An extended-field (EF), two dimensional (2D) model formulation is
proposed for inductively coupled plasma. By extending the calculating domain
of the electromagnetic (EM) field outside of the plasma discharge region, the
boundary conditions of vector potential used by the standard (ST) 2D model are
replaced by simpler far field boundary conditions. The extended model
converges faster than the standard formulation and gives rise to consistent
solutions throughout the computational domain. Vector potential equations are
solved with corresponding continuity, momentum, and energy transfer equations
using the commercial code `FLUENT'. The computational domain for vector
potential equations are extended well beyond the induction coil region, while
for all the other equations, computations are limited to the discharge region
inside the plasma confinement tube. The computational results are compared
with those obtained using the ST 2D model. The difference between the results
of the two models is noted mostly in the entrance regions of the flow, and
close to the induction coil. To validate the EF model, a load with constant
electric conductivity is placed centrally in the coil region and the
calculated radial profile of the axial magnetic field is compared with
existing analytical solutions. The results are in good agreement within an
uncertainty of 1%.
The application of induction plasma technology developed for the synthesis of nanometric powders is summarized. A brief description of the scientific basis for the induction plasma processes is given, followed by the presentation of an induction plasma system developed by Tekna, together with various examples of the nanopowders synthesized using its facilities. The advantages of the induction plasma process over alternative techniques and its adaptability into industrialscale operation is particularly illustrated. Some specific issues related to the nanopowder synthesis process are also discussed.
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