Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plasma generator capable of stably performing the discharge and an appliance having the same, wherein the plasma generator is configured to generate the discharge by plasma. The plasma generator includes a first case configured to store water to be treated; a second case disposed inside the first case and provided with a body having opposite sides opened, and a cover covering opened one side of the body; a first electrode disposed such that at least thereof is immersed in the water to be treated stored in the first case; and a second electrode disposed inside the second case. The second electrode is apart from a water surface of the water to be treated in an upper side of the water surface of the water to be treated in contact with opened other side of the body opposite to one side of the body.

Abstract: A system and method are described for regulating water concentration in a dielectric fluid. The system can comprise electrodes capable of applying an electric field across the dielectric fluid, thereby causing charge carriers and water included in the charge carriers to move toward a respective electrode. The system further includes a trap positioned near the electrodes and comprising a water absorbing material capable of trapping water, thereby reducing the concentration of water in the dielectric fluid. It is also possible to measure properties of the dielectric fluid and use such measurements to control the water-trapping process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a microfluidic device, which comprises a substrate with a channel defined therein, on an upper surface of the substrate, wherein a bottom wall of the channel comprises several contiguous steps having an asymmetric profile along a main direction of the channel, so as to form a ratchet topography. The device further comprises a lid, opposite to and at a distance from the upper surface of the substrate, so as to face the bottom wall of the channel. The bottom wall and the lid are designed to allow like sign charges to accumulate thereat, in presence of a polar liquid confined in the channel between the bottom wall and the lid, so as to allow displacement of nanoscale particles in the polar liquid, along said main direction of the channel, under application of an alternating force to said nanoscale particles, in operation of the device.

Abstract: Apparatuses, processes and methods for the separation, isolation, or removal of radioactive isotopes from liquid radioactive waste, these processes and methods employing a plurality of microspheres. In some embodiments, the processes and methods further include the vitrification of the separated isotopes, generally with the plurality of microspheres. Vitrification is often a step in a larger scheme of preparing the radioactive isotopes for long-term storage or other disposition.

Abstract: A method of improving natural gas release from a well via an enhanced hydraulic fracturing operation. The method includes capturing or retrieving the flow back from the well following the fracturing operation. The flow back or other source water is introduced to an electrocoagulation (“EC”) treatment process. EC treatment separates the water from other fracturing fluid components in the flow back and also removes bacteria and other contaminants. Thereafter, the EC-treated fluid is recycled for subsequent fracturing operations. The process may also be used to treat all source water, including fresh water delivered to the well before it is used as a fracturing fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating minerals in drilling fluid based primarily on density. The separator creates and maintains a slurry with a controllable density for separating minerals from drill cuttings. The density is controlled through the use of an electrode array. The separator comprises a housing have a fluid inlet for the fluid mixture, at least one rotating disk having an electrode array positioned inside the housing to suspend a first material of the fluid mixture, and a mechanism configured to rotate the disk. A second and third material is separated from the fluid via use of the suspended first material.

Abstract: The invention comprises two key components: dielectrophoresis (DEP) and reversible binding surfaces. DEP has become an important tool for trapping dielectric particles. Moreover, DEP can manipulate cell movement as dictated by the intrinsic dielectric constant of the cell without modification. DEP therefore provides a mechanism by which to force targets in a flow channel to a reversible binding surface. By building selectivity into the binding surface, the capacity to choose which targets can be held after the dielectric field is turned off, providing a separation strategy that does not suffer from fouling issues, as large foulants can freely pass over the surface through the flow channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for cleaning a filter surface using a plasma discharge self-cleaning filtration system. The method involves utilizing plasma discharges to induce short electric pulses of nanoseconds duration at high voltages. These electrical pulses generate strong Shockwaves that disintegrate and dislodge particulate matter located on the surface of the filter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed or remove one or more active chemical species into or from the hot water system and further operable to change at least one system parameter.

