Abstract: A disclosed system for reducing particulate matter in an exhaust gas includes: a first conductor provided in the form of a tubular body through which a gas stream flows, and to which a ground power supply is connected; a second conductor disposed within the first conductor and having an emitter which comes into contact with the gas stream and generates non-thermal plasma (NTP); and an insulator for electrically separating the second conductor from the first conductor, in which a predetermined level of direct current voltage is continuously applied to the second conductor.

Abstract: Electret webs are presented which include a blend of a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The charge-enhancing additives include a heterocyclic imide material which is free of fluorinated groups. The webs prepared from the blends may be in the form of films or non-woven fibrous webs. Non-woven microfiber webs are useful as filtration media.

Abstract: A method for converting soot particles of an exhaust gas includes providing at least nitrogen dioxide or oxygen in the exhaust gas, ionizing soot particles with an electric field, depositing electrically charged soot particles on inner channel walls of at least one surface precipitator, and bringing at least nitrogen dioxide or oxygen into contact with the deposited soot particles on the inner channel walls of the at least one surface precipitator. A device for carrying out the method includes at least one surface precipitator having a plurality of channels through which the exhaust gas can flow and extending between an inlet region and an outlet region, and at least one deposit inhibitor for electrically charged soot particles provided in at least part of the inlet region, especially allowing the soot particles to be evenly deposited and the surface precipitator to be continuously regenerated.

Abstract: Filter media are provided having improved conductivity to enhance filtration efficiency and/or dissipate static charge, and methods for making the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the filter media can include a filtration substrate, and at least one conductive coating disposed on at least a portion of the filtration substrate. In use, the conductive coating is coupled to an energy source and it is effective to emit ions when energy is delivered thereto to increase the efficiency of the filtration substrate and/or to dissipate or eliminate static charge generated during filtration.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing soot particles in exhaust gas, particularly of an internal combustion engine, includes first and second at least partially electrically conductive structures with an intermediate space therebetween, a high voltage source forming a potential between the first and second structures and at least one at least partially electrically conductive intermediate structure in the intermediate space receiving an intermediate potential. A method for treating the exhaust gas includes conducting exhaust gas from the first to the second structure and applying a high voltage at least temporarily between the first and second structures. At least part of the soot particles in the exhaust gas is ionized or agglomerated and deposited on the second structure. A high voltage between potentials of the first and second structures is applied at least temporarily to the intermediate structure. An electric field is influenced favorably and disruptions from undesirable voltage flashovers are reduced.

Abstract: Electret webs are presented which include a blend of a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The charge-enhancing additives include N-substituted amino carbocyclic aromatic materials. The webs prepared from the blends may be in the form of films or non-woven fibrous webs. Non-woven microfiber webs are useful as filtration media.

Abstract: A method, including receiving a turbine filter unit in a plasma treatment system, wherein the turbine filter unit comprises a filter media assembled with a framework, and applying at least one plasma treatment coating to the turbine filter unit via the plasma treatment system.

Abstract: A thermal management apparatus includes an electrohydrodynamic fluid accelerator in which an emitter electrode and another electrode are energizable to motivate fluid flow. One of the electrodes includes a solid solution formed of a solvent metal having a first performance characteristic and a solute material having a second performance characteristic. The first and second performance characteristics are exhibited substantially independently in the electrode as the solvent metal and solute material remain substantially pure within the solid solution. A method of making an EHD product includes providing an electrode with such a solid solution and positioning the electrode relative to another electrode to motivate fluid flow when energized.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrostatic non-woven intake filter, may include a fabric preparation process that weaves at least a kind of fiber fabric into a web, and a filter fabric manufacturing process that weaves the web into a felt that has at least a layer, and manufactures an electrostatic non-woven intake filter material that is a non-woven fabric having a fiber tissue having a semipermanent electrostatic force by allowing a binder and an electrostatic material to permeate the felt.

Abstract: Device for extracting particles from exhaled breath, comprising a cooling system (16) for creating droplets by condensation of the water vapor contained in the exhaled breath; a droplet recovery unit (7) provided with a side wall (2) having a grid form and converging towards an outlet opening (9), allowing the droplets attracted towards said side wall (2) to flow along the latter towards the outlet opening (9); and a discharge electrode (1) mounted inside the droplet recovery unit (7), said side wall (2) of said droplet recovery unit (7) defining a counter electrode to said discharge electrode (1) in order to attract droplet-collecting particles carried by exhaled breath towards said side wall (2).

