Magnetic Plasma Rotation in a Metallurgical Process Reactor

Abstract

Plasma rotation is a crucial factor for producing high temperatures and stable operation in metallurgical process reactors. Little has been reported on details of rotation or on actual measurements of rotation rates. Explanation and measurements are given here for a specific reactor using a solenoidal axial magnetic field to effect plasma rotation. Results of this work are as follows. 1) Plasma rotation is due to the drift velocity v?d from crossed electric and magnetic fields. 2) From a radiation standpoint, this drift velocity acts similarly to cyclotron radiation. 3) Electromagnetic radiations from the plasma are measured with a spectrum analyzer. 4) Measured value of the electron cyclotron frequency is in agreement with the theoretical computed value. 5) Measured value of electromagnetic radiation from electron rotation around the cathode due to v?d is 4.2 MHz and is in agreement with the computed value. 6) Since v?d is invariant to charge and mass, in addition to other arguments, the plasma may rotate about the cathode at the same rate, but no less than 60 000 rpm.