Effect of current connection to the anode nozzle on plasma torchefficiency

Experiments have been performed to demonstrate the influence of the location of the electric power connection to the anode nozzle on the efficiency of DC plasma torches. The DC plasma torch used in these experiments offers the flexibility to work with different anode geometries and the possibility of connecting the electrical power to the anode at two different locations. For each set of experiments, the controllable parameters such as total gas flow rate, gas composition, and electric current were kept constant, changing only the location of the electrical connection to the anode nozzle. The efficiency of the torch, derived from a conventional energy balance, shows a significant change as the location of the electrical connection to the anode nozzle is changed. The measured mean voltage as well as the amplitude of the voltage fluctuations were also affected by the location of the electrical connection to the anode nozzle. An explanation for the arc behavior is given, based on an analysis of the forces acting on the anode arc column and their influeuce on the variation of the arc column length. Experimental data are in good agreement with analytical predictions     

Three—dimensional modelling of the flow and heat transfer in a laminar non—transferred arc plasma torch

By experimental observation we show that the plasma flow and heat transfer within a direct current (DC) nontransferred arc plasma torch always show appreciable three-dimensional (3D) peculiarity even when the geometrical construction of the torch and working gas admission and external electrical collection conditions are completely axisymmetrical.Previous two-dimensional (2D) modelling studies cannot predict the 3D peculiarity of the plasma torch.We have successfully performed 3D modelling,and in this paper we present the modelling results for the plasma flow and heat transfer characteristics in a laminar DC non-transferred are argon plasma torch.The predicted arc-root location on the surface of the torch anode and arc voltage compare favourably with the corresponding experimental results.     

Production of long,laminar plasma jets at atmospheric pressure with multiple cathodes

Plasma jets from conventional non‐transferred arc plasma devices are usually operated in turbulent flows at atmospheric pressure. In this paper, a novel non‐transferred arc plasma device with multiple cathodes is introduced to produce long, laminar plasma jets at atmospheric pressure. A pure helium atmosphere is used to produce a laminar plasma jet with a maximum length of >60 cm. The influence of gas components, arc currents, anode nozzle diameter, and gas flow rate on the jet characteristics is experimentally studied. The results reveal that the length of the plasma jet increases with increasing helium content and arc current but decreases with increasing nozzle diameter. As the gas flow rate increases, the length of the plasma jet initially increases and then decreases. Accordingly, the plasma jet is transformed from a laminar state to a transitional state and finally to a turbulent state. Furthermore, the anode arc root behaviours corresponding to different plasma jet flows are studied. In conclusion, the multiple stationary arc roots that exist on the anode just inside the nozzle entrance are favourable for the generation of a laminar plasma jet in this device.     

直流纯氩层流等离子体射流的长度变化

采用主要由阴极、阳极以及介于阴极和阳极之间的中间段组成的直流非转移式电弧等离子体发生器,在大气压条件下,比较系统地研究了纯氩层流等离子体射流的长度随着弧电流、气体流量以及发生器结构而变化的规律。结果表明:层流射流的长度随弧电流和工作气流量的增加而增长;层流向湍流流动转变的临界气流量值随弧电流增大而提高;在发生器的伏安特性呈大梯度变化的情况下,射流长度随弧电流的变化幅度增大。     

直流纯氮层流等离子体射流特性的实验研究

采用自行研制的直流非转移型等离子体发生器,对其产生的层流等离子体射流特性进行了实验研究。实验结果表明:该等离子体发生器在以纯氮气为工作气体时,呈现出高电压低电流的等离子体射流特性,该特性有助于提高等离子体发生器的电极寿命;在弧电流和工作气流量由小向大变化过程中,等离子体射流长度均呈现出先由短变长、再由长变短的变化规律;在等离子体射流长度由长变短的过程中,射流的形貌从相对集中、轴对称和稳定的状态向分散、非轴对称和不稳定的状态变化,即等离子体射流由层流形态向湍流形态转变,并且在此过程中射流产生的噪音逐渐增强。     

Numerical modelling of a direct current non-transferred thermal plasma torch for optimal performance