Abstract: Membranes, methods of making membranes, and methods of separating gases using membranes are provided. The membranes can include at least one hydrophilic polymer, at least one cross-linking agent, at least one base, and at least one amino compound. The methods of separating gases using membranes can include contacting a gas stream containing at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl with one side of a nonporous and at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl selectively permeable membrane such that at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl is selectively transported through the membrane.

Abstract: This inventions provides a method for the removal of smut, fine dust and exhaust gas particles from polluted air including providing a particle catch arrangement with a charged surface, the particle catch arrangement being arranged to generate a static electric field, wherein the electric field is at least 0.2 kV/m. The invention further provides a particle catch arrangement including a surface that can be charged, further including a generator arranged to generate charge to the surface that can be charged and to generate a static electric field of at least 0.2 kV/m, wherein the particle catch arrangement is part of or integrated with an object including street furniture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel gas filter structure, a filtering method and a method of producing the filter structure. The structure according to the invention includes a planar, porous isolation material layer (12) having two opposing surfaces. According to the invention both surfaces of the isolation material layer (12) include comprise a porous conductive layer (14, 16) including a porous filtering matrix treated with a conductive material. The conductive material consists of a material different from the support matrix. By use of the conductive layers it is possible to create in the isolation material an electric field that considerably improves the filtering efficiency of the isolation material, especially for small particles.

Abstract: A thermal management apparatus includes an electrohydrodynamic fluid accelerator in which an emitter electrode and another electrode are energizable to motivate fluid flow. One of the electrodes includes a solid solution formed of a solvent metal having a first performance characteristic and a solute material having a second performance characteristic. The first and second performance characteristics are exhibited substantially independently in the electrode as the solvent metal and solute material remain substantially pure within the solid solution. A method of making an EHD product includes providing an electrode with such a solid solution and positioning the electrode relative to another electrode to motivate fluid flow when energized.

Abstract: The present invention is broadly directed to non-thermal plasma-based systems for reducing the amount of particulate matter in a gas stream, as well as to methods for using such systems. The present invention is particularly directed to such non-thermal plasma-based particulate matter reduction systems with self-cleaning surfaces. Particularly contemplated are self-cleaning surfaces that reduce particulate matter buildup such as is likely to cause the reduction of non-thermal plasma production in the system, and therefore the ability of such systems to reduce the amount of particulate matter in the gas stream.

Abstract: A method for removing particulate matter from a particulate-bearing gas stream comprises flowing a particulate-bearing gas stream at a first volumetric flow rate to a plurality of ESP units; producing electrically charged particulate matter; collecting electrically charged particulate matter on collection electrode plates; reducing the flow through at least one of the ESP units; sequentially increasing the flow through one or more remaining ESP units in an amount so as to maintain the sum of flow through all of the ESP units at the first volumetric flow rate; subjecting the collection electrode plates in the at least one ESP unit with reduced flow to forces which dislodge the particulate matter from the collection electrode plates; collecting the dislodged particulate matter in a particulate collection receptacle; and withdrawing a gas stream of reduced particulate matter contamination.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrostatic particle filter for removing particles from air. The electrostatic particle filter includes a filter medium (3) with first and second opposite sides, a first electrode (1) and a second electrode (2), the first electrode (1) and second electrode (2) being conformally provided on the first and second sides of the filter medium (3), respectively. The first electrode (1), the second electrode (2), and the filter medium (3) are arranged to allow an electrical conduction current through the filter medium (3). The first electrode (1) is a moderately-conductive electrode having a sheet resistance in a range with a lower boundary value of about 106 Ohm per square and an upper boundary value of about 1012 Ohm per square, at a relative humidity of 30%. The invention also relates to an electrostatic filtration system including the electrostatic particle filter, and a particle charging section (6).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing chemical sterilant molecules from a medium, such as a carrier gas. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing that defines an internal cavity. The housing has an inlet and an outlet fluidly communicating with the internal cavity. An electrode is dimensioned to be received in the internal cavity of the housing. The electrode is made of a material that is chemically active with respect to molecules of a chemical sterilant and conductive to electricity. The electrode is connected to a source of an electrical charge such that an electrical field gradient is formed in a region of space surrounding the electrode. The electrical field gradient is operable to force the chemical sterilant molecule toward the electrode.

