In some aspects, autonomous motion devices configured to operably connect to a plasma torch of a plasma cutting system can include: a body to support a power supply of the plasma cutting system and move relative to a workpiece; a torch holder connected to the body and configured to position a plasma arc torch tip of the plasma torch relative to a region of the workpiece to be processed; a drive system to translate the body supporting the power supply and torch autonomously relative to a surface of the workpiece during a plasma processing operation; and a processor in communication with the drive system and configured to communicate with the power supply, the processor being configured to control the translation of the body relative to the workpiece in accordance with the plasma processing operation.

The present invention provides an energy-efficient method and apparatus that can achieve exhaust gas abatement with a minimum use of diluent nitrogen gas. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for exhaust gas abatement under reduced pressure, in which an exhaust gas supplied from an exhaust gas source via a vacuum pump is decomposed by heat of a high-temperature plasma under a reduced pressure.

In some aspects, autonomous motion devices configured to operably connect to a plasma torch of a plasma cutting system can include: a body to support a power supply of the plasma cutting system and move relative to a workpiece; a torch holder connected to the body and configured to position a plasma arc torch tip of the plasma torch relative to a region of the workpiece to be processed; a drive system to translate the body supporting the power supply and torch autonomously relative to a surface of the workpiece during a plasma processing operation; and a processor in communication with the drive system and configured to communicate with the power supply, the processor being configured to control the translation of the body relative to the workpiece in accordance with the plasma processing operation.

A system for generating a plasma jet of metal ions is provided. This system includes a tube made of electrically insulating material containing a metal that is in the solid phase at room temperature and an anode making contact with this metal, a generator connected to this anode that is capable of producing a positive electrical potential at this anode, a heating element that is capable of heating a portion of the metal to a heating temperature Tc that is high enough to vaporize this portion of the metal, an electron source located on the outside of the tube and out of the longitudinal axis of the tube, and being capable of generating an electron stream that is able to ionize the vapor of the metal so as to form metal ions, such that the metal ions thus produced are capable of being accelerated by this potential and ejected out of the tube via the downstream end of the tube, and a portion of which are neutralized by electrons so as to form a plasma stream, the system operating without magnets and without an acceleration grid.

A system for generating a plasma jet of metal ions is provided. This system includes a tube made of electrically insulating material containing a metal that is in the solid phase at room temperature and an anode making contact with this metal, a generator connected to this anode that is capable of producing a positive electrical potential at this anode, a heating element that is capable of heating a portion of the metal to a heating temperature Tc that is high enough to vaporize this portion of the metal, an electron source located on the outside of the tube and out of the longitudinal axis of the tube, and being capable of generating an electron stream that is able to ionize the vapor of the metal so as to form metal ions, such that the metal ions thus produced are capable of being accelerated by this potential and ejected out of the tube via the downstream end of the tube, and a portion of which are neutralized by electrons so as to form a plasma stream, the system operating without magnets and without an acceleration grid.

Certain embodiments described herein are directed to induction devices that can be used to sustain a plasma. In certain configurations, the induction device may comprise one or more radial fins electrically coupled to a base. The induction device may take numerous forms including, for example, coils and plate electrodes.

Certain embodiments described herein are directed to induction devices that can be used to sustain a plasma. In certain configurations, the induction device may comprise one or more radial fins electrically coupled to a base. The induction device may take numerous forms including, for example, coils and plate electrodes.

A demountable plasma torch assembly suitable for use in ICP spectrometry comprises a first tube having an inner diameter and a second tube disposed concentrically within the first tube, wherein the second tube has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the first tube. The first and second tubes are supported by a torch body. The torch body includes a first bore configured to receive an end of the first tube, a second bore configured to receive an end of the second tube, and a manifold disposed between the first bore and the second bore to receive a gas for injection between the first tube and the second tube. The manifold has an outer diameter at least substantially equal to the inner diameter of the first tube and an inner diameter at least substantially equal to the outer diameter of the second tube.

A consumable assembly for a plasma arc torch is provided, the consumable assembly including an electrode provided within an interior of a nozzle. The electrode may include a sidewall having one or more fluid passageways formed therethrough, an end wall extending from a distal end of the sidewall, and a central cavity defined by an inner surface of the sidewall and the end wall, the central cavity extending between distal and proximal ends of the electrode. The electrode may further include a heat removal element extending into the central cavity from the inner surface of the sidewall. In one embodiment, the consumable assembly includes a current and gas conduit at the proximal end of the electrode, the current and gas conduit including an interior bore radially aligned with the electrode for collectively delivering a plasma gas, a shield gas, and a vent gas into the central cavity of the electrode.

Certain embodiments described herein are directed to induction devices that can be used to sustain a plasma. In certain configurations, the induction device may comprise one or more radial fins electrically coupled to a base. The induction device may take numerous forms including, for example, coils and plate electrodes.