Application of Non-Thermal Plasma on SO2 Removal from Synthesis Gas

Non-thermal plasma has the advantages of low energy consumption but being able to produce large numbers of active species in a more efficient way than conventional chemical processes. Corona and glow discharge plasmas are widely used for generating such active species. Synthesis gas (syngas) produced from coal or biomass gasification requires cleanup before feeding to synthesis reactor. A non-catalytic, non-thermal plasma, tubular reactor (2-inch diameter, 2.5-foot long) was used in this study. At 200°C, 15.3 kV, and 350 ppm SO₂ in the feed, SO₂ conversion was found to 21 mol%. The details will be presented.