Gliding Arc Plasma-Stimulated Conversion of Pyrogas into Synthesis Gas

This paper discusses plasma-assisted conversion of pyrolysis gas (pyrogas) fuel to synthesis gas (syngas, combination of hydrogen and carbon monoxide). Pyrogas is a product of biomass, municipal wastes, or coal-gasification process that usually contains hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water, unreacted light and heavy hydrocarbons, and tar. These hydrocarbons diminish the fuel value of pyrogas, thereby necessitating the need for the conversion of the hydrocarbons. Various conditions and reforming reactions were considered for the conversion of pyrogas into syngas. Nonequilibrium plasma reforming is an effective homogenous process which makes use of catalysts unnecessary for fuel reforming. The effectiveness of gliding arc plasma as a nonequilibrium plasma discharge is demonstrated in the fuel reforming reaction processes with the aid of a specially designed low current device also known as gliding arc plasma reformer. Experimental results obtained focus on yield, molar concentration, carbon balance, and enthalpy at different conditions.