Diesel particulate matter and NO_<i>x</i> removals using a pulsed corona surface discharge

Abstract

Abstract A pulsed corona surface discharge (PCSD) system was established for particulate matter (PM) and NO x removals from a diesel engine. The PCSD was carried out with a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor and a pulse power supply at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The DBD reactor consisted mainly of an alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) tube and a stainless steel rod (cathode) inserted in the alumina tube, and an aluminum coil (anode) wound on the outside surface of the Al 2 O 3 tube. Pulse voltage was applied to the outside Al coil and stainless steel rod. PM was removed at a rate of 89% at maximum with 40% NO x removal. Relations of pulse voltage and frequency to PM and NO x removals were investigated. PM was oxidized by NO 2 and other kinds of active oxygen species, such as O and O 3 from plasma discharges. A surface adsorption/desorption and PM oxidation model of PM removal was established. The kinetic equations and their constants were given. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50:715–721, 2004