O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar o projeto, o desenvolvimento, a caracterização e a aplicação de um novo dispositivo híbrido gerador de plasma. Este dispositivo consiste em uma tocha de plasma híbrida, a qual é caracterizada pela formação simultânea de dois arcos plasmas, em apenas um dispositivo, que geram um jato de plasma com elevada densidade de energia. Esta tocha é proveniente da união de dois processos geradores de plasma: Plasma Não-Transferido e Propulsor Magnetoplasmadinâmico. A tocha de plasma híbrida desenvolvida no Laboratório de Soldagem & Técnicas Conexas foi submetida aos seguintes testes: testes iniciais de funcionamento para verificar possíveis problemas de projeto e limites de operação da tocha; testes experimentais para caracterização da tocha de plasma híbrida, os quais consistiram em determinar as curvas características de tensão e corrente, o comprimento do jato de plasma, a distribuição de temperatura do jato de plasma expulso para fora da câmara, e a força propulsora resultante do jato de plasma; e testes de aplicação da tocha de plasma híbrida em processos de fabricação, tais como soldagem, corte e endurecimento superficial. Com base nos resultados obtidos para os testes de funcionamento do dispositivo, alguns problemas de isolamento elétrico e térmico foram encontrados e resolvidos. Quanto aos resultados dos testes de caracterização, os parâmetros de funcionamento da tocha de plasma híbrida apresentaram influência significativa sobre as curvas características de tensão e corrente, os comprimentos do jato de plasma, as forças propulsoras resultantes e as distribuições de temperatura. Os resultados obtidos nos testes de aplicação do dispositivo em processos de fabricação foram satisfatórios, isto é, foi possível realizar soldagens, cortes e endurecimento superficial com a tocha de plasma híbrida. Contudo, um novo dispositivo gerador de plasma foi desenvolvido para aplicações em processos de fabricação, porém novos estudos devem ser realizados para encontrar melhores parâmetros e assim conseguir soldagem, corte e endurecimento superficial com excelentes qualidades. / The main objective of this work was to present the project, development, characterization and application to a new hybrid plasma generator device. This device consists of a hybrid plasma torch that is characterized by the simultaneous formation of two plasma arcs in only one device, generating a plasma jet with high energy density. This torch arises from the union of two different plasma processes: Plasma Non-transferred and Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster. The hybrid plasma torch developed in the Welding & Related Techniques Laboratory was submitted to the following trials: trials of operation to identify possible design problems and operations torch limits; trials to characterization of hybrid plasma torch that determined the characteristics curves of voltage and current, the length, the temperature distribution, and the thruster of the plasma jet; and application trials of hybrid plasma torch in manufacturing process, such as welding, cutting and hardening surface. Based at initial operation trials results with the device, some electrical and thermal insulation problems were found and solved. Concerning the results of the characterization trials, the hybrid plasma torch parameters had a significant influence over the voltage and current curves, the lengths of the plasma jet, the resultant thrusters and the temperature distributions. The results obtained in manufacturing process application trials were satisfactory, i.e. was possible to carry out welding, cutting and hardening surface with the hybrid plasma torch. However, a new plasma generated device was developed for application in manufacturing processes, but further studies should be performed to find the best parameters to acquire excellent qualities of welding, cutting and hardening surface.

