Abstract: A particle electrical mobility classifier is provided for the classification of particles (e.g., particles less than 1 ??? in size) based on their electrical mobility. The particle classification zone is curved. In an exemplary embodiment, two metal concentric cylinders, separated by an annular insulation spacer, establish a particle classification zone. A DC electrical field is supplied by the cylinders in the circular classification zone. An example classifier can be operated in different modes such as: (1) as a particle precipitator; (2) as a particle electrical mobility separator, and (3) as a differential mobility classifier. The curved classification zone results in a particle classifier having an extended particle sizing range as compared to their counterparts in classical configurations. The curve of the classification channel (in the flow direction) may be in any of several configurations (e.g., circular, wavy, spiral, or helical).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method, process and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing all types of surfaces contaminated with microorganisms and toxic substances to render both inactive. Furthermore, this invention relates to both a method and apparatus for disinfecting and/or sterilizing breathable air and then using this air to protect a confined space from external contamination. The apparatus consists of a new ultra-violet (NUV) source that is more effective than mercury based 254 nm light for destroying DNA of virus, bacteria, spores and cysts. It is most effective in breaking chemical bonds in toxic gases and Biotoxins that are useful to terrorists. It is combined with other apparatus that remove particulates and byproducts sometimes produced by the NUV source and maintains positive pressure of the confined space so as to prevent the influx of air from outside the protected zone.

Abstract: A face mask includes an electrostatically-precipitating filter configured to be removably coupled to a face of a user, a controller operatively coupled to the electrostatically-precipitating filter, and a fastening member configured to removably couple the electrostatically-precipitating filter to the face of the user. The controller is configured to selectively control operation of the electrostatically-precipitating filter in response to an input received by the controller.

Abstract: The static eliminator for parts feeder comprises a hollow cylindrical or truncated conical cup into which air is injected from the upper portion thereof to generate an air stream of negative pressure circling within the cup so as to lift the works up in the air, and an ionized air introduced into the cup to remove the static from the works thus lifted. The static eliminator is disposed above the upper portion of the parts feeder in a space more than the height of the work. The static eliminator is positioned just in front of the place in which the works stop moving due to the static charge.

Abstract: A process for winning oil from a vapor gas mixture (VGM) containing a plurality of oil fractions obtained by the pyrolysis of a hydrocarbon containing material includes dedusting and cooling the VGM. The dedusted and cooled VGM are fractionated in at least two electrostatic precipitator stages at respective temperatures corresponding to respective boiling points of the oil fractions so as to separate the oil fractions.

Abstract: A method and system for treating emissions includes charging particles in an exhaust stream, producing one or more radicals, and oxidizing at least a portion of the charged particles with at least a portion of the produced radicals. At least a portion of the charged particles in the exhaust stream are then attracted on at least one attraction surface which is one of oppositely charged from the charged particles and grounded. The attracted particles are oxidized with another portion of the one or more produced radicals to self regenerate the at least one attraction surface. Downstream from where the attracted particles are oxidized, at least a portion of one or more first compounds in the exhaust stream are converted to one or more second compounds downstream from the attracting. Additionally, at least a portion of any remaining charged particles are oxidized into one or more gases.

Abstract: A filtering assembly for air and gaseous fluids in general is provided comprising a duct, which can be crossed by a gaseous fluid carrying pollutants. The filtering assembly comprises: at least one filtering station to remove toxic gases and solid particle pollutants of dimensions preferably greater than 50 ?m; at least one conductive grille, having at least one hole which faces and is proximate to at least one conductive filament being kept at a negative electric potential for the emission of electrons, which can be paired with pollutants of the solid particles and micro-organisms type of dimensions preferably between 10 nm and 50 ?m, at least one accumulation plate downstream of the grille, maintained at a positive electrical potential for the stable collection of pollutants paired with the electrons at least one emission source of ions, for the restoration of electric charge of the gaseous fluid, flowing over the source.

