Removal of biomass tar model compound using reverse vortex flow gliding arc discharge

ABSTRACT

Removal of tar derived from biomass gasification using plasma discharge was of great interest. In this work, treatment of biomass tar using a high flow rate, reverse vortex flow gliding arc discharge (RVF-GA) was investigated. Naphthalene was used as a light tar model compound. Investigation was carried out at different inlet tar concentrations, total gas feed rates, and applied energy inputs. The naphthalene concentrations considered were low (≈ 610 mg/m³), moderate (≈ 4,330 mg/m³) and high concentration (≈ 10,330 mg/m³). It was demonstrated that the RVF-GA reactor performed well in removal of tar at high flow rates. The removal efficiency in the range of 75–95%, the specific energy input in the range of 0.11–0.33 kWh/m³ and the energy utilization in the range of 1.4–112 g/kWh could be achieved. The plasma assisted decomposition of naphthalene was found to increase with the applied electrical energyinput.

KEYWORDS:

• Biomass gasification
• naphthalene
• plasma cracking
• renewable energy
• tar treatment

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the National Research Council of Thailand (Grant No.2559-149) and Chiang Mai University for support. Maejo University is thanked for providing facilities.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Chiang Mai University [2561-coe];National Research Council of Thailand [2559-149].

Notes on contributors

Kittikorn Sasujit

Kittikorn Sasujit is currently a PhD candidate in Energy Engineering at Chiang Mai University, Thailand.

Nakorn Tippayawong

Nakorn Tippayawong graduated from Imperial College London, UK. He is a full professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. His research interests include biomass & biofuels, energy efficiency, particulate air pollution control, and carbon management.