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Modeling Thermal Plasma Material Processing Experiments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2011

D. J. Varacalle Jr,
L. S. Richardson and
M. E. Mc Ilwain
D. J. Varacalle Jr
Affiliation:
Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, EG&C Idaho, Inc., P.O. box I25, Idaho Falls, ID 83415
L. S. Richardson
Affiliation:
Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, EG&C Idaho, Inc., P.O. box I25, Idaho Falls, ID 83415
M. E. Mc Ilwain
Affiliation:
Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, EG&C Idaho, Inc., P.O. box I25, Idaho Falls, ID 83415
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Arstract

Spatial distributions of plasma variables (concentration, temperature, and velocity) were calculated for alumina and carbon species injected in an argon thermal plasma. The plasma behavior was modeled from arc initiation through free plume expansion by combining a plasma code with a plume code. The model assumed a direct current, constrictor type, arc heater. This research, supported by the U.S. Bureau of Mines under the Strategic and Critical Materials Program, is examining the feasibility of using thermal plasmas for ore reduction. The process investigated in this paper is the carbothermic reduction of alumina.

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