WO2008074162A1 - Thermal plasma treatment technologies for hazardous wastes remediation - Google Patents

Abstract

The purpose of this special physical-chemical process encompassing the behaviour of high temperature plasmas is the complete dissociation, of semi-organic and/or organic molecules classified as dangerous, including: Bio Hazardous Molecules, Nerve Gases (NG), Bio-organic Molecules and Biological Elements (bacteria, DNA-RNA viruses, prions). The process can be applied to sites containing contaminating materials or directly to polluted areas in civilian or military industrial plants or laboratories. The process relies on physical -chemical and magneto-dynamic techniques applied to ionized gas together with the introduction of atomic elements such as Lanthanides, Yttrium, Iron, Helium and Hydrogen within the plasma. The process relies on techniques of plasma creation through RF (Radio Frequencies) generators, coupled with Magneto Gas Dynamics (MGD) and Magneto Hydro Dynamics (MHD) complexes acting as a motor and/or generator of plasma in confined hot regions of the plasma. As the sections can be toroidal, linear, or hybrid, the MHD-MGD motor generator coupling allows the recycling and confining of the atomic ionized elements, while keeping a high gradient of temperature (T°K: 4, 000- 7,000 K) for several minutes (between 1 and 3 minutes according to the molecules to be dissociated).

Description

Title of the Invention:

THERMAL PLASMA TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES

FOR HAZARDOUS WASTES REMEDIATION

Physical Chemistry in Dynamics of conducting Gases, using Lanthanides ( Ln3+), Yttrium (Y), Iron (Fe), Helium (He), Hydrogen (H2) and Deuterium (D2), as well as other elements such as atomic elements in a Magneto Gas Dynamics (MGD) and Magneto Hydro Dynamics (MHD) in recycled High Temperature Pulsed and Continuous Powered Plasmas.

Background of the Invention

Conventional plasmas processes reach rates of molecular dissociation between 85% and 95%. These processes use various methods of plasma creation through electro thermal discharges (resistive method) with electrodes or through inductive methods : RF, HF, microwaves and Cyclotron Resonance (CR).

These traditional processes have advantages and inconveniences. The residual amounts are measured by means of spectroscopic techniques: (ICP-AES, ICP-MS, AAS) for the natural elements (metals) and by GC-MS techniques for molecules.

Government agencies require that machines treating highly toxic and dangerous molecules have efficiency rates of 99.9999% to 99.99999% with regard to the destruction of military molecules.

The recycling method of the invention, using the MHD-MGD described, generally does not involve turbines, mechanical, or motor engines.

RF: Radio Frequency

HDF: High Frequency

CR: Cyclotron Resonance

AAS: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

ICP-AES: Inductive Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

ICP-MS: Inductive Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectroscopy

GC-MS: Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectroscopy

The advantage of inductive methods (HF, RF, microwaves, CR) is that they stabilize plasmas at high temperatures. However, the time sampling is insufficient and impacts significantly on the efficiency.

The dispersion and introduction of toxic substances also influence the plasma efficiency.

Resistive methods (electrodes) have the advantage of creating LTE plasma at a very high temperature (5,00OK <T°K<18,000K) but are too limited by the electrode's surfaces according to the plasmagenous gas utilized. However, the normal or premature wearing down of the electrodes prevents the technique from keeping an LTE condition and only allows the obtaining of an NLTE condition.

So, the temperature gradient is unstable as is the efficiency. Some kinds of residues can be treated successfully, but these resistive methods (electrodes) cannot be applied to highly toxic or bio-hazardous molecules since the required efficiency is 99.9999 to 99.99999%, and cannot be reached with resistive methods nor with classical thermal plasmas (even R.F.).