L’un des défis majeurs pour la conception des capsules de rentrée concerne la modélisation des transferts convectifs et radiatifs à la surface du véhicule. A certains points des trajectoires de rentrée super-orbitale, jusqu’à 40% du flux radiatif total émane du domaine spectral VUV (vacuum ultraviolet), or c’est dans ce domaine que les incertitudes sont les plus fortes. Ce haut niveau d’incertitudes est dû en particulier à un manque de données expérimentales fiables. Le rayonnement VUV est en effet difficile à mesurer en raison de la forte absorption de l’air et des optiques utilisées pour sa mesure. Des difficultés d’analyse supplémentaires sont causées par le fort degré d’auto-absorption et par l’élargissement spectral des raies dans le VUV. L’objectif central de cette étude était d’obtenir des spectres d’émission expérimentaux calibrés dans le VUV afin d’étudier les processus physico-chimiques dans la couche de choc qui contrôlent le flux radiatif. Plus précisément, les objectifs étaient de comparer les spectres observés parallèlement et perpendiculairement à la couche de choc, d’étudier les effets sur l’intensité des raies spectrales émises dans le VUV de l’auto-absorption et de l’élargissement spectral en fonction de la profondeur de champ radiatif (épaisseur optique). Les mesures effectuées perpendiculairement et parallèlement à la surface d’une maquette placée dans l’écoulement représentent un premier jeu de données expérimentales calibrées dans le VUV qui seront utiles pour valider les codes de calcul destinés à prédire le flux radiatif incident. Les mesures obtenues pour différentes profondeurs de champ radiatif représentent quant à elles un ensemble de données expérimentales uniques pour la validation des modèles de transport radiatif et des coefficients d’élargissement des raies. Cette étude s’appuie également sur des simulations numériques afin d’évaluer les prédictions d’un solveur d’écoulement couplé à deux schémas cinétiques à travers la comparaison des spectres mesurés avec les spectres simulés par le code radiatif Specair. Pour atteindre ces objectifs, un banc optique a été conçu et mis en place pour mesurer l’intensité du rayonnement VUV produit autour d’une maquette bidimensionnelle émoussée, avec une résolution spatiale suffisante pour résoudre le profil d’émission dans la couche de choc. La résolution spatiale a été choisie de façon à pouvoir effectuer des mesures du rayonnement dans les zones d’équilibre et hors équilibre de la couche de choc. Un deuxième système a été conçu pour obtenir des mesures du rayonnement VUV incident sur la surface de la maquette. Ce système est constitué d’un hublot placé sur la surface de la maquette et d’un miroir logé à l’intérieur de la maquette pour transmettre le rayonnement vers le système de détection. La profondeur du champ radiatif peut être variée en modifiant la longueur de la maquette, ce qui change l’épaisseur de la couche de choc observée. Le tunnel à détente X2 a été utilisé pour créer les écoulements à haute enthalpie nécessaires pour produire les couches de choc émissives. Deux conditions d’écoulement ont été générées pour cette étude de façon à reproduire des vitesses équivalentes de vol de 10 et 12.2 km/s. Le système spectroscopique utilisé pour ces études comprend un spectromètre McPherson NOVA 225 sous vide couplé à une caméra ICCD Andor iStar de réponse renforcée dans le VUV. Un tube optique scellé par une fenêtre en fluorine a été installé pour prolonger le trajet optique sous vide jusqu’à la maquette de façon à éliminer l’absorption par l’oxygène moléculaire. Le système spectroscopique a été calibré in situ avec une lampe à deutérium placée à l’endroit de la couche de choc rayonnante. L’intensité spectrale incidente sur la surface de la maquette, intégrée entre 115 et 180 nm, est de 0,744 W/cm²sr pour une vitesse d’écoulement de 10 km/s et 12,3 W/cm²sr à 12.2 km/s. [...] / A major design challenge for re-entry capsules lies in the modelling of convective and radiative heat transfer to the surface of the vehicle. At certain points on superorbital re-entry trajectories, up to 40% of the total radiative heat flux is contributed by the vacuum ultra-violet (VUV) spectral range and it is in this spectral range that the largest uncertainties lie. The high level of uncertainty in the VUV is a result of a lack of published experimental data due to difficulties encountered in measuring radiation in the VUV, such as strong absorption by most optical materials and air. Additional complexities of the VUV spectral range include its strongly self-absorbing nature and spectral line broadening. The primary goal of this study was to obtain calibrated spectral measurements in the VUV that enable the investigation of physical processes occurring in the shock layer that influence the incident radiative heat flux. In particular, the issues to be investigated were the variation in spectral radiance observed across a shock layer compared to the spectral radiance measured through the surface, the effects of self-absorption on spectral line intensity and the broadening of spectral lines in the VUV as a function of depth of radiating flow field. The measurements made across and through the surface of a model provide the first set of calibrated experimental results for the validation of computational codes used to predict incident radiative heat flux. Measurements made with a varying depth of radiating flow field provide a unique set of experimental data for the validation of radiation transport models and broadening coefficients. This study also used computational simulations to investigate the accuracy of a flow field solver coupled with two reaction rate schemes and compared the spectra produced using Specair with experimentally measured values. To achieve these goals, an optical system was designed to measure the VUV radiative emission produced around a blunt two-dimensional model in a spatially resolved manner across the shock layer. Spatial resolution allowed for spectral measurements to be made in both the equilibrium and non-equilibrium parts of the shock layer. A second optical system was designed to obtain measurements of VUV radiation incident on the surface of the model. This system incorporated a window in the surface with a mirror housed within the model to deflect the radiation out of the test section and into the detection system. To effectively vary the depth of the radiating flow field, the length of a two-dimensional model was varied, changing the depth of the shock layer being observed. The X2 expansion tube was used to create the high enthalpy flows required to produce radiating shock layers. Two flow conditions were created for this study that represented flight equivalent velocities of 10.0 km/s and 12.2 km/s. The spectroscopy system utilized for this study consisted of an evacuated McPherson NOVA 225 spectrometer coupled to an Andor iStar VUV enhanced intensified charge coupled device. An evacuated light tube sealed with a magnesium fluoride window was required to extend the evacuated light path to the model and avoid any absorption by molecular oxygen. An in-situ calibration of the VUV spectroscopy system was conducted using a deuterium lamp located in the position of the radiating shock layer. The integrated incident spectral radiance measured through the surface of the model between 115 nm and 180 nm was 0.744 W/cm2 sr for the 10.0 km/s condition and 12.3 W/cm2sr for the faster 12.2km/s condition. [...]

