Effect of Measurement Technique on Particle Temperature and Velocity Values in a Plasma Spray Jet

The distributions of spray particle velocity and temperature were determined with two different instruments, the SpectraViz (Stratonics, Laguna Hills, CA) and the DPV2000 (Tecnar Automation, Montreal, Canada). Experiments were performed with three different powders and a Praxair SG 100 plasma spray torch. The instruments differ by the method they use in imaging the jet ultimately allowing for measurements of velocities and temperatures. The average particle temperature values obtained are very close, indicating that different ways of imaging do not influence the measurement value. The values for the average velocities are in good agreement for two of the powders tested (Al₂O₃ and CrO₂), however, for the YSZ powder a consistent difference in velocity values was found. It appears that for obtaining average values e.g. for process control, both instruments are equivalent.