PLTE : Partial Local Thermal Equilibrium LTE : Local Thermal Equilibrium NLTE : Non-Local Thermal Equilibrium T⁰K : Temperature Kelvin

In the invention, the MHD-MGD recycling of molecular elements combined with the presence of atomic species such as: (Fe3+, Ln3+, Y3+, He, H2...) allows nearly all toxic and dangerous levels or amounts to remain for an extended period of time inside the hottest area in the plasma created (8,000 - 13,000 K). Moreover, the MGD-MHD system can produce electric energy engendering a better exploitation of the plasma machine, which we call Terminatorr.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

TERMINATORR plasma process and sequences plan:

Toroϊdal type (geometric option among others)

1) PRIMARY PLASMA (spherical chamber) No. 6 Figure 1

Ablation chamber (case of solids residues, barrels, drums, cans, canisters) Resistive or Inductive plasma utilized in the Ablation Chamber. {1, 4, 14} Figurel

2) DISPERSION CHAMBER No. 2, 3 Figure 1 dispersion of liquids and toxic gases

(Optional methods): Laser, microwaves, RF, Ultrasonic waves.

3) PLASMA PRINCIPAL PARIETAL Pl 60° SFROl Figure 1

4) PLASMA PRINCIPAL PARIETAL P2 120° SFRO2 Figure 1

5) PLASMA PRINCIPAL PARIETAL P3 180° SFRO3 Figure 1 6) TOROIDAL COMPLETE

7) MHD-MGD process zone (SZOl) Figure 1 including permanent magnets and solenoids

8) Central tanks for liquids gases and pressurized gases (CTK) Figure 1 (Helium, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon dioxide)

9) CRYOZONES (15- 80 K)

10) DIAGNOSTICS and ANALYSIS real time: Z Diagnosis Figure 1 ICP-MS, ICP-AES, GC-MS, plasma criteria for LTE in the toroidal, pressures and temperatures

11) Electronic monitoring procedures, informatics' center,

12) FARADAY protection cells associated with RF, HF (generators)

13) Emergency discarding TANK No. 15 Figure 1

14) Tank for final residues No. 16 Figure 1

Brief Description of Figures and Drawings

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view showing the various required components of the process in an ample of the invention process, showing a descriptive example of the Toroidal type plasma process.

Figure 2 demonstrates the Magneto Hydro Dynamics process as a Generator.

Summary of the Invention:

Parts of the process:

Introduction of atomic elements Fe3+, Ln3+ (Lanthanides), Y3+ (Yttrium), He (Helium) and or H2 (Hydrogen) at the core of the plasmas in LTE. Spectroscopic analysis of the elements by Atomic Emission spectrometer ICP- AES, ICP-MS- and AAS.

The basic plasmas are seeded with elements through dispersion of FeC13, LnCB, YC13, or others. The concentrates can vary between 300 and 3000 ppm when in the presence of dioxins, the dispersed added elements are not chlorines but are other halogens or " metallic solutions" in Argon created by plasma methods.

Diagnostics of the different plasmas created by RF Induction: The plasmas Pl, P2, P3 are considered as optically thin, which means that the absorption phenomena of the Argon line is quasi negligible. Moreover, the reflected power is 0.03<Rp<0.10 % on Ip after the tuning regulation.

Center of the plasma LTE:

Rp = Reflected power

Ip = Inducted power

T = ( 12,360 +/- 19O )⁰K

Ne = (8.13 +/-0.8) 10 +16 cm-3 according to GRIEM formula

NArI = (4.31+/-0.24) 10+17 cm-3

ArI = Argon line Ionized state( I )

Plasma in MHD-MGD zone LTE:

T = (4,200 +/- 19O)⁰K

Ne =( 7.60 +/- 1.50) 10 +13 cm-3

Plasma out of the MHD-MGD zone NLTE

T (average) ( 2,100- 3,300) ⁰K

The calculation of Ne, NAr values is not significant because of high uncertainties.

Ne (electrons density) is deduced from the STARK broadening of the ArI 4,300.10 A⁰ line in the GRIEM formula. The GRIEM formula is free for the assumption of the LTE condition.

The introduced elements (Fe3+, Ln3+, Y3+, He, H2... or D2) follow a special protocol; the Argon continuum is tested in an orthogonal device with the main plasma relative to the MHG-MGD mounting.

The Argon continuum is analysed by means of ICP-AES Ar II 3564.34A⁰ continuum Fell 3564.53 A°

The Argon and Iron atomic lines are tracked enough to allow a possible shift on broadening to be resolved.

The impurities added (Fe+3, Ln3+, Y3+, H2, D2 ) produce a local self- absorption in the plasmas. The absorption relaxation causes a reduction or falling down of the plasma diamagnetism and the increasing temperature can vary from 6.20% to 9.77%, depending on the nature of the introduced elements.

