Abstract: Methods are provided for manipulating droplets. The methods include providing the droplet on a surface comprising an array of electrodes and a substantially co-planer array of reference elements, wherein the droplet is disposed on a first one of the electrodes, and the droplet at least partially overlaps a second one of the electrodes and an intervening one of the reference elements disposed between the first and second electrodes. The methods further include activating the first and second electrodes to spread at least a portion of the droplet across the second electrode and deactivating the first electrode to move the droplet from the first electrode to the second electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrocoagulation device for drinking water and wastewater treatment by electro-coagulation and electro-catalytic precipitation principles. The invented device comprises a number of electrolysis cells formed by round-shaped electrode plates through which the raw water and waste water passes. A low DC voltage of 5 to 15 volts is applied to the cells. In addition, an electrode surface activator unit is provided to eliminate or minimize the passivation of the electrode plates. All types of impurities, including suspended solids, sub-micron particles, dissolved matters, dissolved minerals (including heavy metals and colloidal compounds), oil, grease, organic compounds and algae are converted to flocculants, water and carbon dioxide by the device. Micro-organisms and bacteria (pathogens) will be effectively killed at up to 99.99%. The invented device is capable of continuous operation.

Abstract: A process for the treatment and/or removal from Condenser of contaminants from a waste water, waste stream, industrial or municipal sludge, metals, oils, organics and other materials consider to be harmful to the environment are removed from the feed stock; in the case of non-metals, mineralized and in the case of metals, plated to the cathode. The present invention provides an apparatus and methods which overcome some of the problems associated with the treatment of wastewater and sludge and offers a new, novel approach to the treatment of waste, by employing the use of electroplasma processing which utilizes aspects of ultraviolet blue light, thermal energy, cavitation, flocculation, aeration, and electrical energy. The ability to control flow rates, energy density, cavitation density, aeration density and heat generation within the system offers a new level of control over different materials for treatment of waste, contaminants or metals within the same process and apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for industrial wastewater treatment and the electrolytic recovery of metals from solutions is disclosed. It comprises two or more plates with electricity conducting surfaces arranged in parallel and separated by insulating gaskets, two heads and a hydraulic ram or other mechanical means to press the group of plates between the heads. Plates and gaskets pressed together form chambers where metal recovery and other electrochemical reactions take place. Holes bored on the plates or on the gaskets separating them allow the solutions to flow in and out of the chambers. The solutions in the chambers close the electrical circuit between the conducting surfaces of the plates and allow an electrical current to flow from one plate to the other closing also a circuit between the terminals of an electrical current source.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system for reducing odor, bacteria, and biological oxygen demand from a fluid having at least one tube, a control box, and a pump. The at least one tube has a plurality of conductors in electrical communication with the control box. The control box controls the level of electrical communication to the plurality of conductors and the flow rate of the pump. The principle use is for biomass material derived from animals, however other fluids will benefit from this invention. For example, fluids derived from plants and humans will benefit from this application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provide an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation treatment device includes a plurality of spaced reaction plates disposed within a reaction chamber. A voltage is applied to selected reaction plates to create an electrical field within the electrocoagulation chamber. The plates are arranged vertically which induces a vertical flow of liquid through a device. Gases formed in the electrocoagulation process are allowed to rise and can be vented to the atmosphere. The solids which precipitate out of the liquid stream are carried by the liquid stream to secondary separation. The device includes various embodiments adapted for use as a large industrial unit, a portable unit or for use within the home. The device may be operated in a pressure controlled environment, thus eliminating the need for a pump. The voltage and amperage of the electrical field chamber may be adjusted by placing selected reaction plates in electrical contact with the voltage source.

Abstract: An electrostatic separator intended for separation of liquid phase systems, made up of mixtures of liquids of various electrical permittivity. In particular, the separator is intended for separation of an oil-and-water emulsion. The electrostatic separator contains a vessel, inside which there is suspended a system of electrodes energized from an external voltage source. The electrode system comprises at least one pair of conducting plates (8), which is attached to a supporting frame (7) and electrically connected with the high voltage winding of a feeding transformer (9), which is placed in the supporting frame (7). The supporting frame (7) is preferably a casting of an insulating material. The conducting plates (8) of the electrode system are preferably connected to the winding of the feeding transformer (9) through a capacitive electrical connection.