Abstract: A modular ductwork assembly decontaminates an air stream circulating within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The assembly includes one or more of (a) an ionizing module for removing particulates from the air stream, (b) a sterilization module for neutralizing airborne pathogens present in the air stream, (c) an ozone treatment module for neutralizing pathogens or odoriferous or gaseous constituents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air stream, optionally (d) baffles for slowing and disrupting the flow rate and promoting turbulence in the air stream traveling through the modules, optionally (e) a fan module for directing a treated air stream, optionally (f) an ozone sensor, optionally (g) a monitoring or ozone control means, and optionally (h) a means of delivering and repurposing generated ozone. Each of the modules is arranged substantially adjacent to at least one of the other modules.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for producing water from atmospheric air by contacting the air with an aqueous hygroscopic material in a contacting chamber and allowing a portion of the water from the air to be adsorbed into the aqueous hygroscopic stream. The adsorbed water is then subsequently separated from the hygroscopic material to provide a clean water stream and a reconstituted hygroscopic stream.

Abstract: A process for winning oil from a vapor gas mixture (VGM) containing a plurality of oil fractions obtained by the pyrolysis of a hydrocarbon containing material includes dedusting and cooling the VGM. The dedusted and cooled VGM are fractionated in at least two electrostatic precipitator stages at respective temperatures corresponding to respective boiling points of the oil fractions so as to separate the oil fractions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method remove particulate matter from a gas. The apparatus has an inlet for receiving a contaminated gas having particulate matter, and for inducing a swirl to the contaminated gas. A cyclonic separation stage including a first flow-path is provided for separating a portion of the particulate matter from the swirl-induced contaminated gas by centrifugal action, to produce a partially clean gas. An ionization stage including a second flow-path is provided for ionizing the particulate matter remaining in the partially clean gas by producing a corona discharge in the second flow-path. A particle collection stage including a third flow-path is provided for separating the ionized particulate matter from the gas using an electric field across the third flow-path, to produce a clean gas. The ionization stage and the particle collection stage are arranged such that the third flow-path has an increased cross-sectional area relative to the second flow-path.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device includes at least a first at least partially electrically conductive honeycomb body having a first front side and a first rear side, a second at least partially electrically conductive honeycomb body having a second front side and a second rear side, an intermediate space between the first honeycomb body and the second honeycomb body, a power supply for the formation of an electric potential between the first honeycomb body and the second honeycomb body, and a multiplicity of electrodes fastened to the first honeycomb body, extending beyond the first rear side over a first length into the intermediate space and positioned at a first distance from the second front side of the second honeycomb body. A method for treating motor vehicle exhaust gas containing particles and a motor vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: Electrostatic aerosol in vitro exposure systems and methods are disclosed and can be used for collecting and depositing particulate matter onto tissue without pre-concentration, and without any intermediate collection steps such as use in water or on a filter. The system can include an inlet configured to receive air containing particulate matter, a receptacle configured to hold one or more tissue samples, a porous membrane providing support for an air-liquid interface of the tissue sample, and an electrostatic precipitation area. Particulate matter contained in the air received at the inlet can be electrically charged in the electrostatic precipitation area and flowed over the tissue sample, where it can be collected and measured.

Abstract: Liquid and/or particle-shaped impurities are precipitated from a stream of gas, for example, from a stream of gas that originates from a crankcase of an internal combustion engine and is directed to the engine's intake side. The stream of gas is passed through a gas discharge section between two electrodes. The stream of gas is passed between an emission electrode which is formed by electrode tips and an opposing electrode at a distance therefrom. A direct voltage which exceeds the breakdown voltage is applied to the electrodes using a direct current high voltage source, and the current which occurs over the gas discharge section between the electrodes is limited. A stable low energy direct current plasma is formed in the space between the two electrodes. The impurities are electrically charged and attracted to the opposing electrode by means of electrical field forces.

Abstract: A process of treating a gas stream containing at least one mercury compound or species, the process comprising: applying a composition into said gas stream ahead of a particulate matter collection device, wherein said composition contains a compound having the following formula (SiO2)x(OH)yMzSaF, wherein (i) SiO2 is an optional component; (ii) M comprises at least one of the following : boron, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, titanium, vanadium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, zirconium, molybdenum, palladium, silver, cadmium, tin, platinum, gold, and bismuth; (iii) S comprises a sulfur-based species selected from at least one of the following: sulfide salts, dithiocarbamates, polymer-based dithiocarbamates, and polysulfide salts; (iii) F is an optional component and comprises at least one of the following: a functionalized organosilane, a sulfur-containing organosilane, an amine-containing organosilane, and an alkyl-containing organosilane.

