Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance (18) for at least partially disinfecting/sterilising a contaminated surface (21), wherein the appliance (18) comprises an integrated plasma source for at least partially disinfecting/sterilising the surface by generating a non-thermal atmospheric plasma on the surface thereby reducing the concentration of pathogenic germs on the surface.

Abstract: A plasma reaction apparatus and method applied to reformation of fuel by generating and using rotating arc plasma in a furnace, the chemical treatment of a persistent gas, and the apparatus for decreasing NOx by an occlusion catalyst. A raw material for a reaction is allowed to flow into the furnace through a hole, causing it to flow within the furnace in a continuous swirl. Furthermore, an expanded plasma reaction zone is provided by a wide area chamber which is formed on an upper part of the furnace and has a greater width than that of a lower part of the furnace, and thus a plasma being generated can be expanded by the expanded plasma zone and delayed from flowing out of the furnace by corners of the wide area chamber that is spaced from a plasma inducing electrode therein.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for purifying silicon by exposing liquid silicon to a plasma, wherein the silicon flows continuously into a channel so that the free surface thereof is exposed to the plasma. The disclosure also relates to a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: A reactor for reforming a hydrocarbon, and associated processes and systems, are described herein. In one example, a reactor is provided that is configured to use non-equilibrium gliding are discharge plasma. In another example, the reactor uses a vortex flow pattern. Two stages of reforming are described. In a first stage, the hydrocarbon absorbs heat from the wall of the reactor and combusts to form carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. In a second stage, a gliding are discharge is use to form syngas, which is a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. The heat generated by the combustion of the first stage transfers to the wall of the reactor and heated products of the second stage mix with incoming hydrocarbon to provide for partial recuperation of the reaction energy.

Abstract: A vortex reactor is provided. The vortex reactor includes a substantially cylindrical shaped portion forming a reaction chamber therein, wherein said substantially cylindrical shaped portion forms a first charged electrode; a circumferential flow apparatus fluidly connected to the reaction chamber for creating a circumferential fluid flow; a second charged electrode; and an outlet for releasing said circumferential fluid flow. Also provided are methods of processing particulate solids using the vortex reactor of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance (18), particularly kitchen appliance or laboratory table, for at least partially disinfecting/sterilising a contaminated surface (21), wherein the appliance (18) comprises an integrated plasma source for at least partially disinfecting/sterilising the surface by generating a non-thermal atmospheric plasma on the surface thereby reducing the concentration of pathogenic germs on the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing nano-clusters includes a pair of electrodes separated by an electrode pair spacing and a field generation module that generates a corona discharge across the electrodes. The corona discharge generates an electromagnetic field near the electrodes. A voltage potential across the electrodes is a medium voltage. The field generation module includes a medium voltage module that generates a medium voltage waveform, which is transmitted to the electrodes to generate the corona discharge. The field generation module includes a broad frequency generation module that generates a broad spectrum of frequencies within the medium voltage waveform. A raw material feeder module feeds particles of a raw material through the electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field with the broad spectrum of frequencies is operative to separate at least a portion of the raw material fed through the electromagnetic field into free atoms.

Abstract: A reactor for reforming a hydrocarbon, and associated processes and systems, are described herein. In one example, a reactor is provided that is configured to use non-equilibrium gliding arc discharge plasma. In another example, the reactor uses a vortex flow pattern. Two stages of reforming are described. In a first stage, the hydrocarbon absorbs heat from the wall of the reactor and combusts to form carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. In a second stage, a gliding arc discharge is use to form syngas, which is a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. The heat generated by the combustion of the first stage transfers to the wall of the reactor and heated products of the second stage mix with incoming hydrocarbon to provide for partial recuperation of the reaction energy.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel and methods of making the same are disclosed. A process for making a hybrid fuel includes the steps of combining a biofuel emulsion blend and a liquid fuel product to form a hybrid fuel. Optionally, the hybrid fuel can be combined with water in a water-in-oil process and include oxygenate additives and additive packages. A hybrid fuel includes blends of biofuel emulsions and liquid fuel products, including light gas diesel. Optionally, the hybrid fuel can include water, oxygenate additives, and other additive packages.

