Experimental investigation of the temperature distribution in a microwave-induced plasma reactor

• Published in: Fuel processing technology 2021-02, Vol.212, p.106631, Article 106631
• Main Authors: Vecten, S., Wilkinson, M., Bimbo, N., Dawson, R., Herbert, B.M.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Advanced conversion technologies; Air; Biomass energy production; Carbon dioxide; Clean energy; Clean fuels; Climate; Energy recovery; Fossil fuels; Laboratories; Microwave-induced plasma torch; Nuclear fuels; Optimization; Plasma; Plasma torches; Steam; Temperature; Temperature distribution; Temperature profiles
• ISSN: 0378-3820; 1873-7188
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2020.106631

It is urgent to reduce CO2 emissions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The development of advanced conversion technologies integrated with plasma torches provides a path for the optimisation of clean energy recovery from biomass and wastes, thus substituting fossil fuels utilization. This article presents the temperature characterisation within a laboratory-scale microwave-induced plasma reactor operated with air, H2O and CO2 as the plasma working gases. The benefits associated with the plasma torch are highlighted and include rapid responses of the plasma and the temperature profile within the reactor to changing operating conditions. The average temperature near the side wall in the laboratory-scale reactor is proportional to the applied microwave power, ranging from 550 °C at 2 kW to 850 °C at 5 kW, while significantly higher temperatures are locally present within the plasma plume. The described system demonstrates promising conditions that are ideal for effective energy recovery from biomass and wastes into clean fuel gas. •Comparable temperatures in reactor for air, H2O and CO2 plasmas at specific power.•Quick reactor warm-up to 650 °C in less than 5 min.•More homogeneous temperatures at high flow rate and high applied microwave power.•Average temperature near side wall of reactor up to 850 °C at 5 kW microwave power.•Temperature up to 1000 °C recorded at the bottom of the plasma reactor.