Abstract: A device for destroying microbes in a fluid medium utilizing a housing. The housing possesses an exterior and a fluid passageway formed by an inner wall portion. The housing also includes a plurality of chambers positioned radially outwardly from the fluid passageway. The chambers and enclose magnets which surround the passageway. First and second electrodes extend along the fluid passageway and lie flush with the inner wall portion. The electrodes include terminals that are available on the exterior of the housing to receive power from a source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provide an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating wastewater comprising an electrocoagulation cell 100 including holding and isolating members 7, a top cell cover 17, a plurality of electrode plates E1 through E8 inserted within a sleeve 18 made of non-conductive material, thereby the electrode plate sets 11 and 12 offer minimum resistance to the incoming liquid. Such an electrocoagulation cell 100 including a member to break the laminar liquid flow and to maintain a turbulent state all along said cell 100. A set of electrode plates 11 and 12 connected in parallel or in series, wherein said electrode plate sets 11 and 12 have connections arranged such that it allows the electrical current be indistinctively interrupted and reversed. Such an electrode plate set 11 and 12 connected in parallel or in series, wherein a combination of non-similar metals may be made in order to have electrical connections that allow disinfection of the treated liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contaminant separation utilizes an interleaved array of oppositely charged electrode plates for fluid treatment. Spacing between the parallel electrode plates is graduated so that the volume of the cavities between the opposing electrodes provides varying levels of treatment of a broad range of contaminants from a variety of fluid columns. A fluid flow path extending substantially orthogonal to the direction of the electrical field established between opposing electrode plates provides a feed stream with exposure to the varying levels of electrical charges between the electrode plates. The method and apparatus provides an effective means of contaminant separation by a device having a small footprint and requiring low amounts of electrical energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating ions from a stream of fluid containing ions. A magnetic field and an electrostatic field are established across a processing zone through which the fluid stream flows so that the flow vector of the fluid stream, the flux lines of the magnetic field, and the vector of the electrostatic field are mutually orthogonal. The resulting high and low ion effluents may be further processed. No thermal input is required. No vacuum, reverse osmosis or reduced pressure distillation is involved. Large volumes of fluid may be processed at relatively low cost. The disclosed method and apparatus is suitable for desalinating seawater, or for removing arsenic or other contaminants from ground water, to produce potable water. Additionally, the invention permits the recovery of valuable constituents from ground or sea water; precious metals may be recovered from sea water and gypsum may be collected from ground water.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation process for removing organic and metal contaminants from a pressurized waste fluid is disclosed in which a clarified waste fluid is produced when the pressure is released.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation system for removing contaminants from waste effluents comprising an electrocoagulation reactor having charged and uncharged plates and allowing serial flow of water therethrough. The reactor is connected to a voltage source to charge some of the plates positive and some negative, with uncharged plates between the positive and negative plates. The system allows waste water to enter the reactor for coagulation therein, the waste water leaving the reactor to enter a defoam tank for agitation which allows trapped bubbles to rise to the surface of the tank as foam. From the defoam tank, waste water goes through a sludge thickener, to allow sludge to settle at the bottom thereof and waste water is drawn off from the sludge thickener to flow to a clarifier. The pump removes sludge forming at the bottom of clarifier to take it back to the sludge thickener. The sludge is drawn out the bottom of the sludge thickener for transport to a press where most of the water is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration-detection device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample including a filtration device having a first binding material immobilized thereto, wherein the first binding material is capable of binding to a portion of the analyte, and a detection assembly positioned relative to the filtration device to detect or quantify analyte bound to the first binding material. The present invention also relates to methods of using the filtration-detection device.

