The Energetic Structure of Plasma Arc Anode under Reduction Melting of Quartz-Leucoxene Concentrate

Abstract

The laboratory plasma arc reduction melting of material on the basis of Ti–Si oxides is described. The melting was carried out in a 75 mm graphite crucible which was the anode of the arc. A graphite electrode was the cathode. The electrode was 50 mm in diameter and had an axial channel through which argon was fed. The current of the arc was up to 500 A, and the length of the arc was up to 10 mm. The sum of the electrode voltage drops, the resistance of the material, and the capacity of Joule heating were determined. The capacity of resistance heating was up to 70% of total capacity. The resistance of the material was also calculated theoretically on the basis of the heat model of anode spot. The theoretical and experimental data are in good correlation. The resistance of the material and the Joule heating capacity are maximal when the material is cold and decrease to zero upon its melting.