Parmi les torches à plasma microonde, la torche à injection axiale (TIA) est utilisée depuis de nombreuses années pour créer des espèces chimiquement actives dans des applications comme l'analyse de gaz, les traitements de surface et les traitements d'effluents gazeux. Notre étude porte sur l'énergie transférée par le plasma créé par cette torche à pression atmosphérique, qui trouve son intérêt notamment dans le chauffage de l'hélium pour la montée en altitude d'un ballon dirigeable. La TIA permet de coupler de l'énergie microonde (2.45 GHz) à un gaz injecté axialement à la sortie d'une buse. La TIA donne lieu à un plasma hors équilibre thermodynamique formé d'un dard de forte luminosité, avec une densité maximale de particules chargées à la sortie de la buse. Notre étude porte sur l'expérience et la modélisation de cette torche pour comprendre la répartition du champ électromagnétique, l'écoulement du système gaz/plasma et le transfert de chaleur du plasma au gaz.Des mesures par spectroscopie optique d'émission dans l'argon et l'hélium ont permis de trouver les températures du gaz (1500 K vs 3000 K) en fonction des conditions expérimentales (débit, puissance). Elles ont été estimées en ajustant les spectres ro-vibrationnels de N2 obtenus à ceux issus du logiciel SPECAIR. La mesure de la densité électronique (de l'ordre de quelques 10^14 cm^-3) a été réalisée dans un plasma d'hélium par élargissement Stark de la raie Hβ. Ces mesures ont un double objectif : obtenir des données d'entrée au modèle et valider ses résultats.La modélisation se partage en deux modules réalisés avec le logiciel COMSOL Multiphysics: (i) un module électromagnétique 3D qui résout les équations de Maxwell, (ii) un module hydrodynamique 2D qui résout les équations de Navier-Stokes pour le système gaz/plasma en prenant en compte les ions. Un module plasma, en cours de développement, résoudra les équations fluides pour les électrons et les ions du plasma.Cette modélisation réussit à prédire des températures similaires à celles obtenues expérimentalement et a permis de montrer l'influence du plasma sur l'écoulement et la température du gaz ainsi que l'efficacité du transfert de chaleur du plasma au gaz. / Among the microwave plasma torches, the axial injection torch (TIA) has been used for several years to create chemically active species, in applications such as gas analysis, surface processing and gaseous waste treatments. Our study concerns the energy transferred from the plasma created by the torch at atmospheric pressure, which finds its interest in particular in the heating of helium in a dirigible balloon to achieve its rise in altitude. The TIA allows the coupling of microwave energy (2.45 GHz) with a gas injected axially at the nozzle's exit. The TIA produces a non equilibrium plasma with a high luminosity and a maximum density of charged particles at the nozzle's exit. Our study involves both experiment and modelling of this torch in order to understand the distribution of the electromagnetic field, the flow of gas / plasma system and the plasma-to-gas heat transfer.Measurements by optical emission spectroscopy in argon and helium allowed to determine the gas temperature (1500K vs 3000 K) based on experimental conditions (flow, power). They were estimated by fitting the N2 ro-vibrational spectra obtained from air, using the SPECAIR software. The measurement of electron density (of about a few 10^14 cm^-3) was performed in a helium plasma by Stark broadening of the Hβ. Experiments have a double objective : to obtain input data for the model and to validate its results. Modelling uses two modules of the COMSOL Multiphysics software: (i) a 3D electromagnetic module, which solves Maxwell's equations, (ii) a 2D hydrodynamic module, which solves the Navier-Stokes equations for the gas / plasma system taking into account the ions. A plasma module, which solves the fluid equations for electrons and ions is in development This modelling succeeded in predicting temperatures similar to those obtained experimentally and showed the influence of plasma upon flow and the gas temperature and the efficiency of heat transfer from the plasma to the gas.