Abstract: A series of microactuators for manipulating small quantities of liquids, and methods of using these for manipulating liquids, are disclosed. The microactuators are based on the phenomenon of electrowetting and contain no moving parts. The force acting on the liquid is a potential-dependent gradient of adhesion energy between the liquid and a solid insulating surface.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation process for removing organic and metal contaminants from a pressurized waste fluid is disclosed in which a clarified waste fluid is produced when the pressure is released.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for obtaining a preparative-scale, free-fluid electrophoretic separator with high resolution as well as an analytical capability commensurate with capillary zone electrophoresis. The electrophoretic focusing apparatus and method of the present invention features a separation chamber bounded by planar precision-pore, insulated screens, a plurality of purge chambers, a plurality of electrode chambers, and a plurality of pump means. The separation device of the invention is capable of high speed of separation and short residency of sample through the use of high voltage gradients which are produced by relatively low voltages applied across the narrow chamber dimensions. The present invention is also highly flexible, with operation in a constant electric field, continuous flow mode which permits scanning of the sample fraction content and display in a conventional histogram format.

Abstract: A reactor for removing impurities from aqueous solutions, wherein the liquid is passed through series of plateshaped reaction electrodes. The reactor comprises one more interconnected units (A, B, C, D) with a series of plateshaped electrodes (1, 2) valves (8) and holes (5, 6) in the plates for redirecting the liquid flow into and through the series of reaction electrodes (1, 2). A control system consists of a number of sensors (9, 10, 11) at the liquid inlet (3) of the reactor for measuring the conductivity of the treated liquid, the organic contents of the liquid and the flow of the liquid, and the transferring the output commands from a processor (7) to valve (8) for redirecting the liquid flow and for activating or deactivating the electrode unit or units (A, B, C, D) in dependence on the measured parameters.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation system for removing contaminants from waste effluents comprising an electrocoagulation reactor (140) having charged and uncharged plates and allowing serial flow of water therethrough. The reactor (140) is connected to a voltage source (160) to charge some of the pates positive and negative plates. The system allows waste water to enter the reactor (140) for coagulation therein, the waster water leaving the reactor (140) to enter a defoam tank (200) for agitation which allows trapped bubbles to rise to the surface of the tank (200) as foam. From the defoam tank (200), waste water goes through a sludge thickener, to allow sludge to settle at the bottom thereof and waster water is drawn off from the sludge thickener to flow to a clarifier (250). The pump removes sludge forming at the bottom of clarifier (250) to take it back to the sludge thickener. The sludge is drawn out the bottom of the sludge thickener for transport to a press (280) where most of the water is removed therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for electrochemical treatment of waste water by electroflocculation. The apparatus uses an arrangement of electrodes and an anode scraping device, whereby the sword-shaped anode(s) are flanked by cathodes made in the same manner, on which the support structure for the anode scraping devices is supported. Transport of the oxide crusts scraped off the anode surface towards the lower reactor end is supported by a gas stream fed into the electrolytic gap through hollow sections which serve the purpose of spacers for the electrodes. The anodes may consist of several individual sheets, with intermediate layers for lowering the frictional resistance when withdrawing individual sheets. The liquid seal of the upper reactor side in the area of the scraping device is achieved by a plug of elastic, electrically nonconductive material.

Abstract: A liquid decontamination system has a liquid treatment chamber having a liquid input and output and a gas input and output. A plurality of electrodes are positioned to place a voltage across the liquid treatment chamber and the liquid therein. A plurality of magnets are also positioned adjacent the electrodes for placing a magnetic field across the chamber and liquid therein. As the contaminated liquid is fed through the liquid treatment chamber, a predetermined gas, such as nitrogen, ozone, oxygen, or hydrogen peroxide, are fed into the contaminated liquid while simultaneously having the electric and magnetic fields applied to the liquid. The liquid leaving the treatment chamber is fed to a flush tank which removes contaminates and agglomerated solids therefrom.