We utilize this property of the impurities in the kinetics MHD-MGD which we apply so as to make up for thermal losses at the time of the MHD-MGD phenomena.

ArII Argon ionized line state II Fell Iron ionized line state II IA⁰ = 10-8 cm

In the invention, the process principle is to have geometrically confined, as long as possible, the toxic molecules to be dissociated. It is well known by specialists that, when the molecules first transit through a plasma they (because of their diamagnetic properties) attempt to go around the hot core of the plasma where diamagnetic forces and properties exist.

Then they confine themselves to the parietal areas of the plasma where the temperature cannot be over 1,200⁰K, and the molecules entering this area for a few (micro or milliseconds) are not destroyed or are only partially destroyed and can subsequently reconstruct.

We utilize the natural properties of plasmas inducted by RF fields and further enhanced by MHD-MGD systems (in motor and/or generator mode) in order to have toxic molecules confined within special geometrical shapes (cylinders, toroids, spheres, and hybrids), and have them exposed to thousands of cycles for a few minutes, by recycling all the elements within the plasmas. Thus the plasma in Terminatorr is working within a toroidal nozzle.

The plasma in Terminatorr is working in the with stressing the J invariance a

(second adiabatic invariant) J = J v//ds = constant. b

The plasma heating scheme called transit time magnetic pumping when oscillating current is applied to coils of mirrors systems (synchronous NS ZOl- MHD-MGD and poloidals fields) for the particles J is not conserved in this case because of the change of B.

The plasma sections of the Terminatorr mounting not under the direct influences of magnetic fields inductions, are submitted to the poloidals magnetic fields induction, allowing the d Ω (solid angle) correction of the kinetics particulates within the plasma. This geometric correction is applied near the walls of the toroidal nozzle (mirrors).

The recycling is not engendered (in the invention) by way of pumps or turbines but by the modelization and control of the plasma criteria in the different modes of the MHD-MGD (as generator and/or motor) described below.

MOTORMODE:

Indeed, the high temperature plasma (2,000- 8,000)°K does not allow the utilization of pumps or turbines.

Furthermore, the thermodynamics of plasma engines in confining mode does not cause the wearing of the mechanical moving parts because there is no moving part in contact with the plasma; there are only magnetic fields, electrodes, and/or RF inductors.

Moreover, there is no possible contamination other than that which we select (Fe3+,Ln3+,Y3+....) Iron, Lanthanides, Yttrium. The maintenance of the parts is simple because there is no mechanical part within a near proximity to the plasmas. Only the electrodes and magnetic fields of the MHD-MGD systems must be reconditioned.

View of Magneto-Hydrodynamic Motor and Generator system (MHD-MGD) in a toroidal section.

The central part of the device is a toroidal section SANB in which the ionized gas is made to flow at high velocity.

This gas is charged with introduced elements (Fe3+, Ln3+, Y3+ and eventually (Ca+2, K+, Na+, La+, Actmides, Li+, Sc3+...)

The theory and experiments demonstrate that the plasma gas with Argon (Ar) or other mixture that can include some percentage of He (Helium) must be at a temperature of over 2,500 ⁰K to utilize the MHD-MGD. MAGNETO HYDRO DYNAMICS GENERATOR PLAN:

Ionized gas Φi

Electric charge AB

Toroidal geometric section

Less speedy ionized gas or accelerated gas Φe

GENERATOR MODE:

The plasma is immersed inside a transversal magnetic field that can be created between the S and N polar parts of a permanent magnet or a solenoid inductor. The walls closest to these poles are covered with an electric isolator.

On the other hand, the A and B sides constitute conducting electrodes by which an electric current can flow through the plasma and an external charge. Thus, first it can be supposed that the external circuit is a merely passive and high enough impedance; the plasma movement at V velocity produces then an electric field E = v x B between the electrodes A and B; the system runs as a GENERATOR.

If it supplies a current to the outer circuit, then it creates, in the plasma, an electric current of J density and volume force f = J x B and tends to slow down the plasma's movement.

Magneto Hydro Dynamics as GENERATOR Figure 2

On the contrary, it can be supposed that the external circuit includes a generator that creates between A and B an electric field E of opposite direction, and clearly higher than (V x B).

