Abstract: A liquid vaporization system according to the present invention includes the application of energy, including pulsed electrical discharges, sparks or continuous arcs, to or within a spray comprising a liquid that may be combined with a flammable compound. The liquid is typically water or other aqueous composition o flowable solutions, and the flammable compound is typically, but not necessarily, a flammable gas. The spray generated by a nozzle typically comprises finite size droplets. The finite size droplets typically have a size distribution, and droplet size is generally expressed as drop diameter in units of 10?6 meters (?m).

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma assisted combustion fuel injector that uses an inner and outer electrode to create an electric field from a high voltage power supply. A dielectric material is operatively disposed between the two electrodes to prevent arcing and to promote the formation of a non-thermal plasma. A fuel injector, which converts a liquid fuel into a dispersed mist, vapor, or aerosolized fuel, injects into the non-thermal plasma generating energetic electrons and other highly reactive chemical species.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma assisted combustion fuel injector that uses an inner and outer electrode to create an electric field from a high voltage power supply. A dielectric material is operatively disposed between the two electrodes to prevent arcing and to promote the formation of a non-thermal plasma. A fuel injector, which converts a liquid fuel into a dispersed mist, vapor, or aerosolized fuel, injects into the non-thermal plasma generating energetic electrons and other highly reactive chemical species.

Abstract: A plasma assisted combustion device includes a body formed of a dielectric material that defines a conical-shaped plasma chamber. A conical-shaped ground electrode is positioned in the plasma chamber. At least one support structure is coupled to the conical-shaped ground electrode so as to suspend the ground electrode in the plasma chamber thereby forming a gap between an outer surface of the body and the ground electrode. The support structure comprises an insulated material that is positioned on an outer surface so as to reduce the probability of generating an undesirable electrical discharge. A hot electrode that is energized with a high voltage that strikes a plasma discharge in the gap is positioned proximate to the plasma chamber. A fuel injector is positioned proximate to the conical chamber. The fuel injector includes a nozzle that converts a liquid fuel into an aerosolized high molecular weight fuel that sprays into the plasma chamber.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a field enhanced electrode package for use in a non-thermal plasma processor. The field enhanced electrode package includes a high voltage electrode and a field-enhancing electrode with a dielectric material layer disposed in-between the high voltage electrode and the field-enhancing electrode. The field-enhancing electrode features at least one raised section that includes at least one injection hole that allows plasma discharge streamers to occur primarily within an injected additive gas.

Abstract: A system for producing a fuel gas from a carbon-containing material is provided that includes a non-thermal plasma generator, an electric power source, a process stream inlet, and a product stream outlet. The non-thermal plasma generator includes a high voltage electrode separated from a grounded electrode by a modification passage. Moreover, a dielectric layer exists between the high voltage electrode and the grounded electrode. The electric power source is energizable to create non-thermal electrical microdischarges within the modification passage. As the process gas flows through the system, the carbon-containing material is converted to fuel gas.

Abstract: A plasma assisted combustion device includes a body formed of a dielectric material that defines a conical-shaped plasma chamber. A ground electrode is positioned in the plasma chamber. A hot electrode is energized with a high voltage that strikes a plasma discharge in a gap between the ground electrode and an outer surface of the plasma chamber. A fuel injector is positioned proximate to the conical chamber. The fuel injector includes a nozzle that converts a liquid fuel into an aerosolized high molecular weight fuel that sprays into the plasma chamber. The plasma in the gap cracks the aerosolized high molecular weight fuel into at least some lower molecular weight fuel and creates at least some free radicals and/or excited-state species.

Abstract: A device for processing gases includes a cylindrical housing in which an electrically grounded, metal injection/extraction gas supply tube is disposed. A dielectric tube surrounds the injection/extraction gas supply tube to establish a gas modification passage therearound. Additionally, a metal high voltage electrode circumscribes the dielectric tube. The high voltage electrode is energizable to create nonthermal electrical microdischarges between the high voltage electrode and the injection/extraction gas supply tube across the dielectric tube within the gas modification passage. An injection/extraction gas and a process gas flow through the nonthermal electrical microdischarges within the gas modification passage and a modified process gas results. Using the device contaminants that are entrained in the process gas can be destroyed to yield a cleaner, modified process gas.

