Evaluation of matching between a pulsed-power and corona discharge reactor containing different thickness of soil

Abstract

Soil contamination by organic compounds has become an issue of concern around the world. Currently, non-thermal plasma, especially pulsed corona discharge, has received a great attention in environmental protection field. As a result, the matching between a pulsed-power and corona discharge reactor containing different thickness of soil was a significant aspect in optimizing the pulse corona discharge. In this paper, some methods have been adopted to achieve the matching, including choosing a suitable capacity, adjusting the frequency, providing a suitable soil thickness and comparing the energy and energy utilization efficiency. The details of the matching and optimization discussed were based upon the theories of streamer formation and experimental results as well. The results indicated that energy injected into the reactor increased with the pulse forming capacity and pulse frequency. There existed an optimal energy utilization efficiency with the change of soil thickness and pulse frequency under the pulse forming capacity of 100 pF. The SED at pulse voltage of 19 kV and pulse frequency of 70 Hz was achieved 0.11 J g−1soil at the soil thickness of 3 mm, which was only 0.064 J g−1soil at the soil thickness of 9 mm; meanwhile, with the increase of pulse frequency from 50 Hz to 90 Hz, the SED increased from 0.075 J g−1soil to 0.146 J g−1soil at 19 kV and soil thickness of 3 mm. This study is expected to provide reference for the matching between a pulsed-power and reactor containing different thickness of soil for producing corona discharge.