Several laboratory experiences have been internationally carried out using different types of non
transferred arc plasma torches. The target is to test a process able to decompose chlorinated liquid or
gases and to recovery chorine without pollution of the atmosphere (Fig. 2).
For example, the decomposition of dichloromethane (CH
2Cl2) has been deeply investigated by theInstitute of Plasma Physics of Prague [6]. The plasma is generated in water plasma torch by heating and
ionization of steam produced by the interaction of the electric arc with water vortex surrounding the arc
column. Experiments were carried out with a total power of the torch of 84kW (Fig. 3)
The reaction chamber is made by stainless steel with an alumina tube inserted 20mm downstream the
torch exit. The substance was injected into the plasma jet in the upstream part of the tube. Oxygen was
added into reaction chamber to avoid production of solid carbon. The treated liquid was injected at the
rate of 60 cm
3/min. The measured DRE was 99.9995%.
