Back-corona generated plasma for decomposition of hydrocarbon gaseous contaminants

A back-corona discharge has been tested as a plasma source for decomposition of hydrocarbons (CxHy). A back-corona discharge has hitherto not been applied for these purposes. The results of laboratory experiments show that the back-corona discharge can decomposite hydrocarbons, similarly to a do or pulsed streamer corona discharge, with similar energy expense and conversion rate. However, the final concentration of CxHy after the same residence time of 60 s is lower for back-corona discharges. The back-corona also produces less CO and NOx during the decomposition process.