Device and System for Treating a Liquid by Plasma and Methods for Treating a Liquid by Plasma

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This invention discloses a device and system for treating liquids, such as water or liquid biomass, using plasma generated by microwaves. The device features a compartment partially filled with liquid, into which microwaves are injected via transmission elements (electrodes). The microwave energy vaporizes a portion of the liquid, and plasma is ignited in the resulting vapor bubbles. The device includes an opening that allows plasma to flow out and interact with liquid outside the compartment, efficiently treating it by breaking down large molecules or changing the liquid's physical and chemical properties. The system can be integrated into reactors with continuous or batch liquid flows.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Water and wastewater treatment to remove contaminants or disinfect water.
• Pre-treatment of biomass or fermentation residues to improve biofuel (biogas) production efficiency.
• Reduction of viscosity in industrial fluids for easier processing or pumping.
• Degradation of organic pollutants in liquid waste streams.
• Chemical processing for breaking down complex molecular structures in liquids.
• Medical sterilization or decontamination of liquid media.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Efficient plasma generation with low energy consumption due to small compartment size and targeted microwave delivery.
• No need for external gas supplies or chemical additives—plasma is generated directly from and within the liquid to be treated.
• Continuous operation possible, allowing integration with flow reactors and industrial processes.
• Effective at breaking down large molecules and reducing liquid viscosity, enhancing downstream processing.
• Compact and robust design using refractory and corrosion-resistant materials, suitable for harsh industrial environments.
• Ability to scale and configure for various applications due to modular device architecture.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for treating a liquid by plasma (4), comprising at least one compartment (2) to be at least partially filled with a liquid (33) and at least one transmission element (7) reaching the compartment (2), wherein the transmission element (7) is adapted to transmit a microwave (60) to the liquid (33) contained in the compartment (2) such that the liquid (33) contained in the compartment (2) is at least partially vaporized and plasma (4) is ignited in the vapor (11) and wherein the compartment (2) comprises at least one opening (15) which is able to realize a flow connection (3) to the surroundings, such that plasma (4) can at least partially be emitted from the compartment (2) to the surroundings.The invention further relates to a method for treating a liquid by plasma (4) with the device (1) and a system (20) comprising the device (1) and a reactor (30), as well as a method of treating a liquid by the system (20).