Abstract: One or more water treating devices each includes a housing for receiving a number of electric conductive particles and a filter plate secured in the housing for supporting the particles in the housing. The waste water to be treated is introduced into the housing and flows through the particles when the particles are electrified for allowing the particles to treat the water. The particles, after use, may be discharged from the housing so as to be cleaned. The water treating devices may be arranged in series or in parallel or in both series and parallel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for obtaining a preparative-scale, free-fluid electrophoretic separator with high resolution as well as an analytical capability commensurate with capillary zone electrophoresis. The electrophoretic focusing apparatus and method of the present invention combines features of electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing to accomplish large scale purifications and fractionations that have not previously been possible, and features a separation chamber bounded by planar porous insulated screens, a plurality of purge chambers, a plurality of electrode chambers, and a plurality of pump means. The separation device of the invention is capable of high speed of separation and short residency of sample through the use of high voltage gradients which are produced by relatively low voltages applied across the narrow chamber dimensions.

Abstract: A longitudinally horizontal pressure vessel desalts a fluid mixture of oil, an emulsion of oil globules encapsulated in salt water casings, gas and/or free water. A vertical wall splits the vessel into a double length flow path extending from an inlet to separate outlets for discharging the gas, the free water and the oil. A plurality of vertical baffles at intervals between the inlet and the outlets are divided along horizontal lines into a lowermost perforated zone for passing free water, a lower central zone for blocking passage of the emulsion, an upper central perforated zone for stripping the salt water casing from the oil globules and for passing oil and an uppermost open zone for passing gas. The line dividing the lower and upper central zones of each baffle are higher than the corresponding line of each preceding baffle along the flow path extending from the inlet to the outlets.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for treating a liquid by controlling molecular clusters in liquid in which a very narrow electric or magnetic energy field produced by at least two electrodes or magnetic poles spaced apart by less than 1 mm is applied to a liquid with the length of the spaced apart electrodes or magnetic poles set transversely to the flow direction of the liquid passing through the pipe. The overall thickness of the electrodes or magnetic poles is less than 10 millimeters.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation treatment device includes a plurality of spaced reaction plates disposed within a reaction chamber. A voltage is applied to selected reaction plates to create an electrical field within the electrocoagulation chamber. The plates are arranged vertically with respect to the chamber which induces a vertical flow of liquid through a device. Gases formed in the electrocoagulation process are allowed to rise to the top of the liquid line and can be vented to the atmosphere. The solids which precipitate out of the liquid stream are carried by the liquid stream to secondary separation. Any remaining solids can be removed as sludge through a drain in the bottom of the device. A foam cover is provided to isolate the electrical connections of the plates from moisture. The top cover is provided to isolate the chamber for safety purposes. The device may be manufactured as a large industrial unit, a portable unit or a unit adapted for use within the home.

Abstract: An electrostatic filter for removing contaminants from a dielectric fluid when the filter comprises a plurality of electrically conductive plates positioned in a housing and having filter media disposed between the plates so that during the operation of the filters, fluid flows axially through the media between the electrode plates and into a central recovery zone and is discharged from the filter. A replaceable filter cartridge, a method for removing contaminants from a dielectric fluid using the filter, a filtration system for removing both water and other contaminants from a dielectric fluid using the filter in combination with a water-removal filter and a system for maintaining a supply of filter dielectric fluid for a dielectric fluid user on a continuous basis are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method consisting: in passing the sea water through an electrically conductive catalyst (10), arranged in the cathode section of an electrolytic cell (1), comprising a cathode section (3) and an anode section (4) provided with, the former, with at least one cathode (11a, . . . ) and, the latter, with at least one anode (18) and separated by a wall (2) permeable only to the cations and in circulating, in the anode section (4), a conductive aqueous solution of a particular anolyte; in providing an electric voltage between the cathode and the anode of the cell (1) while maintaining the contents of the cathode and the anode sections at specific potentials, so as to produce, in the cathode section, consumption of oxygen dissolved in the treated water and in decomposing, in the anode section, an appropriate amount of solution for ensuring the electroneutrality of the treated water.

