Thermal plasmas have numerous advantages including: high
temperature; high intensity, non-ionising radiation and highenergy density. The heat source is also directional with sharp
interfaces and steep thermal gradients that can be controlled independently of chemistry. Whereas an upper temperature limit of
2000 ◦C can be achieved by burning fossil fuels, electrically generated thermal plasmas can reach temperatures of 20,000 ◦C or
more. Thermal plasma reactors offer a range of other advantages
including: