Microbubble enhanced DBD Plasma Reactor_29Jan2019Accepted.pdf (2.32 MB)
Download fileMicrobubble-enhanced DBD plasma reactor: Design, characterisation and modelling
journal contribution
posted on 05.02.2019, 11:49 authored by Alexander R.P. Wright, Matteo Taglioli, Faraz Montazersadgh, Alex Shaw, Felipe IzaFelipe Iza, Hemaka BandulasenaHemaka BandulasenaThe emerging field of atmospheric pressure plasmas (APPs) for treatment of various solutions and suspensions
has led to a variety of plasma reactors and power sources. This article reports on the design, characterisation and
modelling of a novel plasma-microbubble reactor that forms a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) at the gas-liquid
interface to facilitate the transfer of short-lived highly reactive species from the gas plasma into the liquid phase.
The use of microbubbles enabled efficient dispersion of long-lived reactive species in the liquid and UVC-induced
oxidation reactions are triggered by the plasma radiation at the gas-liquid interface. A numerical model was
developed to understand the dynamics of the reactor, and the model was validated using experimental
measurements. Fluid velocities in the riser region of the reactor were found to be an order of magnitude higher
for smaller bubbles (~500 µm diameter) than for larger bubbles (~2500 µm diameter); hence provided well-mixed
conditions for treatment. In addition to other reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS),
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a dissolved ozone concentration of 3 µM was recoded after a 15-minute operation of the reactor, demonstrating
the suitability of this design for various applications.
Funding
The authors would like to acknowledge grants POC-HD_RD0300 C from Plants to Products network of BBSRC NIBB and BB/L013819/1.
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