Patent ID: 6156995
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
A water injection plasma arc torch, comprising:a torch body defining a longitudinal discharge axis;an electrode secured to said torch body and comprising a discharge end; anda water-injection nozzle assembly mounted adjacent to said discharge end of said electrode, wherein said nozzle assembly comprises:an inner nozzle member formed of metallic material and comprising a radially exterior surface, wherein said inner nozzle member defines a bore therethrough that is coaxially aligned with said longitudinal discharge axis defined by said torch body,an outer nozzle member formed of metallic material and comprising a radially interior surface, wherein said outer nozzle member is radially outward of said inner nozzle member and defines a bore therethrough that is coaxially aligned with said longitudinal discharge axis defined by said torch body, andan annular insulating element press-fit between said inner and outer nozzle members such that said inner and outer nozzle members are pressed together concentrically in a manner that a water passageway is defined between at least portions of said interior surface of said outer nozzle member and said exterior surface of said inner nozzle member for communicating a flow of water to said bore of said outer nozzle member, wherein said annular insulating element is constructed such that said metallic inner and outer nozzle members are electrically insulated from one another.