Patent ID: 8810122

Claim:
A multi-mode plasma arc torch comprising: a cylindrical vessel having a first end and a second end; a first tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to the first end; a second tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to the second end; an electrode housing connected to the first end of the cylindrical vessel such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel; a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the second end of the cylindrical vessel such that a center line of the hollow electrode nozzle is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, the hollow electrode nozzle having a first end disposed within the cylindrical vessel and a second end disposed outside the cylindrical vessel; and wherein adjusting a position of the first electrode with respect to the hollow electrode causes the multi-mode plasma arc torch to operate in a dead short resistive mode, a submerged arc mode, an electrolysis mode, a glow discharge mode or a plasma arc mode.