Abstract: A sterilization system applies power in the form of bipolar pulsed DC to a plasma during a gas/plasma sterilization procedure.

Abstract: The inventive method for producing fullerene-containing carbon and the device for carrying out said method relate to the chemical industry and are used for producing fullerenes. Said method for producing fullerene-containing carbon consists in vaporising graphite in an electric arc between coaxial graphite electrodes. The graphite electrode is continuously moved inside the electric arc zone through the glow discharge zone. The products formed inside the electric arc are removed therefrom with the aid of an annular inert gas flow which is directed along the axes of the electrodes through an area arranged at a defined distance from a discharge axis. The inventive device for producing fullerene-containing carbon comprises a plasma reactor provided with a system for circulating inert gas and a system for recuperating fullerene carbon. Said reactor is provided with a chamber for degassing the graphite electrode which is continuously moved by the glow discharge towards the arc.

Abstract: A breathing air refreshing arrangement includes an ozone generator adapted for producing a flow of ozone to mix with a flow of air, and a depolarizing filter comprising an ion carrier containing positively charged ions for depolarizing the airflow. Therefore, when the airflow passes through the breathing air refreshing arrangement, the breathing air refreshing arrangement is adapted to purify the airflow to the fresh air by enriching the oxygen quality and removing the microbial contaminants in the airflow.

Abstract: A device for dissociating an electronegative molecular gas includes a cylindrical-shaped tube having a wall that surrounds a discharge chamber. A first injector is positioned to introduce the molecular gas into a central region of the discharge chamber. A second injector is positioned to introduce an atomic gas, such as Argon, into an annular region between the central region and the tube wall. An induction coil is mounted on the wall and energized. This ionizes the atomic gas and creates a plasma discharge in the annular region. Electrons liberated by the discharge interact with the molecular gas at the interface layer between the molecular and atomic gases, dissociating the molecular gas. The interaction between the plasma discharge and the electronegative molecular gas is substantially limited to the interface layer to avoid quenching of the plasma discharge. In one application, the device is used to recover Fluorine from Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for compensating for variations in line voltages the power an electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner device. The electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner device includes a high voltage generator that provides a potential difference between at least one emitter electrode and at least one collector electrode. The high voltage generator is driven by both a DC voltage obtained from an AC voltage source, and a low voltage pulse signal. The DC voltage is stepped down to produce a voltage sense signal indicative of a level of AC voltage source. The voltage sense signal is monitored. At least one of a pulse width, duty cycle and frequency of the low voltage pulse signal is adjusted, based on the monitored voltage sense signal, in order to substantially maintain the potential difference at a desired level.

Abstract: A process for upgrading raw synthesis gas comprising at least CH4, CO2, CO and H2, includes heating the raw synthesis gas by addition of energy derived from electricity to provide an upgraded synthesis gas comprising less CH4 and CO2 and more CO and H2 than the raw synthesis gas. The invention extends to a process for producing synthesis gas, which process includes reforming a hydrocarbonaceous gas feedstock which includes CH4 to raw synthesis gas comprising at least CH4, CO2, CO and H2, and upgrading the raw synthesis gas in a process which includes heating the raw synthesis gas by addition of energy derived from electricity to provide an upgraded synthesis gas comprising less CH4 and CO2 and more CO and H2 than the raw synthesis gas.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and a method for producing an ozonated water by a water discharge in a dielectric barrier discharge system. The apparatus comprises high voltage alternating current power supply unit, water supply unit, oxygen supply unit, water discharge unit. The apparatus and the method do not require any dissolving module, contrary to the conventional apparatus. Further, the apparatus and the method makes it possible to produce more highly concentrated ozonated water than the conventional pulsed corona discharge system.

Abstract: A method for increasing and/or modulating the yield shear stress of an electrorheological fluid includes applying a sufficient electric field to the fluid to cause the formation of chains of particles, and then applying a sufficient pressure to the fluid to cause thickening or aggregation of the chains. An apparatus for increasing and/or modulating the transfer or force or torque between two working structures includes an electrorheological fluid and electrodes through which an electric field is applied to the fluid such that particles chains of particles are formed in the fluid and, upon application of pressure to the fluid, the chains thicken or aggregate and improve the force or torque transmission.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing powder formed of composite grains comprising a kernel and one or more surface layers. The inventive method comprises the following steps: mixing the grain kernels with a plasmochemical treatment gas; making said kernel/treatment gas mixture flow through a main plasma reactor; and generating a uniform plasma essentially at atmospheric pressure in a treatment region of the main reactor in order to create a plasmochemical reaction between the treatment gas and the surfaces of the kernels so that surface layers form on said surfaces while the mixture flows through the reactor.

