In an exemplary embodiment, the first flow rate is set at 1.4 SLPM, and after the ignition of the plurality of plasma streamers 180, the flow rate is increased to a particular working flow rate, where the working flow rate is set based on the particular characteristics of the microwave plasma torch 100.

In an alternate, exemplary embodiment, the microwave plasma torch 100 includes the embodiment of the lower housing section 118 shown in FIG. 7A and the first flow rate is set at 1.4 SLPM. When the ignition of the plurality of plasma streamers 180, the flow rate is increase to the working flow rate set at 37 SLPM. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the microwave plasma torch 100 includes the embodiment of the lower housing section 118 shown in FIG. 7C and the first flow rate is set at 1.4 SLPM. Upon the ignition of the plurality of plasma streamers 180, the flow rate is increase to the working flow rate set at 31 SLPM.

In an embodiment such as shown in FIG. 6, the microwave plasma torch 100, 200 of the present disclosure is incorporated as part of a larger plasma-based, pyrolysis and gasification reactor that is designed for the treatment of various types of waste (including municipal solid waste). The microwave plasma torch 100, 200 is incorporated within the gasification reactor for producing at least one hydrocarbon-containing gas from a supply of waste that is fed into the reactor.