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 includes one or more of the following filters: a mechanical filter; an electrostatic filter; and/or a chemical filter. The apparatus is arranged to collect smoke from a relatively higher position, pass smoke through the one or more filters/and expel treated air to a relatively lower position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the removal, analysis and/or detection of harmful airborne molecular contaminants (AMCs). In one embodiment, an ionizing radiation source is utilized to remove the harmful AMCs from a flow stream via radiolytic particle generation and subsequent capture by filtration. The captured particles may be released, for example, by re-gasification for analysis at much higher concentrations. In another embodiment, the ionizing radiation source is utilized with a particle detector to sense when harmful AMCs are present. In one embodiment, a solid optical medium is exposed to a monitored environment so that the AMCs are in contact with a surface of the solid optical medium. A focused light beam is arranged to emerge from a solid optical medium at an energy density sufficient to cause the AMCs to form deposits on the exposed surface of the solid optical medium, which can be detected using an interferometric technique.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for reducing pollutants in a gas stream are disclosed. The gas stream is introduced into a condensation chamber to condense the gas stream. It then proceeds into a first reaction chamber adapted to electrochemically alter the gas stream. From there, the gas stream is directed into a reduction chamber adapted to reduce pollutants and a resonance chamber adapted to ionize the gas stream. The gas stream is then directed into a second reaction chamber adapted to further reduce pollutants in the stream. After treatment, the gas stream may be discharged into the atmosphere or recirculated through the apparatus to further reduce pollutants in the gas stream, the latter providing for a closed-looped system.

Abstract: A device for reducing airborne contaminants is provided. The device includes an intake enclosure having an intake manifold at an open end thereof, a UV light emitter disposed within the intake enclosure, an exhaust enclosure having an exhaust manifold at an open end thereof, an electrostatic filter disposed within the exhaust enclosure, a second filter disposed within the exhaust enclosure, the second filter including at least one of activated carbon and HEPA filter material, a base forming a base conduit connecting the intake enclosure and the exhaust enclosure and providing fluidic communication therebetween, and a fan disposed in the base conduit, the fan being adapted to generate an airflow passing the UV light emitter in the intake enclosure and through the electrostatic and second filters in the exhaust enclosure. A method for reducing airborne contaminants is also disclosed.

Abstract: This application describes a method and apparatus for removing a wide range of particles from a source of gas flow or separation of particulates from dust, mist, or vapor generating devices. An innovative use of open porous materials, which causes little pressure drop, in combination with an electrostatic grids structure is described. The apparatus is capable of removing particulates in the size range 0.01 to 1 micrometer with efficiencies as high as 99.5%. A key feature of the apparatus is that the air to be purified flows parallel to the filters instead of through them, which results in very low power consumption.

Abstract: Cyclones with electrostatically enhanced recirculation, comprising a collector cyclone and an entry for dirty gases, located upstream from a recirculator and a central exhaust channel (CEC) for exhausting cleaned gases. Cyclones are placed in series and have a recirculation line from the concentrator to the collector to recirculate part of the gas stream. Recirculator has means for applying a high voltage producing an ionizing electric field driving particles away from CEC, without significant particle deposition on recirculator walls. Current density in the recirculator field is below 0.1 mA/m.2 Average electric field is below 2×I05 V/m. Particles are driven away from CEC in the recirculator by joint action of mechanical/electrical forces, the latter deriving from particles traversing the ionized field, concentrating them in the fraction of gas stream recycled back to the collector cyclone, where a part is captured. Uses include dedusting, dry gas cleaning (for acid gases), and capturing bacteria.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for reducing pollutants in a gas stream are disclosed. The gas stream is introduced into a condensation chamber to condense the gas stream. It then proceeds into a first reaction chamber adapted to electrochemically alter the gas stream. From there, the gas stream is directed into a reduction chamber adapted to reduce pollutants and a resonance chamber adapted to ionize the gas stream. The gas stream is then directed into a second reaction chamber adapted to further reduce pollutants in the stream. After treatment, the gas stream may be discharged into the atmosphere or recirculated through the apparatus to further reduce pollutants in the gas stream, the latter providing for a closed-looped system.

