Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for removing particles from a nonconductive liquid, including: first sensing apparatus to sense a first net electrostatic charge on the particles in the liquid and to provide a first output signal indicative of the first net electrostatic charge; control and power apparatus to receive the first output signal; charging apparatus connected to the control and power apparatus to provide positive and negative electrostatic charging potentials to the particles; mixing apparatus connected to the charging apparatus to receive the liquid therefrom and to permit oppositely charged and noncharged ones of the particles to flocculate; and separating apparatus to remove flocculated particles from the liquid.