Abstract: In a plasma processing apparatus for processing an object to be processed by generating plasma in a processing chamber: a first electrode is arranged in the processing chamber and a second electrode is arranged to face the first electrode in the processing chamber; a first and a second power systems include a first and a second power supplies for supplying a first and a second powers to the first and the second electrodes, respectively; and a control unit controls both or either one of the first and the second power systems so as to apply a preprocessing voltage to the second electrode for a time period before plasma processing is performed on the object.

Abstract: A plasma reactor including a first dielectric having at least one capillary defined therethrough, and a segmented electrode including a plurality of electrode segments, each electrode segment is disposed proximate an associated capillary. Each electrode segment may be formed in different shapes, for example, a pin, stud, washer, ring, or disk. The electrode segment may be hollow, solid, or made from a porous material. The reactor may include a second electrode and dielectric with the first and second dielectrics separated by a predetermined distance to form a channel therebetween into which the plasma exiting from the capillaries in the first dielectric is discharged. The fluid to be treated is passed through the channel and exposed to the plasma discharge. If the electrode segment is hollow or made of a porous material, then the fluid to be treated may be fed into the capillaries in the first dielectric and exposed therein to the maximum plasma density.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modifying a wooden surface (7) where an electrode (1) is arranged opposite to the wooden surface (7) to be modified, and an alternating high voltage is applied to the electrode (1), in order to cause the discharge (11) between the wooden surface (7) and the electrode (1) under atmospheric pressure. A dielectric layer is arranged between the electrode (10) and the wooden surface as a counter-electrode (7) to be modified, and the alternating high voltage is applied with a frequency greater than 600 Hz.

Abstract: A reactor chamber forms part of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. Within the chamber are electrodes between which there is disposed a bed of active material through which, in use, the exhaust gases pass. In the presence of an electrical discharge, driven by an electrical voltage applied across the electrodes, the active material has a catalytic action in the reduction of nitrogenous oxides in the exhaust and also acts to remove hydrocarbons from the exhaust gases.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor device for plasma-based gas and liquid purification. The device comprises a series of electrodes arranged in rows of alternating polarity so as to form a series of triangular modules in which the spacing between adjacent electrodes is less than or equal to the diameter of an individual electrode. When an electrical power supply is connected to the electrodes, an electrical discharge is produced which reacts with the constituents of the fluid to produce activated radicals. The device further comprises a fluid swiveling device which facilitates homogenous flow of the contaminated fluid through the reactor by providing effective mixing between activated radicals and fluid, such that toxins contained in the fluid are attacked and decomposed by the radicals. A number of alternative embodiments of the fluid swiveling device are described.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling the temperature of a plasma chamber inside wall or other surfaces exposed to the plasma by a plurality of temperature control systems. A plasma process within the plasma chamber can be controlled by independently controlling the temperature of segments of the wall or other surfaces.

Abstract: Devices for the manipulation of a suspended particle in an electric field gradient include a plurality of electrically isolated electrodes on a surface. A liquid composition is on the plurality of electrodes. The liquid composition covers the surface continuously between adjacent ones of the plurality of electrodes. The liquid composition has an exposed liquid surface for suspending a particle. The plurality of electrodes are configured to provide an electric field gradient for transporting the particle suspended in said liquid composition.

Abstract: WC powder (11) and W powder (12) are mixed and entered in a press mold and compressed and molded, thereby forming a discharge surface treatment electrode (10). Discharge is caused to occur between the discharge surface treatment electrode (10) and a workpiece (16) by a discharge surface treatment power unit (17), whereby a component of the discharge surface treatment electrode (10) melted by discharge heat is deposited on the workpiece (16). W, a component of the discharge surface treatment electrode (10), reacts with C, a component of work liquid (4), to produce WC and together with the WC which is a component of the discharge surface treatment electrode (10) a hard film (20) made of WC is formed on the workpiece (16). The hardness and strength of the hard film formed on the workpiece (16) by the discharge surface treatment can be enhanced.

