An experimental device of plasma generator for pulverized coal ignition is described in this paper. Consisting of a pair of parallel strip anodes and cylindrical cathode

the plasma igniter is installed in the transportation channel of coal powder. Using a high speed CCD camera and measuring the arc electrical parameters

the arc shape and movement patterns of the arc root were studied. The tests show that:(1) the anode arc root irregularly jumps quickly along axial direction of the electrodes and between the two electrodes

being advantageous for reducing anodes erosion;(2) the arc changes rapidly in irregular distorted shapes between the two anodes

spreading the entire arc chamber

and coal powders are ignited on meeting the high temperature region of arc discharge

with improved efficiency of the plasma ignition.