Induction Plasma Torch Using Pure Oxygen

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for thermal destruction of organic compounds using induction plasma face inefficiencies, including low energy yield, limited feed rate, and difficulties in treating non-miscible liquids, due to the use of water as an oxidizer and costly plasma gases like argon.

Innovation Solution

The method employs pure oxygen as both the plasma-forming gas and oxidizer, eliminating the need for water and reducing the use of costly gases, allowing for improved energy efficiency and the ability to treat a wider range of organic compounds, including liquids, by introducing oxygen directly into the plasma or simultaneously with the feed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If water is used as an oxidizer in induction plasma, then the destruction of organic compounds is achieved, but the energy yield is low and treatment capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment capacityVSAvoidenergy yield

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the plasma-forming gas from water-based to oxygen-based, which fundamentally alters the energy characteristics and oxidation efficiency of the plasma, thereby improving both energy yield and treatment capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pure oxygen as both the plasma-forming gas and oxidizer, providing a stronger and more efficient oxidation environment compared to water, which accelerates the destruction of organic compounds and improves energy utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

2Reliability

If costly plasma gases like argon are used, then stable plasma is formed, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma stabilityVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive noble gases like argon with cheaper, readily available oxygen, which can be obtained from air separation or electrolysis, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining plasma formation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses oxygen that serves dual purposes: as the plasma-forming gas and as the oxidizer for organic compound destruction, eliminating the need for separate oxidizer supply systems and reducing overall operational complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If water is used as the plasma-forming gas, then organic compounds are destroyed, but difficulties arise in treating non-miscible liquids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed type compatibilityVSAvoidliquid treatment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the plasma-forming gas from water to oxygen, which improves the interaction with non-miscible liquids and enhances atomization and mixing efficiency, thereby enabling effective treatment of diverse liquid feeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach significantly enhances energy yield, increases treatment capacity, and allows for the efficient destruction of all types of feeds, including liquids, without the need for extensive modifications to existing installations, while minimizing the production of nitrogen oxides and reducing operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one induction plasma formed by at least one plasma gas ionized by an inductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

plasma gas ionized by an inductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

gases are obtained in which decomposition into atomic elements has been induced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Thermolysis

Data Source

PatentUS10962222B2Device for thermal destruction of organic compounds by an induction plasma

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

A device for chemical destruction of at least one feed comprising at least one organic compound are provided. In one aspect, the device comprises at least one inductive plasma torch, means for introducing at least one plasma-forming gas into the torch, optionally when the plasma gas(es) comprise(s) no or little oxygen, means for bringing oxygen gas into the plasma or into the vicinity of the plasma, means for introducing the feed into the torch, a reaction enclosure capable of allowing thermal destruction of the gases flowing from the torch, a device allowing mixing of the gases flowing out of the reaction enclosure to be carried out, means for introducing air and/or oxygen gas into the mixing device, a device allowing recombination by cooling of at least one portion of the gases from the mixing device, the torch, the reaction enclosure, the mixing device and the recombination device being in fluidic communication.