Frequently Asked Questions About Radom Plasma Technology

1

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLD PLASMA AND HOT PLASMA?

Cold plasma operates at low bulk gas temperatures while maintaining highly energetic electrons, making it well suited for heat-sensitive applications, as cold plasma operates far from thermal equilibrium. In contrast, hot (thermal) plasma operates at very high gas temperatures, typically thousands of Kelvin, and approaches local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE), where electrons, ions, and neutral species all possess high and comparable energies. All our standard products produce hot plasma. Please email inquires@radomcorp.com if you are interested in a cold plasma application.

2

CAN THE CERAWAVE™ PLASMA TORCH OPERATE ON AIR?

Yes, however this will produce a significant amount of nitrogen oxides (NO, NO₂), which are hazardous and must be processed safely.

3

CAN THE CERAWAVE™ PLASMA TORCH OPERATE ON HYDROGEN?

Yes. Radom plasma torches can operate with hydrogen or hydrogen-containing gas mixtures. Typically, hydrogen application requires high power torches such as Polaris 10 kW and Sirius 100 kW.

4

WHAT ARE TYPICAL GASES PLASMA TORCH OPERATE ON?

A wide range of diatomic gases can be used. For the 1.5-kW system, Air and Nitrogen are the most commonly used gases. Higher-power systems (10 kW and above) support a broader selection of process gases, including CO₂, CH4, steam, biogas, and hydrogen, depending on the application and system configuration.

5

CAN THE CERAWAVE™ PLASMA SYSTEM BE OPERATED OUTDOORS OR OUTSIDE A BUILDING?

Yes, plasma systems can be operated outdoors or outside a building, provided they are properly protected from adverse weather conditions, have adequate ventilation, and meet electrical, temperature, humidity, and safety requirements.

6

WHY IS AN EXHAUST SYSTEM REQUIRED?

When plasma is operated in air, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) can be generated at elevated concentrations. These gases are hazardous to humans and corrosive to equipment, making proper ventilation and exhaust essential during operation.

7

IS THE CERAWAVE™ TORCH CUSTOMIZATION AVAILABLE FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS?

Yes. We have worked with customers to design torch holders, injectors, adjustments for different gas types, and interfaces to process reactors. Email inquires@radomcorp.com to get more information.

8

CAN POWDERS OR SOLID FEEDSTOCK BE INJECTED DIRECTLY INTO THE PLASMA TORCH?

Yes. Powders or aerosols can be injected axially using the single piece fused silica torch with customized injector size. Radom does not provide powder injection systems upstream of the injector. Polaris 10 kW and Sirius 100 kW can be fitted with water-cooled stainless-steel injectors.

9

WHAT TEMPERATURE RANGE DOES MICROWAVE PLASMA USUALLY OPERATE IN?

The hottest spot at center of the plasma is between 5,000 - 6,000 K. The bulk outlet temperature depends on power, gas flow settings, and type of gas, ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 K.

10

HOW CAN CERAWAVE™ PLASMA BE USED TO PRODUCE CARBON BLACK?

Yes, Cerawave™ plasma torches can run on hydrocarbon gases (e.g., methane), which rapidly decompose at high temperatures, forming carbon black nanoparticles and hydrogen.

11

WHAT IS THE POWER ADJUSTMENT RANGE?

The power adjustment range for Mira is 1000 to 1500 W, for Polaris is 3–10 kW, and for Sirius is 30–100 kW.

12

WHAT IS GAS FLOW ADJUSTMENT RANGE FOR 1 KW, 10KW AND 100KW CERAWAVE™ PLASMA TORCHES?

The gas flow rate for the Mira 1.5 kW torch ranges from 10–20 L/min. For the Polaris 10 kW torch, the range is 30–200 L/min, and for the Sirius 100 kW torch, it is 300–2,500 L/min. The exact range for the operational flow rate depends on gas composition and power level.

13

WHY DO I NEED ARGON TO IGNITE CERAWAVE™ PLASMA TORCHES?

Argon is used to ignite Radom’s plasma torches because it ionizes easily and provides a stable, low-breakdown-voltage path for plasma initiation. Once the plasma is established, the system transitions to the desired process gas (such as air, nitrogen, CO₂, or hydrocarbons) while maintaining stable operation. The entire ignition process takes about 15 seconds.

14

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL COMPONENTS OF THE CERAWAVE™ PLASMA TORCH SYSTEM?

In its minimum configuration, a 1,500 W Cerawave™ plasma torch system consists of three main components: the power supply, the control module, and the plasma torch. The magnetron and plasma torch are integrated as one component. For higher-power systems (10 kW and above), additional components are required, such as auto-tuner and matching hardware, enhanced cooling, expanded gas handling, and safety subsystems to ensure stable and reliable operation.

