The application of RF inductively coupled plasma torch for the enrichment of natural quartz

Abstract Numerical simulations of the dynamics of the heating of polydisperse quartz flow in the plasma and the thermal stresses arising in quartz particles are performed. As a plasma source, an RF inductively coupled plasma torch with axial supplies of plasma and sheath gases is considered. The RF inductively coupled plasma torch with 3-turns works at a generator frequency of 3 MHz and an electrical power up to 10 kW. Polydisperse quartz flows (carrier gas and quartz particles) are introduced into the plasma after discharge zone through the azimuthally symmetrical annular channel at an angle of 60° to the axis of the plasma torch. Pure argon and its mixtures with hydrogen (with a volume fraction of up to 5%) are considered as working gas.