Espectrometria de emissão óptica, utilizando plasmas acoplados indutivamente, torna-se uma ferramenta indispensável para análises de elementos químicos. Neste trabalho é descrita a construção detalhada de um oscilador de rádio frequência para obtenção de uma tocha de plasma indutivo. O projeto é estruturado a partir da elaboração da fonte retificadora, da malha de acoplamento, até a construção da tocha, além de análises com amostras líquidas e sólidas. Pelo fato de a tocha de plasma indutivo ser mais estável do que outros métodos de atomização, como laser ou chama, a torna uma escolha atraente para métodos analíticos, em vasta gama de aplicações. Os resultados do desempenho elétrico do oscilador de rádio frequência foram alcançados, embora as perdas sejam eminentes, foi obtida uma tensão na malha de acoplamento de 620 volts, potência na tocha de 1400 watts, e frequência do oscilador, com valor estável de 13,56 mega-hertz. Os resultados das análises também foi outro ponto de destaque, uma vez que, foi possível detectar através de um espectrômetro óptico, todos os elementos contidos numa solução de aço inox, tais como: silício, fósforo, manganês, molibdênio, cromo, níquel e cobre, embora os resultados quantitativos ainda necessitem de alguns ajustes. Com relação à análise de amostras sólidas, onde foram utilizados eletrodos consumíveis de alumínio e cobre, o resultado foi muito promissor, graças ao projeto da tocha que permite modificações em sua estrutura; os eletrodos consumíveis também foram analisados com as técnicas de difração de raio-X e microanálise por feixe de elétrons para confirmação dos resultados. / Optical emission spectrometry using inductively coupled plasma becomes an indispensable tool for analysis of chemical elements. This work describes the detailed construction of a radio frequency oscillator for obtaining an inductive plasma torch. The project is structured from the elaboration of the source rectifier, matching network, until the construction of the torch, and analyzes with liquid and solid samples. Because the inductive plasma torch to be more stable than other atomization methods such as laser or flame, becomes an attractive choice for analytical methods in wide range of applications. The results of the electrical performance of the radio frequency oscillator been achieved, although losses are distinguished was obtained at a voltage matching network 620 volts, the torch power of 1400 watts, and oscillator frequency, with a steady value of 13.56 mega-hertz. The results of analyzes was also another important point, since it was possible to detect through an optical spectrometer, all elements contained in a solution of stainless steel, such as silicon, phosphorus, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, nickel and copper, although the quantitative results still need some tweaking. Regarding the analysis of solid samples, which were consumable electrodes of aluminum and copper, the result was very promising, due to the torch project that allows modifications in its structure; consumable electrodes were also analyzed through the techniques x-ray diffraction and microanalysis by electron beam, to confirm the results.

