Plasma Spark Discharge Reactor Electrode Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generating a reliable and precise plasma spark discharge in highly conductive produced water is challenging due to its high electrical conductivity, which affects the control of gas bubbles and leads to electrode erosion in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A plasma spark discharge reactor with a rounded HV electrode and a ground electrode that surrounds it, along with a gas passage extending to an outlet near the electrode head, allows for precise control of gas bubbles and reduces electrode erosion, enabling reliable pulsed plasma spark discharges in produced water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas bubbles are used to generate pulsed plasma spark discharge in produced water, then plasma spark discharge can be generated more easily due to lower conductivity in gas bubbles, but the system becomes difficult to control precisely regarding bubble size, location and frequency
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric layer is introduced as an intermediary between the electrode and the produced water. This dielectric layer serves as a mediator that enables plasma generation while providing electrical insulation that allows precise control of the discharge timing and location, resolving the contradiction between reliable plasma generation and precise control
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical control of gas bubbles (which is difficult to control) with an electrical control system using a dielectric layer and voltage pulse generation. This substitution allows precise electronic control of discharge timing, location and frequency without relying on fluid dynamic control of gas bubbles
2Reliability
If sharp needle-shaped electrodes are used in plasma spark discharge reactor, then plasma spark discharge can be generated, but electrode erosion occurs reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode tip is designed with a rounded or spherical geometry instead of a sharp needle shape. This curved surface distributes the electrical stress more evenly, preventing localized erosion while maintaining the ability to generate plasma spark discharge, thus improving electrode durability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is constructed using composite materials or coated surfaces that combine properties to provide both plasma generation capability and erosion resistance. This allows the electrode to maintain structural integrity and durability while continuing to function effectively for plasma discharge
3Reliability
If externally supplied gas bubbles are used for plasma spark discharge, then plasma can be generated, but the system complexity increases due to need to control multiple bubble parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and eliminates the gas bubble delivery and control subsystem from the overall system. By using a dielectric layer with electrical pulse control, the complex mechanical and fluid dynamic control of externally supplied gas bubbles is removed, simplifying the system while maintaining reliable plasma generation
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric layer system is self-contained and does not require external gas supply infrastructure. The system generates plasma using electrical pulses through the dielectric material itself, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for complex external gas bubble delivery and control mechanisms
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
This configuration ensures reliable and precise generation of plasma spark discharges at predetermined locations and frequencies, enhancing water treatment efficiency and microbial inactivation in produced water, while minimizing electrode erosion and improving control over gas bubble size and location.
Implementation Method 1
Plasma spark discharge generators are used in the treatment of water. However, it is a challenge to produce a short-duration spark discharge in produced water because of the high electrical conductivity of produced water.
Implementation Method 2
The electrical conductivity of produced water is in the range of 100-200 mS/cm, which is approximately two to four times larger than that of sea water. When externally supplied gas bubbles pass through the space between the HV electrode and ground electrode, a plasma spark discharge is more easily generated due to the lower conductivity of the gas in the bubble.
Data Source
AI summary
A plasma spark discharge reactor for treating water. The plasma spark discharge reactor comprises a HV electrode with a head and ground electrode that surrounds at least a portion of the HV electrode. A passage for gas may pass through the reactor to a location proximate to the head to provide controlled formation of gas bubbles in order to facilitate the plasma spark discharge in a liquid environment.