In such conditions, in the plasma, a current is created in the opposite direction.

The electromagnetic force ( j x B )is also reversed and thus it tends to accelerate the plasma.

The systems operates as a MOTOR.

The installed power of 210 KW is increased to 810 KW in the case of LTE criteria conditions, because the pressure is raised to 10 Bars in kinetic mode, the concept of temperature being included. The one-dimensional Maxwellian distribution is given by:

F (u)

1

Where fdu is the numbers of particles per cm³, with velocity between u and +du, ¹A mu ² is the kinetic energy and k is the Boltzmann's constant, The density n, or number of particles per cm³, is given by

The constant A is related to the density n by:

So, after evident integral resolution, the average kinetic energy is 1/2 kT E_av = 1/2 kT.

We can extend this result to three dimensions. Then Maxwell's distribution is: ', v, w) = A₃ exp[-l/2 (u² + V^ wVkTJ where

A₃ = n(m/2πkT)^3y2.

After integral resolution, the middle kinetic energy is E_av = 3/2 kT.

So, the general result is tiiat E^ equals l/2kT per degree of freedom, the energy corresponding to kT that is used to qualify the temperature ForkT= 1 eV = 1,6 x 10^"12 erg We have T- 1,6 x 10^"12 / 1.38.10^"16 == 11,600

So the conversion factor is 1 eV=l 1,600⁰K.

For 2 eV (two dimensions distribution),

2eV=23,000° K

3eV=34,800°K Such temperatures in the plasma can deliver ionised Argon lines ArIII. Third ionized state.

We can say that plasma can have several temperatures at the same time. It often happens that the ions and the electrons have separate Maxwellian distribution with different temperatures Ti (ions) and Te (electrons).

As in the geometrical MHD-MGD tool, the temperature is up to 2,500⁰K, the MHD-MGD process can easily convert the ions and introduced atomic species into a flow of particles with the current density existing in the generator mode.

The generator mode is mentioned in the invention, but is not developed as a possible improvement of the invention.

The flow inside the plasma is related to an inner current density recovery. The flow outside the plasma made of bosons mainly (U. V. radiation) is related to an outer current density recovery.

Outside the walls of the plasma toroidal, the U. V. radiation pressure is important and losses by U. V. radiation are estimated (10 — 20%) of the whole power needed to create the plasma; the thermal balance is influenced by losses from U. V. radiation.

Because of the important electricity needs for the RF generators and MHD- MGD, all around the Plasma toroid we set silicon cells to change U. V. radiation into electricity. Several converters change the DC current into AC current to be incorporated into the RF generators.

62% of the toroid can be used to install Silicon cells and recover electricity from U. V. radiation. The benefit of the electricity balance could be 144 KW; this average number is compared with 800 KW installed power. Therefore, in the power balance, this quantity is quite significant for the cost of electricity fluid that is important in the process. The general maintenance of the cells and of the transformers installed in the electricity station is quite simple and inexpensive.

The electricity produced by generator mode is balanced with motor mode needs in electricity, a reverse phenomena within the plasma.

The TERMINATORR system can be autonomous with regard to recycling because of real time analysis through GC-MS, of the remaining molecules; when the atomic analysis device no longer detects any toxic molecule or its precursor, then a new toxic supply enters the Terminatorr.

The solid toxic supplies are prepared through primary RF plasma, which undertakes ablation of the solids, which are vaporized and, then, inserted into the Terminatorr system.

The primary plasmas and their chambers for thermal processing can be disconnected from the Terminatorr system in case of malfunction so the Terminatorr does not become polluted.

The contaminating supply can then be isolated and processed again. The MHD-MGD systems in their generator mode can produce a significant amount of electricity, which could be useful for some functions of the Terminatorr including some of the MHD energy needs.

Power and pressures installed for the process, sections, and dimensions of the plasma chambers:

The ablation chamber can utilize kinetic plasmas whose power varies between 10 and 70 Kw utilizing a star mounting.

The installed power averages 30 to 210 Kw.

The ablation chamber needs to resist pressures of 3 to 10 bars.

