Abstract: Disclosed is an electrostatic aerosol concentrator for the concentration of aerosol particles and their collection for subsequent analysis. The concentrator comprises an airflow chamber that includes alternately energized and grounded electrode elements that work in concert to impart radial inward motion to charged aerosol particles and focusing them toward an enriched aerosol outlet. If desired, filtered air inlets may be used to provide a sheath of aerosol-free air along the chamber periphery and prevent deposition of particles onto electrode surfaces. Aerosol particles entering the airflow chamber may carry a positive or negative charge naturally, or a charge may be induced on the particles using a charging section located upstream of the aerosol inlet. Natural or induced charges on the aerosol particles may be used to selectively concentrate subpopulations of aerosol particles from a mixture of particles.

Abstract: Described is an air and surface purifying device having a purifying cell structured for maximizing the realized photocatalytic reaction at a photocatalytic surface without using an additional ultraviolet bulb. The purifying cell positions at least three photocatalytic surfaces about a single ultraviolet bulb such that the photocatalytic surfaces substantially encompass the ultraviolet bulb and are saturated by ultraviolet light radiating from the ultraviolet bulb. Because the photocatalytic surfaces are saturated, the potential photocatalytic reaction at the photocatalytic surfaces is fully realized. Stated differently, the realized photocatalytic reaction is maximized. Because the purifying cell maximizes the realized photocatalytic reaction, the purifying cell maximizes the purifying capacity of the photocatalytic surface and, thus, the purifying cell itself.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collection and removal of particulate matter, including fine particulate matter, from a gas stream, comprising a unique combination of high collection efficiency and ultralow pressure drop across the filter. The apparatus and method utilize simultaneous electrostatic precipitation and membrane filtration of a particular pore size, wherein electrostatic collection and filtration occur on the same surface.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for electrostatic air filtering in automotive vehicles, such as electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The system includes an electrical distribution system and an electrostatic filtering system having discharge electrodes and an accumulation electrode. The distribution system is in high-voltage electrical communication with the filtering system as well as an electric motor and a high-voltage energy storage device in the vehicle. In operation, the distribution system distributes high-voltage electric power to the filtering system. The filtering system receives the high-voltage electric power to generate a high-voltage electrostatic potential between the accumulation electrode and the discharge electrodes to remove particulates from air flowing through a region of the electrostatic filtering system.

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: Provided are plasma-aided gas storage methods and apparatus. In one embodiment, a porous powder bed assembly equipped with corona discharge electrodes is used to generate a non-equilibrium plasma of negatively ionized gas molecules which absorb onto porous particles, e.g., activated charcoal, to form a gas storage entity. Gas adsorbed onto the particles is desorbed at moderate temperatures by aid of ultraviolet light illumination.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing defining a chamber, a circuit board positioned in the chamber and having at least one integrated circuit, an air inlet port and an air outlet port formed in the housing, a fluid flow generator to generate an air flow across the circuit board in the chamber, and an electrostatic air filtration system to filter air entering the chamber from the air inlet port.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for forming particles or droplets of at least one substance comprising the steps of providing a foamed medium, which foamed medium comprises said substance, and forming particles or droplets of said substance at least partly by electrostatic processing. The use of foamed medium in electrostatic processing enables higher production speeds and increases the evenness of a coating layer formed by electrospinning or electrospraying the particles or droplets on a substrate.

Abstract: A method, and an apparatus to reduce and remove liquid droplets in air, such as fog, mist, haze, spray or steam. The mist and/or air borne water or other liquid droplets catching and collection apparatus creates an “electric wind”, especially enforced by charged needle points or line arranged constructions and/or wires of the first electrode and an electric charging of mist and/or air borne water or other liquid droplets, which will be directed by the “electric wind” and the electric field between the electric source and the opposite grounded or opposite charged counter electrode (second electrode) of fine gauze or something comparable.

Abstract: An air cleaner including ozone removal is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The air cleaner includes an air channel in the air cleaner, an air moving unit located in the air channel and configured to create an airflow, and an ozone decomposing element located in and extending substantially fully across the air channel. The ozone decomposing element causes decomposition of ozone in the airflow.

Abstract: Gases are stored, separated, and/or concentrated. An electric field is applied across a porous dielectric adsorbent material. A gas component from a gas mixture may be selectively separated inside the energized dielectric. Gas is stored in the energized dielectric for as long as the dielectric is energized. The energized dielectric selectively separates, or concentrates, a gas component of the gas mixture. When the potential is removed, gas from inside the dielectric is released.