Espectrometria de emissão óptica, utilizando plasmas acoplados indutivamente, torna-se uma ferramenta indispensável para análises de elementos químicos. Neste trabalho é descrita a construção detalhada de um oscilador de rádio frequência para obtenção de uma tocha de plasma indutivo. O projeto é estruturado a partir da elaboração da fonte retificadora, da malha de acoplamento, até a construção da tocha, além de análises com amostras líquidas e sólidas. Pelo fato de a tocha de plasma indutivo ser mais estável do que outros métodos de atomização, como laser ou chama, a torna uma escolha atraente para métodos analíticos, em vasta gama de aplicações. Os resultados do desempenho elétrico do oscilador de rádio frequência foram alcançados, embora as perdas sejam eminentes, foi obtida uma tensão na malha de acoplamento de 620 volts, potência na tocha de 1400 watts, e frequência do oscilador, com valor estável de 13,56 mega-hertz. Os resultados das análises também foi outro ponto de destaque, uma vez que, foi possível detectar através de um espectrômetro óptico, todos os elementos contidos numa solução de aço inox, tais como: silício, fósforo, manganês, molibdênio, cromo, níquel e cobre, embora os resultados quantitativos ainda necessitem de alguns ajustes. Com relação à análise de amostras sólidas, onde foram utilizados eletrodos consumíveis de alumínio e cobre, o resultado foi muito promissor, graças ao projeto da tocha que permite modificações em sua estrutura; os eletrodos consumíveis também foram analisados com as técnicas de difração de raio-X e microanálise por feixe de elétrons para confirmação dos resultados. / Optical emission spectrometry using inductively coupled plasma becomes an indispensable tool for analysis of chemical elements. This work describes the detailed construction of a radio frequency oscillator for obtaining an inductive plasma torch. The project is structured from the elaboration of the source rectifier, matching network, until the construction of the torch, and analyzes with liquid and solid samples. Because the inductive plasma torch to be more stable than other atomization methods such as laser or flame, becomes an attractive choice for analytical methods in wide range of applications. The results of the electrical performance of the radio frequency oscillator been achieved, although losses are distinguished was obtained at a voltage matching network 620 volts, the torch power of 1400 watts, and oscillator frequency, with a steady value of 13.56 mega-hertz. The results of analyzes was also another important point, since it was possible to detect through an optical spectrometer, all elements contained in a solution of stainless steel, such as silicon, phosphorus, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, nickel and copper, although the quantitative results still need some tweaking. Regarding the analysis of solid samples, which were consumable electrodes of aluminum and copper, the result was very promising, due to the torch project that allows modifications in its structure; consumable electrodes were also analyzed through the techniques x-ray diffraction and microanalysis by electron beam, to confirm the results.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T14:54:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 AlexandreMFG_TESE.pdf: 5334818 bytes, checksum: 7c848d27061280b40eb07e9232cb9807 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-08-28 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / The traditional processes for treatment of hazardous waste are questionable for it generates other wastes that adversely affect people s health. As an attempt to minimize these problems, it was developed a system for treatment of hazardous waste by thermal plasma, a more appropriate technology since it produces high temperatures, preventing the formation of toxic pollutants to human beings. The present work brings out a solution of automation for this plant. The system has local and remote monitoring resources to ensure the operators security as well as the process itself. A special attention was given to the control of the main reactor temperature of the plant as it is the place where the main processing occurs and because it presents a complex mathematical model. To this, it was employed cascaded controls based on Fuzzy logic. A process computer, with a particular man-machine interface (MMI), provides information and controls of the plant to the operator, including by Internet. A compact PLC module is in charge of the central element of management automation and plant control which receives information from sensors, and sends it to the MMI / Os processos tradicionais de tratamento de lixos perigosos s?o question?veis por gerar outros res?duos que afetam negativamente ? sa?de das pessoas. Como tentativa de minimiza??o desses problemas foi desenvolvido um sistema de tratamento de res?duos perigosos por plasma t?rmico, uma tecnologia adequada por produzir altas temperaturas, impedindo a forma??o de poluentes bastantes t?xicos ao homem. O trabalho aqui exposto traz uma solu??o de automa??o para essa planta. O sistema disp?e de recursos de monitoramento e prote??es locais e remotos, que garantem a seguran?a do processo e dos operadores. Para controle de temperatura do reator principal da planta foi dada uma aten??o especial por ser o recinto onde ocorre o principal processamento e por apresentar um complexo modelo matem?tico. Para esse fim, foram empregados controles em cascata baseados em l?gica Fuzzy. Um computador de processo, com uma interface homem-m?quina (IHM) espec?fica, disponibiliza ao operador informa??es e controles da planta, inclusive via Internet. O elemento central de gerenciamento da automa??o e controle da planta fica a cargo de um m?dulo CLP compacto, que recebe as informa??es dos sensores, e as envia ? IHM

