Examination of the Degreasing of Metal Surfaces by the Use of a Plasma Torch

Metal surfaces can be degreased via a combustion reaction upon the metal surface by the use of a plasma torch jet. The required energy and the reaction rate of the combustion reaction are examined here. It turns out that the reaction rate can limit the cleaning performance. In such case, the cleaning performance is not improved at higher powers. It is suggested to increase the temperature at which combustion takes place such that the cleaning performance can improve again at higher powers. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)