Control of arc plasma torches: compensation of operational enthalpy drifts

In arc plasma torches electrode wear is the main reason for slow changes in the electrical and thermal torch characteristics. Such effects hinder technological applications of this type of plasma torches whenever the enthalpy must be maintained at a fixed level, or varied as needed. To solve this problem, a new method and algorithm for torch control are proposed. The time evolution of the arc current, voltage and thermal power loss of the torch are recorded. The values measured are used to find the required value of the enthalpy