Plasma Whirl Reactor Ignition and Confinement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in igniting and sustaining inductively coupled plasma, particularly at low pressures, and struggle with plasma confinement, which affects the efficiency and reliability of plasma applications in various industrial processes, including oil and gas operations and waste treatment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a Carbon Arc Hydrocyclone to create and sustain a dense plasma by inductively coupling a carbon arc to a radio frequency field, combined with tangentially firing multiple plasma torches to confine and rotate the plasma, addressing the issues of ignition and confinement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If inductively coupled plasma is used at low pressures, then plasma generation efficiency is improved, but plasma ignition and sustaining becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by using a carbon arc discharge to pre-ionize the gas and create a plasma kernel before applying inductive coupling. This preliminary plasma formation at the carbon arc location provides the necessary seed electrons and ionized region to enable subsequent inductive plasma ignition and sustained operation at low pressures, resolving the contradiction between plasma generation efficiency and ignition reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If plasma is confined using traditional methods, then plasma density is improved, but plasma confinement stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carbon arc serves as an intermediary element that is positioned at the center of the inductive coil. It provides a stable, localized source of plasma generation that acts as a mediator between the inductive field and the surrounding gas, enabling consistent plasma density while maintaining confinement stability through the anchored carbon arc position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by transitioning from direct inductive plasma generation to carbon arc-initiated plasma. This parameter change involves using the carbon arc to provide initial ionization and then utilizing the inductive field to sustain and densify the plasma, achieving both high plasma density and stable confinement through the two-stage process.
3Productivity
If carbon electrodes are used in plasma torches, then plasma generation is improved, but electrode life and maintenance becomes a limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical wear-based electrode consumption with a more stable inductive coupling mechanism. The carbon arc is used only for initial ignition, after which the inductive field sustains the plasma without requiring continuous electrode consumption, thereby extending operational life while maintaining plasma generation capability.
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 enables reliable and efficient plasma generation and confinement, enhancing the treatment of oil and gas waste streams, including frac flowback and produced water, while reducing carbon emissions and extending electrode life, making the process more sustainable and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
inductively coupling a carbon arc to a radio frequency field
Implementation Method 2
confine and rotate the plasma
Data Source
AI summary
A plasma system includes a plasma arc torch, a cylindrical tube and an eductor. The plasma arc torch includes a cylindrical vessel having a first end and a second end, a first tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to the first end, a second tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to the second end, an electrode housing connected to the first end such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel, and a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the second end of the cylindrical vessel. The cylindrical tube is attached to the hollow electrode nozzle and aligned with the longitudinal axis, the cylindrical tube having a side inlet and a radio frequency coil disposed around or embedded within the cylindrical tube. The eductor is attached to the cylindrical tube and aligned with the longitudinal axis.