Effects of electrodes configuration and nozzles geometry on the performance of multi-jet plasma devices

Abstract

Abstract Atmospheric pressure multi-jet plasma devices have long been considered a promising solution for achieving homogeneous and repetitive surface treatments over large areas. Understanding and addressing the interacting jet’s unique behavior is crucial to reach this goal. This paper contributes to this understanding by presenting a helium-fed, alternating current (AC) powered plasma devices: a honeycomb structure featuring six tubes angled toward a central tube, and a triangular structure consisting of three tubes angled toward each other. These devices were tested, along with derivative models. The study examined the characteristics of the resulting plasma jets, focusing on their dependence on the operational settings, the electrodes configuration, the angle of the tubes relative to the electrodes, and the spatial orientation of the devices. Measurements of the plasma jet length were also conducted under various operating conditions. The results show that the proposed designs delivered longer plasma plumes, as a function of gas flow per tube, compared to the reference single-jet. The collection of jets remained closely packed, avoiding both divergence and coupling, with very little dependence on higher flow rates.