Abstract: An improved non-thermal plasma apparatus for treating NOx bearing gas streams has a plasma reactor and an inlet and outlet. The plasma reactor is equipped with a plurality of dielectrically-coated electrodes between which a selected voltage is applied to generate a non-thermal plasma environment for driving selected electro-chemical reactions. A predefined voltage is applied across the electrodes to create microdischarges in the exhaust gas stream to convert nitric oxides into primarily nitrogen dioxides. The electrodes are constructed of metal plates, and a fluoropolymeric material, such as fluorocarbon, as the dielectrics. The electrodes are arranged in parallel formation and alternating between positive and negative charges. In one embodiment, fluoropolymeric spacers are positioned between adjacent electrodes and may be configured with selected thicknesses to provide a plurality of desired reaction zones or gaps therebetween.

Abstract: An improved non-thermal plasma treatment method and apparatus for the pretreatment of nitric oxide-bearing exhaust gas with ethanol, either by vapor absorption or direct vapor injection, is described. Advantageously, the high vapor pressure of ethanol permits a significant portion of the ethanol to be absorbed. Moreover, the solubility of ethanol permits the ethanol to be readily scrubbed from the exhaust gas, along with the nitrogen dioxides converted from the nitric oxides. The non-thermal plasma apparatus comprises a non-thermal plasma reactor having a chamber which provides a plurality of electrodes. The apparatus further comprises an inlet and an outlet connected to the reaction chamber, permitting the exhaust gas to enter and leave the chamber. In one embodiment, the inlet is further connected to a diverter equipped with an injector, which diverts a portion of the gas stream through the ethanol bath before reinjecting the ethanol-bearing gas stream into the inlet.

Abstract: An improved non-thermal plasma apparatus for treating NOx bearing gas streams has a plasma reactor and an inlet and outlet. The plasma reactor is equipped with a plurality of dielectrically-coated electrodes between which a selected voltage is applied to generate a non-thermal plasma environment for driving selected electrochemical reactions. A predefined voltage is applied across the electrodes to create microdischarges in the exhaust gas stream to convert nitric oxides into primarily nitrogen dioxides. At least a portion of the gas is diverted through an ethanol bath before entering the reactor. The dielectric is preferably a fluoropolymeric substance.

Abstract: An improved non-thermal plasma treatment method and apparatus provide for the pretreatment of nitric oxide-bearing exhaust gas with ethanol, either by vapor absorption or direct vapor injection. Advantageously, the high vapor pressure of ethanol permits a significant portion of the ethanol to be absorbed. Moreover, the solubility of ethanol permits the ethanol to be readily scrubbed from the exhaust gas, along with the nitrogen dioxides converted from the nitric oxides. The non-thermal plasma apparatus comprises a non-thermal plasma reactor having a chamber which provides a plurality of electrodes. The apparatus further comprises an inlet and an outlet connected to the reaction chamber, permitting the exhaust gas to enter and leave the chamber. In one embodiment, the inlet is further connected to a diverter equipped with an injector, which diverts a portion of the gas stream through the ethanol bath before reinjecting the ethanol-bearing gas stream into the inlet.