15

CAN THE CERAWAVE™ PLASMA TROCHES OPERATE AT PRESSURES OTHER THAN ATMOSPHERIC?

Yes. Cerawave™ technology has been used at pressures ranging from 1 mTorr to 3 bar. Our standard torches are designed for operation near atmospheric pressure. If your application requires different pressure, please contact Radom support team.

16

WHAT ELECTRICAL POWER REQUIREMENTS ARE NEEDED TO OPERATE A PLASMA TORCH?

For the 1.5-kW plasma torch unit, two power inputs are required: the magnetron power supply operates at 208–240 V AC, drawing 10–12 A at 50/60 Hz, while the controller supports 85–264 V AC, drawing up to 1 A at 47–63 Hz.

17

WHAT ARE DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS OF THE CERAWAVE™ PLASMA TORCH COMPONENTS?

The MIRA 1.5-kW system consists of three main components: the torch head 30/20/20 cm (~4 kg), control module 50/25/10 cm (~3.5 kg), and power supply 40/20/15 cm (~6.5 kg), for a total weight of approximately 14 kg. This compact, benchtop configuration is well suited for laboratory use. For high power plasma torch systems, please refer to the specification in product brochure.

18

CAN THE CERAWAVE™ TORCH BE INTERFACED TO A CUSTOM REACTOR?

Yes. Radom can assist with the design of custom water-cooled flanges for a variety of reactors. For example, Mira 1.5KW system comes standard with KF40 flange.

19

WHAT UPDATE RATE SHOULD I USE FOR THE MASS FLOW CONTROLLERS, AND WHAT ACCURACY SHOULD I EXPECT?

Mass flow controllers have a settling time of a few seconds. They are analytical-grade devices with accuracy on the order of a few percent, suitable for precise plasma control.

20

DOES THE CERAWAVE™ TORCH ORIENTATION MATTER (DOWNWARD VS. SIDEWAYS), AND ARE THERE ANY MECHANICAL OR OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS?

No. The torch can operate in any orientation, including downward facing, without special mechanical or operational considerations. Attention should be paid to ensure that debris does not fall into the torch when oriented vertically.

21

CAN YOU PROVIDE CAD/STEP MODELS AND MOUNTING-HOLE REFERENCES SO WE CAN DESIGN OUR REACTOR INTERFACE ACCURATELY?

Yes. STEP files and dimensional drawings showing external geometry, flanges, and mounting-hole locations can be provided for accurate mechanical integration.

22

DOES RADOM PROVIDE PLC-BASED CONTROL UNITS FOR HIGH-POWER PLASMA TORCHES, AND WHAT TYPES ARE AVAILABLE?

Yes. For higher-power plasma systems (100 kW and above), Radom provides industrial PLC-based control units designed to manage complex interlocks, safety functions, and process integration. The PLC platform supported by Radom is Phoenix Contact.

23

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BUILD MY OWN PLASMA TORCH?

In principle, yes, but Cerawave™ torches are based on the patented high efficiency plasma technology that offer superior performance compared to traditional designs. In addition, building a reliable and stable plasma torch requires deep expertise in plasma physics, microwave engineering, materials, and safety. Radom systems are the result of years of extensive R&D and testing to ensure stable, repeatable, and safe operation.

24

CAN I FULLY CONTROL THE TORCH SYSTEM DIRECTLY FROM MY OWN SOFTWARE?

Yes. All major functions are exposed via a DLL/SDK. Example code (e.g., Python, C++) and integration support are available.

25

DOES RADOM DELIVER PLASMA TORCHES INTERNATIONALLY?

Yes. Radom delivers plasma torch systems both within the United States and internationally, subject to standard export regulations and logistics requirements.

26

DOES RADOM HAVE DISTRIBUTORS IN THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY?

Yes. Radom works with distributors and partners in the United States and internationally. Availability depends on the region and product line. Please contact inquires@radomcorp.com for more information.

27

IS CERAWAVE™ PLASMA TECHNOLOGY PROTECTED BY PATENTS?

Yes. Radom’s plasma technology, including key design elements such as Cerawave™ components, is protected by international patents and trademarks.

28

DOES RADOM PROVIDE A WARRANTY ON ITS PLASMA SYSTEMS?

Yes. Radom provides a standard 1-year warranty on its plasma systems. Specific terms and coverage depend on the product and contract.

29

DOES RADOM OFFER NET 30 PAYMENT TERMS?

Net 30 payment terms may be available for qualified customers, subject to approval and contract terms.

30

DOES RADOM HAVE A DEDICATED SERVICE AND SUPPORT TEAM?

Yes. Radom has an experienced service and support team available to assist with installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Ask inquires@radomcorp.com.

31

DOES RADOM LICENSE ITS PLASMA TECHNOLOGY?

In certain cases, Radom may license aspects of its technology, depending on the application, partnership structure, and strategic alignment.