Degradation of tetrafluoroethane using three-phase gliding arc plasma

Abstract

The use of many chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) has negatively impacted the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol was implemented, as a temporary solution for this problem by replacing CFC's by hydrofluorocarbons (HFC's). These kinds of gases have the propriety to be free of chlorine. However, in a next future, the Montreal Protocol also considers the replacement of HFC's because they have a high global warming potential when they enter in contact with the atmosphere. One of the methods to remove those compounds is the gliding arc plasma because it presents some advantages. The inlet system works near the atmospheric pressure and has a transition region from plasma at thermodynamic local partial equilibrium to non-thermal plasma; allowing high gas and electronic temperatures. Results present a promissory possibility to be scaled and to give an industrial service.