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A pilot scale nonthermal plasma reactor with wire-to-plate geometry was designed using previously developed parameters. For destruction of swine manure gases, the combination of silent discharge and corona discharge plasma, namely wire-to-plate barrier discharge plasma was determined to be the best non-thermal plasma pilot reactor. The reactor was highly efficient in removal of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia at the specified flow rate of 5.7 m3/min (200cfm). At an initial concentration less than 50 ppm, the removal efficiency of hydrogen sulfide was more than 95%, and even at flow rate of 11.4 m3/min (400 cfm) the removal efficiency reached 70%. For the initial ammonia concentration less than 27 ppm, the removal efficiency was more than 85%. Since the typical initial concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia in the swine facilities are lower than the above levels, the system was sufficient for this application.

When the results of the pilot reactor were compared with reported results of removing hydrogen sulfide and ammonia by using other non-thermal plasma techniques, this reactor showed higher pollutant removal and energy efficiency, but the ozone concentration in the byproduct was also higher.