A modeling concept on removal of VOCs in wire-tube non-thermal plasma, considering electrical and structural factors

In this study, benzene was selected as an indicator of VOCs, and a modeling procedure was carried out on benzene removal (outflow concentration of benzene, C/inflow concentration of benzene, C-0), in DC and AC non-thermal plasma systems. Different diameters (18, 23, and 36 mm) of wire-tube plasma reactors were prepared, and models were raised based on the results of experiments with influencing factors of the used voltage, gap size inside the reactor, current density, and specific energy. The results showed correlation between the factors and benzene removal in both DC and AC discharge non-thermal plasma. The applied voltage as an electrical factor had negative correlation with C/C-0, and the correlation was stronger than for gap size which was positively correlated with C/C-0. Current density and specific energy were affected by the voltage and gap size of the reactor; the lowest C/C-0 values were obtained in the highest values of specific energy and current density. Regarding the raised models, multi-factor exponential model was the most reliable one with the results.