Abstract: An ion source includes a conductive substrate, the substrate including a plurality of conductive nanostructures with free-standing tips formed on the substrate. A conductive catalytic coating is formed on the nanostructures and substrate for dissociation of a molecular species into an atomic species, the molecular species being brought in contact with the catalytic coating. A target electrode placed apart from the substrate, the target electrode being biased relative to the substrate with a first bias voltage to ionize the atomic species in proximity to the free-standing tips and attract the ionized atomic species from the substrate in the direction of the target electrode.

Abstract: A free radical sterilization system having a chamber defining a region, and a generator for generating free radical reach effluent from a free radical electric generator and/or a vaporizer. A closed loop circulating system without a free-radical destroyer is provided for supplying the mixture of free radicals from the electric generator mixed with the hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of the effluent to the chamber. The free-radical sterilization system is used in sterilizing items in the chamber and, with an open-bottomed wound chamber, in treating wounds on a body.

Abstract: A chemical reactor and method for converting a first material into a second material is disclosed and wherein the chemical reactor is provided with a feed stream of a first material which is to be converted into a second material; and wherein the first material is combusted in the chemical reactor to produce a combustion flame, and a resulting gas; and an electrical arc is provided which is passed through or superimposed upon the combustion flame and the resulting gas to facilitate the production of the second material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing carbon nanotubes or other carbon nanostructures, e.g. cones. The process comprising evaporating/decomposing a carbon containing material in a voluminous thermal plasma generated by rotating an electric arc using an externally applied magnetic field, and condensing said evaporated/decomposed carbon containing material on surfaces or on particles in a gas flow. A reactor for performing the process is also described.

Abstract: Improvements to a triple helical flow vortex reactor improve the radio-transparent portion of the reactor. A central part is added thereto consisting of an electrically conductive, non-magnetic material. A movable electrode configured to controllably extend into a zone, discharge and retract. A protrusion on the wall optionally aids in the discharge. A feedstock injection unit includes nested pipes: an outer pipe conveys coolants and the inner pipe conveys feedstock. An additional fuel inlet may be connected to an additional reaction chamber connected in series to the reaction chamber. The central part may be porous permitting inward flow of fuel. Slots penetrating the inner wall of the central part enhance the introduction of magnetic and electric fields. An outer shell over the reaction chamber is configured to flow coolant over the outer wall of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A waste treatment system processes waste upon the application of energy. The system includes a vessel that has an open space that receives waste feedstock. At least two plasma electrodes are mounted to the vessel. An electrode movement control system may position the plasma electrodes to facilitate a pryolysis process to treat the waste feedstock.

Abstract: A method for producing of ultra-dispersed carbon comprises the steps of introducing gaseous methane and chlorine into passageways (3 and 4) of a burner (2) communicating with a chamber (1) of a reactor, combusting the mixture of methane and chlorine resulting in the formation of a diffusion flame, depositing products of a process of oxidative coupling of methane, separating a suspension containing solid carbon particles, and extracting a desired product. The greater part of the methane stream is fed to the outer boundary of the flame through a branch pipe (6) provided within the reactor chamber. Internal walls of the reactor chamber (1) in the combustion zone of the diffusion flame are washed by means of water stream. The desired product is extracted from the crude product through thermal processing of the solid particles suspension. Utilization of the method essentially increases the mono-dispersed carbon yield in the process of oxidative coupling of methane.

Abstract: A plasma generation system and related method for generating plasma in a cavity of a narrow tube, the system including: a first electrode including a conductive member covered with an insulator or dielectric, the first electrode being inserted into the cavity of the narrow tube to generate the plasma; a power supply to apply an alternating voltage or pulse voltage to the first electrode; and a second electrode located outside the narrow tube and connected to the power supply, the power supply applying the alternating voltage or pulse voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the conductive member is made of a wire, a portion of the narrow tube is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the second electrode is arranged and shaped so that a discharge is unevenly performed in a circumferential direction of the first electrode.

Abstract: There is provided an ignition or plasma generation apparatus that eliminates the need for resonance means in a combustion chamber and simplifies the electrode structure within the combustion chamber in an instance where energy from each of a spark discharge and microwaves is used to ignite an air-fuel mixture gas in an internal combustion engine. The ignition or plasma generation apparatus includes a mixing circuit for mixing a high-voltage pulse from a high-voltage pulse generator and microwave energy from a microwave generator; and an ignition plug into which an output from the mixing circuit is supplied, the plug used for introducing the output into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The output supplied from the mixing circuit to the ignition plug is supplied in a manner in which the microwave energy and the high-voltage pulse are superimposed on each other on a same transmission line.