Abstract: A catalyst system is provided that can be used, for example, in a water-gas shift reactor of a fuel processor. The catalyst system includes a foam-type catalyst support structure and a non-thermal plasma generation device for generating a non-thermal plasma in the catalyst bed in order to enhance the catalytic reaction taking place in the catalyst bed. The use of the foam catalyst support structure allows the plasma to permeate throughout the catalyst bed structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the removal of harmful substances from various objects or materials. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for removing the harmful substances (i.e., toxins), from a variety of materials or objects by utilizing high-voltage electricity in conjunction with large surface charcoal, an electrical wire and water. The device of the present invention comprises a first conductive container which has large surface charcoal placed within it. This first container is then placed into a larger second conductive container which is filled with ordinary water (i.e., tap or faucet water). The electrical wire is immersed in the water filling the second container. Then the second container is sealed with a cover and insulated from the floor with insulating material. Finally, an electric source device generates 10,000 Volts at 1 Pico Ampere (10 micro watts) which is transferred to the purification device of the present invention.

Abstract: In a plasma processing method and apparatus for monitoring an operating status of a plasma processing apparatus and/or a processing status of an object being processed, emission spectra emitted from a plasma is obtained as optical data when the plasma process is performed on the object. Quantitative data of each emission source is obtained from the obtained optical data by using reference data in a database storing therein emission spectra of a plurality of emission source as the reference data. The operating status of the plasma processing apparatus and/or the processing status of the object being processed is estimated based on changes in the quantitative data of each emission source.

Abstract: In a nonaqueous electrolyte rechargeable battery in which a positive electrode plate (1) and a negative electrode plate (2) are superimposed with a separator (3) interposed between them, and are accommodated in a battery case (4) together with electrolyte, corona discharge treatment is performed on the positive electrode material (1a) or the manufactured positive electrode plate (1). Improved affinity between the positive electrode material (1a) of the positive electrode plate (1) and the electrolyte shortens the pouring time of the electrolyte and enables the lithium ions (10) to easily reach the surface of the positive electrode material (1a), thereby improving the charging/discharging characteristic of the battery.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for treating gases such as PFC or HFC with plasma, comprising: (6) pumping means (6) thereof the outlet is at a pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure, means (8), at the pump output, to produce a plasmas at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A layer of an anisotropic material has a pair of substantially flat oppositely-directed major faces, a vertical direction extending between the faces and horizontal directions transverse to the vertical direction, the layer including a dielectric material and a plurality of conductive particles in the dielectric material. The particles are distributed non-uniformly in the horizontal directions so as to provide areas of high particle concentration interspersed with areas of low particle concentration.

Abstract: A system for concurrent particulate and NOx control in a combustion exhaust stream includes a particulate filter for trapping particulate matter in the exhaust stream; a non-thermal plasma reactor connected downstream of the particulate filter for further treating the exhaust stream; and a catalytic converter connected downstream of the non-thermal plasma reactor for reducing nitrogen oxides in the plasma treated exhaust stream. The system further includes an ozone generating device associated with but thermally insulated from the non-thermal plasma reactor for generating and discharging ozone to the combustion exhaust stream to create an ozone and NO2 enriched exhaust stream. The ozone and NO2 enriched exhaust stream is fed into the filter to regenerate the filter by oxidizing particulate matter trapped in the filter. The ozone generating device and the non-thermal plasma reactor are connected to a single high voltage power source thereby reducing system complexity and cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for sterilizing a filter medium (14) includes the steps of providing a filter element (14), an atmospheric plasma device (12) capable of generating and convecting reactive oxidative species, and locating the filter element (14) downstream of the plasma device (12) whereby both the surface and the bulk of a filter media (14) is exposed to the reactive oxidative species generated from the atmospheric plasma effecting sterilization of the filter element (14). The atmospheric plasma device (12) is either an RF, a DC pulse, or an AC power supply to generate the atmospheric plasma and create the reactive oxidative species.

