GAS-PHASE REMOVAL OF H2S AND NH3 WITH DIELECTRIC BARRIER DISCHARGES

Hydrogen sulfide and ammonia are two inorganic compounds that may caus e severe odor problems. In this study, the effectiveness of applying d ielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) to destroy and remove these two od or-causing compounds from gas streams via the generation of gas-phase radicals and high-energy electrons is experimentally evaluated with a bench-scale apparatus. Experimental results indicate that the removal efficiencies of both H2S and NH3 With DBD plasmas depend on the gas co mposition, gas residence time, and applied voltage. Electronegative ga ses, such as O-2 and H2O(g), tend to increase the electron attachment and therefore decrease removal efficiencies. Simultaneous removal of H 2S and NH3 from gas streams is accomplished with DBD technology. Resul ts of this study indicate DBD is an effective technology for controlli ng inorganic odor-causing compounds.