Abstract: Use of a non-sacrificial electrode made of synthetic graphite for applications utilizing conductive immersed treatment of wastewater is disclosed. The synthetic graphite is manufactured from a petroleum based extruded or molded composite material in any of plate, bar or coil forms. The electrodes are especially useful in the primary reaction chamber of an electrocoagulation apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, process, and system for the treatment of a water stream are provided. Such apparatus, method, process, and system characterized by applying a voltage to a pair of electrodes to generate an electric field with such electric field applied across a water stream passing there between the pair of electrodes. At least one of the pair of electrodes comprises a metal, and one or more of a plurality of positively charged ions in the water stream are substituted with one or more positively charged ions of the metal. Additionally, one or more of a plurality of negatively charged ions may react with the one or more positively charge ions of the metal to form an ionic compound. One or more of any remaining of the plurality of positively charged ions may reaction with another one or more of the plurality of negatively charged ions.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may comprise different types of pulses. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.

Abstract: A method and system for treatment of flow-back and produced water from a hydrocarbon well in which fracturing operations are carried out using a phase separation and creating of positive charge in the water.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the electrical field may be tuned.

Abstract: Methods for preparing ferroelectric nanoparticles, liquid crystal compositions containing the ferroelectric nanoparticles, and electronic devices utilizing the ferroelectric nanoparticles are described. The methods of preparing the ferroelectric nanoparticles may include size-reducing a starting material comprising particles of a bulk intrinsically nonferroelectric glass to form glass nanoparticles having an average size of less than 20 nm, the glass nanoparticles comprising ferroelectric nanoparticles. Exemplary bulk intrinsically nonferroelectric glasses may include borosilicate glasses, tellurite glasses, bismuthate glasses, gallate glasses, and mixtures thereof, for example. The size reduction may be accomplished using ball milling with a solvent combination such as n-heptane and oleic acid. Liquid crystal compositions may include the ferroelectric nanoparticles in combination with a liquid crystal.

Abstract: Electrostatic filters, systems and methods having separate positively and negatively charged filter elements within electrically isolated filter tanks for electrostatically filtering particles from a fluid flow. Both positive charged connections biased to earth ground and negative charged connections biased to earth ground are made to the respective positive and negative charged filter elements, along with triboelectric induced charge accumulations from the fluid flow, for separating charged particles within the fluid flowing parallel through these oppositely charged filter elements. Variable resistors of a power supply connected to such filters, systems and methods provide for controlling and adjusting for any undesired voltage excesses and/or shortfalls within these filter tanks so that the fluid flowing exiting these filter tanks is unbiased to generate a filtered fluid having balanced electrostatic charges.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an effective system and method for reducing or eliminating the formation of scale in desalination systems. The system utilizes at least one pair of electrodes in direct contact with a liquid to induce an oscillating electric field directly in a portion of the liquid or a liquid stream of the desalination system. The electric field is capable of inducing bulk precipitation of ions, minerals, salts, particulates, contaminants or a combination thereof from the liquid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing cyanotoxins and excess ions from contaminated water. Contaminated water passes from a storage tank (200), through a sand filter (210), through a reaction chamber (230), and finally through a carbon filter (270). The sand filter removes particulates and some bacteria. Treatment of the water in the reaction chamber first destroys cyanotoxins, algae, and bacteria through the use of high voltage shocks applied between two groups of electrodes (285, 285?), then the voltage on the electrodes is lowered and electrolysis is used to sequester free ions in the water in the region near the electrodes. Partially treated water is removed from the upper portion of the reaction chamber and passed through a carbon filter (270) to remove radiation, and to improve taste and smell. After passage through the carbon filter, the water is potable. The water remaining in the reaction chamber is discarded into a reservoir (265).

Abstract: Nanoparticles in a colloid are purified, with the colloid including a fluid, unwanted matter, and the nanoparticles to be purified. An electric field is applied that is substantially spatially uniform over a distance that is at least equal to a characteristic dimension of the nanoparticles, so that at least some of the nanoparticles move towards at least one collection surface as a result of the force arising between their electrical charge and the electric field, whereupon nanoparticles are collected on said at least one collection surface. The collection surface(s) may be one or more electrodes to which a voltage potential is applied. The collected nanoparticles are then removed from the collection surface, e.g., by dispersing them into another fluid.

