Diesel Engine Emission Control Using Pulsed Corona Plasma-Wet Chemical Hybrid Process

Abstract

The plasma-wet chemical hybrid process for NOx removal from the flue gas emissions is extremely effective and economical in comparison with the conventional selective catalytic reduction system. A series of experiments using the plasma-wet chemical hybrid system are performed to control NOx from the diesel engine emission. The operation characteristics and optimum operation for plasma and chemical reactors are investigated in regard to reaction products such as N2O, CO, CO2, HNO3 and NO3- as well as NOx removal efficiency using the pulsed corona and barrier type packed-bed plasma reactors. The oxidation from NO to NO2 without reducing NOx concentration (i.e., minimum reaction byproducts) and with least power consumption is the key for the optimum reactor design. The produced NO2 is totally converted to N2 and Na2SO4 with Na2SO3 scrubbing. The hybrid reactors followed by the chemical reactor achieved extremely low operating cost and around 90% NOx removal efficiency with small amount of byproducts.