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.

A plasma heater includes a plasma heating section, an exhaust wasteheat heating section, a gas circulation pump, a water cooling system, and a treatment tank for waste gas and waste water. Flames emitted by plasma torches of plasma generators are directly sprayed onto first water pipes for heating. Exhaust generated after combustion of the plasma torches flows through the tail gas residual heat heating section in the metal cylindrical casing, then flows out of the metal cylindrical casing to enter the gas circulation pump, and flows back into the plasma generators through the gas circulation pump for recycling. After the circulating exhaust operates for more than 10 minutes, the discharged waste gas and waste liquid enter the recovering treatment tank.

The invention features methods and apparatuses for liquid cooling a plasma arc torch. An electrode is provided including a body having a longitudinal axis defining a first end, a second end, and a middle portion. The electrode includes a first sealing element disposed on an exterior of the body near the first end; a second sealing element disposed on the exterior of the body located in the middle portion, the second sealing element configured to provide a first gas seal to a swirl gas chamber and defining a portion of the swirl gas chamber; and a third sealing element disposed on the exterior of the body, the third sealing element located between the second sealing element and the second end, the third sealing element configured to provide a second gas seal to the swirl gas chamber and defining a portion of the swirl gas chamber.

The invention relates to an apparatus for generating an atmospheric plasma jet for treating a surface of a workpiece with a plasma nozzle which is configured to generate an atmospheric plasma jet. The plasma nozzle has a nozzle arrangement with a nozzle opening for discharging a plasma jet to be generated in the plasma nozzle. The nozzle arrangement is rotatable about an axis of rotation and wherein the nozzle opening has a cross-section with a shape differing from a circular shape.

A torch head for a plasma torch includes an electrode having a vent formed therethrough, the vent being configured to receive plasma gas and direct plasma gas through the electrode. The torch head also includes a spring configured to bias the electrode toward a nozzle of the torch head. The vent of the electrode is configured to discharge plasma gas across the spring.

Plasmatron includes an anode having a cylindrical proximal portion and a cylindrical distal portion, the distal portion having a smaller diameter than the proximal portion; a connecting portion connecting the proximal and distal portions and having walls oriented at 40-60 degrees to a center axis of the anode; a cathode having a generally cylindrical shape in its proximal portion and a tapering at a 30-45 degree angle to the center axis of the anode in its distal portion, with a cylindrical rod on its tip. Gap between the connecting portion of the anode and the distal portion of the cathode is double the gap between the proximal portion of the anode and the proximal portion of the cathode. High voltage power supply provides an operating voltage of 800-2500 volts and a current of 0.3-0.7 A. Length of the rod is approximately 1.5 times its diameter.

Systems, devices, and methods generating a plasma flow are disclosed. A method may include applying energy that alternates between being at a base level for a first duration and at a pulse level for a second duration according to a controlled pattern, generating a plasma flow having a directional axis, and discharging the plasma flow alternating between a base configuration and a pulse configuration according to the controlled pattern. The plasma flow in the base configuration may have (1) a first temperature at the outlet and (2) a first flow front that advances along the directional axis. The plasma flow in the pulse configuration may have (1) a second temperature at the outlet that is greater than the first temperature and (2) a second flow front that advances along the directional axis at a speed greater than the first flow front.

A device for generating an atmospheric plasma beam for treating the surface of a workpiece includes a tubular housing with an axis, an inner electrode within the housing, and a nozzle assembly with a nozzle opening for discharging a plasma beam to be generated in the housing. The direction of the nozzle opening runs at an angle relative to the axis, and the nozzle assembly can be rotated about the axis. By the aforementioned device, disadvantages are at least partly eliminated and uniform treatment of the surface is achieved in that a shield surrounds the nozzle assembly, and the shield is designed to change the intensity of the interaction of the plasma beam to be generated with the surface of the workpiece depending on the rotational angle of the nozzle assembly relative to the axis. Also provided are a system and method for treating the surface of a workpiece.

A nozzle for use with a plasma arc torch is provided. The nozzle has a nozzle body having a length that extends from a proximal end to a distal end, a central bore disposed within the nozzle body along a central axis having a feed orifice at the proximal end of the nozzle body, and a discharge orifice at the distal end of the nozzle body. The central bore has a series of internal sections that transition with one or more radial edges between the feed orifice and the discharge orifice. The series of internal sections have a first section beginning at the feed orifice transitioning to a converging section transitioning at a throat to a diverging section ending at the discharge orifice. The length of the converging section is longer than a length of the diverging section. A Venturi effect is created by the converging and diverging sections of the nozzle.

A nozzle for use with a plasma arc torch is provided. The nozzle has a nozzle body having a length that extends from a proximal end to a distal end, a central bore disposed within the nozzle body along a central axis having a feed orifice at the proximal end of the nozzle body, and a discharge orifice at the distal end of the nozzle body. The central bore has a series of internal sections that transition with one or more radial edges between the feed orifice and the discharge orifice. The series of internal sections have a first section beginning at the feed orifice transitioning to a converging section transitioning at a throat to a diverging section ending at the discharge orifice. The length of the converging section is longer than a length of the diverging section. A Venturi effect is created by the converging and diverging sections of the nozzle.