Decomposition of volatile organic compounds using gliding arc discharge plasma

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Plasma Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Volatile organic pollutants (VOCs) pose significant environmental and health risks.
• Flue gas treatment requires efficient and cost-effective pollutant removal technologies.
• Gliding arc (GA) plasma is an emerging technology for pollutant degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the application of gliding arc (GA) plasma technology for volatile organic pollutant decomposition in flue gas.
• To analyze the fundamental mechanisms, operational parameters, and economic feasibility of GA plasma treatment for VOCs.
• To provide insights into the current research progress and future industrial applications of GA plasma in VOC abatement.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of gliding arc (GA) plasma technology for VOC decomposition.
• Analysis of GA plasma generation mechanisms, including breakdown, equilibrium, and non-equilibrium stages.
• Comparative illustration of different GA reactor types and discussion of VOC destruction pathways using chloroform, benzene, and methanol as examples.

Main Results:

• Comprehensive analysis of operating parameters influencing VOC destruction efficiency.
• Consideration of product distribution, energy costs, and technical-economic aspects of the decomposition process.
• Identification of advantages and disadvantages of GA plasma technology for VOC abatement.

Conclusions:

• Gliding arc (GA) plasma technology demonstrates significant potential for efficient VOC decomposition in flue gas.
• Understanding GA plasma mechanisms and optimizing operating parameters are crucial for industrial application.
• Further research and development are needed to enhance the technical and economic viability of GA plasma for large-scale VOC abatement.