Apparatus and method for electron irradiation scrubbing

A system for scrubbing methane in gas, the system comprising:

• a dielectric barrier electrical discharge apparatus, comprising at least two electrodes arranged in use to provide at least one anode and at least one cathode, an electric field thereby being establishable therebetween, the at least two electrodes being separated to allow a fluid to be present between the electrodes in use, wherein at least one of the electrodes has a dielectric portion connected to at least part of said electrode, and a sub-macroscopic structure being connected to one of the at least two electrodes or to the dielectric portion, wherein in response to the presence of the electric field between the electrodes, the sub-macroscopic structure is arranged to field-emit electrons and electrical discharge is establishable between the dielectric portion and one of the at least two electrodes, and wherein the electrodes are separated to allow a gas to be present between the electrodes in use;
• a conduit connected to the apparatus and arranged in use to provide gas to the apparatus such that the gas passes between the electrodes, wherein an electric field is establishable between the electrodes, the electric field being configured to cause electrical discharge between the electrodes to which the gas is exposed in use;
• and
• an engine, wherein the engine is connected to the conduit, the conduit being arranged in use to pass gas from the engine to the apparatus, and wherein the engine uses gas fuel.