Plasma Generation via Pressurized Water Streams and Submerged Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing plasma are inefficient, costly, and environmentally harmful, lacking a safe and cost-effective solution for applications in heat engineering and waste treatment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two pressurized water streams with submerged electrodes connected to a high-voltage direct current source, generating plasma between the streams, with the plasma area exceeding 4000°C, using heat-resistant pipes and a closed water loop for efficient gas production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plasma is produced between two hard electrodes (graphite) with direct current voltage, then plasma formation is achieved, but the method is inefficient, costly, and environmentally harmful
Solution Approach 1:
Water streams are introduced as an intermediary medium between the electrodes. The water flows through channels formed by the electrodes, serving as both a cooling medium and a source of hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. This intermediary water layer prevents direct contact between the electrodes and the environment, reducing harmful emissions and improving efficiency while maintaining reliable plasma production.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and parameters of the working medium from dry gas (in traditional methods) to water-based plasma. By using water streams with controlled flow rates, temperatures, and pressures, the system achieves more efficient plasma production with reduced environmental impact and lower operational costs, while maintaining the necessary plasma characteristics for industrial applications.
2Quantity of substance
If water is heated to high temperature above 1000°C to decompose water molecules, then hydrogen and oxygen are produced, but substantial energy is consumed and equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the thermal decomposition mechanism (heating water to above 1000°C) with an electrochemical mechanism (electrolysis). By applying electrical current through the water streams between the electrodes, hydrogen and oxygen are produced through electrolysis at much lower temperatures, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining high production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the phase transition properties of water and the electrochemical reactions occurring during electrolysis. Water remains in liquid phase while undergoing electrochemical decomposition, allowing hydrogen and oxygen to be generated efficiently without the need for high-temperature heating that would require substantial energy input and complex equipment.
3Reliability
If electrodes are mechanically moved apart to critical distance after initial touching, then plasma is formed, but the process is complex and requires precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the plasma generation process into separate functional zones within the water flow path. Instead of requiring mechanical movement of electrodes, the system uses stationary electrodes with water flowing through channels between them. This segmentation allows plasma to form in specific regions where water flows between the electrodes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning while maintaining reliable plasma formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic flow of water streams to control and maintain the effective gap between electrodes. By regulating water pressure and flow rate, the system automatically maintains optimal conditions for plasma formation without mechanical movement. The water flow itself acts as the controlling mechanism, replacing complex mechanical positioning systems with simple hydraulic control.
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
The method produces environmentally friendly plasma with high temperatures, consuming minimal power and using affordable materials, suitable for various industrial applications including waste treatment and material processing.
Implementation Method 1
high voltage of more than 1000 V is supplied to the both electrodes connected to both opposite poles of a direct current electricity source of high voltage for generation of plasma in the area between the both water streams
Implementation Method 2
generation of plasma in the area between the both water streams, flowing-out freely from the pipes
Implementation Method 3
A process called electrolysis is known, during which a direct current voltage is applied to electrodes with an opposite polarity which are submerged in a water solution of an electrolyte. Gas, resp. oxygen and hydrogen, start to release on the positive electrode (cathode) and the negative electrode (anode)
Implementation Method 4
two pressurized water streams with submerged electrodes connected to a high-voltage direct current source, generating plasma between the streams
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for production of plasma and finds its application in heat engineering, for destruction of any kind of waste, for gasification of carbon- containing solid and liquid materials, for melting and soldering of metal and non-metal materials. In this method for plasma production, water is supplied under pressure from a water tank (1) by a water pump (8) to a distributor (2), wherefrom the water is divided into two water streams, both of which pass through flexible pipe connections (3) and each one separately goes into a pair of pipes with one of their ends open (5), with each of the pipes accommodating one electrode (4), where under the influence of high voltage direct current applied in the clearance between the two flowing-out water streams plasma (6) is produced with temperature exceeding 4000 °C, while the unused part of the water, flowing freely throughout the open ends of the pipes (5) via the funnel-like collector goes back to the water tank (1). The plasma producing device comprises at least one pair of pipes (5), made of heat- resistant insulation material, in which water is supplied from a water tank (1), by a water pump (8) installed on it, feeding pressurized water to distributor (2), and by means of flexible pipe connections (3) the water is supplied to the pipes (5), inside which at least one pair of electrodes (4) are installed, each pipe accommodating one of them, connected to the opposite poles of high voltage direct current (7) source.