Abstract: An electrostatic treating apparatus comprises a tank 1 containing an insulating solvent A in which a pair of electrodes 4 is arranged and a liquid 2 is introduced from an inlet 3 and electrostatically treated. A guide plate for guiding treated water to the upper side of a pocket 7 is provided at the lower part of the aqueous layer B formed above the upper edge of the inner wall 5 of the pocket 7 and plural baffle plates 18 having openings at the upper part and the lower part alternately are equipped vertically at given intervals between the guide plate 8 and the lid of the tank 1, and an adsorbing agent vessel 19 can be equipped between the baffle plates 18. The treated water which goes up from an opening 9 between the outer side wall 6 of the pocket 7 and the guide plate 8 is passed through the adsorbing agent vessel 19 to be introduced to a discharge outlet 12.

Abstract: A carbon-reinforced electrode is disclosed. The electrode is formed from a high surface area absorptive material ("HSAAM electrode") made from resorcinol, formaldehyde, a carbon reinforcing agent, a catalyst, and reaction products thereof, and is in a carbonized form. This electrode removes ions from a liquid when an electric current is applied. The liquid may be passed through a thickness of the electrode, or may be passed by the surface of the electrode. A method of making the HSAAM electrodes is also disclosed. The HSAAM electrodes are formed from setting a polymerized mixture of resorcinol, formaldehyde and a carbon reinforcing agent supplied in the form of carbon fibers, carbon felt or cellulose under controlled temperature and time constraints, and subsequently firing the resulting product so as to carbonize the electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for deionization of a liquid is disclosed. The apparatus has a number of deionization cells, each cell having two different types of electrodes. The first type of electrode is formed from a high surface area absorptive material ("HSAAM electrode") made from resorcinol, formaldehyde, a carbon reinforcing agent, a catalyst, and reaction products thereof, and is in a carbonized form. This electrode removes ions when an electric current is applied. The second type of electrode, which does not remove ions, is formed from a non-HSAAM material. Each deionization cell has a single HSAAM electrode bordered on either side by a non-HSAAM electrode, and adjacent deionization cells do not share any electrodes of either type. The non-HSAAM electrodes are formed from carbon cloth or carbon felt fixed to one side of a plexiglass sheet, and two such sheets are needed to form a cell.

Abstract: Apparatus for the destruction of inactivation of microbes by subjecting them to a high potential gradient. The apparatus includes a processing chamber containing spaced apart electrodes, at least one solid insulating barrier dividing the space within the chamber, the barrier having at least one passageway such that no fluid can pass through the chamber without flowing through the passageway, and a voltage source for providing a pulse of voltage.

Abstract: A water treating apparatus for treating water, includes: an oil drop separator for separating oil drops from water to be treated which has an electrode in which an anode is made of amphoteric metal, a power source for supplying an electric power to the electrode, a treating tank for housing the electrode and the water, a water inlet through which the water is led to the treating tank, and a water outlet through which the treated water is exhausted from the treating tank; and a three-dimensional fixed bed type electrolytic tank for treating the water which has been treated by the oil drop separator which has a fixed bed type electrode, a power source for supplying an electric power in which a polarity is reversed periodically, to the fixed bed type electrode, a treating tank for housing the fixed bed type electrode and the water, a water inlet through which the water is led to the treating tank, and a water outlet through which the treated water is exhausted from the treating tank.

