Patent ID: 7189940
Filing Date: 2007-03-13
Classification: C21B,C21C,C22B,F27D,H01J,H05B,H05H,Y02P,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A plasma-assisted melting method comprising: Forming a plasma in a cavity by subjecting a first gas to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency less than about 333 GHz in the presence of a plasma catalyst; wherein the plasma catalyst comprises at least one of an active plasma catalyst and a passive plasma catalyst; wherein the catalyst comprises at least one of metal, inorganic material, carbon, carbon-based alloy, carbon-based composite, electrically conductive polymer, conductive silicone elastomer, polymer nanocomposite, and an organic-inorganic composite; heating a second gas with the plasma; adding a solid to a melting vessel; directing the heated second gas toward the solid sufficient to at least melt the solid into a liquid; and collecting the liquid.