Abstract: An electro-coagulation system to convert impurities and dissolved metal contaminants to suspended particles where upon associated dissolved gases help the suspended particles to rise to the surface and facilitate the contaminants to be removed. The system and process, known as Eco-Floc, are used for the treatment of various types of liquid streams by electrolysis for removal of undesirable substances from a treatment stream. The unique features of the electrolysis system permit a continuous cleaning of the electrode plates by moving, non-conductive scrapers located between electrodes in order that the movement of the scrapers can clean each electrode. The system also has full electrical controls to “tune in” power for the removal of specific impurities. The sacrificial anodes are easily replaced. The applications of Eco-Floc anticipate a plethora of applications and adapts well both to existing operations and new installations.

Abstract: A system for removing cyanotoxins and excess ions from contaminated water. Contaminated water passes from a storage tank (200), through a sand filter (210), through a reaction chamber (230), and finally through a carbon filter (270). The sand filter removes particulates and bacteria. The reaction chamber first destroys cyanotoxins, algae, and bacteria through the use of high voltage shocks applied between two groups of electrodes (285, 285? then the voltage on the electrodes is lowered and electrolysis is used to sequester free ions in the water in the region near the electrodes. Partially treated water is removed from the upper portion of the reaction chamber and passed through a carbon filter (270) to remove radiation, and improve taste and smell. The water is then potable. The water remaining in the reaction chamber is discarded into a reservoir (265).

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method for cleaning circulation water, which reduces the cost of operation and maintenance as much as possible, without a cumbersome cleaning operation such as by detaching electrode plates from an electrolysis cleaning tank and removing scale from inside the tank, and to provide a device used in this method.

Abstract: A method of improving natural gas release from a well via an enhanced hydraulic fracturing operation. The method includes capturing or retrieving the flow back from the well following the fracturing operation. The flow back or other source water is introduced to an electrocoagulation (“EC”) treatment process. EC treatment separates the water from other fracturing fluid components in the flow back and also removes bacteria and other contaminants. Thereafter, the EC-treated fluid is recycled for subsequent fracturing operations. The process may also be used to treat all source water, including fresh water delivered to the well before it is used as a fracturing fluid.

Abstract: Electrostatic filters, systems and methods having separate positively and negatively charged filter elements within electrically isolated filter tanks for electrostatically filtering particles from a fluid flow. Both positive charged connections biased to earth ground and negative charged connections biased to earth ground are made to the respective positive and negative charged filter elements, along with triboelectric induced charge accumulations from the fluid flow, for separating charged particles within the fluid flowing parallel through these oppositely charged filter elements. Variable resistors of a power supply connected to such filters, systems and methods provide for controlling and adjusting for any undesired voltage excesses and/or shortfalls within these filter tanks so that the fluid flowing exiting these filter tanks is unbiased to generate a filtered fluid having balanced electrostatic charges.

Abstract: The system for electrostatic desalination provides evaporative desalination of salt water utilizing ionized gas formed through corona discharge. The system includes a plurality of stacked water collection plates, each water collection plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. A thin film of salt water is formed on the upper surfaces thereof. A plurality of cathodes are provided, each cathode extending between a pair of adjacent ones of the plurality of stacked water collection plates. A plurality of anodes are attached to a corresponding one of the lower surfaces of the plurality of stacked water collection plates. Each anode and cathode is in communication with an external voltage source to generate an electrostatic field between the cathodes and the anodes. Thus, corona-induced ionized gas is produced between each of the stacked water collection plates in order to enhance condensation of pure evaporated water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed one or more active chemical species into the hot water system.

