Model of the synthesis of fullerenes by the plasma torch dissociation of C2Cl4

A mathematical model is developed for the simulation of the PyroGenesis thermal plasma reactor used for the synthesis of fullerenes (C-60 and others) via the dissociation of C2Cl4. The reactor studied is a spherical, water-cooled chamber equipped with a non-transferred d.c. plasma torch. C2Cl4 is introduced into the plasma jet. The equation of continuity is solved, along with the equations of conservation of axial and radial momentum and energy. The K-epsilon model is used for the consideration of turbulence effects. The radiation term is represented by the net emission coefficient method. The equation of transport for C2Cl4 is solved in order to estimate the quality of the mixing with the hot jet, not taking into account chemical reactions. Fields of the flow, temperature and concentration patterns are presented. Experimentally obtained deposition rates and wall temperatures are compared with the results of the model.