Experimental study for the optimization of plasma torch operations

R. Benocci; R. Florio; A. Galassi; M. Paolicchio; M. Piselli; C. Sala; M. Sciascia; E. Sindoni

doi:10.1007/s100530050308

EPJ

Experimental study for the optimization of plasma torch operations

R. Benocci¹, R. Florio¹, A. Galassi¹, M. Paolicchio¹, M. Piselli¹, C. Sala¹, M. Sciascia¹ and E. Sindoni²

¹ Dipartimento di Fisica, sez. Plasmi, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milano, Italy
² Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e del Territorio, Via Emanueli 15, Milano, Italy

Received: 20 November 1998
Revised: 11 December 1998
Published online: 15 May 1999

Abstract

In this paper the electric and efficiency attributes of a low-powered dc plasma torch has been investigated. Torch operations require reproducibility, reliability and economicity to be attained. The characterisation allowed to scope operative ranges on the basis of minimum voltage fluctuations and maximum thermal efficiency levels for different gas flow rates, anode dimensions, arc current and two process gases

PACS: 52.75.Hn – Plasma torches. / 52.75.Rx – Plasma applications in manufacturing and materials processing (etching, surface cleaning, spraying, arc welding, ion implantation, film deposition, etc.).