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 plasma torch for use in a chemical reactor is described. The plasma torch has a torch chamber with an open end for outflow of reaction products and a closed end opposite to the open end. A first and a second electrode are disposed in the torch chamber, with the second electrode between the first electrode and the open end. An input system is provided for input of one or more gaseous feedstocks into the plasma torch. The plasma torch is adapted to operate at substantially above atmospheric pressure. The plasma torch is also configured so that flow of gaseous feedstocks and reaction products through the torch is adapted to prevent or reduce solid deposition on the second electrode. A suitable method of operating a plasma torch in a chemical reactor is also described.

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 connector component configured for coupling a consumable component to a plasma arc torch is provided. The connector component comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end disposed along and defining a longitudinal axis. The connector component includes at least two engagement regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on a surface of the body. Each engagement region includes at least one engagement feature disposed on the surface of the body. The connector component also includes at least two free regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on the surface of the body. Each free region is radially located between a pair of the engagement regions and characterized by an absence of the engagement feature.

An apparatus and methods to increase and direct the spatial volume of atmospheric pressure plasma jets. One or more additional gas flows is introduced to intersect the plasma jet. As the plasma jet interacts with these additional gas flows, the direction of propagation of the plasma jet is altered, the plasma expands into the volume defined by the additional gas flow, and the volume and effective surface area of the plasma jet increases accordingly, while the power increase needed to drive the increase in plasma volume scales sub-linearly with the increase in volume.

An apparatus and methods to increase and direct the spatial volume of atmospheric pressure plasma jets. One or more additional gas flows is introduced to intersect the plasma jet. As the plasma jet interacts with these additional gas flows, the direction of propagation of the plasma jet is altered, the plasma expands into the volume defined by the additional gas flow, and the volume and effective surface area of the plasma jet increases accordingly, while the power increase needed to drive the increase in plasma volume scales sub-linearly with the increase in volume.

A plasma jet generator includes a base, a jet gun cavity, a blocking insulating medium, a porous air intake plate, a high-voltage port, a high-voltage electrode housing, and a jet gun tip. The base is detachably connected to a first end of the jet gun cavity. The blocking insulating medium is inserted in the base. The porous air intake plate is detachably mounted in the blocking insulating medium. The high-voltage electrode housing is detachably mounted in the porous air intake plate. The high-voltage port is disposed in the high-voltage electrode housing. The jet gun tip is detachably mounted at a second end of the jet gun cavity.

A liquid cooled shield assembly for a plasma arc torch includes an inner cap and a shield. The inner cap includes a substantially hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end that define a longitudinal axis, the distal end including an annular portion about the longitudinal axis. The inner cap also includes a liquid passage defined, at least in part, by an interior surface of the body, the liquid passage including a first set of ports in the annular portion, the first set of ports extending between an interior portion of the body and an exterior portion of the body to convey a liquid therethrough. The shield at least partially surrounds the inner cap and has a liquid impingement region on an interior surface of the shield adjacent to the first set of ports, the liquid impingement region for receiving the cooling liquid.

A plasma cutting system is provided. The system includes a power source configured to generate a plasma arc, and a plasma arc torch connected to the power source for delivering the plasma arc to a workpiece. The plasma arc torch defines a multi-function fluid flow path for sustaining the plasma arc and cooling the plasma arc torch such that the plasma cutting system has a power-to-gas flow ratio of at least 2 kilowatts per cubic feet per minute (KW/cfm). The power-to-gas flow ratio comprises a ratio of power of the generated plasma arc to a total gas flow supplied to the plasma arc torch.

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.