LCA-based comparison of VOC removal from exhaust gases by plasma and “conventional” end-of-pipe methods

Abstract

The number of experimental and industrial applications of non-thermal plasmas for environmental pollution control is rapidly growing. Applications of plasma processes for treatment of combustion and ventilation exhausts, disinfection and decontamination of potable and waste water have been reported. The main issue of application of plasma processes for pollutant decontamination lies in the fact that these processes are highly energy consuming and may not be efficient from the entire life cycle perspective. The removal of VOCs from ventilation exhaust gases is usually complicated due to diverse nature and complex composition of volatile organic compounds. Usually, end-of-pipe techniques such as biofiltration, adsorption, chemical and thermal oxidation are employed for the removal of VOCs from exhaust gas streams. In turn, plasma-based VOC oxidation method, based on dielectric barrier discharge was proved to be highly efficient and capable in oxidizing various organic pollutants. For the comparison, life cycle analysis (LCA) was utilized, which took into account the usage of materials, waste generation and energy consumption.