Abstract: An air purifier comprising a main unit, a base assembly below the main unit, a filter screen assembly inside the main unit and an air supply device above the filter screen assembly, wherein the base assembly comprises a carrier part on which the filter screen assembly is provided and a lifting part that is located below the carrier part and abuts the carrier part. The lifting part comprises a pull-push part and a lifting assembly configured such that when the pull-push part makes a translation in a first direction, the lifting assembly controls the carrier part to descend and separate the filter screen assembly from the air supply device, and when the pull-push part makes a translation in a second direction opposite the first direction, the lifting assembly controls the carrier part to rise and achieve a sealed connection between the filter screen assembly and the air supply device.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for low emission charge neutralization, comprising: generating a high frequency alternating current (AC) voltage; transmitting the high frequency AC voltage to at least one non-metallic emitter; wherein the at least one non-metallic emitter comprises at least 70% silicon by weight and less than 99.99% silicon by weight; wherein the at least one emitter comprises at least one treated surface section with a destroyed oxidation layer; and generating ions from the at least one non-metallic emitter in response to the high frequency AC voltage. Another embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for low emission charge neutralization wherein the apparatus can perform the above-described operations.

Abstract: A method for cleansing an electrostatic precipitator having a collecting electrode and an emission electrode includes applying a voltage between the collecting electrode and the emission electrode and reducing the applied voltage from a first voltage to a second voltage upon an occurrence of a spark between the collecting electrode and the emission electrode.

Abstract: A system for enhancing air quality by collecting airborne particles. The system includes at least one ground plane, at least one corona point, an ionization field strength adjustment mechanism and a cleaning mechanism. The at least one ground plane is operably mounted proximate to where the airborne particles are present. The at least one ground plane includes at least one ground plane surface. The least one corona point operably is mounted to the at least one ground plane for causing an accumulation of particles to be deposited on the at least one ground plane surface. The ionization field strength adjustment mechanism enables a distance between the at least one corona point and the at least one ground plane to be adjusted. The cleaning mechanism is capable of removing the accumulation of particles from the at least one ground plane surface.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator and a method of removal of particulates from gaseous flows. A plurality of screens, secured in sets within a central chamber in a housing, include at least one set of electrically chargeable first screens and at least one set of electrically grounded second screens. For each set of chargeable screens, all the screens of the set are provided with an identical electrical charge, either positive or negative, and the set is provided with a plurality of spikes directed at the oncoming gaseous flow. At least one screen cleaning unit selectively acts on the screens of each set. The precipitator can include a plurality of central chambers in a single housing or separate housings, and the chambers can be selectively activated or deactivated. The precipitator provides improved particulate removal from gaseous flows, including hot flows having temperatures up to at least 1200° C.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of an electrostatic precipitator (6) is provided wherein a soot-blowing operation is performed in an upstream device. According to the method, a signal is sent to a controller (34) that a soot-blowing operation is about to be initiated in the upstream device (2). The controller (34) is operative for controlling performance of a rapping event with respect to the electrostatic precipitator (6), and causes a rapping decision (52; 152) to be made, based on receipt of the signal. The rapping decision includes establishment of a first point in time (T1) for initiating performance of a rapping event with respect to the electrostatic precipitator (6), such that said first point in time (T1) is correlated to a second point in time (T2). The second point in time (T2) is the time at which the soot-blowing operation of upstream device (2) is initiated.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic or electro-static apparatus for moving fluid includes an enlogated electrode energizable with respect to at least one other electrode to generate ions and thereby motivate fluid flow there between. A cleaning device is positioned to frictionally engage at least two opposing surfaces of the elongated electrode. The cleaning device is movable along a length of the elongated electrode to thereby remove detrimental material from the at least two opposing surfaces of the elongated electrode. The cleaning device can be substantially off-center relative to the elongated electrode to frictionally bind upon the elongated electrode during movement of the cleaning device.

Abstract: A method for removing particulate matter from a particulate-bearing gas stream includes flowing a particulate-bearing gas stream at a first volumetric flow rate to a plurality of ESP units; producing electrically charged particulate matter; collecting electrically charged particulate matter on collection electrode plates; reducing the flow through at least one of the ESP units; sequentially increasing the flow through one or more remaining ESP units in an amount so as to maintain the sum of flow through all of the ESP units at the first volumetric flow rate; subjecting the collection electrode plates in the at least one ESP unit with reduced flow to forces which dislodge the particulate matter from the collection electrode plates; collecting the dislodged particulate matter in a particulate collection receptacle; and withdrawing a gas stream of reduced particulate matter contamination.