Les torches à arcs plasma sont actuellement utilisées dans de nombreuses applications industrielles. Une technologie plasma triphasée à électrodes en graphite est en cours de développement au Centre PERSEE MINES ParisTech. Cette technologie diffère sensiblement des technologies à courant continu traditionnelles et vise à dépasser certaines limites des systèmes actuels en termes de robustesse, de coûts d'équipement et d'exploitation pour des applications liées à conversion et la valorisation de biomasse et déchets. Dans le but d'améliorer la compréhension des phénomènes physiques instationnaires intervenant dans les décharges triphasées, une étude menée en parallèle sur les plans théorique et expérimental a été conduite en conditions non réactives (azote et gaz de synthèse). Sur un plan expérimental cette étude s'est appuyée sur des analyses réalisées avec une caméra ultra rapide (100 000 images par seconde) et l'analyse des signaux électriques. Sur un plan théorique cette étude a consisté à développer un modèle Magnéto-Hydro-Dynamique (MHD) 3D instationnaire de la zone d'arc dans l'environnement du logiciel Code Saturne® et à effectuer une étude paramétrique basée sur le courant, la fréquence et le débit de gaz plasma. Deux configurations : électrodes coplanaires et parallèles ont été étudiées. Cette étude a permis de mettre en avant l'influence des phénomènes électromagnétiques et hydrodynamiques sur le déplacement de l'arc. Dans le cas coplanaire les jets aux électrodes semblent jouer un rôle prépondérant sur le mouvement des arcs, les transferts de chaleur dans l'espace inter électrode et l'amorçage des arcs. Dans le cas parallèle le mouvement des canaux chauds semble être le paramètre dominant. La confrontation des résultats théoriques et expérimentaux a montré un très bon accord à la fois au niveau du mouvement des arcs et des signaux électriques. / Arc plasma torches are widely used in industrial applications. A 3-phase AC plasma technology with consumable graphite electrodes is under development at PERSEE MINES - ParisTech. This technology noticeably differs from the classical DC plasma torches and aims at overcoming a number of limits of plasma systems in terms of reliability, equipment and operating costs. In order to improve the understanding of the unsteady physical phenomena in such plasma systems, a theoretical and experimental study is conducted under non reactive condition (nitrogen, syngas). Experimental study is based on high speed video camera (100 000 frames per second) and electrical signal analyses. Theoretical analysis is based on 3D unsteady Magneto-Hydro-Dynamic (MHD) model of the arc zone using CFD software Code_Saturne®, by a parametric study based on current, frequency and plasma gas flow rate influence. Two configurations: coplanar and parallel electrodes are studied. These studies highlight the influence of electromagnetic and hydrodynamic phenomena on the arc motion. In coplanar electrode configuration, electrode jets appear to be the dominant parameter on the arc motion, heat transfer and arc ignition. In the parallel electrodes configuration, the motion of the hot channel seems to be the key parameter. Comparison between MHD modeling and experimental results shows a fair correlation, both in accordance with the arc behavior and the electrical waveform.

Dans le contexte actuel de réchauffement climatique et d'épuisement des ressources énergétiques fossiles conventionnelles, la production d'énergie à partir de combustibles renouvelables (biomasse et déchets) présente un intérêt croissant. Cependant les brûleurs industriels conventionnels sont mal ou pas adaptés pour la valorisation énergétique de combustibles pauvres qui sont pourtant peu couteux et largement disponibles. Les électro-brûleurs, basés sur une assistance à la combustion par plasma thermique, sont alors une solution pour ce type de combustible. Ce travail de thèse a pour objectif le développement d'une torche à plasma triphasée d'une puissance de 100 kW, fonctionnant à l'air et facilement intégrable dans un électro-brûleur industriel. Le premier challenge consiste à rendre possible le fonctionnement à l'air en réduisant autant que possible l'érosion à l'air des électrodes en graphite. Pour cela, des solutions de gainage des électrodes à l'azote ou au méthane, de contrôle aérodynamique de l'écoulement de l'air et d'injection de particules de carbone ont été étudiées. Le deuxième challenge est l'optimisation des transferts de masse et de chaleur, ce qui a été réalisé en améliorant l'écoulement du gaz plasmagène et en choisissant les matériaux adéquats pour l'isolation thermique. Une double