Abstract: A device (10) for transferring electrostatic charge to particles in a liquid, including: at least one electrode structure (20) having at least one electrode plate, disposed in an electrically nonconductive conduit (24); a barrier structure (40) disposed in the electrically nonconductive conduit (24) and having at least one opening (42) defined therethrough though which the at least one opening at least some of the liquid flows; and a downstream end of the at least one electrode plate extends into and terminates in the at least one opening (42). A method of transferring electrostatic charge to particles in a liquid is also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of treating a gas stream comprises: controlling an amount of the NH3 entering a catalytic unit and converting NO2 and the NH3 to N2 in the catalytic unit, wherein greater than or equal to about 60 wt % of NOx initially in the gas stream is converted to N2. In one embodiment, a gas treatment system comprises: a plasma reactor disposed downstream of an engine; a cracking catalyst disposed downstream of the engine; and a catalytic unit capable of converting NO and HC to NH3, and capable of converting NH3 and NO2 to N2.

Abstract: A high-voltage capacitive electrostatic device is used to improve the performance of membrane-separation processes, particularly reverse-osmosis units, wherein species of a given ionic polarity are separated from water. The device is immersed in the water flowing across the membranes and is operated continuously at very high voltages, preferably greater than 30,000 volts DC. The charge on the wetted surface of the suspended particles is altered by the electrostatic field so generated and is found to reduce biofilm formation, thereby materially enhancing the performance of the membrane-separation system. The application of high-voltage electrostatic fields is also found to reduce corrosion of metallic surfaces in the system.

Abstract: A device for purifying an exhaust gas contains at least one first and one second component with a respective shell and core through which the exhaust flows, as well as with two front faces each. At least one of the front faces of the first component and at least one front face of the second component has a predetermined profile with elevations and depressions. The elevations of the front face of the first component extend into the depressions of the front face of the second component and vice versa, thereby configuring a penetration section. The first component is disposed electrically insulated from the second component. The components have a potential difference between them and plasma is generated in the penetration section. The compact plasma reactor reduces the pollutant concentration in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine operated in the lean mode, especially when combined with an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: NOx is generated by means of a plasma-enhanced method which, with the addition of H2-containing gas, reduces NOx to NH3 and uses the thus obtained NH3 as the reducing agent for an SCR catalyst for exhaust emission control. A plasma reactor is provided in the corresponding apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanotube, including: at least two electrodes whose tips are opposed to each other, and a power supply that applies a voltage between the two electrodes to generate discharge plasma in a discharge area between the two electrodes. By using a porous carbonaceous material for at least one of the two electrodes, it is possible to provide a manufacturing apparatus and method for a carbon nanotube, which are capable of manufacturing at a low cost the carbon nanotube that is inexpensive and has a further higher purity.

Abstract: This invention relates to the enhancement of chemical reactions by applying a high frequency electric field to a material. The frequency and amplitude of the electric field are selected in accordance with the properties of the reacting components in the bulk of chemical reactor. In general, the high frequency range is determined by the dielectric properties of reactant(s), that is, at any given temperature, when, for example, the specific conductivity starts to grow from its low frequency value. Typically, frequencies in the range of 100 kHz to 200 MHz or greater are suitable for the enhancement of the reactions. An electric field of any shape having Fourier components that when applied to a chemical process exhibits growth in the real part of conductivity relative to the low frequency value is of particular importance.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating harmful substances contained in a waste gas discharged from waste burning pants includes an insulating honeycomb structural body made of ceramics containing a photocatalytic material, a number of through holes formed in the honeycomb structural body in parallel with each other, first and second mesh electrodes arranged on respective end surfaces of the honeycomb structural body, and a pulse supply source connected across the first and second mesh electrodes. A waste gas flows through the through holes formed in the honeycomb structural body, while pulse corona discharge plasma is uniformly generated along the through holes. Harmful substances contained in the waste gas are decomposed by the high energy electrons and radicals generated by the discharge plasma, and the photocatalytic material is excited by ultraviolet radiation emitted from the discharge plasma to produce active oxygen which decomposes and/or oxidizes the harmful substances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing air contamination using a contaminant adsorbent to remove contaminants from air, and a nonthermal plasma to desorb and oxidize or detoxify the contaminants. The adsorbent may be comprised of a unique combination of a zeolite with a material having a high dielectric value. The power supply for the nonthermal plasma reactor is designed to seek and operate at the system resonant frequency. In one embodiment, the adsorbent material is separated from the nonthermal plasma reactor. In this embodiment, heat is applied to the adsorbent material to thermally desorb contaminants during a desorption/regeneration phase. Air is recirculated within the system to move desorbed contaminants from the adsorbent material to the nonthermal plasma reactor for decomposition. The recirculating air repeatedly moves contaminants through the reactor until they are destroyed or the desorption/regeneration phase is complete.