Abstract: An impact filter suitable for a kitchen exhaust hood is provided with a grease trap to capture grease particles and channel the particles away. The trap can be of different configurations. The filter can be used in various processes to clean air streams, such as filtering processes for removing grease and other cooking exhaust particles and other processes for removing grease particles.

Abstract: A composite filter media for a vacuum cleaner comprising a first filtration layer comprising a slit film having a plurality of continuous electrostatically-charged polyolefin filaments disposed substantially parallel to each other along their lengths; and a second filtration layer comprising a high-efficiency filtration media selected from wet-laid filter paper, dry-laid filter paper, and nonwoven filter media; wherein said first filtration layer is disposed in series with said second filtration layer, with respect to an air flow direction through said vacuum cleaner, to form a composite.

Abstract: A device designed for the removal of soot dust of fuel oil combustion. The device is based on the two-stage wet-electrostatic dust removal-desulfurization device, with different numbers of layers of the mesh screen being installed in the wet type dust removal-desulfurization device. This device not only has a relatively high efficiency in both of common dust removal and desulfurization, but also can remove the black smoke from fuel oil combustion efficiently with a removal efficiency ?99%, and thus solves the present technical problem in the treatment of in the treatment of soot dust of fuel oil combustion. At the same time, with the advantages of cheaper construction cost and economy, the device of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the traditional bag filter process, which is expensive and cannot operate desulfurization simultaneously.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for selecting particles, such as based on their morphology, is disclosed. In a particular example, the particles are charged and acquire different amounts of charge, or have different charge distributions, based on their morphology. The particles are then sorted based on their flow properties. In a specific example, the particles are sorted using a differential mobility analyzer, which sorts particles, at least in part, based on their electrical mobility. Given a population of particles with similar electrical mobilities, the disclosed process can be used to sort particles based on the net charge carried by the particle, and thus, given the relationship between charge and morphology, separate the particles based on their morphology.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes an air flow pathway extending through a housing from an inlet to an outlet. Air conditioning apparatus is disposed in the airflow pathway between the inlet and the outlet conditioning an air stream passing through the air flow pathway from the inlet to the outlet. A modular electrically stimulated air filter apparatus is carried by opposed, parallel frameworks mounted in series in the air flow pathway between the inlet and the air conditioning apparatus filtering entrapping contaminants in the air stream flowing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet. The opposed parallel frameworks are mounted to opposed supports affixed to the housing.

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 method for treating air flow containing particulates and oxidized compounds of carbon, sulfur, iron, and other elements. The method includes supplying an air flow to a reaction zone formed between an electrically insulated electrode node having a plurality of point source electrodes and a grounded receptor. A continuous film of electrically grounded water is supplied on the receptor. The water is filtered after traveling over the receptor and collecting elemental materials formed in the reaction zones.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for removing particulates from a gas stream. The apparatus includes a ceramic filter, at least one electrode, and at least one conductor. The electrode is located at an end of the filter and produces an atmospheric glow discharge in order to oxidize carbon deposits trapped in the filter. The conductor extends at least partially into the filter and acts as a counter electrode. Through various arrangements of the electrodes and conductors, the present disclosure provides closer connection between the trapped carbon deposits and the electrodes. This improves the regeneration of the filter without increasing the size and/or weight of the apparatus.

Abstract: A discharge unit (30) and a heat exchanger (20) are disposed in an air passageway (15). In the discharge unit (30), a rod-like discharge electrode (31) and a plate-like counter electrode (32) are disposed perpendicular to the flow of air, and lie along the heat exchanger (20). Upon application of voltage to both the electrodes (31, 32), streamer discharge is performed between the electrodes (31, 32), whereby an active species capable of decomposition of a component to be processed is produced.