Abstract: Nanoparticles in a colloid are purified, with the colloid including a fluid, unwanted matter, and the nanoparticles to be purified. An electric field is applied that is substantially spatially uniform over a distance that is at least equal to a characteristic dimension of the nanoparticles, so that at least some of the nanoparticles move towards at least one collection surface as a result of the force arising between their electrical charge and the electric field, whereupon nanoparticles are collected on said at least one collection surface. The collection surface(s) may be one or more electrodes to which a voltage potential is applied. The collected nanoparticles are then removed from the collection surface, e.g., by dispersing them into another fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a fluid in a conduit, comprising first and second core elements of magnetically conductive material adapted to be mounted to the conduit to surround same at spaced positions therealong; and means for establishing radio frequency magnetic fluxes in said core elements, for generating respective electromagnetic fields in the fluid to be treated extending from spaced positions along the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for separating minerals in drilling fluid based primarily on density. The separator creates and maintains a slurry with a controllable density for separating minerals from drill cuttings. The density if controlled through the use of an electrode array. The separator comprises a primary separation chamber containing the dense slurry, and a multiple number of secondary separation chambers used to separate cuttings from the drilling fluid. The invention also contains inlet hardware allowing the mixed mineral suspension to enter the first separation chamber, and hardware allowing the three outlet (separated) streams to exit the device. One of the three outlet streams carries the minerals that have a density greater than the user selectable density set point, while the second carries the minerals that have a density less than the density set point, and the third carries clean drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method, process and system for the recycling of electrochemical-mechanical planarization slurries/electrolytes as they are used in the back end of line of the semiconductor wafer manufacturing process is disclosed. The method, process and system includes with the removal of metal ions from slurries using ion exchange media and/or electrochemical deposition.

Abstract: An electrode and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The method includes adding carbon nanotubes to a mixed solution of nitric acid and sulfuric acid and subjecting the carbon nanotube solution to microwaves for surface treatment resulting in facilitating the surface treatment, subjecting the carbon nanotube solution to ultrasonic waves to disperse the carbon nanotubes resulting in increasing the dispersion effect, subjecting the carbon nanotube solution to filtration and drying the carbon nanotubes to obtain a carbon nanotube plate mold.

Abstract: The separation of platelets from whole blood or any of its components Through electricity-based and/or mixed-phase effects.

Abstract: A method of converting biological material into energy resources includes transmitting biological material to a pulsed electric field (PEF) station, and applying a PEF to the biological material within a treatment zone in the PEF station to generate treated biological material. The method also includes transmitting the treated biological material to a biogenerator, and processing the treated biological material in the biogenerator to produce an energy resource. A converter may carry out this process, and may include the PEF station and the biogenerator.

Abstract: Water treatment method and apparatus according to which supply water containing dissolved matter is delivered to at least one treatment surface. An electric field is created in the vicinity of the treatment surface to cause a hydration layer to be established due to the bipolar nature of the water molecules. Water is then extracted from the hydration layer. Such extraction may be effected by osmosis or by removal of the element (s) from the supply water with the hydration layer water thereon, dehydration layer water subsequently being extracted from the element (s). The method has been devised to reduce energy consumption for the purpose of providing potable water from seawater.

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: The invention relates to a method for handling particles (1, 2) that are suspended in a carrier liquid (3). The method includes the following steps: the carrier liquid (3) is received with the particles (1, 2) in a liquid siphoning device (10) including at least one siphoning opening (11), electrical and/or magnetic separating fields are generated in the liquid siphoning device (10), a sedimentation movement of the particles (1, 2) is created in the liquid, each particle having a sedimentation speed that depends on the action of the separating fields on the particle (1, 2) and the particles (1, 2) forming a plurality of particle fractions (5, 6) according to the sedimentation speeds thereof, and the particle fractions (5, 6) are separately extracted from the liquid siphoning device (10). The invention also relates to a handling device (100) for handling suspended particles (1, 2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provide an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the high-pressure electrocoagulative treatment of aqueous and viscous fluids and sludge is provided. The apparatus includes a plate and frame design utilizing mechanical closure on a plurality of recessed, gasketed, non-electrically conductive electrocoagulation spacer plates that completely enclose and isolate all fluids, electrical contacts, and electrodes within the confines of the apparatus. The spacer plates include intergral supports that position and support said plates with enclosed electrodes on top of the side rails of the supporting frame of the apparatus allowing said plates to be separated for electrode replacement and maintenance and conversly closed, pressured and put into service. The apparatus includes a baffled influent and effluent chamber at both ends for the addition and flash mixing of chemical reagents and/or flocculants and to provide a means of fluid communication between fluid conduits and chambers formed within the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provide an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.

