Abstract: A deposition apparatus includes a plasma gun including a hollow cathode which generates a plasma beam into a vacuum chamber including an exhaust system and one or more intermediate electrodes to provide a potential gradient for the plasma beam, a focusing coil which is provided to surround the outer surface of a tube portion of the vacuum chamber located coaxially with the exit portion for outputting a plasma beam from the plasma gun and draws the plasma beam into the vacuum chamber through the tube portion, and a reflected electron feedback electrode which is placed inside the tube portion coaxially with the exit portion of the plasma gun and has a positive polarity.

Abstract: A discharge produced plasma radiation source includes a laser beam pulse generator configured to provide a laser beam pulse to trigger a pinch in a plasma of the discharge produced plasma radiation source. The laser beam pulse generator is arranged to provide a laser beam pulse having an energy greater than an optimum laser beam pulse energy that corresponds to a maximum output of a given wavelength of radiation for a given discharge energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell for generating sterilized water in which lead wires having cathode and anode are alternately wound on a body in the horizontal direction, the cell is disposed in plural in the vertical direction to the flow of water by a given distance so that a plasma reaction is generated between both lead wires wound on the cell in the linear direction along the lead wires thereby increasing reaction efficiency per surface area of the cell.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a sterilizer, which aim is at efficiently sterilizing a subject such as a container by using active oxygen generated with the use of plasma, and a sterilization method using the same. In particular, it is intended to develop a technique for stably generating active oxygen with the use of plasma and thus provide a sterilizer, which enables, if necessary, stable plasma formation and active oxygen generation in the atmosphere and can inhibit thermal damages caused by the plasma on a subject to be sterilized, and a sterilization method using the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for exciting a gas, comprising at least a pair of electrodes connecting to an alternating current source in a housing having an inlet opening for a gas to be treated and an outlet opening for a gas which has been treated, characterized in that one electrode of the pair of the electrodes is a suspended electrode arranged by placing it under a tension at a predetermined position in the housing, the other electrode of the pair of the electrodes is a buried electrode arranged at a predetermined position by being buried in the holding wall of the housing at the end thereof, an electrode portion of the buried electrode contains a linear or planar discharging portion as a whole, and the electrode portion of the suspended electrode, opposed to the electrode portion of the buried electrode, has discharging portions where a distance from the electrode portion of the buried electrode becomes cyclically short.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating polymeric materials comprises a treatment chamber adapted to maintain a selected atmosphere; a means for supporting the polymeric material within the chamber; and, a source of plasma-derived gas containing at least one reactive oxidative species whereby the polymer is stabilized and cross linked through exposure to the oxidative species in the chamber at a selected temperature. The polymer may be directly exposed to the plasma, or alternatively, the plasma may be established in a separate volume from which the reactive species may be extracted and introduced into the vicinity of the polymer. The apparatus may be configured for either batch-type or continuous-type processing. The apparatus and method are especially useful for preparing polymer fibers, particularly PAN fibers, for later carbonization treatments.

Abstract: Plasma reformer having a high voltage electrode spaced apart from a grounded electrode creating a volume therebetween. At least one electrically floating electrode is disposed between the high voltage electrode and the grounded electrode and a fuel atomizer is disposed to inject a hydrocarbon fuel into the volume. Structure is provided for introducing air into the volume and a high voltage source establishes a high voltage between the high voltage electrode and grounded electrode to create a cascade arc in the volume. The electrically floating electrodes increase the arc length and the discharge volume to create a cascade arc having a combined extended length and increased contact time with an air-fuel mixture for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel.

Abstract: A system and method for developing a solid state stripper device is described that more effectively strips off negative carbon ions to produce positively charged carbon ions. In one embodiment the solid state stripping device is a self-supporting aggregate of nanotubes or Buckminster-Fullerenes. Such devices provide, among other things, carbon stripper foil for use in a tandem generator.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly expose the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.

Abstract: A plasma chemical reactor includes a chamber for providing a plasma reaction space, and a cathode assembly coupled at one side to a wall surface of the chamber and supporting a substrate at the other side such that the substrate is positioned at a center inside the chamber, and installed to enable height adjustment such that the substrate can maintain a horizontal state.

