Characteristics of Rotating arc Plasma in $CH_4$ Reforming

메탄 개질에서의 회전 아크 플라즈마 특성

Characteristics of a plasma reactor for partial oxidation of methane, especially focused on the role and effectiveness of plasma chemistry, is investigated. Partial oxidation of methane is investigated using a rotating arc which is a three dimensional version of a typical glidingarc. The rotating arc has both the characteristics of equilibrium and non-equilibrium plasma. Non-equilibrium characteristics of the rotating gliding arc can be increased by rotating an elongated arc string attached at both the tip of inner electrode and the edge of outer electrode. In this way, plasma chemistry can be enhanced and hydrogen selectivity can reach almost 100% that is much higher than thermal equilibrium condition. As a result, the present study enables the strategic approach of the plasma reforming process by means of appropriate reactor design to maximize plasma effect and resulting in maximized reaction efficiency.