Abstract: A synchronized supercharge electrostatic field UV germicidal air filtration device is a high efficiency absolute air cleaner. It incorporates a dual function ionization system, electrostatic field filtration system UV light germicidal function within one system. This invention allows the physical size of air cleaning device to be substantially reduced while the absolute filtration efficiency is highly improved. This device provides a filtered and sterilized air output quality down to submicron size with quantifiable results; while it can be physically fit into an office partition wall. Secondly, both high voltage power supporting ionization and high voltage power supporting the electrostatic energy field are provided by one high voltage transforming circuit making it the most cost effective air filtration system.

Abstract: A system for enhancing air quality within a poultry production facility that includes an enclosure, at least one ground plane, at least one corona point and a corona point position adjustment mechanism. The enclosure is adapted to receive a plurality of poultry. The at least one ground plane is mounted with respect to the enclosure. The corona point position adjustment mechanism enables a distance between the at least one corona point and the at least one ground plane to be adjusted.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus, system, and method for enhancing air purification efficiency regarding a gaseous medium passing through an opening. Included is a high voltage source that creates an effective voltage field across the opening; and at least one charge bleeding element constructed and arranged to maintain an effective voltage field across the opening.

Abstract: A substrate transfer device includes an atmosphere introduction unit and an atmosphere exhaust unit provided at a top and a bottom portion of a main body of the device, respectively; and a substrate transfer mechanism provided between the atmosphere introduction unit and the atmosphere exhaust unit. The substrate transfer device further includes a downward flow forming unit provided, adjacent to the atmosphere introduction unit, to allow an atmosphere to be introduced through the atmosphere introduction unit and to downwardly flow through the substrate transfer mechanism and be exhausted through the atmosphere exhaust unit; and a gas ionizing unit for ionizing the atmosphere and a particle collecting unit for collecting particles included in the atmosphere, the gas ionizing unit and the particle collecting unit being sequentially provided in the direction in which the atmosphere downwardly flows, between the downward flow forming unit and the substrate transfer mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing chemical sterilant molecules from a medium, such as a carrier gas. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing that defines an internal cavity. The housing has an inlet and an outlet fluidly communicating with the internal cavity. An electrode is dimensioned to be received in the internal cavity of the housing. The electrode is made of a material that is chemically active with respect to molecules of a chemical sterilant and conductive to electricity. The electrode is connected to a source of an electrical charge such that an electrical field gradient is formed in a region of space surrounding the electrode. The electrical field gradient is operable to force the chemical sterilant molecule toward the electrode.

Abstract: An electrode and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The method includes adding carbon nanotubes to a mixed solution of nitric acid and sulfuric acid and subjecting the carbon nanotube solution to microwaves for surface treatment resulting in facilitating the surface treatment, subjecting the carbon nanotube solution to ultrasonic waves to disperse the carbon nanotubes resulting in increasing the dispersion effect, subjecting the carbon nanotube solution to filtration and drying the carbon nanotubes to obtain a carbon nanotube plate mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for separating particulate material from a gas flow, comprising a substantially elongate housing provided with a peripheral wall and an inlet opening for admitting the gas flow with particulate material into the housing; a number of electrodes extending in the housing up to a predetermined radial distance from the peripheral wall; and an outlet opening arranged downstream in the housing for discharging the gas flow, wherein the outlet opening extends from the axial centre line of the housing to a point some radial distance from a peripheral wall of the housing, and wherein the particulate material is guided into an intermediate space between the outlet opening and the peripheral wall.

Abstract: An electrode wire for use in an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode wire includes a wire portion of a predetermined length L, a first end, and a second end. The electrode wire further includes retaining bodies formed on the first end and the second end of the wire portion. A retaining body of the retaining bodies is substantially solid.

Abstract: An airborne particulate sampling device is disclosed. The device includes a conduit whose interior allows the flow of air through the device. The conduit, or at least its surface, is a conductor. The device also includes an electrode with a sharp tip or edge on or near the output side of the conduit. An electrically conducting particle collector outside the conduit is positioned so that a surface is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the axis of the funnel. A fan or other blower forces air through the funnel. A power supply imparts an electrostatic potential difference between the electrode, on the one hand, and the holder and particle collector, on the other hand. The electrostatic potential difference produces a corona field in the air in the vicinity of the electrode's sharp tip. The corona field imparts a charge to airborne particles.

