Abstract: An air pollution control system incorporating a venturi scrubber and a method of cleansing a particulate-laden, contaminated gas flow are disclosed. Spray nozzles are used to introduce optimized droplets of a scrubbing liquid into the venturi to maximize the collection efficiency for optically active particles. The spray nozzles introduce the optimized droplets substantially upstream of the throat of the venturi such that the spray mixes with the effluent gas flow and cools the gas flow to substantially its saturation temperature prior to entering the venturi throat. This promotes collection of condensibles and inhibits the revolatilization of contaminants that are collected by the scrubbing droplets which might otherwise evaporate in the hot gas flow. The optimized droplets are highly effective in rapidly cooling the effluent gas flow.

Abstract: An air pollution control system incorporating a venturi scrubber and a method of cleansing a particulate-laden, contaminated gas flow are disclosed. Spray nozzles are used to introduce optimized droplets of a scrubbing liquid into the venturi to maximize particle collection efficiency. Due to the very small size of the spray droplets they absorb gases in quantities in excess of the amount predicted by Henry's law. After passing through the venturi the spray droplets are reconsolidated and flow to an enclosed container. Due to the applicability of Henry's law to the relatively large reconsolidated volume of scrubbing liquid, the liquid is naturally effervescent. Bubbles formed in the liquid volume cause suspended particles in the liquid to rise to the surface where they form an easily collected surface scum. The effervescent gases, at least some of which may be noxious, are then incinerated or otherwise treated.

Abstract: A venturi scrubbing system optimized for removing the most optically active sized particles from a gaseous effluent stream is disclosed. Before entering the venturi the effluent stream is subcooled to cause condensation of water vapor and other condensibles, thereby greatly reducing the volume of the effluent stream. In the venturi stage a scrubbing liquid is added in the form of droplets having a median diameter which is optimized to remove the optically active particles. Preferably, the median diameter of the scrubbing liquid droplets is between 10 and 200 microns. A two-fluid nozzle may be used to efficiently form the droplets. After passing through the scrubbing stage, which may also comprise one or more impingement plates, the cleansed effluent may be passed through an afterburner to remove combustible materials such as organic vapors.

Abstract: An improved electrode assembly for a high-intensity ionizer array utilized as the first stage in a two-stage electrostatic precipitator. Each ionizer unit employs a pair of co-axial electrodes to create a high-intensity electric field across the path of a particulate-laden gas stream. As the gas passes through the field, it is intensely ionized and the particulate becomes highly charged. The ionizer anode comprises a venturi diffuser through which the gas stream flows immediately prior to entry into a precipitator stage which removes the charged particles. The ionizer cathode is a disk co-axially mounted within the venturi throat and having an arcuate periphery. A high voltage power supply connected between the anode and cathode establishes a high-intensity corona discharge in the annular region formed between the edge of the cathode disk and the surrounding cylindrical anode surface.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator having an inner electrode extending along the axis of a tubular outer electrode. The inner electrode includes an elongated support electrode connected to a disc shaped discharge electrode having a transverse dimension larger than the transverse dimension of the support electrode. A high potential applied between the outer electrode and the support and discharge electrodes produces a relatively thin, radially and circumferentially uniform electrostatic field between the discharge electrode and the outer electrode, and a non-corona producing electric field between the support electrode and the outer electrode. A particle entrained gas is directed into the outer electrode at the discharge electrode end. The particles are charged by the thin, intense electrostatic field adjacent the discharge electrode, and are subsequently accelerated toward the outer electrode by the electric field extending between the support electrode and the outer electrode.

Abstract: A venturi increases the velocity of contaminated gases and guides the gases past a high, extremely dense electrostatic field presented perpendicular to the gas flow and extending radially outward between a central, accurately sized disc electrode and the surface of the venturi throat. Downstream, charged particles are collected by a wet scrubbing process or electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: A venturi increases the velocity of contaminated gases and guides the gases past a high, extremely dense electrostatic field presented perpendicular to the gas flow and extending radially outward between a central, accurately sized disc electrode and the surface of the venturi throat. Downstream, charged particles are collected by a wet scrubbing process or electrostatic precipitator.