| 摘要 |
A plasma arc torch is disclosed which comprises front and rear coaxially aligned electrodes, and vortex generator for generating a vortical flow of gas, such as air, between the two electrodes. A power supply system is operatively connected to the two electrodes for generating an arc which is adapted to extend axially from the rear electrode through the vortical flow of gas and to an attachment point located on the front electrode. The bore of the front electrode includes a cup-shaped outer end portion which defines a forwardly facing radial shoulder. By proper coordination of the power and gas delivery systems, the arc may be made to attach to the radial shoulder of the front electrode, and such that the erosion of the front electrode occurs along an axial direction rather than a radial direction. The vortex generator also includes structure for continuously varying the pressure of the gas delivered between the electrodes, which serves to distribute the arc attachment point and the resulting erosion on each of the electrodes. |
