comprises a power control configured for controlling the power of the plasma torch by selective control of the plasma source gas flow regulator.

A plasma generation system includes an anode having a generally cylindrical proximal portion and a generally cylindrical distal portion, the distal portion having a smaller diameter than the first portion; a connecting portion connecting the first and second portions and having walls oriented at approximately 45 degrees to center axis of the anode; a cathode having a generally cylindrical shape in its proximal portion and a tapering at approximately a 30 degree angle to the center axis of the anode in its distal portion, where a gap between the connecting portion of the anode and the distal portion of the cathode is at least twice as large as a gap between the proximal portion of the anode and the proximal portion of the cathode; and a high voltage power supply providing an operating voltage in a range of 800-2500 volts and a current of about 0.3-0.7 A to the cathode.

Methods for the reformation of gaseous hydrocarbons are provided. The methods can include forming a bubble containing the gaseous hydrocarbon in a liquid. The bubble can be generated to pass in a gap between a pair of electrodes, whereby an electrical discharge is generated in the bubble at the gap between the electrodes. The electrodes can be a metal or metal alloy with a high melting point so they can sustain high voltages of up to about 200 kilovolts. The gaseous hydrocarbon can be combined with an additive gas such as molecular oxygen or carbon dioxide. The reformation of the gaseous hydrocarbon can produce mixtures containing one or more of H.sub.2, CO, H.sub.2O, CO.sub.2, and a lower hydrocarbon such as ethane or ethylene. The reformation of the gaseous hydrocarbon can produce low amounts of CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2O, e.g. about 15 mol-% or less.

Plasma devices for hydrocarbon reformation are provided. Methods of using the devices for hydrocarbon reformation are also provided. The devices can include a liquid container to receive a hydrocarbon source, and a plasma torch configured to be submerged in the liquid. The plasma plume from the plasma torch can cause reformation of the hydrocarbon. The device can use a variety of plasma torches that can be arranged in a variety of positions in the liquid container. The devices can be used for the reformation of gaseous hydrocarbons and/or liquid hydrocarbons. The reformation can produce methane, lower hydrocarbons, higher hydrocarbons, hydrogen gas, water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or a combination thereof.

Plasma devices for hydrocarbon reformation are provided. Methods of using the devices for hydrocarbon reformation are also provided. The devices can include a liquid container to receive a hydrocarbon source, and a plasma torch configured to be submerged in the liquid. The plasma plume from the plasma torch can cause reformation of the hydrocarbon. The device can use a variety of plasma torches that can be arranged in a variety of positions in the liquid container. The devices can be used for the reformation of gaseous hydrocarbons and/or liquid hydrocarbons. The reformation can produce methane, lower hydrocarbons, higher hydrocarbons, hydrogen gas, water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or a combination thereof.