Abstract: A cold arc discharge is used to decompose natural gas or methane into its gaseous constituents and carbon in the form of solid particles. The gaseous constituents obtained are mainly hydrogen and acetylene and they are produced in admixture with unreacted natural gas or methane. The cold arc discharge is generated by a pulsating high voltage discharge imparted through a capacitor to a high voltage electrode or a plurality of high voltage electrodes or through a high voltage electrode to a plurality of capacitor-connected electrodes placed in a reaction zone. The apparatus for performing this process may have a tubular reactor with a cylindrical ground electrode in the middle and a cylindrical outer wall through which the high voltage electrode or electrodes extend into the reaction zone. The apparatus may also have a cylindrical shaft in the middle made of dielectric material in which a plurality of electrodes are embedded, this shaft being surrounded by a high voltage tubular electrode.

Abstract: A plasma generator in which the variation of the impedance in the cavity before and after plasma is ignited is less and hardly affected by the shape of the cavity, and the ignitability of the plasma is improved and a method of generating plasma using the plasma generator are provided. The plasma generator comprises a nonconductive gas flow pipe (1) for introducing a gas (9) for generating plasma and discharging it into the atmosphere and a conductive antenna pipe (2) surrounding the gas flow pipe. A microwave (7) is applied to the antenna pipe to change the gas in the gas flow pipe into plasma. The plasma generator is characterized in that a slit (3) with a predetermined length is formed in the antenna pipe (2) along the axial direction of the gas flow pipe. Preferably, the plasma generator is characterized in that the length of the slit is an integral multiple of the half-wave length of the applied microwave.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and an outlet, (b) a throat having a first opening, a second opening and a central axis, wherein the first opening is connected to the outlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode. The liquid is supplied to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for the generation of high voltage, pulsed, periodic corona discharges capable of being used in the presence of conductive liquid droplets. The method and system can be used, for example, in different devices for cleaning of gaseous or liquid media using pulsed corona discharge. Specially designed electrodes and an inductor increase the efficiency of the system, permit the plasma chemical oxidation of detrimental impurities, and increase the range of stable discharge operations in the presence of droplets of water or other conductive liquids in the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A reactor for dissociating carbon dioxide, and associated processes and systems, are described herein. In one example, a reactor is provided that is configured to use non-equilibrium gliding arc discharge plasma. In another example, the reactor uses a vortex flow pattern. A diaphragm may be used at the output of the reactor to control the vortex flow pattern. In some examples, the reactor may be configured to have varying upper and lower chamber sizes.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus is disclosed for sustainable, continuous production of hydrogen and carbon by catalytic dissociation or decomposition of hydrocarbons at elevated temperatures using in-situ generated carbon particles. Carbon particles are produced by decomposition of carbonaceous materials in response to an energy input. The energy input can be provided by at least one of a non-oxidative and oxidative means. The non-oxidative means of the energy input includes a high temperature source, or different types of plasma, such as, thermal, non-thermal, microwave, corona discharge, glow discharge, dielectric barrier discharge, or radiation sources, such as, electron beam, gamma, ultraviolet (UV). The oxidative means of the energy input includes oxygen, air, ozone, nitrous oxide (NO2) and other oxidizing agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides various methods and apparatus for the production of fullerenes and other carbon-containing materials. In some aspects, the invention provides an arc chamber comprising a graphite element support, wherein the support comprises a rotatable frame adapted for moving each graphite element towards and away from an arc discharge position. In other aspects, the invention provides a collection chamber for collecting carbon-containing materials produced in an arc chamber, wherein the collection chamber comprises an inlet and a rotatable element arranged to direct the carbon-containing material to a wall of the collection chamber, wherein the sectional area occupied by the rotatable element increases with distance from the inlet. In other aspects, the invention provides a collection chamber comprising means for isolating the collection chamber from an arc discharge apparatus and an inlet for the introduction of solvent into the collection chamber.

