Control and Monitoring System for an Inductively Coupled Plasma Torch System

Abstract

A 30 kW inductively coupled plasma torch (ICP) facility been has recently developed at the University of Vermont to conduct research in the testing of new materials to be used for the thermal protection systems for the next generation of space exploration vehicles. The objective of this work was to develop a PC-based control and monitoring system that would automate control system inputs and data collection from outputs of the ICP torch. The control software selected was National Instrument’s Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Engineering Workbench, LabVIEW. A control and monitoring system was designed that was able to meet the following requirements: (1) Adjust and record the flow rate of up to five mass flow rate controllers during startup and operation of the torch. (2) Use a bypass valve to control and maintain pressure between a specified range at the chamber exhaust. (3) Measure and record the cooling water temperature (seven separate thermocouples) and having an exhaust temperature warning system for the user when upper or lower limits are reached (4) Incorporate shielding to protect all system components and wiring from electromagnetic interference produced by the 30 kilowatt power supply. The control and monitoring system improves the operation of the plasma torch facility, allowing a single operator to control and monitor the system from a computer interface.