Pulsed Plasma Gliding Arc Reactor Nozzle Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gliding arc discharge reactors for chemical transformations in liquids and gases face inefficiencies due to thermal energy losses and limited understanding of their application in water treatment, particularly in achieving high specific energy yields for pollutant degradation and hydrogen peroxide generation.
Innovation Solution
A pulsed plasma gliding arc discharge reactor with divergent electrodes connected to a pulsed power supply, utilizing a nozzle to aerosolize a gas-liquid mixture, which increases the efficiency of chemical transformations by enhancing the formation of reactive species and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional AC gliding arc discharge is used for chemical transformations, then the process can be maintained continuously, but thermal energy losses increase and specific energy yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pulsed power supply to generate periodic gliding arc discharges instead of continuous AC discharge. The pulsed operation allows the plasma channel to form and dissipate repeatedly, preventing excessive thermal accumulation while maintaining high reaction efficiency during each pulse. This periodic action reduces thermal energy losses and improves specific energy yield for chemical transformations.
2Productivity
If liquid is sprayed through the plasma zone to enhance gas-liquid contact, then treatment efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nozzle system that divides the liquid stream into fine droplets or spray patterns. This segmentation of liquid increases the total surface area contact with the plasma zone, enhancing mass transfer and treatment efficiency. The segmented liquid droplets are more effectively exposed to reactive species generated in the plasma, improving degradation and hydrogen peroxide formation rates.
3Reliability
If high velocity gas flow is used to prevent sparking and maintain discharge, then discharge stability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsed power supply creates periodic discharges that form stable plasma channels during each pulse duration. The high velocity gas flow is maintained only during these pulsed intervals rather than continuously, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining discharge stability when needed. The plasma channel persistence between pulses further reduces the energy required to re-establish discharge.
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 pulsed plasma gliding arc reactor achieves significantly higher specific energy yields for pollutant degradation and hydrogen peroxide generation, with energy yields 150 times higher for organic dye destruction and 270-260 times higher for hydrogen peroxide formation compared to traditional AC gliding arc reactors, while minimizing energy input.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical discharge is formed in the gas phase between two or three divergent electrodes at the smallest gap between the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The electrical discharge leads to the formation of positive ions, negative ions, electrons and other chemically active species
Implementation Method 3
a high velocity (for example, >1 m/s) gas flowing between the electrodes to prevent sparking
Implementation Method 4
spraying the solution via a special two-way nozzle directly into the plasma is an effective method to enhance liquid phase treatment
Implementation Method 5
Measurements of OH radicals and NO formed in humid air gliding discharges and the analysis of the pH changes induced in the liquid phase below the discharge from nitrates formed in humid air plasma have been conducted
Data Source
AI summary
A plasma gliding arc discharge reactor is described. The reactor may include a housing having a plurality of divergent electrodes, a power supply connected to the electrodes, which delivers pulsed power to the reactor, and a nozzle that directs a mixture of a carrier gas and a liquid to a region between the divergent electrodes, thereby generating plasma in the region. The nozzle can include a first inlet for receiving the carrier gas, a second inlet for receiving the liquid and a mixing chamber that is configured to mix the carrier gas and the liquid prior to being directed to the region.