Abstract: A device for processing gases includes a cylindrical housing in which an electrically grounded, metal injection/extraction gas supply tube is disposed. A dielectric tube surrounds the injection/extraction gas supply tube to establish a gas modification passage therearound. Additionally, a metal high voltage electrode circumscribes the dielectric tube. The high voltage electrode is energizable to create nonthermal electrical microdischarges between the high voltage electrode and the injection/extraction gas supply tube across the dielectric tube within the gas modification passage. An injection/extraction gas and a process gas flow through the nonthermal electrical microdischarges within the gas modification passage and a modified process gas results. Using the device contaminants that are entrained in the process gas can be destroyed to yield a cleaner, modified process gas.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a field enhanced electrode package for use in a non-thermal plasma processor. The field enhanced electrode package includes a high voltage electrode and a field-enhancing electrode with a dielectric material layer disposed in-between the high voltage electrode and the field-enhancing electrode. The field-enhancing electrode features at least one raised section that includes at least one injection hole that allows plasma discharge streamers to occur primarily within an injected additive gas.

Abstract: A fast pulsed nonthermal plasma reactor includes a discharge cell and a charging assembly electrically connected thereto. The charging assembly provides plural high voltage pulses to the discharge cell. Each pulse has a rise time between one and ten nanoseconds and a duration of three to twenty nanoseconds. The pulses create nonthermal plasma discharge within the discharge cell. Accordingly, the nonthermal plasma discharge can be used to remove pollutants from gases or break the gases into smaller molecules so that they can be more efficiently combusted.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for enhancing combustion comprises an enclosure defining an opening for introduction of a gas and openings for the introduction of air, with a nozzle in the opening for introduction of a fuel gas into the enclosure. First and second electrodes are located in the enclosure, the first and second electrodes being coated with dielectric material, and being connected to an electrical power supply. With electrical power applied to the first and second electrodes and with the fuel gas sprayed into the enclosure, an atmospheric pressure plasma created by a dielectric barrier discharge is produced in the enclosure that cracks the fuel gas prior to its mixing with air introduced through the openings for the introduction of air.

Abstract: A device for processing gases includes a cylindrical housing in which an electrically grounded, metal injection/extraction gas supply tube is disposed. A dielectric tube surrounds the injection/extraction gas supply tube to establish a gas modification passage therearound. Additionally, a metal high voltage electrode circumscribes the dielectric tube. The high voltage electrode is energizable to create nonthermal electrical microdischarges between the high voltage electrode and the injection/extraction gas supply tube across the dielectric tube within the gas modification passage. An injection/extraction gas and a process gas flow through the nonthermal electrical microdischarges within the gas modification passage and a modified process gas results. Using the device contaminants that are entrained in the process gas can be destroyed to yield a cleaner, modified process gas.

Abstract: A device that uses electrical discharges/nonthermal plasmas in a gaseous medium to activate a fuel or fuel-oxidizer mixture to promote more effective and efficient combustion, in which a dielectric barrier discharge or silent discharge plasma is used to break up larger organic molecules (the fuel) into smaller ones that are more easily and completely combusted. The discharge also creates free radicals that promote more efficient combustion. The device is a cylindrical, coaxial (cylinder in a cylinder) dielectric barrier discharge/silent discharge plasma reactor. It includes two conducting electrodes, one or both of which are covered by a dielectric material. The electrodes are separated by a thin, gas-containing space. A high voltage is applied to the electrodes to create electric discharge streamers in the gas. The discharges are the source of the nonthermal plasma.

Abstract: A fast pulsed nonthermal plasma reactor includes a discharge cell and a charging assembly electrically connected thereto. The charging assembly provides plural high voltage pulses to the discharge cell. Each pulse has a rise time between one and ten nanoseconds and a duration of three to twenty nanoseconds. The pulses create nonthermal plasma discharge within the discharge cell. Accordingly, the nonthermal plasma discharge can be used to remove pollutants from gases or break the gases into smaller molecules so that they can be more efficiently combusted.

Abstract: A discharge device (10) is disclosed which is capable of providing preionizing ultraviolet wave length photons to the area of a gap between the first (15) and second (35) electrodes of the device. The first electrode (15) includes a core (20) of dielectric material, a conductive plate (23) mounted on one surface of the core, and a conductive grid (26) mounted on an opposed surface of the core which faces the second electrode. The application of a negative voltage pulse to the grid (26), while the plate (23) is maintained at substantially ground potential, causes electrons to discharge between the conductors of the grid and the adjacent surface of the dielectric core, and, in doing so, generates photons having wavelengths in the ultraviolet range. The ultraviolet photons, which are emanated in a two dimensionally uniform pattern over the surface of the dielectric core adjacent the grid, cause ionization of the gas within the main discharge gap between the first and second electrodes.