Abstract: A method of producing carbon nanotubes, comprising, in a reaction chamber: evaporating at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst by an electrical arc discharge; condensing the evaporated catalyst vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst; and decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles. Also a system for producing carbon nanotubes, comprising: a reactor comprising two electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is at least a partially melted electrode comprising a catalyst, the reactor adapted for evaporating the at least partially melted electrode by an electrical arc discharge and for condensing its vapors to form nanoparticles comprising the catalyst, wherein the electrodes are disposed in a reaction chamber for decomposing gaseous hydrocarbons in the presence of the nanoparticles to form carbon nanotubes on the surface of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a multiply divided anode wall type plasma generation apparatus, wherein a short circuit between the cathode and the anode is not caused even if deposited matter adhering and depositing on the inner wall of the anode by diffusion plasma detach and fall. Also, an object is to provide a plasma processing apparatus using the same. When the plasma (P) generated between the cathode (2) and the anode (3) is ejected forward from the cathode (2) and diffuses, the diffusing material (41) recrystalizes, adheres, and deposits on the inner wall of an electrode cylindrical body, and detaches and falls as a carbon flake (40). The inner wall of the electrode cylindrical body is multiply divided in the shape of a matrix by means of longitudinal and lateral grooves (37, 38).

Abstract: Combined microwave heating and plasma/electric arc heating is utilized in several processes and apparatus which involve co-production of pig iron and high quality syngas, biomass to liquid fuel production, coal to liquid fuel production, co-gasification of biomass and coal, municipal solid waste treatment, waste-to-energy (agriculture waste, ASR and PEF), EAF dust and BOF sludge treatment to recover zinc and iron, hazardous bottom ash vitrification, and bromine, chlorine and sulfur removal/recycling.

Abstract: A vortex reactor is provided. The vortex reactor includes a reaction chamber formed by a frustum-shaped portion, the narrower part of which is downwardly oriented. Proximate to the narrower part of the frustum-shaped portion, the vortex reactor includes apparatus for creating an axial gas flow and apparatus for creating a circumferential gas flow. The vortex reactor also includes a particulate solid inlet for feeding particulate solids to the reaction chamber. The vortex reactor may optionally include apparatus for generating plasma in the reaction chamber by providing a gliding arc electrical discharge in the reaction chamber. Also provided is a method of processing particulate solids using the vortex reactor of the invention. A reverse vortex plasma reactor (TSAPG) is also provided.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma (NTP) system is used to treat air containing volatile organic compounds (VOC) and/or halogenated volatile organic compounds (HVOC), some of which may be odorous, and/or fine organic particulate (smoke) emissions to be released into the environment by commercial and/or industrial air exhausting, using one or more compound dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) devices that each incorporate a plurality of catalytically active DBD electrodes, catalytically active parts and dielectrics to develop one or more NTP fields so as to create sufficient reactive oxygen species, hydroxyl species and other highly ionized molecules and atomic species so as to cause the oxidation and/or reduction of VOC's and/or HVOC's and/or fine organic particulate contaminants in the air streams to be decomposed to simpler, non pollutant, non odorous compounds that can be subsequently released into the environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for processing material to generate syngas. A reactor chamber is implemented with a plurality of electrodes that can generate an arc within the chamber when electricity is applied to them. The arc can be used to create free radicals which along with the heat and light of the arc breakdown material comprising carbonaceous material, such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), into gas components that form syngas. The syngas can be extracted from the reactor chamber and be used for various commercial purposes. The reactor chamber may comprise a material feed system operable to move material from a material input opening in the reactor chamber towards the electrodes at a controlled rate. Further, the reactor chamber may comprise a water injection system within the reactor chamber operable to inject water into the reactor chamber while electricity is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: A system for treating a substance using a storage vessel and two or more devices disposed in a top of the storage vessel. Each device has: (a) a volute or cyclone head, (b) a throat connected to the volute or cyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector connected to the throat, (d) a first wave energy source comprising a first electrode within the volute or cyclone head that extends through the outlet into the opening of the throat along the central axis, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector and spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode, and (e) a second wave energy source disposed inside the throat, embedded within the throat or disposed around the throat. The substance is supplied to the inlet of the volute or cyclone head and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the first and second wave energy sources.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a substance includes: (a) a volute or cyclone head, (b) a throat connected to the volute or cyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector connected to the throat, (d) a first wave energy source comprising a first electrode within the volute or cyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector proximate to the focus wherein the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode, and (e) a second wave energy source disposed inside the throat, embedded within the throat or disposed around the throat. The substance is supplied to the inlet of the volute or cyclone head and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the first and second wave energy sources.