Abstract: An arcing electron stream apparatus and method for reducing pollutants in a fluid. The device includes first and second electrodes and a chamber there-between. Voltage is impressed between the electrodes at a frequency, thereby causing a plurality of arcing electron streams to occur between the electrodes. The electrodes have stepped surface such that the central first section of the electrodes are in closer proximity to each other than are the outer second sections. This stepped configuration causes arcing electron streams to progressively be formed along the electrodes and, thus, traverse throughout the chamber, thereby effectively treating molecules within the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for photocatalytically decomposing organic pollutants using the electromotive force of a solar cell. The present invention provides a method and system for decomposing organic pollutants, which can greatly increase the rate of decomposition of organic pollutants at low cost by combining a photocatalytic organic pollutant decomposition device, capable of decomposing organic pollutants using light energy, with a solar cell, capable of applying an external voltage to the photocatalytic organic pollutant decomposition device using light energy.

Abstract: A method for treating exhaust gas includes: adsorbing target components in the exhaust gas with an adsorbent (5); introducing a nitrogen gas with an oxygen concentration of 10 vol % or less and a purity of 90 vol % or more into the adsorbent (5); and applying (6, 7, 8) nonthermal plasma to the adsorbent (5). After the adsorbent (5) adsorbs the target components in the exhaust gas, the nitrogen gas is introduced into the adsorbent (5), and then an electric discharge is generated so that the nonthermal plasma of the nitrogen gas is applied to the adsorbent (5) and causes desorption of the target components and regeneration of the adsorbent (5). This method can remove the target components effectively from oxygen-containing exhaust gas by using nitrogen gas plasma with high activity as a result of ionization of a nitrogen gas and combining adsorption, desorption by the nitrogen gas plasma, and nitrogen plasma treatment.

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: The present invention provides a plasma injector wherein a reducing agent injected from an injection port (19) at the distal end portion of an injection nozzle (18) is at least partially converted into a plasma; an exhaust gas purifying system; and a method for injecting a reducing agent. Using the plasma injector, the exhaust gas purifying system, and the method for injecting a reducing gas of the present invention, it is possible to vaporize a reducing agent supplied in an injection manner and/or to provide a highly reactive reducing agent from the reducing agent.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes, including a step of creating an electric arc in an electric field between a carbonaceous anode and a carbonaceous cathode under conditions effective to produce the carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbonaceous anode and the carbonaceous cathode are immersed in dielectric liquid serving as a dielectric, coolant and for providing an oxygen-free environment. Preferably, one of the electric discharge machining dielectric oils is used as dielectric liquid. Preferably, an electric discharge machine is used to immerse the electrodes in the dielectric liquid, create an electric field, induce the arc, and adjust the gap between the electrodes thus optimizing the yield of carbon nanotubes. The process is cost-effective, easy to implement, and provides high-quality carbon nanotubes while eliminating the need for dedicated equipment and catalysts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal destruction process for at least one organic or halogenated organic product in liquid, gaseous or powder form.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for producing carbon black or carbon containing compounds by converting a carbon containing feedstock, comprising the following steps: generating a plasma gas with electrical energy, guiding the plasma gas through a venturi, whose diameter is narrowing in the direction of the plasma gas flow, guiding the plasma gas into a reaction area, in which under the prevailing flow conditions generated by aerodynamic and electromagnetic forces, no significant recirculation of feedstock into the plasma gas in the reaction area recovering the reaction products from the reaction area and separating carbon black or carbon containing compounds from the other reaction products.

Abstract: An energy conversion system includes a water-containing vessel with a transparent sidewall. Energized carbon rods are fed into the vessel such that the carbon rods are immersed in the water. The carbon rods are juxtaposed sufficiently that electrical arcing occurs between them, causing decomposition of some water molecules into constituent hydrogen and oxygen gas. Photon emissions resulting from the arcing are collected by photovoltaic cells placed around the sidewall of the vessel. The hydrogen gas is cooled by passing it through a water reservoir which also provides a source for water in the vessel. The cooled hydrogen gas may be used to fuel an internal combustion engine. Byproduct heat from the arcing reaction may be utilized in a Stirling engine or radiated from the system. As the carbon rods become depleted during arcing, additional rods are fed through conductive sleeves into the vessel by linear actuators.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waste gas treatment apparatus having a waste gas inlet for flowing a waste gas into a main combustion chamber provided in empty space inside a body, and a plasma torch configured to propagate flames against the waste gas flowing through the waste gas inlet. The apparatus comprises a steam injection nozzle configured to eject high temperature steam against the flames emitted through a nozzle of the plasma torch, and a reaction tube, extended longitudinally toward the bottom of the main combustion chamber into a tube shape, configured to perform the chemical reaction between a reaction accelerating compound and the waste gas induced by pressure of the nozzle of the plasma torch.