Abstract: A filtration media that incorporates a static dissipative media layer for dissipating the static charge that builds up as a fluid, such a fuel, passes through the filtration media. The filtration media includes a filter media suitable for filtering fluid, and a static dissipative media layer. The static dissipative media layer has a surface resistivity level that is sufficient to classify the media layer as static dissipative rather than conductive.

Abstract: Filter media are provided having improved conductivity to enhance filtration efficiency and/or dissipate static charge, and methods for making the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the filter media can include a filtration substrate, and at least one conductive coating disposed on at least a portion of the filtration substrate. In use, the conductive coating is coupled to an energy source and it is effective to emit ions when energy is delivered thereto to increase the efficiency of the filtration substrate and/or to dissipate or eliminate static charge generated during filtration.

Abstract: A filtration media that incorporates a static dissipative media layer for dissipating the static charge that builds up as a fluid, such a fuel, passes through the filtration media. The filtration media includes a filter media suitable for filtering fluid, and a static dissipative media layer. The static dissipative media layer has a surface resistivity level that is sufficient to classify the media layer as static dissipative rather than conductive.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for removing additional aerosols and in some cases additional particulate matter from a gas stream, wherein a certain portion of such aerosols and particulate matter has already been removed using a primary aerosol and particulate collection device. In some embodiments, the invention includes a method for removing additional aerosols from a gas stream, including passing a gas stream having a plurality of aerosols through a gas duct; removing a first portion of the plurality of the aerosols using a primary aerosol collector; passing the gas steam through a screen; collecting at least a second portion of the plurality of aerosols on the screen; and cleaning a portion of the screen outside of the gas duct. The invention also provides various apparatuses for use in performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: System for separating particles from an environment, the system including a perforated screen and an ionisation electrode in the environment for creating an electrostatic potential between the electrode and the screen to attract the particles to the screen.

Abstract: The present invention is broadly directed to non-thermal plasma-based systems for reducing the amount of particulate matter in a gas stream, as well as to methods for using such systems. The present invention is particularly directed to such non-thermal plasma-based particulate matter reduction systems with self-cleaning surfaces. Particularly contemplated are self-cleaning surfaces that reduce particulate matter buildup such as is likely to cause the reduction of non-thermal plasma production in the system, and therefore the ability of such systems to reduce the amount of particulate matter in the gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conducting filter (110) adapted for gas purification and a filter assembly (150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) comprising such filter. The conducting filter is made from a polymer which has received significantly increased electrical conductivity by a doping process. Such doped polymers are referred to as synthetic metals. Thanks to the electric properties of the synthetic metal, the filter according to the invention, comprising such polymer, can be supplied with electrical charge and thereby maintain its efficiency with regards to the electrostatic properties during operation. In the filter assembly according to the invention, the conducting filter is supplied with electrical charge by connecting it to a high voltage source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for air/water extraction by semi-humid electrostatic collection, comprising a chamber (7) containing a discharge electrode (1) for generating an ion flow from an ionized gas accumulation surrounding the discharge electrode (1) and a counter-electrode (2), an inlet (3) for mixing air and aerosol to be extracted which contains liquid or solid particles, a steam supply tube (8) and an outlet (4) for cleansed air. The invention is characterized in that the device enables stream to be introduced through said steam supply tube (8) in the gap between the discharge electrode (1) and the counter-electrode (2) so as to form a steam sheath (10) enclosing the discharge electrode over its entire length, such that the treated air is not steam-saturated.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrostatic ionic emission device for depositing on the surface of a plurality of particles aerosols within a fluid, a quasi-homogeneous amount of ions. The device includes a discharge corona conductive electrode, and a non-corona conductive receptor electrode. The receptor electrode has an open cellular foam structure and a pseudo planar active surface that faces the discharge electrode. The active surface of the receptor electrode has a multiplicity of substantially sharpened points.

Abstract: An air particle precipitator and a method of air filtration include a housing unit; a first conductor in the housing unit; a second conductor in the housing unit; and a carbon nanotube grown on the second conductor. Preferably, the first conductor is positioned opposite to the second conductor. The air particle precipitator further includes an electric field source adapted to apply an electric field to the housing unit. Moreover, the carbon nanotube is adapted to ionize gas in the housing unit, wherein the ionized gas charges gas particulates located in the housing unit, and wherein the first conductor is adapted to trap the charged gas particulates. The air particle precipitator may further include a metal layer over the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for electrostatic deposition (ESD) of aerosol particles and methods of depositing the aerosol particles onto a substrate are disclosed. The ESD apparatus and the method of the present invention are useful for electrostatically depositing nanoparticles produced by gas-phase synthesis onto a substrate where the velocity of the flow of aerosol can be controlled.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge device for generating a plasma discharge is disclosed. The device includes a first electrode, a second electrode separated from the first electrode, and a dielectric material disposed between the two electrodes. Each electrode has a first end, a first surface, and a second surface. The first end of the first electrode is disposed proximate to the first end of the second electrode. The first end of the first electrode comprises a set of saw-tooth features disposed between the surfaces configured to stabilize location of streamers of the plasma discharge upon generation thereof.

Abstract: A method for operating a filter assembly having a filter medium includes applying a constant or nearly constant static DC potential to dust entering the filter assembly and the filter medium, passing dust-laden gas through the filter medium in a first direction through the filter assembly while the filter medium is statically charged with the DC potential, measuring pressure drop through the filter assembly, and, in response to the pressure drop meeting a preset limit, reversing the polarity of the DC potential to thereby allow dust particles on the filter medium to drop off the filter medium.

Abstract: An electret article that includes a polymeric material that has electric charge imparted thereto, that has one or more heteroatoms, that has a fluorosaturation ratio of less than 200, and that has an atomic percent fluorine of greater than about 40%. The inventive electret article is resistant to charge degradation upon exposure to high temperatures for prolonged time periods.

Abstract: An electret article that includes a polymeric material that has electric charge imparted thereto, that has a CF3:CF2 ratio of at least 0.15 and that has a fluorosaturation ratio greater than about 200. The electret article may be in the form of a porous web of polymeric fibers suitable for use as a filter. The inventive electret article is resistant to charge degradation upon exposure to high temperatures for prolonged time periods.

Abstract: An ion generating apparatus is built by sandwiching a dielectric layer between an induction electrode and a discharge electrode. The induction electrode is formed of a metal substrate of, for example, aluminum. Even when the apparatus is made larger, it offers improved mechanical strength compared with a conventional structure employing a dielectric layer formed of a ceramic substrate, a brittle material. The dielectric layer is formed of a thin film having an insulation breakdown withstand voltage of 30 V/?m or more and having a thickness of 30 ?m or less. The discharge electrode is formed on the dielectric layer such that the area occupied by the electrode portion of individual line-shaped electrodes is smaller than the area occupied by the non-electrode portion thereof. This helps to make the discharge voltage lower and to reduce the amount of ozone generated by electric discharge.

Abstract: In a method of measuring particles floating in an atmosphere, the atmosphere containing the particles is sucked into a container, ions are generated from a discharge electrode disposed in the container to charge the particles with the ions. A dust-collecting electrode is arranged in the container to electrically conduct with a ground potential, wherein the dust collecting electrode is formed of a transparent plate having a transparent conductive film on a surface thereof facing the discharge electrode. The charged particles are collected on the dust-collecting electrode disposed in the container by using a potential difference relative to the discharge electrode, and the particles on the dust-collecting electrode are measured.

Abstract: A filter assembly particularly useful in electronically enhanced air cleaning systems including a fibrous filter media. A conductive electrode is affixed to the fibrous filter media, so that the conductive electrode makes physical contact to the fibrous filter media in a plurality of substantially planar locations. The conductive electrode is coupled to a potential that enables neutralizing charge that accumulates on the filter media during operation to be removed thereby maintaining high efficiency.

Abstract: A method for the utilization of a woven or loop-formingly knitted fabric which acquires an electrostatic charge as a result of a specific treatment for filtering airborne, dusty allergens such as pollen in a pollen guard mountable in front of windows and doors over the whole area thereof.

Abstract: Air-treatment apparatus and methods are disclosed that are especially suitable for treating the air in a room or other dwelling or working space. An apparatus embodiment of the subject apparatus includes a housing having air-intake and air-output openings. A gas-filter assembly inside the housing receives air entering the air-intake opening and includes a dual-media filter element having a matrix of fibers to which particles of activated carbon are adhered at mutual points of contact without using an extraneous binder. As air passes through the gas-filter assembly, the carbon particles adsorb odor compounds from the air. At least one electrostatic 3-dimensional (E3D) filter assembly downstream of the gas-filter assembly includes a respective charging element sandwiched between dielectric-fiber filters sandwiched between two respective electrically conductive screens. The screens are electrically grounded while the charging element (which is conductive) is connected to a source of high-voltage DC power.

Abstract: A method of making a respirator, which method includes placing an electret in a respirator body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer. The electret is disposed in the respirator body such that air passes through it before being inhaled by a respirator wearer. The electret includes a nonwoven web that has fluorinated polymeric microfibers and that has at least about 25% atomic fluorine as detected by ESCA and a CF3:CF2 ratio of at least about 0.45.

Abstract: A collecting device for collecting particles floating in the atmosphere includes a collecting container; a pump for sucking the atmosphere into the collecting container; a discharge electrode disposed in the collecting container for generating single polarity ions to charge the particles in the collecting container; and a dust-collecting electrode for collecting the charged particles in the collecting container through a potential difference between the discharge electrode and the dust-collecting electrode. The dust on the dust-collecting electrode is measured and analyzed.

Abstract: An electret is described that includes a surface modified polymeric article having surface fluorination produced by fluorinating the polymeric article.

Abstract: A method of making a respirator, which method includes placing an electret in a respirator body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer. The electret is disposed in the respirator body such that air passes through it before being inhaled by a respirator wearer. The electret includes a nonwoven web that has fluorinated polymeric microfibers and that has at least about 25% atomic fluorine as detected by ESCA and a CF3:CF2 ratio of at least about 0.45.

Abstract: The invention concerns a volume generator (1) of chaotic electrostatic field (E), locally amplified, to subject a fluid (U) loaded with aerosol parties (P, p) to the action of an electrostatic field (E) highly variable in amplitude and orientation locally. This generator (1) includes: an induced electrostatic module (2), consisting of a porous dielectric material (md), two porous electrodes with electrostatic induction (4, 5), an electrical current source (6), and a device for boosting the fluid. The electrostatic module (2) consists of a three-dimensional grid system (Rxyz) having at least locally three-dimensional periodicity (or pseudo-periodicity) in at least three directions. Each grid of the system consists of an externally convex and internally concave elementary cell recessed in its center for including a compact elementary empty cellular volume (V1), that is with transverse dimensions (dx1, dy1, dz1) of the same order of magnitude in the three directions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a filtered mask enclosure having an exterior portion and interior regions within the exterior portion such that the interior regions have a filtering region and a purging region connected to the filtering region. The present invention further includes a method of removing a first contaminant in a gas phase, a second contaminant in a solid phase, and a third contaminant having an electrical charge from a purge gas and flowing the purge gas through a vicinity of a mask while exposing a wafer with light through the mask.

Abstract: An electret filter media includes an additive or mixtures thereof that enhance the charge stability of the media. The filter media achieves acceptable alpha values for a range of filtration challenges without significant decay in alpha values over time. Preferred charge additives include fatty acid amides, oleophobic fluorochemical surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A filter system with a housing defining a passage between an inlet and an outlet and one or more structures located in the passage in the housing. Each of the structures comprises two or more layers of insulating materials with an imbedded fixed charge located at at least one of the interfaces between the two or more layers. At least one of the structures has an imbedded fixed charge at a charge level of at least 1×1012 charges per cm2.

Abstract: An electret is described that includes a plasma surface modified polymeric article having plasma surface fluorination produced by fluorinating the polymeric article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for separating materials in the form of particles and/or drops from a gas flow, in which method the gas flow is directed through a collection chamber the outer walls of which are grounded, and in which high tension is directed to the ion yield tips arranged in the collection chamber, thus providing an ion flow from the ion yield tips towards the collection surfaces, separating the desired materials from the gas flow. It is characteristic of the invention that the collection surfaces conducting electricity are electrically insulated from the outer casings; and that high tension with the opposite sign of direct voltage as the high tension directed to the ion yield tips is directed to the collection surfaces. According to an embodiment of the invention the electrical insulation is made of ABS, and the surface conducting electricity comprises a thin chrome layer arranged on the insulation layer.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an air purification device including: a first electrode in the shape of a hollow cylinder having both ends open; a second electrode in the shape of a solid needle having a tip end portion of a predetermined length including a pointed tip; a dielectric member covering the second electrode except the tip end portion; and a power supply for applying a high voltage across the two electrodes in order to create a corona discharge, for generating ozone and ion wind. The dielectric material may be of any type of silicone or plastic (including epoxy) as long as it is inexpensive and easy to mold. The dielectric member is, for example, in the shape of a circular flange, providing ease of maintenance and safety measures as well as permitting effective airflow.