Energy-Effectiveness of Nonthermal Plasma Reactors for Toluene Vapor Destruction

The energy-effectiveness of packed-bed and nonpacked-bed plasma reactors for the destruction of toluene vapors is evaluated on the basis of the power consumption of the reactor system. The operation and design parameters being evaluated include the applied voltage, inlet gas flow rate, and toluene concentration. The optimal operational conditions for the target destruction of toluene vapors, with minimum power consumption, are determined. The results showed that a packed-bed plasma reactor has a higher toluene destruction efficiency and a lower power consumption than a nonpacked-bed plasma reactor. The toluene destruction efficiency is increased as both the inlet gas flow rate and the toluene gas concentration are decreased. For a plasma reactor 2 cm in diameter and packed with 5-mm glass pellets, >90% of toluene destruction can be reached at an applied voltage of 8.7 kV, inlet toluene concentrations <1,000 ppm, and gas flow rates of <680 cm3/min. The corresponding energyeffectiveness is about 15 g toluene/kW·h.