Cooled plasma torch and method for cooling the torch

摘要

The invention relates to a cooled plasma torch comprising an electrode, a plasma chamber surrounding the electrode, and a coolant space surrounding the plasma chamber with at least one common wall with the plasma chamber. The plasma torch further comprises means for feeding a coolant medium into the coolant space. The coolant medium pressure is reduced in a fashion that causes a phase change in the coolant medium as it is passed from the coolant feed means to the coolant space, whereby the plasma torch is cooled.