Abstract: A system for decomposing aromatic hydrocarbons, such as furans, dioxins and PCBs, uses a glow discharge device as an electrochemical reactor. A gas, containing an aromatic hydrocarbon, is supplied at approximately atmospheric pressure to the glow discharge device which includes a pair of electrodes separated by a gap. The gas flows through the gap between the electrodes, one of which is preferably a planar electrode and the other of which is preferably a plurality of pins arranged perpendicular to the planar electrode. The electrodes are connected to a direct current power source via a ballast. The electrical potential across the electrodes is adjusted in conjunction with the flow rate to provide sufficient energy to break the benzene rings in the aromatic hydrocarbon, while preventing arcing across the electrodes.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the irradiation of bulk material composed of a carrier body having an outer surface formed to present a plurality of facets and constructed to receive a radiation sensor on each facet; and a plurality of radiation sensors each removably mounted on a respective facet of the carrier body.

Abstract: A system is described for use in the stack or flue ducts of a fossil fueled combustion system to eliminate or substantially reduce SO.sub.x and NO.sub.x emissions. The system includes an electrically operated stable glow discharge maintained between separate resistively ballasted pins and opposing plane electrodes. The electrochemical reactor of this invention electronically activates, reacts and chemically modifies the selected pollutants to render a thermodynamically stable solid product.

Abstract: Alpha particles emitted from radon 220, a daughter product formed from the decay of thorium, are prevented from reaching an alpha particle detector by enclosing the detector in a volume into which alpha-emitting radioactive gases can only enter through a semipermeable membrane at least about 10 mg/cm.sup.2 in thickness. The enclosed volume must be between 30 and 2000 cm.sup.3 and the (AP)/(VL) ratio must be between 10.sup.-7 and 10.sup.-5. Also, the detector must be positioned so as to expose it to gas from the membrane for a distance of at least 2 cm through a solid angle of at least one steradian.

Abstract: A glow/corona discharge device for use in detoxifying air at atmospheric ssure. The device includes a generally cylindrical supporting structure with a plurality of self-contained modular discharge units (or power packs) mounted around the surface thereof. Each module contains a flow channel in which the electrical discharge is maintained and through which the air being processed is passed. The modules are designed for ease of inspection and maintenance and include a plurality of ballast resistors each in series with an adjustable cathode pin. The flat anode plate is located on the opposite side of the flow channel from the cathode pins.