Abstract: A part of a semiconductor-manufacturing apparatus is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a surface coated with a ceramic coating, other than an anodic oxide coating, having a thickness of 10 ?m or more.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus, including: two electrodes whose forwardmost end portions are opposed to each other; a power supply which applies a voltage between the electrodes in order to generate discharge plasma in a discharge area between the electrodes; and plural magnets that form a magnetic field in the generation area of the discharge plasma by generating a magnetic field from a magnetic pole surface of each of the plural magnets that are arranged to have the magnetic pole surfaces thereof opposed to one imaginary axis within a space; and of the two electrodes, at least a part of one electrode is located in an area surrounded by: an imaginary plane formed by connecting end portions of the magnetic pole surfaces of the plural magnets on one side in a direction of the imaginary axis.

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: An apparatus for producing ethylenically unsaturated aliphatic halogenic hydrocarbons by thermal cleavage of saturated aliphatic halogenic carbons using an apparatus that introduces an educt gas stream into a reactor which includes at least one supply conduit which opens into the reactor, the supply conduit feeds a heated gas formed from cleavage promotors and radicals produced by a nonthermal plasma device which permits an increased in the yield of the cleavage reaction.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel reformer includes advancing a first air/fuel mixture having a first air-to-fuel ratio into the fuel reformer. The method further includes determining if a soot purge is to be performed and generating a purge-soot signal in response thereto. Further, a second air/fuel mixture having a second air-to-fuel ratio is advanced into the fuel reformer in response to generation of the purge-soot signal. The second air-to-fuel ratio is greater than the first air-to-fuel ratio in order to burn soot present within the fuel reformer. A fuel reformer system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plasmatron-catalyst system. The system generates hydrogen-rich gas and comprises a plasmatron and at least one catalyst for receiving an output from the plasmatron to produce hydrogen-rich gas. In a preferred embodiment, the plasmatron receives as an input air, fuel and water/steam for use in the reforming process. The system increases the hydrogen yield and decreases the amount of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A plasma fuel reformer assembly for producing reformate gas includes a fuel reformer having an air/fuel input assembly, an electrode assembly, and a soot trap positioned downstream of the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a first electrode and a second electrode that is spaced apart from the first electrode. The fuel reformer further includes a reformer controller electrically coupled to the air/fuel input assembly. The reformer controller includes a processing unit electrically connected to a memory unit.

Abstract: A plasma fuel reformer comprises an electrode assembly and a cap. The cap defines an interior region. At least a portion of the electrode assembly is positioned in the interior region.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a carbon nanotube includes: at least two electrodes whose tips oppose to each other; a power supply which applies a voltage between the electrodes so as to generate discharge plasma in a discharge area between the electrodes; a plurality of magnets which generates at least one of a magnetic field having lines of magnetic force in multiple directions or a magnetic field having a component in parallel with the direction of a discharge current in the generation area of the discharge plasma; and a magnet cooling unit which cools the magnets.

Abstract: A fuel system for improved fuel efficiency may include a fuel injector to transmit fuel in droplet form to a reaction region. A reaction rod may be positioned in the reaction region, where the reaction rod may have a convex end and a concave end. The fuel system may be used with engines such as gasoline engines, turbine engines, diesel engines, and steam engines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plasma generator, in which a plasma forming space, into which the air is introduced, is provided, band plate-like first and second electrodes are arranged in opposed relation to each other through a dielectric in the plasma forming space, and plasma is generated by discharge caused by applying voltage between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a state relatively displaced in a surface direction of the dielectric so as to satisfy the specific relationship.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the use of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma to clean and sterilize the surfaces of liquid handling devices.

