Plasma State Technology

People are very familiar with the solid, liquid and gaseous states of matter, but not with plasma, the fourth state of matter, which is reached at sufficiently high temperatures and energy densities.

The plasma state is an ionized gas comprising molecules, atoms, ions (in their ground or in various excited states), electrons and photons. It is electrically conductive since there are free electrons and ions present, and is in local electrical neutrality, since the numbers of free electrons and ions are equal. More than 99% of the known universe is in the plasma state. Lightning and auroras are common examples here on Earth.

The high energy content of plasma compared to that of ordinary gases or even the highest temperature combustion flames, offers unlimited potential for use in a number of significant modern industrial applications.

In summary, plasma offers:

• High temperature environment ( 5 000- 10 000 K)
• High thermal conductivity
• No combustion necessary
• High purity

Tekna’s Radio Frequency Plasma (RF), or Induction Coupled Plasma (ICP), is generated through the electromagnetic coupling of electrical energy into a discharge cavity.

A plasma flow generated in an induction plasma torch gives a high-temperature environment (5000 to 10 000 K) with a high specific enthalpy (1-10 MJ/kg, depending on the plasma gas composition). The central axial feeding system provides a more flexible and efficient approach than DC plasma torchs.  Because the residence time is longer than in DC plasmas, the precursor is better treated and the particles are heated thoroughly.