approche théorique et expérimentale a été adoptée. Au niveau théorique, un modèle d'écoulement turbulent de plasma a été développé avec une modélisation de l'arc électrique par une source stationnaire de chaleur et de quantité de mouvement. Un modèle de rayonnement à bandes du plasma ainsi qu'un modèle de cinétique chimique ont été intégrés. Les résultats de la simulation montrent le rôle important du rayonnement, la limitation du gainage à l'azote et le potentiel intéressant du gainage au méthane. La simulation a permis aussi de valider le design de la nouvelle torche avant les essais. Au niveau expérimental, une nouvelle conception de torche a été proposée et testée. Les essais réalisés montrent que la protection des électrodes par injection de particules de carbone ne suffit pas pour créer une atmosphère neutre autour des électrodes mais que le contrôle aérodynamique de l'écoulement de l'air permet un meilleur contrôle de l'érosion des électrodes. Des essais préliminaires de combustion assistée par plasma de biomasse solides ont été ensuite réalisés et analysés. / Energy production from renewable combustibles like biomass and organic wastes presents an increasing interest with the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of conventional fossil energy resources. Meanwhile, standard industrial burners are not adequate for the energetic valorization of renewable poor LHV combustibles despite their low price and their abundance in nature. Electro-burners, with plasma assisted combustion technology, are a promising solution for this type of combustible. In this PhD dissertation is detailed the development of a 100 kW plasma torch working in air and embeddable in an industrial electro-burner. It consists firstly, in making possible an operation in oxidizing environment by reducing as much as possible the air erosion of the graphite electrodes. For this purpose, multiple solutions are tested such as sheathing with nitrogen and methane, aerodynamic control of air flow and injection of carbon black particles. The second challenge is the optimization of heat and mass transfers by improving the plasma flow and by choosing the appropriate materials for thermal insulation. Theoretically, a turbulent model of plasma flow is developed with the modeling of the electric arc column as a stationary source of heat and momentum. A multi-band radiation model and a reactional kinetic model are also integrated. The results show the important role of radiation, the limitation of the nitrogen sheathing and the potential of methane injection in reducing electrode erosion. They allowed also validating the design of the plasma torch before the tests. Experimentally, the new torch design is built and tested. It comes out that reducing the electrode erosion by carbon powder injection is not efficient to achieve a neutral environment around the electrodes whereas a control of the nearby air flow appears to be beneficial. Finally, tests of plasma assisted combustion of some biomasses are performed and analyzed.

This thesis focuses on an experimental study of the anode area of the hybrid water- gas DC arc plasma torch that is used in many industrial applications, including plasma spraying, hydrocarbon reforming, pyrolysis, and organic waste gasification. The effects of ambient pressure and plasma generation conditions on the torch's plasma jet were studied, with particular focus on the torch's anode area. Movement of the anode arc attachment is described in detail, including its speed, range of its motion on the anode surface, restrike periods, and the frequency of its many sudden decelerations and re-accelerations. It was found that the anode erosion can be compared relatively simply by quick processing of high-speed camera videos. The anode erosion was also measured directly. Many electric probe measurements were made in the anode area of this plasma torch for the first time. By using these electric probes, shock waves, turbulent vortices, and plasma potential fluctuations were studied directly. It was found that a mean plasma electric field and a mean plasma electrical conductivity in the anode area can be satisfactorily estimated also non-intrusively by quick processing of high-speed camera videos. Moreover, schlieren videos of the plasma jet in the anode area were created. 1

- An Plasmaschweißbrennern treten starke thermomechanische Beanspruchungen aufgrund der ablaufenden thermophysikalischen Teilprozesse auf. Diese können durch funktionsgerechte werkstoffliche, konstruktive und fertigungstechnische Brennergestaltung bewerkstelligt und die Thermobilanz und Lebensdauer der Brenner verbessert werden. - Anhand des entwickelten strömungs-thermomechanischen/magneto-hydro-dynamischen Simulationsmodells wurden werkstofflich-konstruktive Lösungsansätze für Entwicklung von physikalischen Prozesswirkprinzipien der betrachteten Plasma-Schweißprozessvarianten erarbeitet. - Differente Einflussgrößen des Plasmaschweißprozesses wurden erfasst, analysiert und ihre Wirkung auf Prozessverhalten und Brennerkonstruktion ermittelt. - Die damit gewonnenen Erkenntnisse wurden für werkstoffliche, technisch-konstruktive Brennerentwicklung bzgl. der Ausführungsgeometrien, Prozessgaszuführung und Brennerkühlung genutzt.