A laminar steady-state 2D axisymmetric model of a direct current (DC) thermal plasma torch using a magneto-hydrodynamic approach has been developed. The model takes into account the entire torch system comprising the plasma gas injection, the inner region of the torch, and the jet exiting into the ambient environment. Numerical results are obtained for two different power inputs chosen from published experimental data. The temperature predictions at the torch exit are found in good agreement with experimental results. Velocity analysis of the plasma jet has been presented and the impact of electromagnetic force on jet velocity is analysed. The Lorentz force arising due to the coupling of fluid motion and electromagnetic forces shoots up the jet velocity to significantly high values near the cathode tip. Temperature and velocity profiles are in good agreement with the characteristics of a long laminar plasma jet. An operating value of heat transfer coefficient (h) has been suggested for optimal torch operation, thus ensuring a low anode erosion rate and acceptable thermal efficiency. The argon torch has the maximum temperature and longest jet length among the plasma gases considered.     

Voltage of the vacuum arc with a ring anode in an axial magneticfield

The plasma jet focusing and voltage distribution in the interelectrode gap of a vacuum arc with a ring anode and subjected to an axial magnetic field were studied theoretically. A two-dimensional model was developed based on the free plasma jet expansion into vacuum, and the steady-state solution of the fully ionized plasma in the hydrodynamic approximation was analyzed. It was found that the imposition of an axial magnetic field reduces the radial expansion of the plasma jet. The characteristic jet angle decreases from about 40° in the zero magnetic field case and approaches a value of about 20° with a 0.02 T magnetic field. The arc voltage consisting of the cathode drop, the plasma voltage drop, and anode sheath drop increased, with the imposition of a magnetic field, and decreased with the anode length. The model was compared to experimental measurements of the vacuum arc voltage behavior in an axial magnetic field, and good agreement was found     

双钨极耦合电弧数值模拟

基于流体力学方程组和麦克斯韦方程组, 在合理的边界条件下, 建立了双钨极耦合电弧三维准静态数学模型. 通过对方程组的迭代求解, 获得了不同钨极间距和电弧长度下耦合电弧的温度场、流场、电弧压力和电流密度分布等重要结果, 与已有的实验研究符合良好. 模拟结果表明: 与相同条件下的钨极惰性气体保护焊电弧相比, 双钨极耦合电弧的最高温度和最大等离子流速较低, 阳极表面电弧压力和电流密度峰值明显减小; 钨极间距和弧长对耦合电弧的温度场、流场、电流密度和电弧压力等都具有显著的影响, 且耦合电弧阳极的电弧压力和电流密度分布不能用高斯近似进行描述. 关键词： 耦合电弧 三维模型 数值模拟     

A Model for DC Interruption in Diffuse Vacuum Arcs

A theoretical model for current interruption in a diffuse vacuum arc with dc commutation is described. Before current zero the interelectrode plasma is modeled as an ion-neutral fluid through which electrons are flowing. After current zero a positive ion sheath grows into the plasma from the former anode, driven by the transient recovery voltage. Using the basic laws of conservation, the decay of the plasma during commutation is evaluated numerically, enabling the post-arc current, the electric field at the former anode, and the power input to this electrode after current zero to be calculated. For copper electrodes, with a commutation time of 30 ?s, the ion density and velocity at current zero are 23 percent and 35 percent of their respective steady state values. The calculated post-arc currents of tens of amps are in good agreement with experimental data. The post-arc data generated with this model can be used to study reignition mechanisms and the interrupting capability of different contact materials.     

放射性废物玻璃固化专用等离子体炬的数值模拟与实验研究

采用了数值模拟与实验结合的方法研究了用于模拟放射性固体废物玻璃固化的非转移弧型等离子体炬的电、热特性。基于包括电弧室和开放空间在内的3D 模型得到了电弧等离子体和等离子体射流的温度场。根据计算结果,电弧室内的最高温度位于第一阳极内,达到1.77×10⁴ K;弧电压的计算值高于实测值,二者之间的差异随着电流强度的增大而逐渐减小。采用该等离子体炬熔融模拟废物的实验发现,所确定的等离子体炬到炉底的距离能够满足废物熔融的要求,与计算的结果相符合。上述结果表明,数值模拟的结果可以作为等离子体炉工程设计的依据,并可以用作进一步分析等离子体炉炉膛内工艺过程的输入条件。     

