Design and Characterization of a Low-Temperature Plasma Reactor for Seed Treatment Applications

Abstract

This thesis presents the design and characterization of a low-temperature plasma reactor for seed treatment applications, with a focus on the generation of ozone. The research will look at two different setups using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) to generate plasma. The first design explores a coaxial tube setup, and the second design entails a multi-hollow plate setup. This research was done in collaboration with TU Delft and the Dutch seed distribution company Bejo Zaden BV, and its main objective was to develop a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional seed disinfection. The initial tube design used an acrylic tube as the dielectric and two stainless steel electrodes, but this design had some issues so a revised design with smaller dimensions was made to address these issues. The multi-hollow plate design used two steel electrodes with holes (with diameters ranging from $1-2.5mm$) and a dielectric made of polylactic acid. The experimental results showed that both setups work. In order to assess the final design, a program of requirements was made, which included requirements such as sustainability, safety, and scalability. Key findings suggest that the electrode and dielectric materials were not optimal, but were sufficient enough to prove the concepts. This study aims to advance the sustainable agricultural practices by providing an efficient plasma-based seed disinfection method. Future recommendations include optimizing electrode and dielectric materials and scaling the system for industrial use.