Thermal Dynamics Corporation

William Wakefield

Raymond G Wilkins

David J Nelson

An electrode used in a plasma-arc torch has ridges formed on the side surface thereof for initiating a pilot arc. The required voltage for initiating a pilot arc is substantially reduced by employing this type of electrode. The ridges have much smaller radii of curvature which substantially enhance the local electric field strength responsible for creating the pilot arc discharge. The ridges are oriented substantially along the flow lines of the plasma gas so as to create the least disturbance. In one embodiment with spiral gas flow, this results in helically oriented ridges. In another embodiment with straight gas flow, the ridges are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the electrode.

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Windsor, VT, United States of America

William Wakefield