Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2026

How to Ignite an Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Plasma Torch without Any Additional Igniters
Published on: April 16, 2015
Influence of Different Frequency Power Generators on Plasma Temperatures in the Ammonia Decomposition Process:
Michalina Perron1,2, Tim Gehring3, Mateusz Wiosna2
1Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, Warszawa 00-664, Poland.
Abstract:
A gliding arc plasma reactor operated with highly concentrated ammonia (90 vol % NH3 in N2) was investigated using spatially resolved optical emission spectroscopy, electrical diagnostics, and gas chromatography. Fitting the N2 second positive system (310-360 nm) yielded rotational and vibrational temperature profiles along the arc for 50 Hz and Bipolar HV high-frequency (25-35 kHz) excitation. Results indicate local thermal equilibrium near ignition and a transition to nonequilibrium along the arc, which is a typical characteristic of a gliding arc. Bipolar HV kHz excitation produced higher vibrational temperatures, enhanced N2 + emission downstream, and substantially increased reaction rates localized in the discharge channel. It demonstrates improved energy concentration and higher ammonia conversion compared to 50 Hz, and promising potential for energy-efficient hydrogen recovery from ammonia.
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Spectroscopy: Effects of Temperature
At thermal equilibrium, the relative populations of excited and ground state atoms can be estimated using the Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution. For example, an increase in temperature from...
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Interference
Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Principle
The ions and electrons produced interact with the fluctuating magnetic field created by a water-cooled...
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