Abstract: A method for making a metal fluoride trap comprising: assembling a precipitation tube assembly including a plurality of precipitation tubes supported between a first tube end support and a second tube end support; assembling a precipitation tube, flowsheet and filter media assembly including: wrapping a flowsheet around at least one full circumference of the plurality of precipitation tubes, wherein the flowsheet has a width less than a length of the plurality of precipitation tubes between the first tube end support and the second tube end support; and wrapping a filter media around the wrapped flowsheet, wherein the filter media and the flowsheet are wrapped so as to have a diameter less than an inner diameter of an outer casing of the metal fluoride trap; inserting the precipitation tube, flowsheet and filter media assembly into the outer casing of the metal fluoride trap; allowing the flowsheet to expand; and pressing the filter media between the flowsheet and an inner surface of the outer casing of the m

Abstract: The invention refers to a device and a method for cleaning a gas containing particulate impurities. The device includes a main separator having an inlet for the gas, an outlet for the gas and a rotating member provided between the inlet and the outlet. The rotating member is adapted to bring the gas to rotate for separating by means of centrifugal forces a main amount of the particulate impurities from the gas, wherein a rest amount of the particulate impurities remains in the gas. The device also includes an additional separator adapted to separate substantially the whole rest amount. The additional separator includes an electrostatic filter.

Abstract: A filtration media that incorporates a static dissipative media layer for dissipating the static charge that builds up as a fluid, such a fuel, passes through the filtration media. The filtration media includes a filter media suitable for filtering fluid, and a static dissipative media layer. The static dissipative media layer has a surface resistivity level that is sufficient to classify the media layer as static dissipative rather than conductive.

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: An electrostatic precipitator includes an inertial gas-contaminant impactor separator providing two stage separation and reducing contaminant collection load on the collector electrode at the corona discharge zone to reduce contaminant build-up thereon and extend service intervals for cleaning or replacement thereof.

Abstract: An inlet air treatment system for a gas turbine includes, in an exemplary embodiment, an air plenum, and a moisture removal system, and an air filtration system located downstream from the moisture removal system. The moisture removal system includes a plurality of S-shaped vanes, and a mesh structure downstream from the plurality of S-shaped vanes. The air filtration system includes a plurality of filter elements, with each filter element including a support structure. The inlet air filtration system also includes a plurality of electrodes positioned proximate the plurality of filter elements, where the electrodes are coupled to a power source which supplies a voltage to the electrodes. The voltage is sufficient to establish an electrostatic field between the electrodes and the filter elements, and at the same time, the voltage is sufficient to produce a corona discharge from the electrodes.

Abstract: An air/oil separator for use in a gas turbine engine includes a centrifugal separation stage in fluid communication with a downstream electrostatic separation stage. The centrifugal separation stage rotationally drives an electric generator to power the electrostatic separation stage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for purifying a process gas in a reflow soldering system. Said device comprises a receptacle that contains at least one packing bed. The process gas is fed to the receptacle via a gas inlet while being discharged from the receptacle after penetrating the packing bed. The inventive device further comprises an apparatus for delivering a liquid fluid to the receptacle. Secondary materials of the soldering process in the reflow soldering system can be absorbed by the liquid fluid and thus be eliminated from the process gas. Secondary materials and/or droplets and vapors of the fluid can additionally be absorbed and adsorbed on the surface of the packing.

Abstract: An air/oil separator for use in a gas turbine engine comprises a centrifugal separation stage in fluid communication with a downstream electrostatic separation stage. The centrifugal separation stage rotationally drives an electric generator to power the electrostatic separation stage.

Abstract: An air cleaner is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The air cleaner includes an air duct including an inlet end and an outlet end, a pre-filter positioned at the inlet end, an electrostatic precipitator positioned in the air duct downstream of the pre-filter, a post-filter positioned in the air duct downstream of the electrostatic precipitator, and a fan unit positioned in the air duct downstream of the post-filter. Airflow travels from the inlet end to the outlet end. The airflow first encounters the pre-filter, encounters the electrostatic precipitator after encountering the pre-filter, encounters the post-filter after encountering the electrostatic precipitator, and encounters the fan unit after encountering the post-filter. Each of the pre-filter, the electrostatic precipitator, and the post-filter can be separately installed and removed from the air duct.