Abstract: A catalyst free process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes by inducing an arc discharge from a carbon anode and a carbon cathode in an inert gas atmosphere contained in a closed vessel. The process is carried out at atmospheric pressure in the absence of external cooling mechanism for the carbon cathode or the carbon anode.

Abstract: A cooking device includes a cooking chamber; a first deodorization region along which air from the cooking chamber flows and in which a plasma discharge is generated for removing odor-producing materials generated in the cooking chamber from the air; and a bypass region along which air from the cooking chamber flows to bypass the first deodorization region.

Abstract: Molecular conversion processing of greenhouse gases of global warming effect and conversion units employing a solid particle trap. This is an industrial process capable of changing the chemical composition of the greenhouse gases from any source, such as the internal combustion engine, factory chimney and others, through the conversion of gas molecules to form new compounds such as clean gases. This is done by molecular conversion processing conversion unit with a solid particle trap, consisting of a plasma conversion chamber that produces a plasma jet, and an electrostatic filter for the collection of solid particles.

Abstract: An air purifying apparatus includes an air flow generating device for generating a flow of air, a nozzle spraying water to the air flowing through the air flow generating device, a plasma module performing a plasma reaction on the air containing the water sprayed from the nozzle, and oxidizing NOx in the air and converting it into NO3, an eliminator eliminating the NO3 converted in the plasma module and the water contained in the air and passing pure air through the eliminator and out of the air purifying apparatus and a water tank storing the water received from the eliminator, thereby heightening the removal efficiency of NOx from the air.

Abstract: A device for producing a gas plasma by ionisation of a gas using a microwave source of determined nominal power (Pn), includes a magnetron 7 receiving its electric energy from a supply circuit. The device is characterized in that the power (Pd) delivered by the supply circuit to the magnetron 7 is no more than one quarter of the nominal power (Pn) of the magnetron 7.

Abstract: A pulsed gliding arc discharge (PGD) reactor includes an ignition coil driven by a pulse generator which is connected to a pair of divergent electrodes fixed by a reactor housing with a fluid inlet and outlet. Hydrogen peroxide and dye degradation can be carried out with a PGD reactor according to the invention with efficiencies that are more than two orders of magnitude greater than a conventional ACG reactor based on the calculated specific energy yield.

Abstract: A plasma reactor (10) is provided. The plasma reactor (10) includes a reaction chamber (12) formed by a wall (13). Proximate to the first end of the reaction chamber, the plasma reactor includes a feed gas inlet (14) for creating a reverse vortex gas flow (16) in the reaction chamber. The plasma reactor (10) also includes an anode and a cathode connected to a power source for generation of an electric arc for plasma generation in said reaction chamber. The plasma reactor (10) may optionally include a movable electrode adapted for movement from a first, ignition position to a second, operational position in the reaction chamber. Also provided is a method of converting light hydrocarbons to hydrogen-rich gas, using the plasma reactor of the invention.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to plasma dissociation of fluidic hydrogen sulfide to hydrogen and sulfur. A reactor is configured to have a plasma discharge and a vortex flow pattern. The plasma discharge provides energy to the hydrogen sulfide disassociation reaction and the vortex flow pattern helps to cause the condensation of sulfur molecules. The condensation of sulfur molecules helps to reduce the amount of energy input required to disassociate a certain amount of hydrogen sulfide. Additionally, the reactor may be configured to have a vortex flow pattern that provides for a recirculation zone in which relatively warm reaction products may exchange their heat energy with relatively cool input fluids.