The inner pressure in the toroidal chamber is stated (500 mbar to 3000mbar )

The dispersion chamber utilizes RF field methods - microwaves, ultrasounds and CO2 lasers 1 to 10 Kw.

The toroidal sections can reach 60 cm in diameter. The kinetic plasmas (star mounting) have sections that can reach 20 cm diameter.

The average total installed power is approximately 800 Kw.

Governing Principles, Procedures and Sequences: ffiβ ^U2C- 3 -

1 ) Study of the physical-chemical data provided by the polluter.

Counter-analyses are undertaken, primarily to determine the level of radioactivity of the solid, liquid or gaseous materials.

The non-explosive nature of the components to be destroyed, is also verified.

2) The solid components are introduced, with precise precautionary handling, into the spherical ablation chamber (primary plasma-zone 6). The principle plasmas are not in ignition.

A real time analysis is undertaken in zone 10 (Diagnostics zone analysis), in order to determine the levels of concentration of molecular and atomic elements subsequent to the first thermal choc.

3) Normally, liquid and gaseous components are not inserted in the ablation chamber (zone 2). The liquid and gaseous components first undergo a treatment in the dispersion chamber (zone 3).

A preliminary control determines the level of radioactivity of the components and each one, then, continues with the Terminatorr sequential procedures.

4) The vapours are inserted into the toroidal enclosure. The principal parietal (SRFO) plasma is ignited.

5) The plasma thus created is decelerated via MHD-MGD procedure via the generator mode. At this juncture, the residual current produced can be recuperated.

6) A real time analysis is undertaken in zone 10.

7) The principal parietal (SFRO2) is ignited. The plasma thus created is accelerated via the MHD-MGD procedure via the motor mode.

8) The plasma is, once again, decelerated via the generator mode.

9) The MHD-MGD zones are coupled through magnetic induction engendered by permanent magnets (Lanthanides) or by Solenoids.

10) According to criteria imposed or detected in the plasma, the criteria are modulated by the introduction of atomic and molecular elements (Fe3+, Y+3 and Ln3+ (Lanthanides) and gases (He, N2, C02, O2, H2, D2), as needed.

Also, temperature criteria, and densities (Ne, NAr) are corrected by the RF generators. The procedures driving the plasmas and the MHD-MGD and the introduction of atomic and molecular elements are assured by several computerized programs, and charts giving electronic orders allowing the synchronous routine operations for SFROl, SFR02, SFR03.

When malfunctions are detected the generators are stopped and the gaseous products inside the Toroidal machine are evacuated and introduced into a security cryostat emergency tank.

After appropriate monitoring and controls are concluded the countdown is given and the operation can be repeated or done again.

11) The completion of the above-described procedures accomplish the mission of the plasma machine, that is the CYCLICAL circulation in the toroidal plasma - and when authorization is obtained from the Diagnostics zone, the treated components are evacuated in a holding tank.

A final ICP-MS control is undertaken prior to the discarding or utilization of the gases into fuel cells.

The metals are recuperated by density. Several complementary procedures can be applied.

EXPERIMENT - Linear mode - FlQuta 4 ~

Plasma diagnostic.

Preliminary Comments:

The general drawing shows the major embodiment of the experiment mounting but not the details reserved for the tasks around the plasma machine which are numerous.

Since the experiment involves hot gases and possible toxic and hasardous molecules, special caution has to be applied to the manner how to conduct the experiment in order not to damage the analyser tools through direct introduction of the species. This concerns principally the GC-Ms and ICP-MS. - For the time being, real time experiments cannot be monitored.

Technical Comments: Index n°1

The plasma is generated by ICP mode 27 Mhz range, and with supply power (1,5-2Kw).

The plasma is Ar plasma, with 13-16 liters for principal and 1,5 liters for secondary. The nebulization chamber can be supplied by liquids or gases with adapted mass flow.

The nebulization chamber can receive and introduce in the plasma different types of atomic species (transition elements, lanthanides, but also actinides....).

The nebulization chamber can receive Argon charged with small particles of natural elements coming from the ablation chamber not described in the general drawing.

The nebulization chamber can be supplied by different gases such as He and CO2 or D2 that used to realize the plasma diagnostic and criterias, i.e. LTE and PLTE states.

That means that Index n°1 is related to general gases and species introduced in the plasma and the Argon plasma itself.

