Naphtha cracking through a pulsed DBD plasma reactor: Effect of applied voltage, pulse repetition frequency and electrode material

In this study, a nano second pulsed dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor has been investigated for conversion of heavy naphtha. Continuous liquid hydrocarbons cracking and instant production of hydrogen and light gaseous hydrocarbons in the range of C1–C3 have been studied at room temperature and atmospheric pressure by using argon as a carrier gas. The effect of applied voltage, pulse frequency and inner electrode material has been examined on the quantity and quality of products. Aluminum, copper, stainless steel, iron and brass have been selected to investigate the effect of electrode material. Results show that applied voltage, pulse repetition frequency and inner electrode material, affect the energy efficiency of the plasma cracking process. Stainless steel has been selected due to its high performance among all tested materials. The highest process efficiency has been obtained at 7 kV and 18 kHz which was 79.38 l kWh−1 for 1 ml min−1 of feed injection and 24.70 W input power. In this condition, the generation rate of hydrocarbon is 22.50 ml min−1. Results indicate that the hydrocarbon product distribution during the process is ethylene ≫ C2 > C1 ≫ C3.

► Plasma cracking of naphtha is investigated through pulsed DBD plasma reactor. ► Effect of applied voltage, pulse frequency and inner electrode material is examined. ► Product is hydrogen-rich gas which is free of carbon monoxide. ► A little amount of coke is produced during experiments. ► Continuous plasma cracking operation is done due to little coke deposition.