Abstract: A method for monitoring operation of a rapper in an electrostatic precipitator using a rapper control system is described. The method includes determining model electrical characteristics of the rapper. The model electrical characteristics of the rapper correspond to model mechanical operating characteristics of the rapper. The method also includes storing data corresponding to the model electrical characteristics and the model mechanical operating characteristics of the rapper, determining actual electrical characteristics of the rapper, and comparing the actual electrical characteristics of the rapper to the stored model electrical characteristics to determine actual mechanical operating characteristics of the rapper.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling the rapping of at least one collecting electrode plate (30) of an electrostatic precipitator (1) is provided. The device controls such rapping by applying, by means of a power source (32), a voltage between at least one collecting electrode plate (30) and at least one discharge electrode (28). The sparking rate between the at least one collecting electrode plate (30) and at least one discharge electrode (28) is then measured, with the rapping of the at least one collecting electrode plate (30) controlled using the measured present sparking rate.

Abstract: A system includes a resonant frequency modeler for determining a resonant frequency of a node on a collecting plate that collects particles from a gas flow; and a wave generating device that applies a wave having an applied frequency substantially equal to the resonant frequency to the node of the collecting plate to remove particles from the collecting plate. An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) including the system and related method are also provided.

Abstract: Air purification systems comprising a plurality of disks, and methods for their use, are provided. Each of the plurality of disks comprises a metal substrate, an undercoat layer disposed on the metal substrate, a photosensitive layer disposed on the undercoat layer, and a charge transfer layer disposed on the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A method for cleansing an electrostatic precipitator having a collecting electrode and an emission electrode includes applying a voltage between the collecting electrode and the emission electrode and reducing the applied voltage from a first voltage to a second voltage upon an occurrence of a spark between the collecting electrode and the emission electrode.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling dust particle emissions from an electrostatic precipitator (1), which has a first and a second bus-section (16, 20), are provided. Dust particle emissions are controlled by observing that a rapping event of the first bus-section (16) is about to be initiated, verifying, before allowing the rapping event of the first bus-section (16) to be initiated, that the second bus-section (20) is ready to receive the dust particles to be released during the rapping event of the first bus-section (16), and then initiating, after verification, the rapping event of the first bus-section (16).

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for removing aerosols and, in some cases, vapor phase contaminants, such as mercury, from a gas stream. One method is directed to the removal of additional aerosols from a gas stream from which aerosols have previously been removed by using a screen in combination with a primary aerosol collection device. Another method is directed to the removal of both aerosols and vapor phase contaminants by using a sorbent in combination with a screen. Another method is directed to the removal of vapor phase contaminants by using a catalyst to convert the contaminant to a form that is more easily removed from the gas stream and optionally injecting a chemical to increase the rate of conversion. The invention also provides various apparatuses for use in performing the various methods of the invention.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator and a method of removal of particulates from gaseous flows. A plurality of screens, secured in sets within a central chamber in a housing, comprise at least one set of electrically chargeable first screens and at least one set of electrically grounded second screens. For each set of chargeable screens, all the screens of the set are provided with an identical electrical charge, either positive or negative, and the set is provided with a plurality of spikes directed at the oncoming gaseous flow. At least one screen cleaning means selectively acts on the screens of each set. The precipitator can comprise a plurality of central chambers in a single housing or separate housings, and the chambers can be selectively activated or deactivated. The precipitator provides improved particulate removal from gaseous flows, including hot flows having temperatures up to at least 1200° C.

Abstract: Air purification systems comprising a plurality of disks, and methods for their use, are provided. Each of the plurality of disks comprises a metal substrate, an undercoat layer disposed on the metal substrate, a photosensitive layer disposed on the undercoat layer, and a charge transfer layer disposed on the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic or electro-static apparatus for moving fluid includes an enlogated electrode energizable with respect to at least one other electrode to generate ions and thereby motivate fluid flow there between. A cleaning device is positioned to frictionally engage at least two opposing surfaces of the elongated electrode. The cleaning device is movable along a length of the elongated electrode to thereby remove detrimental material from the at least two opposing surfaces of the elongated electrode. The cleaning device can be substantially off-center relative to the elongated electrode to frictionally bind upon the elongated electrode during movement of the cleaning device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning emitter electrodes of air conditioner systems are provided. The air conditioning system includes an emitter electrode, a collector electrode and a high voltage generator to provide a high voltage potential difference between the emitter and collector electrodes. The system also includes a cleaning member having a channel through which the emitter electrode passes. A plunger mechanism and a spring, or a lever and a fulcrum, are used to force the cleaning member to travel upward along the emitter electrode to thereby frictionally removing debris from the emitter electrode. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures and the claims.

Abstract: A system includes a resonant frequency modeler for determining a resonant frequency of a node on a collecting plate that collects particles from a gas flow; and a wave generating device that applies a wave having an applied frequency substantially equal to the resonant frequency to the node of the collecting plate to remove particles from the collecting plate. An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) including the system and related method are also provided.

