Abstract: Vibrator is used to move circular strings in a harp-like screen to achieve frequencies corresponding with one of the natural frequencies of the strings as well as with the frequencies of gas vortices shedding off the strings in order to more efficiently: a) scrub particulates/droplets (solid or liquid) from the gas, b) exchange and utilize energy between the oncoming cold or hot gas and a liquid flowing down the screens in order to heat or cool the liquid, and c) agitate and, without clogging, more efficiently remove the liquid film streaming down the strings, i.e., to increase the sliding efficiency of the liquid flowing down the strings. With the strings vibrating in the resonant regime, particulate capture and energy and mass transfer are substantially enhanced compared to non-resonant, passive systems in which strings do not vibrate, or where vibrations are induced solely by the gas flow.

Abstract: A force-absorbing barrier 10 includes a plurality of concentric chambers 21, 23, 25 and 27 at least partially filled with fluid 42. The walls 22, 24, 26 and 28 defining the chambers are flexible. Fluid passages 30 in the interior walls 24, 26 and 28 between chambers allow fluid flow between the chambers. The fluid flow from chamber to chamber will absorb energy from the impact a motor vehicle, preventing the vehicle from impacting the terminal of a guardrail.

Abstract: A fluid processing system and method of processing a fluid includes a tank having an outer wall, a heating element, and an insulating element. The heating element is situated within the tank and includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The insulating element is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. As such, powering the heating element directs an electric current through the fluid within the tank for heating the fluid, while the insulating element provides electrical and thermal insulation to the outer wall of the tank.

Abstract: A vibrating wet precipitator is designed to remove particulates from particulate-laden hot gas. The precipitator includes an array of vertical wet cords stretched within a duct. The cords are tuned to vibrate due to the gas flow by controlling key parameters such as gas flow, velocity, cord length and diameter so that particulate collection and heat transfer efficiency are maximized. The cords are part of sieves. A plurality of these sieves are arranged to define a plurality of gaps, through which the exhaust flows. The sieves and thus the cords are space so that a vortex from a first cord affects an adjacent cord and subsequently cord. The particles are then absorbed in liquid, which can be passed through a heat exchanger filtered and subsequently reused. Preferably the cord arrangement is designed to allow the cords to vibrate at high frequencies, typically 10 to 100 Hz, to maximize particulate collection.

Abstract: A vibrating wet precipitator is designed to remove particulates from particulate-laden hot gas. The precipitator includes an array of vertical wet cords stretched within a duct. The cords are tuned to vibrate due to the gas flow by controlling key parameters such as gas flow, velocity, cord length and diameter so that particulate collection and heat transfer efficiency are maximized. The cords are part of sieves. A plurality of these sieves are arranged to define a plurality of gaps, through which the exhaust flows. The sieves and thus the cords are space so that a vortex from a first cord affects an adjacent cord and subsequently cord. The particles are then absorbed in liquid, which can be passed through a heat exchanger filtered and subsequently reused. Preferably the cord arrangement is designed to allow the cords to vibrate at high frequencies, typically 10 to 100 Hz, to maximize particulate collection.

Abstract: A fluid processing system and method of processing a fluid includes a tank having an outer wall, a heating element, and an insulating element. The heating element is situated within the tank and includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The insulating element is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. As such, powering the heating element directs an electric current through the fluid within the tank for heating the fluid, while the insulating element provides electrical and thermal insulation to the outer wall of the tank.

Abstract: A the discharge electrode made of at least two parts. One part is the mast, which is made from substantially non-electrically conductive material, such as a CPVC pipe. The second part is a spike-carrying elongated member, such as a wire, made of substantially electrically conductive material, with sharpened spikes extending from the wire. The spike-carrying elongated member is attached to the mast, such as by winding around the mast in a helical pattern, and connected to an electrical device. The spikes extend away from the mast.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator using substantially planar screens of similar charge positioned perpendicular to the gas flow direction. The screens have a similar charge of the same polarity, and particles flowing through the screens are charged, agglomerated and either collected on the screens or fall downwardly into collecting hoppers below the screens. The screens preferably have openings smaller than 3 millimeters and are spaced apart less than 10 millimeters. In an alternative embodiment, the screens have alternating polarities and are spaced about an inch or more apart to prevent sparkover.

Abstract: A laminar flow, wet electrostatic precipitator (ESP) with planar collecting electrodes preferably made of membranes, such as a woven silica fiber. The collecting electrodes are spaced close to planar discharge electrodes to promote laminar flow (Re<2300). Charging electrodes are positioned upstream of the wet ESP to charge the particulate entering the wet ESP to promote collection. The wet ESP is preferably downstream from a conventional turbulent dry ESP for collecting a substantial portion of the larger particulate in the gas stream prior to the gas stream entering the wet ESP.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator using substantially planar screens of similar charge positioned perpendicular to the gas flow direction. The screens have a similar charge of the same polarity, and particles flowing through the screens are charged, agglomerated and either collected on the screens or fall downwardly into collecting hoppers below the screens. The screens preferably have openings smaller than 3 millimeters and are spaced apart less than 10 millimeters. In an alternative embodiment, the screens have alternating polarities and are spaced about an inch or more apart to prevent sparkover.

Abstract: A laminar flow, wet electrostatic precipitator (ESP) with planar collecting electrodes preferably made of membranes, such as a woven silica fiber. The collecting electrodes are spaced close to planar discharge electrodes to promote laminar flow (Re<2300). Charging electrodes are positioned upstream of the wet ESP to charge the particulate entering the wet ESP to promote collection. The wet ESP is preferably downstream from a conventional turbulent dry ESP for collecting a substantial portion of the larger particulate in the gas stream prior to the gas stream entering the wet ESP.

Abstract: A membrane is used as a collection substrate in an electrostatic precipitator (ESP). Possible material choices include fibers in the form of woven mats, screens made from stainless steel wires or fiber reinforced polymer composite membranes. The membranes have a tensile bias applied during operation, and have impulse tensile force applied during a dust removal step. By combining a dry ESP membrane field with wet-film cleaning field, it may be possible to improve collection efficiencies both by reducing turbulence and eliminating re-entrainment losses due to rapping. Through implementation of new materials that resist hostile ESP environments, the invention enhances the possibility of using novel technologies, such as pulsed corona and others, suitable for removal of molecules such as NOx and SOx, which is very important for meeting proposed PM2.5 EPA emissions regulations.

Abstract: An improved method of removing particulate matter from the plates of electrostatic precipitators includes applying tensile loads to the plates thus inducing high frequency stress whereby the particulate matter tends to break and slide down the surfaces of the plates with minimal reintroduction of the particulate matter into the fluid stream.