Decomposition of Odorous Gases in a Pilot-scale Nonthermal Plasma Reactor

An experimental study was performed on the decomposition of gaseous ammonia and two selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs: toluene and acetone) in a combined nonthermal plasma reactor with corona and glow discharges. A lab pilot scale reactor (206 liter) equipped with a high electric power pack was used to determine the decomposition efficiency in relation with the inlet concentration and applied voltage. Three different types of discharging electrode such as wired rack, wire strings for corona discharge, and thin plate for glow discharge were put in order in the reactor. While decomposition of ammonia decreased with an increase in the initial concentration, acetone showed an opposite result. In the case of toluene however no explicit tendency was found in toluene and aceton. Negative discharge resulted in high decomposition efficiency than the positive one for all gases. A better removal of gas phase element could be achieved when fume dust were present simultaneously.