Abstract: The method and apparatus for controlling particulate emissions from a combustion apparatus, as a diesel engine. Diesel engine exhaust particles are electrically charged during the formation of the particles in the engine combustion chamber. A particle collector is used to collect the electrically charged particles on collecting structures connected to a high voltage power supply and ground. The collecting structures of the particle collector can be a plurality of parallel metal plates, spaced cylindrical rods, or concentrically located cylindrical members. A fibrous matrix can be located adjacent the particle collecting structure to collect the charged particles as they move through the matrix. In one embodiment, the collected particles separate from the collecting structures and return to the engine intake. In another embodiment, a removable collecting cartridge has electrically conductive plates for collecting the charged particles. The entire cartridge is removed for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: An impactor apparatus operable to collect particles for subsequent gravimetric or chemical analysis. The apparatus has a first assembly for supporting particle impaction means and a second nozzle assembly releasably mounted on the first assembly having nozzle means for directing gas and particles to the particle impaction means. The nozzle assembly can be removed from the first assembly supporting the particle impaction means and reassembled after an impaction test on a new assembly having cleaned particle impaction means. A cover is mounted on the assembly so that the assembly, along with the particle impaction means, can be transported to the laboratory for analysis. A modification of the particle impactor apparatus has rotating table means aligned with a plurality of nozzles so that a uniform layer of particles are deposited on each of the impaction plates carried by the tables.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for controlling particulate emissions from a combustion apparatus, as a diesel engine. Diesel engine exhaust particles are electrically charged during the formation of the particles in the engine combustion chamber. A particle collector is used to collect the electrically charged particles on collecting structures connected to a high voltage power supply and ground. The collecting structures of the particle collector can be a plurality of parallel metal plates, spaced cylindrical rods, or concentrically located cylindrical members. A fibrous matrix can be located adjacent the particle collecting structure to collect the charged particles as they move through the matrix. In one embodiment, the collected particles separate from the collecting structures and return to the engine intake. In another embodiment, a removable collecting cartridge has electrically conductive plates for collecting the charged particles. The entire cartridge is removed for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for controlling particulate emissions from a combustion apparatus, as a diesel engine. Diesel engine exhaust particles are electrically charged during the formation of the particles in the engine combustion chambers. A particle collector is used to collect the electrically charged particles on collecting structures connected to a high voltage power supply and ground. The collecting structures of the particle collector can be a plurality of parallel metal plates, spaced cylindrical rods, or concentrically located cylindrical members. A fibrous matrix can be located adjacent the particle collecting structure to collect the charged particles as they move through the matrix. In one embodiment, the collected particles separate from the collecting structures and return to the engine intake. In another embodiment, a removable collecting cartridge has electrically conductive plates for collecting the charged particles. The entire cartridge is removed for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A highly efficient solar heat collector characterized by a layer of light transmitting insulating (i.e., convection and infra-red radiation suppressing) material disposed between the outer surface of the collector and the heat absorptive layer thereof. Glass fibers are a particularly effective lightweight insulating material which may be used. Through use of flexible polymeric films, lightweight, low-cost solar heat collectors may be fabricated for conversion of existing structures to partial or complete solar heating. Either gaseous or liquid heat transfer fluids may be used. A novel gas-liquid heat exchange system is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating dry dust particles of a constant concentration from dry solid particles. The apparatus has a dust dispersion section receiving powdered material from a dust feeding section. The dust dispersion section includes a bed of beads subjected to a constant supply of air. An endless chain delivers a continuous supply of powdered material to the bed of beads and the air moving through the bed of beads. The chain is scrubbed by the beads and the air whereby the particles of powdered material are dispersed and entrained in the moving air. The particles move through a tube and are electrically neutralized with a radioactive source. A particle separator can be used to remove large particles. A photometer monitors the concentration of the particles emanating from the apparatus in aerosol form.