DEBYE LARMOR™ segmented plasma torch for Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) Applications

A new generation of plasma spray torch has been developed these last years. The major aim of such torches is to improve the electrical arc stability by 1) fixing the length the electrical arc in the torch, 2) increasing the plasma voltage between the anode and the cathode and 3) reducing the plasma arc current. Such new plasma torch has the potential to reduce the defects of the coating and simultaneously the deposition efficiency is increased using lower plasma electrical power. These new properties allow to reduces 1) the operational costs and 2) the waste materials and 3) the needed electrical power which makes it more environmentally friendly.

This new generation of plasma torches is based on the concept of segmented anode The stabilization of the electrical arc allows to optimize the position of the powder injection in the plasma jet and therefore the melting of the material. This will also improve the plasma process control and will create more robust coating properties.

In this study we will focus on coatings for jet and gas turbine obtained with the DEBYE LARMOR™ segmented torches.