Abstract: A components separation device including well (2) for containing a sample, being an object of separation, which well (2) is disposed on stage (1). Well (2) is fixed at only one point of the bottom on stage (1). Base (13) formed on stage (1) is further provided with an actuator for vibrating well (2).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for detecting the location of an interface between phases. In one embodiment, the process comprises: introducing a reaction mixture into a vessel wherein the reaction mixture is the product of an at least two phase interfacial reaction, and a difference in densities between at least two of the phases is less than or equal to about 1 g/cc, separating the reaction mixture into the phases with an interface located therebetween, measuring electrical inductance of the reaction mixture at different latitudinal locations; and determining the location of the interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provides an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.

Abstract: An electrophoresis device is disclosed which separates cells, particles, proteins and other separands by collecting samples of decreasing electrophoretic mobility in a train of inverted cavities while an electric field is applied between said inverted cavities and one or more sample cuvettes containing a mixture of cells, particles, proteins or other separands. One circular plate is provided for the one or more sample cuvettes, and one circular plate is provided for the multiple collection cavities. The invention utilizes an innovative purification method that combines free electrophoresis and multistage extraction in an instrument capable of separating living cells, particles, and proteins in useful quantities at high concentrations. The purification method includes a method for dealing with electrolysis products, a technique for controlling the electrical energy input, and an approach for keeping the process isothermal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of fluid columns uses an air-cooled electromagnetic field generator to prevent the deposition and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of the fluid columns. The instant invention may be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of such separation apparatus.

Abstract: A purifying apparatus for purifying flowing water includes a negative electrode plate disposed on a flowing water bed and a positive electrode plate disposed at an upper face opposite to the negative electrode plate, wherein the positive electrode plate is adapted to be dipped below a water surface of the flowing water with floats being disposed at least at upstream and downstream end portions or opposing side portions of the positive electrode plate in a flowing direction of the flowing water. A structure is provided for positioning the positive electrode plate at a position opposite the negative electrode plate. Also, as necessary, a vertical-movement structure is provided to allow vertical movement of the positive electrode plate and of a gas collecting unit. The positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are provided with an electric field generator.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation system for removing contaminants from waste effluents comprising an electrocoagulation reactor having charged and uncharged plates and allowing serial flow of water therethrough. The reactor is connected to a voltage source to charge some of the plates positive and some negative, with uncharged plates between the positive and negative plates. The system allows waste water to enter the reactor for coagulation therein, the waste water leaving the reactor to enter a defoam tank for agitation which allows trapped bubbles to rise to the surface of the tank as foam. From the defoam tank, waste water goes through a sludge thickener, to allow sludge to settle at the bottom thereof and waste water is drawn off from the sludge thickener to flow to a clarifier. The pump removes sludge forming at the bottom of clarifier to take it back to the sludge thickener. The sludge is drawn out the bottom of the sludge thickener for transport to a press where most of the water is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A stream of process liquid is treated while flowing through in a horizontally elongated chamber having an open top. Longitudinally elongated electrode blades are aligned with the longitudinal dimension of the chamber. An overhead disbursement chamber supplies a sweeping air stream over the open top of the chamber for removing foam and gas reaction by-products. The electrode blades are separated and held at a desired spacing by small portable guides located below and above the blades.

Abstract: In a circulation system of treatment-object water (waste water), a water treating apparatus and a pH adjuster are provided. A carbon fiber that can collect at least microorganisms is disposed in the water treating apparatus. The carbon fiber is immersed in the treatment-object water, and potential is applied to the carbon fiber. Further, pH of the treatment-object water is adjusted by the pH adjuster in a direction in which adsorption of microorganisms in the treatment-object water to the carbon fiber is facilitated. As a result, the microorganisms are strongly attracted and adsorbed to the carbon fiber.

Abstract: A method is described for removing a particle from a surface of a semiconductor wafer. In general, the method involves positioning an electrically conductive surface near the particle to be removed. An electrical charge is created on the electrically conductive surface. A charged particle beam is formed, wherein the charged particle beam includes particles having an electrical charge opposite the electrical charge of the electrically conductive surface. The charged particle beam is directed at the particle to be removed. When struck by the charged particle beam, the particle to be removed absorbs a portion of the charged particles of the charged particle beam and acquires an electrical charge opposite the electrical charge of the electrically conductive surface.