Water treatment by pulsed streamer discharges

Abstract

The reliable and durable reactor for wastewater treatment by pulsed streamer discharges is designed and tested. Uniform streamer discharges were obtained in water at pulsed electric loading. The volume of these discharges exceeds 200 cm/sup 3/ and the energy delivered to the discharge reached 40-400 J depending on the applied voltage. High amplitude of the voltage pulse applied to the reactor requires improved electric insulation to prevent the flashovers along the reactor surface both in water and air. High energy deposition due to high discharge current adds the requirements to the mechanical durability of the system. Small-size reactor with the volume of approximately 1 liter withstands successfully both high electrical and mechanical stresses. The reactor is designed for research purposes, however it can be upgraded to use in high repetition-rate regime necessary for applications.