Abstract: A thermal decomposition apparatus for wastes comprises: a heating chamber; an inlet port; at least one pair of electrodes provided within the heating chamber; a plurality of balls each taking the shape of a sphere whose primary ingredient is carbon, provided between the at least one pair of electrodes so as to produce an electric discharge when a voltage is applied across the at least one pair of electrodes; an outlet port for discharging the gases into which the wastes are thermally decomposed; oxygen free or vacuum environment forming means or evacuating means. According to the present invention, an inexpensive thermal decomposition apparatus for wastes is provided which thermally decomposes almost all wastes at a high temperature of not lower than about 3000° C. without producing harmful substances such as soot, dust, chlorine compounds; nitrogen compounds and/or dioxin.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing ozone gas for use in the beauty treatment of skin, comprising a sealed vessel (1) containing a gas and means for supplying to the vessel a potential difference (9), thereby causing the gas to become charged, whereby placing the vessel close to the skin of a user causes the charged gas to discharge by creating an electrical spark which jumps between the vessel and the skin, the spark resulting in the production of ozone gas in the vicinity of the skin, wherein the apparatus additionally comprises a guard (1a) for the vessel to protect the vessel from breakage, the guard having apertures therein to permit the vessel to discharge to the skin of the user.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the industrial production of a new form of hydrogen, oxygen and other gases. The invention includes a pressure resistant piping system filled with a gas compressed to a desired pressure. A magnetic field within the piping system is generated using electric power. The gas is circulated through the electric arc causing the magnetic field.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanotube including: at least two electrodes whose tips are opposed to each other; at least a power supply that applies a voltage between the two electrodes to generate discharge plasma in a discharge area between the two electrodes; and at least a plurality of magnets that generates, in a generation area of the discharge plasma, at least one of a magnetic field of multiple directions and a magnetic field having a component in parallel with a flowing direction of a discharge current, in which a thermal shield wall made of a non-magnetic material is disposed between the magnets and the generation area of the discharge plasma. Accordingly, an influence on the magnetic field due to the heat generated from the discharge plasma can be suppressed, and a high-purity carbon nanotube with excellent industrial efficiency can be stably manufactured.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing crude oil, or oil-base or water-base liquid waste into a clean burning combustible gas via a submerged electric arc between at least one pair of consumable electrodes, which have a geometry permitting the operation for at least one month prior to their replacement, are completely contained inside a pressurized vessel, and have copper holders that are placed at a minimal possible mutual distance so as to minimize the power loss in the propagation of electricity through the electrodes, while having the other dimensions essentially unrestricted to maximize life. The invention is complemented with three optional recirculating flows substantially through the electric arc: i) a flow of the produced combustible gas; ii) a flow of the liquid feedstock; and iii) a flow of a liquid additive rich in a substance missing in the liquid feedstock for the production of the combustible gas with desired features.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting methane to methanol by partial oxidation comprises a source of methane, a source of oxygen, and a capillary tube having an outflow end and an inflow end communicating with the sources of methane and oxygen. An anode is positioned proximate to but spaced from the capillary tube. A voltage source negatively biases the capillary tube relative to the anode. A plasma jet flows from the outflow end of the capillary tube. The methane partially oxidizes into methanol in a reaction zone in the plasma jet. A collector receives the methanol in the plasma jet for subsequent condensation, separation and purification.

Abstract: A device for air cleaning from dust and aerosols based on the use of non-homogeneous electrostatic field creating a flow of charged particles (the so called “ionic wind”) and operating as electrostatic precipitator. The device comprises a body inside which corona-forming and precipitation electrodes with opposite polarities are established. Inside the body deflection electrodes are established as well, in front of corona-forming electrodes a reflector for positively charged aeroions by an electrode electrically coupled with said corona-forming electrodes being established. The device comprises one or several tapes made of porous-fiber material placed into non-homogeneous electric field.

Abstract: A charged particle generating method in which mode is changeable between an ion generation mode and an electron generation mode. In the ion generation mode, a raw material is supplied to a tip end of a charged particle generating electrode through a raw-material passage formed in the charged particle generating electrode. A first electric field, in which the charged particle generating electrode is positive and the charged particle extract electrode is negative, is generated to emit ions from the raw material at the charged particle generating electrode. In the electron generation mode, supplying the raw material from the raw-material supply section is stopped. A second electric field, in which the charged particle generating electrode is negative and the charged particle extract electrode is positive, is generated to emit electrons from the raw material at the charged particle generating electrode.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the pyrolysis and gasification of waste materials, in particular of special and/or hazardous waste materials, comprising a gasification and melting step, a step of treatment of the mixture of the obtained gases, and a vitrification step, wherein said steps provide for the following passages: a) the material to be treated, at a temperature comprised between 1300 and 1500° C.