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采用了数值模拟与实验结合的方法研究了用于模拟放射性固体废物玻璃固化的非转移弧型等离子体炬的电、热特性。基于包括电弧室和开放空间在内的3D 模型得到了电弧等离子体和等离子体射流的温度场。根据计算结果,电弧室内的最高温度位于第一阳极内,达到41.77×10 K;弧电压的计算值高于实测值,二者之间的差异随着电流强度的增大而逐渐减小。采用该等离子体炬熔融模拟废物的实验发现,所确定的等离子体炬到炉底的距离能够满足废物熔融的要求,与计算的结果相符合。上述结果表明,数值模拟的结果可以作为等离子体炉工程设计的依据,并可以用作进一步分析等离子体炉炉膛内工艺过程的输入条件。     

Unsteady three-dimensional model of electric arc. Part 1. Mathematical model and testing results

A non-stationary three-dimensional mathematical model of the electric arc of constant current in the approximation of a partial local thermodynamic equilibrium of plasma is presented. For the purpose of testing the model and computer code a computation of the isothermal laminar viscous fluid flow past a circular cylinder (the testing of the dynamic part of the system of equations) and a computation of the axisymmetric electric arc with a reduced anode attachment have been done. A fair agreement of numerical results with experimental data points overall to the correctness of the mathematical model and the numerical solution technique.     

From Field Emission to Vacuum Arc Ignition: A New Tool for Simulating Copper Vacuum Arcs

Understanding plasma initiation in vacuum arc discharges can help to bridge the gap between nano‐scale triggering phenomena and the macroscopic surface damage caused by vacuum arcs. We present a new twodimensional particle‐in‐cell tool to simulate plasma initiation in direct‐current (DC) copper vacuum arc discharges starting from a single, strong field emitter at the cathode. Our simulations describe in detail how a sub‐micron field emission site can evolve to a macroscopic vacuum arc discharge, and provide a possible explanation for why and how cathode spots can spread on the cathode surface. Furthermore, the model provides us with a prediction for the current and voltage characteristics, as well as for properties of the plasma like densities, fluxes and electric potentials in a simple DC discharge case, which are in agreement with the known experimental values. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A Model of the Multicathode-Spot Vacuum Arc

A model is proposed for the multicathode-spot (MCS) vacuum arc. A zero-order model is filrst constructed, whereby the interelectrode plasma is produced by the multitude of cathode spots, and flows to the anode upon which it condenses. The electron density is calculated by assuming that the plasma is uniform within a cylinder bounded by the electrodes and using expenmental data for the ionic velocities and ion current fraction obtained in single cathode spot arcs. The electron density thus obtained is proportionate to the current density, and is equal to 5 × 1020 m-3 in the case of a 107-A/m2 Cu arc. The model predictions are a factor of 3-4 lower than measured values. First-order perturbations to the zero-order model are considered taking into account inelastic electron-ion collisions, plasma-macroparticle interactions, the interaction of the self-magnetic field with the plasma and electric current flows, and the interaction with the anode. Inelastic collisions tend to increase the ionicity of the plasma as a function of distance from the cathode, in agreement with spectroscopic observations. Macroparticles are heated by ion impact until they have significant evaporation rates. The vapor thus produced is ultimately ionized, and most probably accounts for the discrepancy between the zero-order prediction of electron densities and the measured values. Constrictions near the anode in both the plasma and electric current flows have been calculated. An overabundant electron current supply forces the anode to assume a negative potential with respect to the adjacent plasma.     

Arc voltage of a fast triggered vacuum gap

At high current, the performance of triggered vacuum gaps (TVGs) is limited by constriction of the vacuum arc. Several concentrated modes can be defined, i.e., foot point, anode spot, and intense arc mode. In all cases, small, luminous, high-temperature spots (from melting to boiling temperature) appear on the anode surface. In accordance with the anodic mode, the arc voltage has different characteristics (quiet and low or with high-frequency noise). The arc voltage is measured for different electrode configurations for a conduction time of 27 μs and for peak current up to 45 kA. For small gap distances (1-1.5 mm), the arc voltage is quiet and low (20 to 30 V) and almost independent of the peak current. For greater distances, the arc voltage increases with the distance and the peak current. If the peak current is higher than the threshold interruption current, the arc voltage is high and noisy. These overvoltages, with a frequency of about one megahertz, can reach more than 1000 V. These overvoltages disappear completely after about 15 μs, and the voltage decreases     

