Study on the improvement of energy efficiency in the treatment of dilute trichloroethylene with dielectric barrier discharge

For the improvement of energy efficiency in the dilute trichloroethylene removal by the nonthermal plasma process, a barrier discharge reactor was experimentally studied. That is investigated by combining with catalysts (manganese dioxide, MnO₂) at the downstream of the barrier discharge reactor. Decomposition efficiency by the barrier discharge reactor was about 83% at the flow rate of 2 L/min, where the dilute TCE concentration is 250 ppm. However, lots of byproducts including ozone and various hydrocarbons were detected by the GCMS and the FTIR measurement. The decomposition efficiency was improved more than 99% and toxic byproducts decrease by using the catalysts (manganese oxide). The barrier discharge reactor was used as the practical ozone supplier in the indirect process. Decomposition efficiency was about 80% in that. By products analysis showed that direct plasma reactions make DCAC, but the ozone reaction on the manganese dioxide produces TCAA mostly. Carbon balance also increases by using manganese oxide.