Utilization of double dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma reactor in the destruction of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis

Scope of study. The purpose of the study is to determine the efficiency of DBD reactor in the destruction of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Both the bacteria were tested at flow rates of 2.5 L/min, 4.5 L/min and at voltages of 7500 v, 9500 v, 12500 v. The above listed tests were done with air and nitrogen as carrier gas to verify the role of ozone in the destruction of the bacteria. Particulate flow was also simulated with carbon particles to examine the efficiency of the reactor in the presence of particulates.; Findings and conclusions. The overall efficiency for both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis in air plasma were higher than 99.6% and with particulate matter induced the efficiency was higher than 99.9%. Tests with nitrogen as carrier gas revealed that ozone has a part in the destruction mechanism of the plasma reactor.