A plasma arc torch includes a cathode extending along an axis of the torch, a pilot arc conductor, and a nozzle body. A first fluid conduit and second fluid conduit extend parallel to the axis of the torch. A first offset fitting includes a first duct coupled to and in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit, and a second duct in fluid communication with the first duct and outwardly radially offset from the first duct and extending away from the first duct in a proximal direction. A second offset fitting includes a third duct coupled to and in fluid communication with the second fluid conduit, and a fourth duct in fluid communication with the third duct and outwardly radially offset from the third duct and extending away from the third duct in the proximal direction. A spring compression plug electrically connects the pilot arc conductor to the nozzle body.

The present invention relates to techniques for absorbing and dissipating heat from a cutting torch during a plasma cutting process/operation, including a piercing stage. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, an outer shield club with a deflector ring absorbs and dissipates heat from a cutting torch including consumable components disposed therein. The shield club surrounds and protects the outermost consumable (e.g., nozzle/tip, shield, etc.) and dissipates heat from the plasma cutting operation. In some implementations, a flow of cooling water flows between and cools the outermost consumable and the shield club.

The present invention relates to techniques for absorbing and dissipating heat from a cutting torch during a plasma cutting process/operation, including a piercing stage. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, an outer shield club with a deflector ring absorbs and dissipates heat from a cutting torch including consumable components disposed therein. The shield club surrounds and protects the outermost consumable (e.g., nozzle/tip, shield, etc.) and dissipates heat from the plasma cutting operation. In some implementations, a flow of cooling water flows between and cools the outermost consumable and the shield club.

A process for the separation of .sup.99mTc from molybdenum targets is described. The method for separation of .sup.99mTc isotope from molybdenum targets includes: i) providing an initial multicomponent mixture of elements, the mixture containing .sup.99mTc; ii) dissolving the multicomponent mixture of elements with an oxidizing agent to oxidize the mixture of elements; iii) heating the mixture of elements at a temperature sufficiently high enough to sublimate a vaporized compound containing .sup.99mTc; iv) condensing the vaporized compound containing .sup.99mTc to form a reaction product; v) adding a base to the condensed reaction product to dissolve the .sup.99mTc containing reaction product to form sodium pertechnetate (Na.sup.99mTcO.sub.4); and vii) purifying the crude solution of sodium pertechnetate Na.sup.99mTc04 using column chromatography to provide the .sup.99mTc isotope as a radiochemical compound.

In some aspects, a plasma torch head for a plasma arc torch can include ports disposed within a base portion that are configured to receive fluids and electrical signals from a plasma torch lead via a plasma torch receptacle, the ports being shaped to align the torch head and the plasma torch receptacle during connection and including: a central coolant supply port to convey a liquid coolant to the torch head, the central coolant supply port extending a length to primarily align the plasma torch head with the torch receptacle, the central coolant supply port further including a flat surface shaped to secondarily align the torch head with the torch receptacle upon mating engagement, and an ohmic contact connector defining a tertiary alignment feature; and a connector disposed about the base portion shaped to engage with and couple to the torch receptacle.

In some aspects, a plasma torch head for a plasma arc torch can include ports disposed within a base portion that are configured to receive fluids and electrical signals from a plasma torch lead via a plasma torch receptacle, the ports being shaped to align the torch head and the plasma torch receptacle during connection and including: a central coolant supply port to convey a liquid coolant to the torch head, the central coolant supply port extending a length to primarily align the plasma torch head with the torch receptacle, the central coolant supply port further including a flat surface shaped to secondarily align the torch head with the torch receptacle upon mating engagement, and an ohmic contact connector defining a tertiary alignment feature; and a connector disposed about the base portion shaped to engage with and couple to the torch receptacle.

A plasma spraying device includes a torch head which has a plasma channel that extends between a cathode and an anode. The plasma channel is bounded by a plurality of neutrodes which are electrically insulated from each other. A gap extends between the frontmost neutrode and the anode, which gap is divided into at least two sections. There is a radial distance and an axial distance between the two sections. An insulating disk is arranged in each of the two sections.

A plasma spraying device includes a torch head which has a plasma channel that extends between a cathode and an anode. The plasma channel is bounded by a plurality of neutrodes which are electrically insulated from each other. A gap extends between the frontmost neutrode and the anode, which gap is divided into at least two sections. There is a radial distance and an axial distance between the two sections. An insulating disk is arranged in each of the two sections.

Embodiments of arc plasma cutting torches are disclosed. In one embodiment, a plasma cutting torch includes an insert component located substantially between a cathode body and an insulator body. The insert component is able to withstand high temperatures and can be made of a metal material or a non-metal material. The insert component can be permanent within the torch or can be replaceable, in accordance with various embodiments.

Embodiments of arc plasma cutting torches are disclosed. In one embodiment, a plasma cutting torch includes an insert component located substantially between a cathode body and an insulator body. The insert component is able to withstand high temperatures and can be made of a metal material or a non-metal material. The insert component can be permanent within the torch or can be replaceable, in accordance with various embodiments.