Abstract: An electrostatic fluid filtration system of the present invention is designed to remove contaminants from liquids thereby refreshing their functionality and extending their useful life. This system reduces to commercial practice a myriad of partially attained and less efficient techniques of filtration by focusing upon economic, environmental, and health factors as well as simplicity of manufacture, use and maintenance. Several generic embodiments are identified for cooking oils, fuels, lubricants and solvents, all of which have been successfully demonstrated in commercial operating environments. Proven magnetic and electrostatic phenomenologies are integrated in a controlled system that is electronically and physically adaptable to the viscosity and dielectric properties of various fluids as well as contaminant characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus for deionization of a liquid is disclosed. The apparatus has a number of deionization cells, each cell having two different types of electrodes. The first type of electrode is formed from a high surface area absorptive material ("HSAAM electrode") made from resorcinol, formaldehyde, a carbon reinforcing agent, a catalyst, and reaction products thereof, and is in a carbonized form. This electrode removes ions when an electric current is applied. The second type of electrode, which does not remove ions, is formed from a non-HSAAM material. Each deionization cell has a single HSAAM electrode bordered on either side by a non-HSAAM electrode, and adjacent deionization cells do not share any electrodes of either type. The non-HSAAM electrodes are formed from carbon cloth or carbon felt fixed to one side of a plexiglass sheet, and two such sheets are needed to form a cell.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating a charged substance from a conductive fluid in which the conductive fluid is transported to a charged substance separation assembly where an electrostatic field is imposed to separate the charged substance from the fluid which passes through a porous separator and is collected.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing micro-organism concentrations in a liquid having a surface has a portion of a first electrode that is disposed within the liquid. A portion of a second electrode is also disposed within the liquid. The second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode and, in one embodiment, consists of a copper and silver alloy wherein the ratio of copper to silver is in the range of from 1:1 to 11:3. A direct current power supply, having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, applies an electrical potential between the second electrode and the first electrode, thereby creating an electrical current from the second electrode to the first electrode and thereby liberating copper ions and silver ions from the second electrode into the liquid. In one embodiment, the electrodes are suspended from a floating member. In another embodiment, the electrodes are placed in a porous sheath that is suspended in the liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a separator device for the separation of fine particles from a contaminated liquid. The device utilizes the process of electrolysis to produce small gas bubbles which attach themselves to the fine particles and move the particles to the top of the liquid surface where they can be easily removed. The separation is facilitated by the use of baffles which prevent the formation of convection currents in the body of the separator device, and by inclined plates which direct the rising particles towards the removal point.

Abstract: In order to improve a process for the electrolysis of a fluid electrolyte containing cations and anions in an electrolytic cell with a cathode and an anode located opposite the cathode such that primary energy not present in an electrical form, in particular thermal energy from reservoirs having a moderately high temperature, can be used for the electrolysis with lower losses, it is suggested that a current path between the cathode and the anode be closed, that a magnetic field be applied to the electrolytic cell and that a relative movement between the magnetic field and the electrolyte be generated so that on account of the effect of Lorentz forces the cations migrate to the cathode and the anions to the anode and products of electrolysis be formed on the cathode and on the anode in electrolytic reactions, wherein the charge equalization necessary for the electrolytic reactions be carried out by the current path closed between the cathode and the anode.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fluid treatment of electrostatic flocculation of minute particles in a fluid such as oil. The device has a electrostatic chamber which has a plurality of perforated metal screens aligned along a path in the chamber. Means are provided to electrically charge the screens in an alternating polarity along the path with the charge creating a magnetic field on the screens for flocculation of the minute particles. The chamber has inlet ports and outlet ports spaced from one another in the chamber.

Abstract: In order to separate, within a fluid (1), certain particles (2) contained therein, this fluid is arranged in a corridor (C) partly defined by two faces which are close together and substantially parallel to each other and to the direction of separation E and an exciting field is simultaneously applied to the entire volume of fluid contained in this corridor, according to a direction having at least one component perpendicular to the direction E, which exciting field varies along the said direction in a curve consisting of a regular sequence of mutually identical asymmetric patterns, the mean of this field, taken at each instant along the direction E, being zero, and means are provided for repetitively varying the effect of the exciting field on the particles. The substantially parallel faces may be electrodes between which a potential difference source is connected for producing an electric field thereby exciting particles in the corridor (C).

Abstract: The invention is to an electrostatic fluid filter that includes a housing, a removable array of filter elements and alternately electrically charged plates positioned parallel to the fluid flow. The charged plates are mounted between spacers each of which includes a mesh made of an insulating material and further includes a plurality of parallel guide tracks positioned on the mesh for holding the charge plates, and where each guide track is adjacent to a conductive strip which is in electrical contact with the plate in that guide track so that the plates are in electrical contact with alternately either a positive or negative electrical terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil-water separation apparatus which permits oil-water separation of heavily polluted oil-water mixed liquids or mixed liquids of high viscosity oil and water, etc., to be efficiently made.