METHOD FOR FORMING AN ELECTRIC ARC IN A PLASMA TORCH Russian patent published in 2022 - IPC H05H1/24 B23K10/00 H05B7/20 

FIELD: plasma technology.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of plasma technology, in particular to methods for stable excitation of a gas discharge at normal pressure, used to produce an electric arc discharge in plasma torches with a tubular cathode. In the interelectrode gap, an auxiliary electrode is installed in the form of a tungsten rod, galvanically connected to the anode, and in the initial position in contact with it through a current-limiting resistor. With the help of mechanical forces, the auxiliary electrode makes a rapid movement from the anode to the cathode and back. When returning after contact with the cathode, the auxiliary electrode stretches the auxiliary low-power arc to the anode and after touching the anode with the auxiliary electrode, the current-limiting resistor is shunted, the arc is further developed and goes into self-sustaining mode.

EFFECT: stabilization of gas discharge combustion in a large range of capacities at the rated voltage of a powerful source, improving the safety of operation.

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