Microwave Plasma VUV Source for High-Intensity Fluid Remediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VUV sources for wastewater and gaseous emissions treatment lack high intensity, continuous emission capabilities, limiting their scalability and effectiveness for efficient remediation.
Innovation Solution
A VUV and UV emission source comprising a microwave generator, a chamber with a resonator to generate plasma, and a voltage source to create a DC electric field, allowing for independent control of plasma size and location, increasing electron and ion flow area for higher intensity emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional low-pressure mercury lamps or excimer lamps are used for VUV treatment, then the treatment capability for wastewater and gaseous emissions is provided, but the intensity and scalability of the source is limited due to lack of high intensity continuous emission sources
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the plasma generation function (via microwave-heated ceramic resonator) from the VUV emission function (via xenon excimer gas), allowing independent optimization of each component to achieve high intensity continuous emission
Solution Approach 2:
A ceramic resonator filled with helium acts as an intermediary component that converts microwave energy into thermal energy, which then heats the xenon gas to produce VUV emission, enabling scalable power output
2Illumination intensity
If the plasma size and location are fixed in conventional sources, then the source structure is simpler, but the area for electron and ion flow is limited, reducing emission intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma region is made dynamically adjustable by controlling microwave power input and ceramic resonator positioning, allowing the plasma size and location to be optimized for maximum electron-ion flow area and VUV emission intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The ceramic resonator is pre-positioned and heated to optimal temperature before xenon gas introduction, ensuring immediate plasma formation and maximizing the area for electron and ion flow from the outset
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a high-intensity VUV source capable of efficient treatment of wastewater and gaseous emissions, enabling effective remediation of contaminants like VOCs, SOx, and NOx, with scalable power output.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage is applied between the two electrodes to generate an arc discharge. The voltage applied across the electrodes maintains the discharge and drives current through the resulting plasma, that is, the ionization is maintained thermally.
Implementation Method 2
The chamber comprises a resonator arranged to receive the microwaves in the chamber and generate or ignite a plasma at the resonator.
Implementation Method 3
The voltage source is configured to generate an electric field between the resonator and the first electrode. The electric field drives electrons or ions from the plasma to generate excimers in the gas and produce vacuum ultraviolet or ultraviolet emission.
Implementation Method 4
The electrons are driven from cathode to anode by the voltage and in doing so they collide with the discharge gas atoms exciting them. The decay of the gas atoms from the excited states emits light, which for mercury atoms includes light in the UV and VUV.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a photoreactor for the remediation of gaseous emissions and/or contaminated water using ultraviolet (UV) or vacuum ultraviolet (VUV). There is also provided an emission source for generating UV and/or VUV, the source comprising: a microwave generator; a chamber arranged to receive microwaves generated by the microwave generator, the chamber comprising: a gas comprising species for forming excimers; a resonator arranged to receive the microwaves in the chamber and generate a plasma; a first electrode spaced apart from the resonator; and a voltage source configured to generate an electric field between the resonator and the first electrode, wherein, on application of the electric field, the electric field drives electrons and/or ions from the plasma to generate excimers and produce vacuum ultraviolet or ultraviolet emission. There are also provided methods of generating UV and/or VUV, and methods of remediating fluids.