Inventors:
Raymond E. Long - Catonsville MD
International Classification:
B23K 900
Abstract:
A large volume microwave plasma process for "in-situ" detoxification of dioxins, furans and other toxicants is disclosed. A helical coil and a cylinder of a low loss dielectric tubing is coaxially positioned inside a microwave resonant cavity to extend from a cross-polarized fluid inlet to a cross-polarized vapor outlet. Fluid passing through the coil cylinder and is directly ionized to the plasma state by microwave energy introduced into the cavity. The geometry of the coil relative to the cylinder induces a magnetic field in the plasma to compress the plasma to the center of the cylinder, thereby preventing charring of the cylinder walls. The geometry of coil to cylinder also provides a slower fall through rate for the treatment of liquid and solid waste. The process and apparatus, are particularly suitable for mobile applications that can be moved from site to site, for on-site treatment of hazardous wastes.