Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE)
TITLE	A Model for Large-scale Microwave-Plasma Facilities [PDF]
AUTHORS	E. J. Mezey 1969 4 1 19-24
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Abstract The extension of plasma-based syntheses to larger-scale operations has been limited owing, in part, to a failure to employ the three disciplines necessary to scale up a chemical process incorporating a microwave plasma: microwave technology, chemical engineering, and chemistry. When the feasibility of a large-scale facility is considered in the light of these combined technologies, a reasonable estimate of the cost of the desired reagent or product can be obtained. As a model that lends itself to these considerations, a facility for producing atomic hydrogen is used. Factors essential to the determination of the cost of forming this reagent are discussed. Among the chemical factors considered are the efficiency of the reaction utilizing atomic hydrogen, the efficiency of the dissociation process, and the chemical efficiency of microwave-power utilization. In addition, factors related to the components, such as the efficiency of the conversion of line power to microwave power, the choice of frequency, and the microwave tube life, must also be considered to estimate a realistic cost for atomic hydrogen.