High Energy Destruction

Description

High energy destruction technology decontaminates air emissions (off-gases) prior to release to the atmosphere. Two types of high-energy destruction techniques are being developed: High Energy Corona (HEC) and the Tunable Hybrid Plasma Reactor. Both rely on electricity. The latter technology is in the early stages of development and is not described further.

The High Energy Corona (HEC) process uses high-voltage electricity to destroy volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The equipment consists of a portable reactor, inlet and outlet piping, and a secondary scrubber. The reactor is a glass tube 2 inches in diameter and 4 feet long. The tube is filled with glass beads and weighs less than 20 pounds. A high voltage electrode runs lengthwise through the center of the reactor, and a grounded metal screen is attached to the outer surface of the tube. The inlet and outlet piping contain instrumentation to measure humidity, temperature, pressure, contaminant concentration, and mass flow rate. The reactor destroys VOCs as the contaminated off-gas passes through. Operators adjust the current and power depending upon the type and concentration of contaminant.

Limitations and Concerns

Although this technology destroys most of the contaminants, more dangerous byproducts, such as dioxins and furans, may be created and released to the atmosphere.

Reactor emissions must be fully characterized.

Applicability

This technique is specifically useful for destroying organics and chlorinated solvents in off-gas, such as trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), diesel fuel, and gasoline. HEC technology can destroy more than 99.9% TCE. The technology destroys 90% to 95% of PCE.

Technology Development Status

This technology is in the pilot test stage at the Savannah River Plant; future Research is required to scale these systems.

Web Links

http://www.frtr.gov/matrix2/section4/4-56.html

Other Resources and Demonstrations

None have been identified.