Index n°2

MHD-MGD system coupled with the plasma; this mounting is resistive, with the use of electrodes (carbon for the moment, and in the future carbon doped with Lanthanum hexaboride).

We can see the solenoids for the impulsed fields mode and the permanent magnet for the conservation of invariance of J. Index n°3

The outflow of gases treated by the MHGD system are cooled, and the plasma is on PLTE state; in the steady configuration in Index n°1 the plasma was in LTE.

These states are are verified by current criteria of the plasma with Saha equation. The temperature is compared to prominent lines of Cl₁ CII and Ar I, Il continuum when the plasma is in LTE state. Thus we can determine Ne, NAr, T⁰K - shift and broadening.

For the species introduced in the main plasma Index n°1, we can determine the gf values oscillator strength for each plasma and compare the gf values of LTE and PLTE. Thus we can appreciate correctly the degenerated state with good accordance of gf values of other authors (Kurucz and Peytreman) with the Smithsonian tables.

The temperature being delivered by the Argon continuum, we use the BOLDT method (Ar + C02).

Thus, for example, for a Argon Plasma, we get T=12433 ⁰K with a precision dT=240 K

Index n°4

The cooled gases 3,000 K coming from the MHGD could be treated again by an ICP coil in order to attain the highest possible level of destruction. However, this experiment is limited to a linear mode and in order have a good understanding of the Terminatorr process, via the MHGD system, one can recycle the gases.

This is attained after an important cooling (7,000 K to 600 K) with a turbine heat exchanger. One can appreciate the nearly complete destruction of the molecules after several minutes of recycling. There are only about several hundreds of cycles necessary as compared to several thousands of cycles with the MHGD tool.

In the case of the turbine, one can only appreciate the residence time of the molecules, the velocity of the macroscopic gas but not the high velocity of atomic and electron species equal to several km sec-1.

However, for the moment, we cannot discuss these states implying resonant and non resonant plasmas in a toroid.

We must also precise that the outlet flow from 4 is introduced in the cryo and chemical traps in order to precipitate or solubilize the metals. This will allow the cooled gases to be recovered in special cans and to be analysed.

40-45-50 are special bottles under reduced vacuum to take samples from different parts of the plasma before MHGD and after MHGD, but also near the magnets in order to determine the lanthanides flow after the previous introduction in the plasma 1. This allows to appreciate the efficiency of the MHGD system.

5-10-15 are the mass flow allowing to regulate the (Argon + species) intake in the different parts of the plasma. Index n°5 and n°6

Index n°5 is an optical length at the exit of the MHGD system allowing to appreciate the different criteria in the plasma and the lanthanides distribution and to compare the determination of the concentration before and after which has been realized with the gauges 40-50-45.

This measurement is considered as real time by the optical method in the plasma and indicates also the thermal losses in the system.

This measurement is considered as real time by the optical method in the plasma and indicates also the thermal losses in the system.

Index n°7 and n°8

We adapt to the optical length N°5 several CaF2 windows and rotating mirrors (7 and 8), the optical length is under vacuum 10-3 torr.

The lasers 14 and 13 are reserved for the sources alignment situated in the front window of the ICP-AES analyser.

The optical length 6 is under vacuum, and a D2 lamp (11) for Deuterium continuum is adapted to the optical length 6, near the CaF2 window, there is a Carbon arc for reference to blackbody model 3900 K for the Carbon crater.

This reference is very useful in all temperature determinations. The reference is compared to the Cl ( 2478 A° - 1931 A° ) in the Ar + CO2 continuum.

Index n°9

This is the torch AES-ICP location, we can remove for optical diagnostics for the plasma, and back replace when finished, in order to pursue the analysis protocol of species.

A special mounting will target the center of the AES entry to reach correctly the radiation detector of the ICP-AES.

The same operation has been realized one year ago with a ICP 6000 and a ICP 5500.

MISSIONS OF EACH ANALYZER

ICP -AES :

Determination of the elements in the raw material introduced in the Ablation Chamber.

Determination of the elements of the resulting ablation, the experiment has been realized far from the general mounting in order avoid pollution risks.