Abstract: A method of controlling the dust particle emission from an electrostatic precipitator (1), which has a first and a second bus-section (16, 20), comprises observing that a rapping event of the first bus-section (16) is about to be initiated, verifying, before allowing the rapping event of said first bus-section (16) to be initiated, that the second bus-section (20), which is located downstream of said first bus-section (16) with respect to the flow direction of the flue gas in said electrostatic precipitator (1), is ready to receive the dust particles to be released during the rapping event of said first bus-section (16), and initiating, after said verification, said rapping event of said first bus-section (16).

Abstract: Generally, systems for air and water purification using unpowered charged sorbent mediums (3) which may include layered double hydroxide (LDH) (1) compositions, lignin (2), and methods of sorbing inorganic or organic material(s) onto such mediums, including anionic contaminants (10), cationic contaminants (11), non-ionic organic contaminants (20), and even biological agents (7) such as bacteria or viruses present in liquids or gases.

Abstract: This inventions provides a method for the removal of smut, fine dust and exhaust gas particles from polluted air comprising providing a particle catch arrangement with a charged surface, the particle catch arrangement being arranged to generate a static electric field, wherein the electric field is at least 0.2 kV/m. The invention further provides a particle catch arrangement comprising a surface that can be charged, further comprising a generator arranged to generate charge to the surface that can be charged and to generate a static electric field of at least 0.2 kV/m, wherein the particle catch arrangement is part of or integrated with an object comprising street furniture.

Abstract: A smoke removal apparatus, capable of operating in a confined space without ventilation of the apparatus to the atmosphere to provide removal of smoke from air to be treated. The apparatus comprises one or more of the following filters: a mechanical filter (2); an electrostatic filter (3); and/or a chemical filter (4). The apparatus is arranged to collect smoke from a relatively higher position (5), pass smoke through the one or more filters/and expel treated air to a relatively lower position (6).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.

Abstract: In one embodiment, apparatuses and methods for collecting particulates use an aperture air flow control system and an inline series of alternating discharge and grid type electrodes each with a separate electrical circuit centrally located between either parallel grid electrodes or plate electrodes. In another embodiment, an external enclosed pre-discharger design and physical arrangement improves agglomeration of sub-micron particles. In yet another embodiment, an external opposing dual channel discharger design also improves agglomeration of particles. In another embodiment, two or more separate electrode arrangements are used within a collecting chamber to improve the operation and collection efficiency of the apparatus. The present invention also preferably increases the frequency of recharging the particles, to increase collection efficiency.

Abstract: An air filter including a plurality of air-pervious sheets of electret filtration material. The sheets are disposed in a parallel relationship to form a stack of sheets, and each of the sheets has a plurality of slits formed therein for subsequent expanding to form openings. The stack is connected together at opposing ends, such as by bonding. The sheets can be pleated by mounting in a frame. The frame has opposing ends to which the opposing ends of the stack are mounted. The filter media initially has no frame and is not pleated, but is in a flat pad form that is expanded to be installed into a frame. The frame is then mounted in an appliance, such as a room air filter. When the filter is inserted into the filter housing it is expanded and can take a pleated form.

Abstract: An electrode wire for use in an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode wire includes a wire portion of a predetermined length L, a first end, and a second end. The electrode wire further includes retaining bodies formed on the first end and the second end of the wire portion. A retaining body of the retaining bodies is substantially solid.

Abstract: An air purifier includes a collector electrode assembly removable from an opening on the top surface of the unit and a safety lid detached from the collector electrode assembly for covering the opening on the top surface of the unit. The safety lid is configured to cover the opening whether the collector electrode assembly is at rest within the housing or has been removed from the housing for cleaning.

Abstract: A method is provided which can efficiently remove conidia and microbe or the like of a phytopathogen from air and does not cause generation of ozone originated from discharge or so, thereby preventing occurrence of a plant disease without damaging a plant. There are also provided a flying organism removing apparatus and a plant protecting apparatus which can adequately capture flyable organisms, such as spores of a phytopathogen and/or small vermin, by applying an electrostatic field to the flyable organisms. An electrostatic field generated by dielectric polarization is applied to flyable organisms.