Abstract: The reactor contains the reaction chamber (1), the means for the removal of aim product from the reaction chamber (7), at least a pair of electrodes in the reaction chamber, each made as an open container (2) filled with metal (3), placed in such a way that voltage applied between them strikes an arc discharge in the space between electrodes, and the means for supplying the reaction chamber with plasma forming gas which feeds the reaction chamber with plasma forming gas to form the vortex flow of the gas in the space between the electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internal combustion engine emissions, particularly marine electric generator engines, includes a treatment chamber having an intake opening for receiving gaseous emissions from the engine, and an exhaust opening for exiting emissions. A perforated metal tube is disposed within the treatment chamber, and an electrode is disposed within the metal tube in spaced apart relation to the metal tube. The electrode is encircled by the metal tube so that, upon applying a voltage at a predetermined frequency to the electrode, an arc is generated across the space between the electrode and the metal tube to promote a chemical reaction reducing the concentration of pollutants. The treatment chamber is contained within a manifold, and cooled by a flow of water. A supplemental air source is connected to the treatment chamber, and a chemical substrate is disposed within the treatment chamber for promoting the chemical reaction.

Abstract: A plasma-based fuel reformer in which a fuel/air mixture is subjected to an electrical plasma arc that reforms the fuel/air mixture into a hydrogen-rich gas. The reformer includes a first electrode defining a reaction chamber and a second electrode axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first electrode. A plasma arc forms between the first and the second electrodes in the reaction chamber when an electrical voltage is applied. An insulator is positioned between the first and the second electrode to prevent the formation of a plasma arc between the first and the second electrodes except in the reaction chamber. Means for providing a fuel/air mixture to the reaction chamber and means for diverting the air flow into the reaction chamber so as to create a vortex-like flow of air in the reaction chamber are also included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust gas purifying apparatus, for trapping and burning PM, which comprises electrodes and an insulative honeycomb structure. The apparatus is characterized in that the electrodes sake an electric field in the honeycomb structure, the electric field not being parallel with the cell passages of the honeycomb structure. Further the apparatus is characterized in that the electrodes make an electric field in the honeycomb structure, and that the honeycomb structure carries at least one metal selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal and an alkali earth metal; a material that generates oxygen radical by conducting an electric current therethrough; a manganese dioxide; and/or a material having a high dielectric constant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DBD cell (500) including ring shaped electrodes (512 and 514) that are positioned side-by-side on a dielectric tube (516). An AC power supply (518) is provided such that the cell and the power supply form a DBD treatment device (540) for abatement of noxious gases for example FCs that can be discharged from semiconductor fabricating devices. Additionally, one or more sensors (822) and/or one or more gas addition ports (816) can be included in a DBD cell (800) of the present invention. Several DBD cells (1030, 1036 and 1042) of the present invention can be combined to form a DBD reactor (1010) of the present invention. AC power supplies (1012, 1014 and 1016) are utilized to energize the cells (1030, 1036 and 1042), forming a novel noxious gas treatment device (1000) wherein plasmas are created when gas is present inside the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for downstream reactive radical generation from non-condensable gas plasma and its downstream interaction with a variety of chemical precursors for thin film processing. Plasma may be generated by either RF or microwave power source or a high energy UV light source may be suitably employed to ionize the non-condensable gas. Highly energetic ions and electrons are filtered from the plasma of a non-condensable gas through an in-line ion filter. The resultant radical rich flow is mixed with downstream flow of a reactive gas that may be condensable. The upstream non-condensable gas flow, plasma power and the downstream reactive gas flow all can be pulsed synchronously or all maintained constant or some of these factors may be varied in magnitude with respect to time. Thus, a variety of combinations of operational parameters of the radical generator can be practiced.

Abstract: A conveyor system for exposing an object to an electrical discharge to increase the surface tension of a surface of the object comprises a guide, a first conveyor, an electrode, and a second conveyor. The first conveyor is configured to convey the object toward the guide. The electrode is configured to provide an electrical discharge. The guide and the second conveyor are configured to rotate the object for exposure to the electrical discharge.

Abstract: A reactor (1) comprises a pair of electrodes (4, 13) spaced apart to provide a path therebetween for gas flow. A permeable mass of silicon carbide 816) is provided in the space between the electrodes (4, 13) for trapping carbonaceous material in the gas flowing through the space. The silicon carbide (16) is arranged to have an electrical resistivity which is sufficiently high to permit formation, when an appropriate electrical potential is applied across the electrodes (4, 13), of a plasma in the gas within the interstices of the silicon carbide through which the gas permeates.

Abstract: Contaminants within the gaseous emission discharged from an incinerator are eliminated during passage in parallel through reactor chambers by chemical reaction induced during exposure to plasma generated within said chambers. The plasma is generated by corona-discharge breakdown of electric fields established about electrodes within the reactor chambers upon supply thereto of electrical pulse voltage exceeding a critical field breakdown value inversely proportional to a high chamber temperature of the gaseous emission under atmospheric pressure within the reactor chambers.