Removal of Volatile Organic Compounds at Low Concentration Using a Combination of Densification by a Zeolite Adsorption with a Barrier Discharge

A new decomposition system for volatile organic compounds using combinations of dielectric barrier discharges with zeolite honeycomb sheets

“…The ratio of the former part to overall power consumption is here called the power transfer efficiency. The power consumed by barrier discharge is calculated by using v-q Lissajous figures [1]. A measuring capacitor C (in our experiments, 22 µF) is connected in series to the discharge device, the amount of mobile charge (q = ∫ idt) caused by the discharge is measured and is fed to an oscilloscope or other device together with the discharge voltage v to obtain v-q Lissajous figures.…”

“…Although the no-load loss is not specified for the transformer used, considering that the value is about 50 W for commercially available transformers of the same class, the load loss (mainly copper loss) can be estimated as 85 W. This is due to the increase in the discharge current caused by the honeycombs. Since the copper loss increases as the square of the load current, smaller power source volume and higher power efficiency of a large-scale system can be achieved by a coil connected in parallel to the discharge device (LC resonance) so as to reduce the charge current superimposed on the discharge current [1].…”

“…At the same time, based on experimental results obtained for small cylindrical dischargers 60 mm in diameter, the power consumption and materials of dischargers were examined aiming at real-scale commercial applications. However, as stated in the conclusion to the previous study [1], the proof-of-concept tests were a long way from extrapolation to real scale, and more accurate experiments with prototypes were required. In particular, the key point is to develop elements for adsorption and barrier discharge that can meet various needs in terms of durability and capacity [2].…”

“…In a previous study [1], a concept of electric discharge treatment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was proposed. Specifically, it was shown that zeolite-based VOC adsorption and honeycomb-type barrier discharge could be combined in a decomposition system to provide VOC enrichment and removal at large gas flow rates.…”

“…Such elements are composed of three parts: (1) electrodes to supply electric power, (2) a dielectric that covers the electrodes and prevents released electric charges from reaching the electrodes, and (3) adsorption honeycombs. In the proof-of-concept tests [1], parts (1), (2), and (3) were implemented as aluminum sheets, Kapton insulating tape, and zeolite ceramic sheets, respectively. Item (2) is the bottleneck because the organic compound Kapton is employed.…”