Abstract: A method of repairing an electrostatic precipitator, including building a temporary support truss assembly, supporting the temporary truss assembly at the level of the hot roof of the electrostatic precipitator, transfeffing the weight of the internal components of the electrostatic precipitator from the upper girders to the temporary truss assembly, repairing or replacing the upper girders of the electrostatic precipitator, and then transferring the weight of the internal components to the repaired or replaced upper girders.

Abstract: An electrostatic phase change generating apparatus is described. The apparatus causes a change of state to occur in an input gas, for example, ambient air. The electrostatic phase change generating apparatus removes moisture from air, and may be used to generate water from air, dehumidify air, cool air, and the like. The ability to generate water from air has global importance as the need for clean water increases each year. The electrostatic phase change generating apparatus uses high voltage but low current allowing for very energy efficient operations. The electrostatic phase change generating apparatus uses a phase change vessel containing a liquid, a bubbler immersed in the liquid for conveying a gas, and a high voltage source to bias the liquid with respect to an upper electrode.

Abstract: In various aspects of the invention, electrostatic filters having insulated electrodes are described. In such embodiments, care is taken to prevent the accumulation of opposing charges on the insulation, which, over time, would serve to significantly degrade the strength of the electrostatic field created in the dielectric, and thus reduce the performance of the electrostatic filter. A variety of mechanisms are described for mitigating the opposing charge buildup problem.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for organic particulate filtration. An organic particulate filtration system is implemented within a fossil fuel power plant combustion system. The filtration system comprises a gas flow, in which gas are entrained particulates. The filtration system has a collection hopper located proximate a precipitator collection area. Within the collection hopper, a particulate baffle is provided in a downward-angled orientation. The particulate baffle is enabled to trap particulate, such as organic particulate, in the collection hopper, thereby preventing particulate re-entrainment in the gas flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing wear of an electrode holder on a discharge electrode frame of an electrostatic precipitator includes an electrically conductive member having a central portion generally contoured to a shape of an electrode holder. The apparatus is fastened to at least one of the electrode holder and an end portion of a discharge electrode such that, when the end portion of the discharge electrode is attached to the electrode holder, the electrically conductive member is disposed between the end portion of the discharge electrode and the electrode holder.

Abstract: A method of forming a modular collecting electrode for an electrostatic precipitator, including forming a plurality of horizontal collecting electrode sections, each section having vertical planar portions separated by vertical tubular portions, and wherein the method includes inserting interconnecting support elements into the tubular portions of adjacent collector electrode sections and compressing the interconnected electrode sections to form a rigid modular assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the method includes applying stiffening members across the ends of the planar portions of adjacent electrode sections for transmitting rapping forces through the assembled sections.

Abstract: A method for air purification from dust comprising electrically charging dust by means of air ionization; and collecting the charged dust by means of an electric field force, performed in a common airflow while changing the direction of the airflow at least once by an angle of more than 135°.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are articles for removing contaminants from a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, the article comprising carbon nanotubes, which comprise at least one molecule or cluster attached thereto or located therein, wherein the carbon nanotubes are present in the article in an amount sufficient to reduce the concentration of contaminants in fluid that come into contact with the article. A method of making the nanomesh material used in such articles is also disclosed, as are methods of purifying fluids using these articles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for enhancing condensation and separation in a fluid separator, wherein: —a fluid mixture is accelerated to a transonic or supersonic velocity in a throat section of a flow channel and thereby expanded and cooled such that at least some initially gaseous components become supersaturated and condense; —at least some condensed components are removed from the fluid mixture in the flow channel at a location downstream of the throat section; and —condensation of at least some supersaturated components is enhanced by illuminating the fluid mixture flowing through the flow channel by a radiation source (10), such as an Ultraviolet (UV) light source which excites and/or ionizes and induces mercury, water, aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and/or other components to condense thereby forming condensation nuclei for other supersaturated fluid components.

Abstract: A replacement discharge electrode including a plurality of tubular telescopically assemblable discharge elements, and a tensioning element, tensioning the cable when the tubular telescopically assemblable discharge elements are aligned forming a rigid unitary tubular replacement discharge electrode. The discharge electrode components include abuttable tubular sections, center support tubes telescopically received within the abuttable tubular sections and outer tubular sleeves or collars, forming a rigid discharge electrode having excellent electrical properties. The method includes loosely assembling the tubular component on a flexible cable and tensioning the cable to form a rigid mast-type discharge electrode.