Determination of the species distribution in the cryo 15 and chemical traps 16 Plasma diagnostics (continuum Ar + CO2 Cl - CII, Ar I₁ Ar II, D2), external C - C arc-gf values. Temperature, Ne, Nar, MHGD system efficiency. Entropy of the system LTE - PLTE states

ICP - MS :

Analysis of the atomic species introduced in the 40-50-45 gauges

Analysis of the atomic species introduced in the 15 and 16 specialized traps, after cooling and precipitation.

Analysis of the MHGD electrodes pollution and abnormal ablation (the electrodes are sacrified out of the MHGD) and treated to allow the dissolution of the metals.

GC - MS :

Gases from from gauge 40-45-50 are analysed to determine the presence of hazardous molecules (remediation ratio) TEQ to be less than 0.1 ng/m3.

Mimetics or subrogates of hazardous molecules. Studies of promoters of dioxins, PCBs, furans. Aromatic and aliphatic C=C bonds models.

Gases from 15-16 traps after cooling. The GC-MS will not be coupled to the 15-16 traps exit, but recovered in a special can in order to be analysed afterwards.

The traps 15 and 16 will be particularly studied for Sulfur and Chlorine in the process.

MODULATED POWER PLASMA PROCESSING

HEMISPHERICAL EXPERIMENT MODE( Hemi -Toroidal mounting) Poloidal plasma rotation in presence of RF HF waves heating in the process.

Based on the previous experiment one can follow the capabilities of the system with HEMISPHERICAL mode.

The process is not changed, only the Ignition Sequence must be carefully calculated in taking in consideration the MHD-MGD process to be applied for the plasma.

The PULSED PLASMA method seems to be the best device for the plasma acceleration coupled to MHD-MGD. The results delivered for the diagnostic of the plasma are quite similar., however we can note the same instabilities in the NLTE state as have been observed in the NLTE plasma. These instabilities are directly related to the leak of Ne (N-electrons) and the Ni (N-ions) densities, close to the MHD - MGD coupled system.

Optically calculated the species ( hazardous molecules and ionised elements ( FeI-FeII, Ln3I- Ln3II) are confined in the plasma, and only 7% escape from the center of the plasma region and flow near poloidal areas of the hemi (toroidal mounting).

Pulsed Plasma mode:

With the pulsed mode one can reach at the suppression of the powder concentration in the discharge space near the MHD-MGD zone, negative ions are involved in the powder formation.

We can consider that powder formation in heat zones are poisoning the plasma confinement. Between turn on and turn off we have a steady state. The pulse duration can range between 10 and 500 ms (millisecond), the turn on can range between 10 and 500 microseconds.

Pulsing the power into the plasma will change the properties of the plasma and will also change the processing. Pulsing the plasma can give advantages over continuous power applied to plasma, mainly in the thermal wall and the resistance and corrosion of structures.

With the pulsed process the risks of OVER HEATING and OVER LOAD the current are considerably low.

One part of the diagnostic of the plasma are realized with Langmuir probes. The residual part of hazardous molecules (7%) which are not involved in the remediation process in the center of the plasma are definitively destroyed by RECYCLING the plasma several seconds (or minutes if necessary) in case of military by-products (NG).

TOROIDAL COMPLETE MOUNTING

One can complete the plasma process by coupling to HEMISPHERICAL sections., the sequences are quite complex but the complete operation can be realized.

Before coupling and recycling the whole TOROIDAL process, we arrange a hemispherical section coupled with a thermal turbine (TELSA Turbine) in order to appreciate the thermal balance with the plasma, the loss, and the capabilities of the MHD-MGD motor or generator mode. The conventional turbine or circulator cannot support high temperature plasma in presence of high oxidant agents, when the temperature plasma is decreasing in contact with the mecanical part of the turbine and/or circulator.

This problem could be solved by using Carbon-Carbon materials.

Certain parts of the toroidal plasma machine could be realized with' Carbon-Carbon materials.

DIMENSIONS AND MOUNTING OF THE FINAL TOROIDAL PLASMA MACHINE

In order to minimize the dimensions of MHD -MGD sections and RF-HF heating coils (POWER SUPPLY), we can superpose three or several toroidal anular plasma chambers.of calculated sections equal to 15 cm or 20 cm (diameter), if we calculate the final toroidal plasma, the machine could alone reach to 60 cm of diameter.