Enhancement and stabilization of cathodic arc using mesh anode

The performance and characteristics of a cathodic arc deposition apparatus consisting of a titanium cathode, an anode with and without a tungsten mesh, and a coil producing a focusing magnetic field between the anode and cathode arc investigated. The arc voltage V_a is measured with a fixed arc current for an anode diameter of 40 mm. The relationship between V_a and the magnetic field B with and without a mesh is obtained. In addition, the relationship between the arc current I_a and V_c, the voltage to which the artificial transmission line was charged, is measured with and without the mesh to determine the minimum ignition voltage for the arc when the anode hole diameter is 40 mm. The arc resistance increases with the focusing magnetic strength B and decreases when using the mesh. Our results indicate that the high transparency and large area of the mesh allows a high plasma flux to penetrate the anode from the cathodic arc. The mesh also stabilizes the cathodic arc and gives better performance when used in concert with a focusing magnetic field     

THE EFFECT OF MESH ANODE ON CATHODIC ARC IN FOCUSING MAGNETIC FIELD

The performance and characteristics of a cathodic arc deposition apparatus consisting of a titanium cathode, an anode with and without a tungsten mesh, and a coil producing a focusing magnetic field between the anode and cathode are investigated. The arc voltage V_a is measured with a fixed arc current. The relationship between V_a and the magnetic field B with and without a mesh is obtained. In addition, the relationship between the arc current I_a and V_c, the voltage to which the artificial transmission line was charged, is measured with and without the mesh to determine the minimum ignition voltage for the arc. The arc resistance increases with the focusing magnetic strength B and decreases when using the mesh. Our results indicate that the high transparency and large area of the mesh allows a high plasma flux to penetrate the anode from the cathodic arc. The mesh also stabilizes the cathodic arc and gives better performance when used in concert with a focusing magnetic field.     

二极管爆炸发射阴极等离子体的膨胀扩展

分析了二极管中爆炸发射产生阴极等离子体的演化特征,在考虑了阴极等离子体朝阳极膨胀运动使二极管阴阳极间距缩短这一效应的同时,还计入了阴极等离子体沿发射表面径向扩展运动对二极管有效发射面积的影响。基于Child-Langmuir定律,利用在一个四脉冲强流电子束源装置上得到的电流、电压等实验数据,假定阴极等离子体轴向膨胀和径向扩展速度近似相等,研究了阴极等离子体的膨胀扩展动力学行为。计算结果表明,阴极等离子体朝阳极的膨胀和沿径向的扩展速度为0.9～2.8 cm/s。     

Conditions of the Anode Spot Formation in a Vacuum Arc

A critical analysis of available experimental data and models of an anode spot formation shows their insufficiency for developing a clear-cut physical model of anode processes in a high-current vacuum arc. Based on new results of studying an anode medium- and low-pressure arc region, a qualitative physical model of an anode spot formation in a vacuum arc is proposed. The main idea of the model is that a change of the sign of the anode voltage drop (from negative to positive) is a necessary condition for an anode spot formation. Experimental data are qualitatively discussed from the point of view of the proposed model.     

Influence of bias magnetic field on the vacuum arc in double‐break vacuum circuit breakers

When double‐break vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs) interrupt the fault current, the series arc will generate their individual magnetic fields in different breaks. The magnetic field in one break will influence the arc in another break if the magnetic field is strong enough or the two breaks are very close. In this case, an interactive magnetic field effect happens. This field is also called the bias magnetic field (BMF). BMF can cause anode erosion and affect the performance at current zero. The distribution of BMF and the optimal configuration of the double‐break VCBs were obtained by the electromagnetic field simulation using the Ansoft Maxwell software. Based on the simulated magnetic field data, in the experiments, the interaction between the series vacuum arcs in double‐break VCBs was equivalent to the interaction between a single vacuum arc and the magnetic field generated by a Helmholtz coil. A high‐speed CMOS camera was used to record the trajectory of the vacuum arc plasma under different BMFs with different types of contacts. The results show the BMF can increase the arc voltage, and the arc becomes unstable. When the BMF becomes stronger, the arc voltage increases, and the arc becomes more unstable. In addition, for different types of contacts, the development process of the arc and the influence level are different under the same BMF. For a Wan‐type transverse magnetic field (TMF) contact or strong BMF, metal sputtering is evident and anode erosion becomes serious. For a cup‐type axial magnetic field (AMF) contact, the influence of BMF on the series arc plasma in double‐break VCBs is less than that of the Wan‐type TMF contact. The results of this work may be helpful for the design of compact double‐break VCBs.