Pulsed corona for gas and water treatment

The successful introduction of pulsed corona for industrial processes very much depends on the reliability of high-voltage and pulsed power technology and on the efficiency of energy transfer. In addition, it is crucial that adequate electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is achieved between the high-voltage pulse source and surrounding equipment. Pulsed corona (1.5 kW) is generated in a pilot unit that produces narrow 50 MW pulses at 1000 pps. The pilot unit can run continuously for use in industrial applications: cleaning of gases (100 m/sup 3//h) or fluids (e.g. waste water). Various chemical processes, such as toluene removal from an air flow are tested. To examine the processes in the reactor, the authors use current and voltage sensors and a fast CCD camera. They also developed a model to analyze the VOC conversion. Incorporated EMC techniques are based on the successful concept of constructing a low transfer impedance between common mode currents induced by pulsed power and differential mode voltages in signal lines and external mains AC.