Gliding arc discharges as a source of intermediate plasma for methane partial oxidation

Abstract

Experimental study of intermediate plasma catalyzed partial oxidation of methane is completed and results are presented along with numerical simulations. To establish the best plasma parameters for industrial chemical applications like partial oxidation, the stability mechanism of different plasma sources is reviewed. Various kinds of intermediate plasma sources are discussed for their application to plasma-chemical processes. Diagnostics of gliding arc discharge: electron temperature, gas temperature, current-voltage characteristics, etc. is done. Different configurations of gliding arc such as the gliding arc in tornado and the plasma disc to enhance intermediate plasma properties are presented along with their advantages. Reverse vortex or "tornado" stabilization is used for methane partial oxidation catalysis. For applications where gas velocity is low or gas is stationary, plasma disc can be employed. Analysis of experimental results and comparison with nonplasma system is done to establish clear advantage of intermediate plasma catalysis for the partial oxidation process. © 2005 IEEE.