Abstract: A battery (16) drives an electric motor (17) which in turn drives a fan (18). A circuit board (20) controls the operation of the motor and fan to maintain the flow rate. Air is drawn through an inlet (22) and out through a vent (24). Foam discs (32) and (34) may extract particles from the air and an electrostatic filter may attract aerosols in the air.

Abstract: Contaminant laden gas streams from wood product dryer operations, and other sources, are purified. The gas stream first is saturated with moisture by contacting the gas stream with fine liquid droplets which entrain particulates. The gas stream then is subjected to a plurality of separate particulate and liquid droplet removal steps before a droplet-free gas stream having substantially reduced particulate contaminant levels is passed to a burner for removal of volatile organic compounds from the gas stream.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system including a catching reactor for attracting particulate matters in an exhaust gas from an engine by electrostatic force, a main exhaust path and an auxiliary exhaust path provided on the exit side of the catching reactor, a PM filter provided in the auxiliary exhaust path for filtrating and processing the exhaust gas, and a flow path control valve for selectively connecting the exit side of the catching reactor to the main exhaust path or the auxiliary exhaust path.

Abstract: Air-treatment apparatus and methods are disclosed that are especially suitable for treating the air in a room or other dwelling or working space. An apparatus embodiment of the subject apparatus includes a housing having air-intake and air-output openings. A gas-filter assembly inside the housing receives air entering the air-intake opening and includes a dual-media filter element having a matrix of fibers to which particles of activated carbon are adhered at mutual points of contact without using an extraneous binder. As air passes through the gas-filter assembly, the carbon particles adsorb odor compounds from the air. At least one electrostatic 3-dimensional (E3D) filter assembly downstream of the gas-filter assembly includes a respective charging element sandwiched between dielectric-fiber filters sandwiched between two respective electrically conductive screens. The screens are electrically grounded while the charging element (which is conductive) is connected to a source of high-voltage DC power.

Abstract: An air purifier includes a main body defining an air passage therein to allow sucked air to pass therethrough prior to being discharged, and a first filter installed in the main body to be switched between a closed state and an open state. The first filter removes contaminants from the sucked air in the closed state, and allows the sucked air to pass through the air passage in the open state. The air purifier may include a main body to suck and discharge air, with a bypass passage formed in the main body so that the bypass passage is opened or closed by a door, and a first filter installed in the main body. The sucked air passes through the first filter prior to being discharged when the door is closed, and passes through the bypass passage prior to being discharged when the door is opened.

Abstract: There is provided a process for trapping particulate matter in a gas stream exiting a combustion equipment comprising providing a combustion equipment with one or more exits for exhaust gases, each exit connected to one or more ducts, and placing at least one particulate trap in each duct, wherein the particulate trap is removable and/or replaceable while the combustion equipment is online.

Abstract: It is disclosed a combined system for the elimination of pollutants from gaseous effluents of the type that comprises means for carrying out at least one electronic bombardment operation and means for carrying out at least one electrostatic interaction operation, in which a heat diffusion and molecular destabilization operation is performed as a previous treatment in order to restrict the flow of gases in such a way that it causes the gas molecules and suspended particles to tend to split up and electronically destabilize at the time that the temperature of the same gases is reduced; and/or a magnetic molecular rearrangement operation is carried out prior to each electrostatic interaction operation, consisting of subjecting the gases to a magnetic field having such a force that achieve a rearrangement of the sub-particles and heavier molecules thus achieving a selective separation that prepares the gaseous stream for the electrostatic interaction operation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a filtered mask enclosure having an exterior portion and interior regions within the exterior portion such that the interior regions have a filtering region and a purging region connected to the filtering region. The present invention further includes a method of removing a first contaminant in a gas phase, a second contaminant in a solid phase, and a third contaminant having an electrical charge from a purge gas and flowing the purge gas through a vicinity of a mask while exposing a wafer with light through the mask.

Abstract: A housing for purifying an air flow moving through it provides a reception space for receiving the air flow. The air is treated with mechanical filtration of particles larger than approximately 2 micron, ionizing with energetic ions, exposure to ultraviolet light radiation, and electrostatic precipitation of particles in the air inflow. The ionizing and UV bombardment of the air inflow occur simultaneously.