Abstract: A modular microchannel apparatus for analysis of an analyte. The apparatus includes a separation unit and a reservoir unit. The separation unit has a microchannel. The analyte can be driven to pass through the microchannel such that the time for the analyte to pass through the microchannel is indicative of the molecular characteristics of the analyte. The reservoir unit has one or more reservoirs for coupling operatively modularly with the separation unit to supply liquid reagents to the separation unit. The reservoirs has prepackaged liquid reagents in it before the reservoir unit is coupled with the separation unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma treatment module-equipped sterilization apparatus which can easily sterilize thin, long lumens without the aid of boosters. The sterilization apparatus comprises a sterilization chamber (10) for receiving therein sterilization objects. Interconnected with the sterilization chamber (10), a sterilizing agent feeding line (20) is provided, comprising a hydrogen peroxide solution (21) acting as a sterilizing agent, an injection heater (22) for vaporizing the sterilizing agent (21) by heating, and a mass flow controller (23) for controlling the injection amount of the vaporized hydrogen peroxide. A vacuum pump (14), connected to the sterilization chamber (10) via an exhaust line (13), is installed for exhausting air from the sterilization chamber (10) to form a vacuum state. A plasma treatment module (31) is provided on the exhaust line (13) to treat the hydrogen peroxide vapor exhausted from the sterilization chamber with plasma.

Abstract: There is provided an air cleaner which includes an air inlet, a first electromagnetic wave shield disposed adjacent to the air inlet, an electrical means for air induction, a second electromagnetic wave shield disposed adjacent to the air outlet, and a grounding means. The electrical means for air induction draws in air through the first electromagnetic wave shield and exhausts it towards the air outlet and through the second electromagnetic the wave shield. The grounding means discharges current induced in the first and second electromagnetic wave shields. There is also provided a method describing the operation of an embodiment of the air cleaner.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing fluoroolefins comprising perfluorinating a starting material comprising at least one carbon-bonded hydrogen by electrochemical fluorination, dissociating this separated effluent in a pyrolysis, quenching and separating the effluent to yield tetrafluoroethylene and/or hexafluoropropylene.

Abstract: A gas purifying system for purifying an object gas includes a gas flow line through which the object gas to be purified flows from an object gas generation mechanism, a discharge reaction device provided on a way of the gas flow line, a filter member disposed in the discharge reaction device having a structure capable of trapping particular matter contained in the object gas during a time when the object gas passes through the filter member; and a discharge generation device operatively connected to the discharge reaction device for causing electric field inside the discharge reaction device and generating discharge plasma therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of a fluid medium to inactivate biocontamination using a pulsed electric field (PEF). A fluid medium is pumped through a treatment assembly to treat the fluid medium. A pulse generating system produces input pulses of high voltage that are supplied to the treatment assembly. A pulsed high intensity electric field associated with the input pulses is produced in a treatment assembly. As the fluid medium flows through the treatment assembly, it is exposed to the high intensity electric field, thereby treating the fluid medium. The pulse generating system includes a pulse compressor to reduce the rise time of the high voltage pulses supplied to the treatment assembly, and forming a pulsed electric field in space, without use of an electrode system.

Abstract: A plasma generator generates positive ions and negative ions in a plasma. An ion extracting portion (4, 5) selectively extracts the generated positive ions and negative ions from the plasma, and accelerates the extracted ions in a predetermined direction. The positive ions and the negative ions are selectively applied to the workpiece (X). The plasma generator applies a high-frequency voltage to a process gas in a vacuum chamber for generating a plasma which is composed of positive ions and electrons from the process gas, and interrupts the high-frequency voltage for attaching the electrons to the residual process gas to generate negative ions. The application of the high-frequency voltage and the interruption of the high-frequency voltage are alternately repeated.

