Patent ID: 7741577
Filing Date: 2010-06-22
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
1. A plasma reactor apparatus comprising: an enclosed reaction chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a first electrode pair comprising an anode and a cathode, the first electrode pair being configured to provide a first electrical arc proximate the inlet of the chamber; a second electrode pair comprising an annular anode and an annular cathode, the second electrode pair configured to provide a second electrical arc within the chamber, the second electrical arc extending between an arc endpoint on the annular cathode of the second electrode pair and an arc endpoint on the annular anode of the second electrode pair; and at least one electrically insulating elongated tube having an inner surface at least partially defining the enclosed reaction chamber, the annular anode of the second electrode pair disposed at a first end of the at least one electrically insulating elongated tube and the annular cathode of the second electrode pair disposed at an opposing second end of the at least one electrically insulating elongated tube, the annular anode and the annular cathode of the second electrode pair each having a respective opening extending therethrough, the openings extending respectively through the annular anode and the annular cathode of the second electrode pair having average cross-sectional areas less than an average cross-sectional area of a portion of the enclosed reaction chamber defined by the inner surface of the at least one electrically insulating elongated tube between the annular anode and the annular cathode of the second electrode pair.