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The plasma system
Plasma is characterised as the fourth state of aggregate after solid, liquid and gas. This state can be achieved either by high temperature or by lowering the pressure. The plasma system used in our processes is always based on high temperature plasma.
When a gas is heated to a high temperature, its properties change. At about 2000C (3500F), the gas molecules start to dissociate and the gases become monoatomic. At 3000C (5500F), the atoms loose some of their electrons. The gas is ionised. This ionised gas is called gas plasma or simply plasma.
Plasma has good electrical conductivity and is carrying a high enthalpy. The plasma also emits tremendous thermal radiation.
The plasma generator - High efficiency gas heating
A plasma generator is a device for transforming electric energy into heat energy carried by a gas. With plasma generators, virtually any gas can be heated to the plasma state. The heat input can be accurately and readily controlled.
The heat energy carried by the gas can be utilized for heating, gasification and chemical reactions, which take place in a reaction chamber in front of the plasma generator. The carrier gas normally takes part in the reactions.
The plasma generators transform 85%-90% of the electric energy supplied to them into usable heat energy.
Thanks to the extremely high enthalpy (energy density) of the plasma, gasification and reforming reactions can take place within a very small space.
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