Abstract: A free radical decontamination method and system. The system is comprised of a chamber defining a region, and a generator for generating free radical reach effluent from a free radical electric generator and hydrogen peroxide solution with water. A closed loop circulating system is provided for supplying the mixture of free radicals from the electric generator mixed with the hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of the effluent to the chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing a cyanide including the steps of supplying a hydrocarbon and nitrogen source to an onsite plasma reactor and removing cyanide synthesised inside the onsite plasma reactor to thereby produce the cyanide is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method which includes a monitor for monitoring the cyanide requirement of an onsite cyanide utilising system and supplying the hydrocarbon and nitrogen source in accordance with the cyanide requirement. Additionally, a method for recovering, refining, purifying or treating a metal including the steps of monitoring a cyanide requirement of the method and supplying to the method in a just in time sequence a cyanide synthesised onsite to thereby recover, refine, purify or treat the metal is disclosed.

Abstract: A plasma reactor (10) is provided. The plasma reactor (10) includes a reaction chamber (12) formed by a wall (13). Proximate to the first end of the reaction chamber, the plasma reactor includes a feed gas inlet (14) for creating a reverse vortex gas flow (16) in the reaction chamber. The plasma reactor (10) also includes an anode and a cathode connected to a power source for generation of an electric arc for plasma generation in said reaction chamber. The plasma reactor (10) may optionally include a movable electrode adapted for movement from a first, ignition position to a second, operational position in the reaction chamber. Also provided is a method of converting light hydrocarbons to hydrogen-rich gas, using the plasma reactor of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for producing nanoparticles in a dense fluid medium. The method is based on the formation of nanoparticles from nanoparticle precursors in a dense fluid medium in which a plasma discharge is created between electrodes submerged in the dense fluid medium. The electrodes define a plasma discharge zone between opposing electrode discharge faces and further define an internal cavitation zone into which a cavitation gas is released, creating bubbles in the dense fluid medium. The result is the efficient production of nanoparticles using a high-frequency, high-voltage electric field to react dense-phase precursors in an atmospheric pressure, low temperature environment.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus and method provide a sterilizing system having a sterilization chamber and a method for sterilizing an item in the sterilization chamber. The method includes the steps of: loading the item into the sterilization chamber; evacuating gas from the sterilization chamber; preparing sterilant gas by use of plasma; and filling the sterilization chamber with the sterilant gas to a preset pressure. The method further includes the steps of waiting a preset time interval to thereby accomplish an intended sterilization and evacuating the sterilant gas from the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a plasma reactor provided with a reformer reactor having a feed port for target gas to be reformed and a discharge port for reformed gas, a pair of electrodes disposed to face each other in an internal space of the reformer reactor, and a pulse power source for applying a pulse voltage to the electrodes. One of the electrodes is a linear electrode, and the other electrode is a honeycomb electrode which is composed of a conductive ceramic and has a plurality of cells functioning as gas flow passages and separated and formed by partition walls.

Abstract: There is disclosed a honeycomb structure whose outer peripheral portion is plugged, whereby the insulating properties of the structure itself can improve to further improve the insulating properties, and the temperature of an introduced gas can be raised. A plasma reactor is also provided which can generate a large amount of hydrogen and which has a high electrode durability. A honeycomb structure 1 includes a cell structural portion having partition walls 4 which connect one end face thereof to the other end face thereof to define a plurality of cells 3 as through channels of a gas, and cells 3 having plugging portions 9 which plug both the end faces of an outer peripheral portion 7 of the cell structural portion, and the cell area of the plugging portions 9 is 10% or more of the whole cell area.

Abstract: A fuel supply system of the present invention is characterized by including: a fuel reformer (4) for producing a reformed gas-containing fuel by causing discharge in a raw liquid fuel; and a fuel supply device (8) for supplying the reformed gas-containing fuel or a mixture of the reformed gas-containing fuel and the raw fuel into a combustion chamber of an engine (5).

Abstract: In a reaction chamber, which constitutes a component of a process installation for obtaining foodstuffs or foodstuff components, biological products in harvested form that are whole or in pieces are subjected to pulsed electric fields as they pass through said reaction chamber, said electric fields forming pores in the cell walls so as to irreversibly open the latter, thus making the content of the cells more easily accessible. This is achieved by electrode groups, which can be energized to a high voltage and are located in the wall of a longitudinal passage of the reactor through which the process material is moved past grounded electrodes located in an opposing longitudinal wall area. Each electrode group is connected to an electric energy accumulator such as for example, a Marx generator, by means of a switch, in order to rapidly establish electric fields of multiple directions between the charged and the grounded electrodes.