Abstract: A method concentrating energy to produce large velocity, high pressure and/or high temperature conditions, including the steps of forming a resonant cavity inside a container, filing the resonant cavity with a liquid having a compressibility that is smaller than that of water at room temperature; coupling energy into the resonant cavity at a frequency which drives the resonant cavity at or near a resonant mode thereby creating one or more velocity nodes in the resonant cavity; and capturing a quantity of material or mixture of material in the resonant cavity at one of the velocity nodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locally raising the temperature of a material in order to facilitate chemical reactions or processes related to growth or removal of the material utilizes an electrode to apply, in the presence of a growth or removal medium, a controlled succession of thermal spikes or shockwaves of varying energy. The scale of the thermal spikes or shockwaves, and the area of the material affected by the resulting energy transfer, is on the order of a few nanometers to several hundred micrometers, and the duration of the thermal spikes or shockwaves ranges from a few picoseconds to several hundred nanoseconds. The growth or removal medium may be a cryogenic liquid, although other growth media, including liquids, solids, gases in critical or non-critical state, and mixtures of liquids and solids, solids and gases, and liquids and gases, may also be employed.

Abstract: Exhaust gas emitted from a diesel engine flows through a ceramic soot filter in which particles contained in the exhaust are deposited and oxidized to regenerate the filter. The filter is regenerated by non-thermal, electric surface creeping discharge on filter surfaces covered with particles. In addition, nitrogen oxides may be reduced by selective catalytic reduction. The system is designed to ensure operation reliability and environmental compatibility.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissociating gases includes a plasma chamber that may be formed from a metallic material and a transformer having a magnetic core surrounding a portion of the plasma chamber and having a primary winding. The apparatus also includes one or more switching semiconductor devices that are directly coupled to a voltage supply and that have an output coupled to the primary winding of the transformer. The one or more switching semiconductor devices drive current in the primary winding that induces a potential inside the chamber that forms a plasma which completes a secondary circuit of the transformer.

Abstract: A fluorine generator includes a vacuum chamber filled with a working gas. An r-f antenna is positioned outside the chamber across a dielectric window from a potassium fluoride (KF) source located in the chamber. The r-f antenna radiates through the window to heat the working gas and sublime the PK source to create a plasma. Crossed electric and magnetic fields in the chamber drive the heavier potassium ions in the plasma toward a collector in the chamber while confining the lighter fluorine and working gas ions for evacuation from the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a plasma in a plasma region, by supplying RF power at a fundamental frequency to the plasma region together with a gas in order to create an RF electromagnetic field which interacts with the gas to create a plasma that contains electromagnetic energy components at frequencies that are harmonics of the fundamental frequency. The energy components at frequencies that are harmonics of the fundamental frequency are monitored and controlled by placing a harmonic multiplexer containing a matching network and RF filter elements in energy receiving communication with the plasma.

Abstract: A hard, wear-resistant ceramic surface is applied to spinning rotor cups in an electrolytic bath on which is imposed a shaped-wave electric current. A special electrode has been designed to facilitate application of the coating to the unique shape of a spinning rotor cup under the shaped wave conditions.

Abstract: A falling film plasma reactor (FFPR) provides a number of benefits for the treatment of process gases. The falling film plasma reactor uses high voltage alternating current or pulsed direct current which is applied to radially separated electrodes to thereby create a dielectric breakdown of the process gas that is flowing within the large radial gap between the two electrodes. Typical plasma reactors often utilize fixed dielectric construction which can result in potential failure of the device by arcing between the electrodes as portions of the dielectric fail. Such failures are prevented by using a dielectric liquid that constantly flows over the electrodes, or over a fixed dielectric barrier over the electrodes.

Abstract: Contaminants within the gaseous emission discharged from an incinerator are eliminated during passage in parallel through reactor chambers by chemical reaction induced during exposure to plasma generated within said chambers. The plasma is generated by corona-discharge breakdown of electric fields established about electrodes within the reactor chambers upon supply thereto of electrical pulse voltage exceeding a critical field breakdown value inversely proportional to a high chamber temperature of the gaseous emission under atmospheric pressure within the reactor chambers.