Study of the influence of the plasma torch in a plasma arc melting furnace

Holst, Helen (2015). Study of the influence of the plasma torch in a plasma arc melting furnace. University of Birmingham. M.Sc.

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Abstract

Plasma arc melting, PAM, is used to melt and refine titanium, a reactive alloy often used in the aerospace industry. This thesis looks at the effect of the properties of a plasma torch within PAM, focusing on its use as a mechanism for inputting energy to the ingot. Previous research has failed to address the relationship between a plasma torch and titanium during a refining process; choosing to focus on the two separately e.g. the use of plasma in welding or refining using Vacuum Arc Remelting, V AR. Different aspects of the plasma torch in PAM have been examined. In particular how much thermal and electrical energy is inputted and lost from the torch, and how the effect this has on the energy flow in the ingot being melted. To do this number of experiments were carried out measuring the energy outputs: visual methods (examining the growth of melt pools); voltage measurements to quantify energy flow in the ingot; and thermocouples attempting to measure the radiation energy given off by the plasma. This work provides an insight into the effect of the plasma, by highlighting and quantifying a number of factors that influence the efficiency of the torch.

Type of Work:	Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Sc.)
Award Type:	Masters by Research > M.Sc.
Supervisor(s):	Supervisor(s) Email ORCID Ward, Mark UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
Licence:
College/Faculty:	Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
School or Department:	School of Chemical Engineering
Funders:	None/not applicable
Subjects:	T Technology > TP Chemical technology
URI:	http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/6486

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