Plasma Magmavication of Soils by Nontransferred Arc

Abstract

Electrical plasma arcs create very high temperatures (T > 4,000°C) that can be specifically directed for the in-place melting of soils. This overview presents a summary of the basic features and capabilities of plasma torches having a nontransferred type of arc for the in situ vitrification of soils. Laboratory chamber experiments using 100 kW and 240 kW plasma systems and full-scale field trials using a 1 MW portable system have successfully melted a variety of soil types, including sands, silts, and clays. Within five minutes' exposure to the arc, a core region of magma forms within the soil matrix that expands radially outward and upward as the torch is pulled out vertically. Several days afterwards, the molten zone cools to form an artificial igneous rock similar to obsidian, basalt, or granite. The size of the vitrified mass is proportional to the electrical power demand. The plasma torch has a configuration similar to a flamethrower and will therefore be amenable to placement down boreholes for purposes of in situ ground modification and subsurface remediation.