A plasma torch includes an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel, a hollow electrode, a first insulator, a concentric reducer, a tangential inlet, an electrode housing and a first electrode. The hollow electrode is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel and extends into the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel. The first insulator seals the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode. A non-conductive granular material is disposed between the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode. The concentric reducer is disposed within the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel and extends from the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel to the hollow electrode. The electrode housing is connected to the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel. The first electrode is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel and extends through the electrode housing into the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel.