Abstract: The invention concerns an electrostatic precipitator comprising an ionisation stage, a collector stage and a power supply. The power supply comprises a first high-voltage power supply unit for applying a first DC high voltage to the ionization stage and a second high-voltage power supply unit for applying a second DC high voltage to the collector stage. The first high-voltage power supply unit is configured to operate the ionization stage current-controlled. A current sensor required for this is advantageously arranged in the return line carrying low voltage, for which purpose the first high-voltage power supply unit and the second high-voltage power supply unit are galvanically isolated from the mains connection and from each other.

Abstract: Vane electrostatic precipitators preferably have the leading edges of the vanes directly opposite the discharge electrodes, and/or the distance between the discharge electrode and the leading edge of the vane electrode is less than the distance between the discharge electrodes improves the collection process. These designs improve collection efficiency of the vane electrostatic precipitators.

Abstract: An electrically enhanced air filtration system is disclosed which uses rear fiber charging is disclosed. In particular, a fibrous filter may be placed in an upstream position within the system with one or more ionization arrays positioned downstream or to the rear of the fibrous filter in terms of airflow direction. The fibrous filter may include a grounded side and fiber side with the grounded side being upstream of the fiber side. The ionization array may include a plurality of electrodes each extending unidirectionally toward the fibrous filter.

Abstract: An air purification system comprises a chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet, a plurality of flexible wires hanging from a ceiling of the chamber, a spray mechanism configured to spray droplets in the chamber, and a sound wave generator configured to generate a standing sound wave in the chamber. During operation of the air purification system, the plurality of flexible wires are elastically deformed by the standing sound wave generated by the sound wave generator such that portions of the plurality of flexible wires converge at nodes of the sound wave, and also the droplets move to the nodes of the standing sound wave, while trapping particles in the air during the movement to the nodes. The droplets collide against and are adsorbed to the plurality of flexible wires at the nodes of the sound wave.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating aerosol particles can include: a sample air inlet; an enriched aerosol outlet; an aerosol lean outlet; a flow path connecting the air inlet and aerosol rich and aerosol lean outlets; and a plurality of alternately energized and grounded electrode pairs along the flow path. The aerosol rich outlet can be in fluid communication with an aerosol particle capture device. The apparatus can include a sheath air inlet providing a flow of aerosol free air over surfaces of the alternately energized and grounded electrode pairs. The apparatus can include an elongate focusing chamber having a cylindrical shape containing the alternately energized and grounded electrode pairs that are configured as circular rings. The apparatus can include one or more structures configured to impart tangential, spiral or helical flow to a stream entering through the sample air inlet.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein improve on the present electrostatic precipitator method of using parallel plates to collect particulates by using multiple parallel vanes set at operating parameters described below. By using vanes, the main entrained air is subdivided and directed to flow between vanes that induce resistance to flow allowing charged particles to collect on the vanes. The width of the vane is designed to be wide enough so the air flow rate at the ends of the vanes is less than 1 ft/s, allowing particles discharged from the plates to fall by gravity and in the direction of very low air flow, resulting in extremely low re-entrainment and efficient particle collection. Using vanes also allows for higher operating air velocities resulting in a smaller equipment foot print.

Abstract: An air cleaner for an enclosed electronic device such as an electronic slot machine, for use in areas that have a high level of air contamination from cigarette smoking such as casinos, includes an active field polarized media air cleaner or other filters for removing sub-micron particles, tars and/or volatile organic compounds (VOC's). In addition, a shared air cleaner for removing sub-micron particles, tars and/or VOCs is coupled to a plurality of enclosed electronic devices, such as a cluster of electronic slot machines.

Abstract: An electrostatic aerosol concentrator includes an airflow chamber with alternately energized and grounded electrode elements that work in concert to impart radial inward motion to charged aerosol particles and focusing them toward an enriched aerosol outlet. Aerosol particles entering the airflow chamber may carry a positive or negative charge naturally, or a charge may be induced on the particles using a charging section located upstream of the aerosol inlet. Natural or induced charges on the aerosol particles may be used to selectively concentrate subpopulations of aerosol particles from a mixture of particles. For example, bacterial spores or aerosolized viruses may be selectively enriched without concentrating other aerosol particles.

Abstract: This application describes a method and apparatus for removing a wide range of particles from a source of gas flow or separation of particulates from dust, mist, or vapor generating devices. An innovative use of open porous materials, which causes little pressure drop, in combination with an electrostatic grids structure is described. The apparatus is capable of removing particulates in the size range 0.01 to 1 micrometer with efficiencies as high as 99.5%. A key feature of the apparatus is that the air to be purified flows parallel to the filters instead of through them, which results in very low power consumption.

Abstract: An oxygen generator includes a monolithic body having first and second channels extending longitudinally therein. An electrode is operatively disposed in the first channels and a counter-electrode is operatively disposed in the second channels. The second channels are formed in the monolithic body so each second channel is electrically isolated from, yet adjacent to a first channel, resulting in an alternating configuration of first and second channels. The first channels have fluid or oxygen flowing therethrough, while the second channels have the other of oxygen or fluid flowing therethrough. An output manifold, having an oxygen collection area separated from a fluid collection area, operatively engages with the monolithic body. The oxygen collection area receives substantially pure oxygen from one of the second or first channels, and the fluid collection area receives oxygen-depleted fluid from the other of the first or second channels.

Abstract: A composite filter media for a vacuum cleaner comprising a first filtration layer comprising a slit film having a plurality of continuous electrostatically-charged polyolefin filaments disposed substantially parallel to each other along their lengths; and a second filtration layer comprising a high-efficiency filtration media selected from wet-laid filter paper, dry-laid filter paper, and nonwoven filter media; wherein said first filtration layer is disposed in series with said second filtration layer, with respect to an air flow direction through said vacuum cleaner, to form a composite.

Abstract: A gas port assembly is provided for supplying or removing one or more gases to a powered electrode in a plasma processing chamber. The chamber has at least one electrode (11) to which an alternating electrical potential is applied in use, the assembly being electrically insulated from the electrode(s). The assembly comprises, a number of dielectric members (15) and a number of electrically conductive members (16). The members are arranged in a stack of alternating dielectric and electrically conductive members. Each member comprises at least one gas pathway for the passage of the gas(es), such that when stacked, the gas pathways are in communication with each other and the gas(es) are able to pass between an outer side of the stack and a chamber side of the stack. The members act as a capacitive divider to reduce high voltages within the assembly.

Abstract: A module for generating ions in a flowing air stream includes a support structure having a central region adapted to pass a flowing air stream therethrough, and including a plurality of supports for positioning a filamentary ion-generating electrode in a polygonal configuration within the central region. The supports and filament are relatively moveable to wipe the surface of the filament at each support for removing accumulated contaminants on the filament.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filtration enhancement apparatus and an associated method. The apparatus includes a number of electromagnetic grids that are placed in series. The first grid conditions ambient particles to generate particles with both a positive and a negative charge. These charged particles are then delivered to a second and third grid wherein a low, medium, and/or high frequency alternating current is employed to force the positive and negative charged particles to collide and conglomerate with one another. The conglomerated particles are then sent into the ambient environment for subsequent filtration.

Abstract: An oil separator for pressurized systems having flowing vapor with entrained oil particles, the separator including an electrically conducting enclosure having an inlet for the oil bearing vapor and a first outlet for the vapor and a second outlet for the separated oil, an electrically conductive screen positioned within the enclosure to receive the entire flow from said vapor inlet, said screen being electrically insulated from the inlet and enclosure, and a high voltage mono-polarity source connected between the screen and the enclosure. A needle-like electrode at the same potential as the enclosure is positioned at the vapor inlet to accentuate the electric field, thereby improving separation.

Abstract: A portable air cleaner having a vertical orientation with a small footprint that uses an electrostatic precipitator to remove small particles from the air in combination with forced air for increased air flow and improved particle removal.

Abstract: A system for separating a gaseous constituent from a gaseous mixture includes a substantially sealed passageway extending between a first exhaust port and a second exhaust port. An entry port for a gas mixture to be separated opens into the passageway. At least three gas-permeable electrodes are disposed across the passageway at intervals. The electrodes divide the passageway into multiple sections. Each section is bounded at opposing ends by an electrode, and the sections are disposed in serial fashion through at least a portion of the passageway. A high-voltage static electric field may be applied to opposing electrodes of one or more sections. When voltage is so applied, gas may be drawn through a static electric field in one or more sections, by applying suction to the exhaust ports.

Abstract: Ionic emission electrostatic device (1) for depositing on the surface (sp) of a multitude of aerosol particles (p1, p2, . . . , pn) within a fluid (F), a quasi-homogeneous quantity of ions (iq). This electrostatic device (1) is constituted by a conductive discharge corona electrode (EC) and a noncorona conductive receptor electrode (ER). The pseudo-planar active face (SA) of its receptor electrode (ER) is covered by a plurality of craters with sharp edges, in a closed pseudo circle, exhibiting on their end edges (Ai) a section of minimum bend radius, and enclosing the orifices (O1, O2, . . . , On) and terminating towards the outside of the active face (SA). The craters are distributed quasi-uniformly on the active face (SA), in its two geometric directions. The surface flow of ions (iq) originating from the corona electrode (EC) and in the direction of the active face of the receptor electrode (ER) has an increased homogeneity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filtration enhancement apparatus and an associated method. The apparatus includes a number of electromagnetic grids that are placed in series. The first grid conditions ambient particles to generate particles with both a positive and a negative charge. These charged particles are then delivered to a second and third grid wherein a low, medium, and/or high frequency alternating current is employed to force the positive and negative charged particles to collide and conglomerate with one another. The conglomerated particles are then sent into the ambient environment for subsequent filtration.

Abstract: An electrical type grid electrostatic collector/separator removes particles from an air stream. The apparatus includes multiple parallel grids that act as the porous material, enclosed in a sealed compartment so that the entrained air flows parallel and between one or more centrally located grids. A direct current high voltage field is established between the grids with the polarities alternating between facing grids. Finer particles may be temporally collected on plate or grid assemblies that are located out of the airflow. When non-conductive particles are present, external methods of pre-charging by corona discharge are preferably used. When non-conductive particles are present, both internal and external methods of pre-charging by corona discharge are used with the external method being preferred.

Abstract: A particle precipitation device for removing particles entrained in a gas stream includes an array of passages through which a gas stream can be directed relatively freely. The passages are provided between plastics walls adapted to create an electrical field within the array. The plastics walls may have areas of conductive material in contact therewith. High and low electrical potentials alternately applied to isolated areas of the conductive material provide charged sites in the array for collecting particles from the gas stream. Alternatively, the plastics walls may have electret properties.

Abstract: An electrical type grid electrostatic collector/separator removes particles from an air stream. The apparatus includes multiple parallel grids that act as the porous material, enclosed in a sealed compartment so that the entrained air flows parallel and between one or more centrally located grids. A direct current high voltage field is established between the grids with the polarities alternating between facing grids. The system is preferably used for conductive and semi-conductive materials because of the ease at which the particles can receive an induced charge. The charged particles are separated and collected when they are attracted toward the relatively open wire or woven grids and pass laterally through and onto the next attracting grid until they are out of the air stream and generally fall by gravity to the collection vessel. When non-conductive particles are present, external methods of pre-charging by corona discharge are preferably used.

Abstract: A particle precipitation device for removing particles entrained in a gas stream includes an array of passages (10) through which a gas stream can be directed relatively freely. The passages are provided between plastics walls adapted to create an electrical field within the array. The plastics walls may have areas of conductive material (1, 2) in contact therewith. High and low electrical potentials alternately applied to isolated areas of the conductive material provide charged sites in the array for collecting particles from the gas stream. Alternatively, the plastics walls may have electret properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for removing electrically-conductive contaminants entrained in airstream. The airstream is preferably redirected to separate the electrically-conductive contaminants from the airstream. The separated electrically-conductive contaminants may then be oxidized.

Abstract: A device for separating liquid particles from an entraining gas or vapor stream. The device employs mechanical centrifugal forces to concentrate liquid droplets in a limited space for further extraction from the gas flow using an electrical field and an electrically charged collecting surface whereby the particles are attracted to and deposited on the surface for further extraction by the gas flow without reintrainment of the liquid back into the vapor stream. The device is constructed to provide an area of low gas velocity for removing the liquid from the device.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and an arrangement for purifying the intake air of a gas turbine of solid particles and liquid droplets. According to the invention air is taken into the system of intake air passages (1, 2, 4) of the gas turbine and the particles contained in the intake air are collected by means of at least one plate filter (3) to which a collection voltage has been connected. In order to enable and enhance collection, the air is taken into at least one charging chamber (2) arranged at a distance prior to the plate filters (3) in the flow direction of the air, where an electric field is formed between at least two electrodes (5, 7) by connecting a voltage between the electrodes which exceeds the collection voltage, whereby powerful charging of the particles and at least partial removal of the water contained in the air are effected.

Abstract: A modular two-stage electrostatic precipitator for extracting airborne particles includes individual ionizer/collector cell modules having integrated power supplies and diagnostic systems. The cell modules are adapted to be joined blindly to one another in end-to-end nested relation through nestable end plates and in a series circuit utilizing floating electrical connectors. The module end plates provide self-correction in misalignment during a blind connection and provide sealed end plate cavities for the power supply and electrical connections. The diagnostic system provides detection for any open system circuit and/or short circuit condition and allows for trouble shooting on an individual cell module basis.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb nitrogen purification device is provided including a source gas, a set of gaseous nitrogen passages, a set of oxygen disposal passages, an electroded oxygen conducting ceramic membrane, an electrical power source, an oxygen sensor, and nitrogen purification control circuitry. The source gas includes gaseous nitrogen. The set of gaseous nitrogen passages defines respective source nitrogen input openings and purified nitrogen output openings. The set of oxygen disposal passages defines disposed oxygen output openings, wherein a plurality of the gaseous nitrogen passages are exclusively dedicated to individual ones of the oxygen disposal passages.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The conditioner may be sized to condition air in a closet, or may include an illumination source and be sized to be attached to an AC wall outlet to provide a night light function as well as a conditioning function. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more pin-like electrodes and the second array comprises one or more washer-like electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone.

Abstract: A process for the scrubbing of undesirable substances from an exhaust gas stream which comprises passing the stream through a hollow cathode.

Abstract: Organic materials which contain from 0.001 to 10% by weight of an aminoreductone I ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are H, methyl or ethyl and R.sup.4 is the radical of a naturally occurring .alpha.- or .beta.-aminoacid or of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 -alkyl ester thereof or, in the case of an .alpha.-aminoacid, a lactone having a 2--OH group in the cyclohexenone ring, or R.sup.4 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by --OH, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkoxy or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -acyloxy, or is --(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n H, which may be etherified with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkanol or esterified with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -fatty acid, and where n is from 2 to 10, or a mineral salt thereof.Novel compounds Ia differ from I in having the radical R.sup.4a, where R.sup.4a is R.sup.4 with the exception of methyl. Compounds I are prepared by reacting the corresponding 2,3-dihydroxycyclohex-2-en-1-one with an amine HN(R.sup.3)R.sup.4 or a mineral acid salt thereof.