PLASMA TORCH HAVING A LONGITUDINALLY MOBILE ARC ROOT, AND PROCESS FOR CONTROLLING THE DISPLACEMENT THEREOF

摘要

The invention concerns plasma torches comprising an upstream electrode (12), a downstream electrode (11), a chamber (15) for the injection of plasma producing gas, a priming electrode (13) and optionally a magnetic field coil (14), in which the upstream root of the arc is displaced on the upstream electrode. According to the invention, in order to control a continuous or reciprocating and/or an oscillatory translation, the field coil is supplied with a variable direct current, if need be a pulsatory undulatory current, and/or a diffuser is placed at the inner end of the upstream electrode which is supplied with a modulated flow of gas which it causes to whirl. Application in high power plasma torches for regularizing and rendering uniform the wear of the electrodes so as to prolong the life thereof.