RF Plasma Torch Radio frequency generated plasma creates high temperatures to destroy hazardous wastes. The system is electrodeless, operates at high pressure, and has high throughput. The design goal is 100 kW continuous operation. Operation at 700 torr has been demonstrated.
Collection is accomplished by discriminating high energy particles from low energy particles.
The simplest collectors select those particles with a large cyclotron orbit. The device at UCLA creates a high density plasma with a 2 kW 10 GHz electron cyclotron resonance source. The separation is carried out in a uniform magnetic field region of about 6 kG. The plasma diameter is about 10 cm and the working length is about 1 meter. The first isotope to be separated is calcium. Various calcium isotopes are used medically for studies of nutrition, osteoporosis, lactation, bone disease, and diabetes.