Abstract: An electret filter media that includes a thermoplastic resin and a compound of the formula Y2-A(R1)n—Y1, where A is benzene, naphthalene or anthracene, Y1 and Y2 are each independently R2-R3, R2 is an ester linking group or an amide linking group, R3 is an alkyl group having from 10 to 22 carbon atoms, R1 is R2-R3 where R2 and R3 are each independently as defined above, and when A is benzene, n is from 0 to 4, when A is naphthalene, n is from 0 to 6, and when A is anthracene, n is from 0 to 8.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for separating froth into liquid and gas components. One apparatus includes a container that is configured to hold froth therein and change at least a portion of the froth into substantially separate liquid and gas portions when an electrostatic charge is discharged through at least a portion of the froth between at least two electrodes at least partially arranged within the container.

Abstract: An air cleaner is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The air cleaner includes a power supply, an electrostatic precipitator cell, and a door. The door closes the electrostatic precipitator cell inside the air cleaner. The air cleaner further includes a door switch that is actuated by the door when the door is substantially closed. The air cleaner further includes a cell presence switch. The electrostatic precipitator cell actuates the cell presence switch when the electrostatic precipitator cell is at least partially inserted into the air cleaner. The cell presence switch and the door switch enable electrical power to be supplied from the power source to one or more air cleaner components when the electrostatic precipitator cell is at least partially inserted into the air cleaner and when the door is substantially closed.

Abstract: A retainer for use with a corona ground element of an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The retainer includes a body and a retainer aperture extending at least partially through the body and adapted to receive a projection extending from the corona ground element. The retainer aperture is configured to receive the projection as a press fit.

Abstract: A flue gas treatment system for a fossil-burning power plant having a fuel source and a boiler includes a barrier filter downstream of the boiler, the barrier filter including an electrostatically-stimulated fabric filter utilizing high-permeability fabric, having an air permeability of at least 75 acfm/sq.ft. A method of treating flue gas includes generating a flue gas; and passing substantially 100% of the flue gas from a boiler directly through an electrostatically-stimulated fabric filter incorporating high-permeability fabric with an air permeability of at least 75 acfm/sq.ft.

Abstract: An electrode wire retaining member for an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode wire retaining member includes one or more flexible arm portions extending from the body and formed of an at least partially flexible material. A flexible arm portion returns to a substantially normal configuration after being deformed. The electrode wire retaining member further includes a retaining portion formed on an outer end of a flexible arm portion and extending from the flexible arm portion. The electrode wire retaining member further includes a slot formed in the retaining portion and sized to accommodate an electrode wire. The retaining portion and the slot receive and hold a retaining body formed on an end of the electrode wire.

Abstract: A method of forming a modular collecting electrode for an electrostatic precipitator, including forming a plurality of horizontal collecting electrode sections, each section having vertical planar portions separated by vertical tubular portions, and wherein the method includes inserting interconnecting support elements into the tubular portions of adjacent collector electrode sections and compressing the interconnected electrode sections to form a rigid modular assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the method includes applying stiffening members across the ends of the planar portions of adjacent electrode sections for transmitting rapping forces through the assembled sections.

Abstract: A method of repairing an electrostatic precipitator, comprising building a temporary support truss assembly, supporting the temporary truss assembly at the level of the hot roof of the electrostatic precipitator, transferring the weight of the internal components of the electrostatic precipitator from the upper girders to the temporary truss assembly, repairing or replacing the upper girders of the electrostatic precipitator, and then transferring the weight of the internal components to the repaired or replaced upper girders.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator cell is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrostatic precipitator cell includes a connection rod including first and second ends, a length, a cross-sectional shape, and a lengthwise surface. The electrostatic precipitator cell further includes collection plates located in spaced-apart arrangement on the connection rod. A collection plate includes at least one aperture. The central aperture substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the connection rod. The electrostatic precipitator cell further includes an attachment device(s) for removably attaching the collection plates to the connection rod. The collection plates are held in a substantially parallel orientation on the connection rod by the attachment device(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a gaseous medium containing contaminating particles, such as microorganisms, bacteria, or viruses. The inventive method consists of generating an accelerated electron flux; the electron flux interacting with the gaseous medium, whereby the particles are broken or destroyed by ionization as a result of the interaction and the gaseous medium is sterilized. The invention can be used to treat the atmospheres of refrigerated vessels in refrigerators.