The advantage of this mounting is important because we can utilize conventional power RF supply and the volume capabilities is equivalent, and allows to treat the same volume of hazardous molecules.

Moreover, in case of a dysfunction of one part of the whole plasma machine, we can pursue the operations with only one or two toroidal plasmas, and the problematical toroidal plasma could be stopped easily and either remain at the site or be repaired quickly.

Thus, the advantages of the maintenance are evident and very advantageous.

Claims

CLAIMS:

Claim No.1

The process claims, in conformity with the invention, the construction of a plasma machine, named TERMINATORR, comprising MHD-MGD systems, which allow the circulation and recycling of molecular elements, polluting and/ or dangerous, chemical and/or biological agents, directed at their neutralization and remediation.

Claim No.2

The process claims the installation of a toroidal and quasi-circular machine, utilizing a star mounting {figure No.1), comprising at least 3 inductive RF plasmas, 3 MHD-MGD (permanent magnets and/or solenoids) a plasma ablation chamber for the treatment of solids (barrels, drums, canisters).

Claim No.3 ^~

The process claims a UNIQUE RECYCLING SYSTEM, which allows a plasma enriched by other elements, to CONFINE, during several minutes, dangerous elements and to destroy them definitively, bearing in mind that in conventional plasmas (included in RF plasmas) the passage of dangerous molecules is limited to a few milliseconds.

Claim No.4

The process claims the introduction of atomic elements Fe3+, Y+3, Ln+3 (Lanthanides), Actinides, and Gases N2, O2, He, D2, H2, C02 which modify the criteria of the plasma and its physical - chemical efficiency.

Claim No.5

The process claims the creation of linear, semicircular, hemispheroid, toroidal geometric forms, utilizing the said process. Several toroidal chambers can be superposed (triangular mounting).

Claim No.6

The process claims the utilization of plasma chambers that can comprise Silicium Oxide and Boron Nitrides, Carbon-Carbon composites materials or Beryllium Oxide or Zirconium Oxide as geometric materials. The process claims the formation of new ceramic compounds, with Lanthanides, and Yttrium, Zirconium, Silicium, Boron, Calcium, Potassium, and depleted Uranium. Claim No.7

The process claims the formation of metallic gaseous pseudo solutions in a reducing or oxidizing plasma medium. The said metallic solutions obtained can constitute a means of mining and refining treatment for precious metals - PMGs.

Claim No.8

The process claims the development of metallic catalysts possessing a considerable specific surface.

Claim No.9

The process claims the creation of Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd), Rhodium (Rh), and generally the PMGs (Precious Metal group) including Os (Osmium) as metallic solutions (Claim No.7) in H2 or D2 gases that can be applied to fuel cells. It also claims production of energy and electricity by the process (Silicium and Germanium ) as gaseous electrodes for electrons capture and current production in presence of UV radiation in the geometric plasma chamber.

Claim No.10

The process claims the utilization of the process for the gaseous preparation of atomic elements destined to undergo subsequent selective, Isotopic Separations, Quantum Resonance and Ion Selections in plasmas.

Claim No.11

The process claims the creation of metallic solutions that can be used in

NANOTECHNOLOGIES (biology, electronics, energies).

Claim No.12

The process claims the utilization of the described procedures in an extra terrestrial environment and for the extraction of metals and gases contained on planets and asteroids.

Claim No.13

The process claims the creation of several matrices which can be used in the field of condensed matter and supraconductivity - to be utilized such as anti- gravity devices and quantum computers. Claim No.14

The process claims the utilization of the invention in High-temperature and plasma electrochemistry in liquids and/or gases.

Claim No.15

The process claims the invention to elaborate matrices for neutralization of low radiation residues.

Claim No.16

The process claims the invention to utilize the procedures for space propulsion.

Claim No.17

Recovery of external U. V. radiation and their transformation in electricity directly used by the process.

Claim N.18

The process can be utilized for the CO2, CO, H2S, SO2, NOx, NyOx... remediation coupled to the outlet and chimney incinerators, factories, petrochemical factories and thermal power supply producing electricity.

These hazardous molecules are destroyed and reduced to mono atomic species and finally neutralized by catalysts.