MEANS FOR ELECTRICALLY HEATING GASES

摘要

Means for electrically heating gases includes a plasma generator comprising first and second cylindrical electrodes. The first cylindrical electrode has one open end and one closed end and the second cylindrical electrode has two open ends. The electrodes are connected to a current source to produce an electrig arc between the first and second electrodes. At least one spacer is arranged between the first and second electrodes, the or each spacer having a length of 100 to 500 mm. Gas supply gaps are arranged between adjacent ones of the electrodes and spacers. A first said gas supply gap between the upstream electrode and the adjacent spacer is adapted to cause the gas to flow initially in a direction opposite to the main direction of gas flow, thus causing the upstream root of the arc to be moved against the flow, towards the closed electrode end.