Patent ID: 7375303
Filing Date: 2008-05-20
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
1. A plasma arc torch system comprising: a power supply; a torch body connected to the power supply; a nozzle and an electrode mounted in a mutually spaced relationship to form a plasma chamber at a first end of the torch body, a plasma gas flowing through the plasma chamber, the electrode having a body extending from a first end to a second end, an end face disposed at the second end, the end face defining an edge, a swirling plasma gas flowing about the body, an insert with an emission surface disposed in the second end of the body, the insert defining a perimeter, wherein during operation of the electrode a plasma arc emission is confined within the perimeter of the insert, and at least one passage extending from a first opening in the body to a second opening in the end face, the second opening located outside of the perimeter and within the edge, the at least one passage having an electrode gas flowing therethrough, the at least one passage is dimensioned to direct the electrode gas such that the electrode gas substantially surrounds the insert as the electrode gas exits the second opening; and a controller for controlling the electrode gas flow through at least one of the passages as a function of a plasma arc torch parameter.