Abstract: A method of operating a filtration system that filters flue gas, which includes particulate matter and a gaseous pollutant. The filtration system may include a fabric filter, which is cleaned with periodic pulse cleanings, a discharge electrode upstream of the fabric filter, which imparts an electric charge to at least some of the particulate matter before the particulate matter collects on the fabric filter, a sorbent, which is injected into the flue gas upstream of the fabric filter and absorbs at least some of the gaseous pollutant, and a fan, which draws the flue gas through the fabric filter. The filtration system may have a pulse cleaning interval setting that may be manipulated by an operator of the filtration system. The pulse cleaning interval setting may be the time between the pulse cleanings.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing emission of mercury from a gas stream by treating the gas with carbonaceous mercury sorbent particles to reduce the mercury content of the gas; collecting the carbonaceous mercury sorbent particles on collection plates of a hot-side ESP; periodically rapping the collection plates to release a substantial portion of the collected carbonaceous mercury sorbent particles into hoppers; and periodically emptying the hoppers, wherein such rapping and emptying are done at rates such that less than 70% of mercury adsorbed onto the mercury sorbent desorbs from the collected mercury sorbent into the gas stream.

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: Systems and methods for cleaning emitter electrodes of air conditioner systems are provided. The air conditioning system includes an emitter electrode, a collector electrode and a high voltage generator to provide a high voltage potential difference between the emitter and collector electrodes. The system also includes a cleaning member having a channel through which the emitter electrode passes. A plunger mechanism and a spring, or a lever and a fulcrum, are used to force the cleaning member to travel upward along the emitter electrode to thereby frictionally removing debris from the emitter electrode. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures and the claims.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for removing additional aerosols and in some cases additional particulate matter from a gas stream, wherein a certain portion of such aerosols and particulate matter has already been removed using a primary aerosol and particulate collection device. In some embodiments, the invention includes a method for removing additional aerosols from a gas stream, including passing a gas stream having a plurality of aerosols through a gas duct; removing a first portion of the plurality of the aerosols using a primary aerosol collector; passing the gas steam through a screen; collecting at least a second portion of the plurality of aerosols on the screen; and cleaning a portion of the screen outside of the gas duct. The invention also provides various apparatuses for use in performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: A device for purification of a gas flow containing condensable vapors including a shell (7) defining a sealed volume, a cooler to quench the gas flow, a rotating assembly (42) having a rotor (44) and a cylindrical separation and filtration skirt (54) composed of serrated circular rings (56) mounted on the rotor and rotating with it; a support tube (48) mounted on the rotor (44) and carrying a turbulator-scraper device (50) a cylindrical electrode (94) surrounding the separation and filtration skirt (54) and a central counter-electrode (78) to create an electrostatic field in the shell (7), a purified gas outlet tube, a condensates outlet pipe (40) and impact separation plates (64) fixed on the rings of the skirt.

Abstract: A window screen apparatus employing electrostatic principles to purify air. The window screen mesh wires encompass electrically-conductive filaments that are charged by a high-voltage DC pulse generator. Between and surrounding the wires an electric field is created that charges, traps, and repels airborne particulate. An alternative embodiment consists of a window screen in which the screen mesh wires are manufactured from permanently electrostatically charged fibers.

Abstract: A method for the acceleration of an electromagnetic rapper, particularly for an electrostatic precipitator, which includes a metal cylinder as a hammer, an electrical coil for lifting the metal cylinder and a coil energizer for energizing the electrical coil. For cleaning a surface the metal cylinder is lifted by an initial electrical pulse generated by the coil energizer. The coil energizer supplies the electrical coil with an additional electrical pulse so that the metal cylinder is accelerated when it has reached the maximum point of its trajectory.

Abstract: A gas separation apparatus using electrostatic precipitators and mechanical rappers is enhanced by the addition of an opposite polarity refreshing power supply and a switching arrangement. The switching components selectively disconnect the primary power supply and connect the refreshing power supply to the electrostatic precipitator, causing an electrical impulse in the precipitator sufficient to dislodge precipitate from the collector plates. In one embodiment, an RC filter is further provided to control the impulse and reduce the burden that would otherwise be placed upon the refreshing power supply. In a second embodiment, a pair of SCR strings serve as the switches. Cleaning power is delivered from a capacitor through one of the SCR strings using a resonant circuit, the resonance which causes the SCR string to commutate off after the impulse has been delivered.

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: The invention relates to a method of cleaning an electric filter and to an electric filter. In the method gas containing particles is fed to a chamber (2) of the electric filter. The gas is further fed to gas channels (5) in an emission system (3) provided in the chamber (2). What is brought about is electric charging of the particles in the gas and attachment to the separation electrode (1). Gas purified of particles is removed from the gas channel (5). The separation electrode (1) is shaken with shaker (8) to remove the particles attached to the separation electrode (1) therefrom. In this method, the gas flow is limited in such a gas channel (5) which adjoins the separation electrode (1) to be shaken by the shaker (8) when the separation electrode (1) to be shaken by the shaker (8) is shaken.

Abstract: A gas separation apparatus using electrostatic precipitators and mechanical rappers is enhanced by the addition of an opposite polarity refreshing power supply and a switching arrangement. The switching components selectively disconnect the primary power supply and connect the refreshing power supply to the electrostatic precipitator, causing an electrical impulse in the precipitator sufficient to dislodge precipitate from the collector plates. An RC filter is further provided to control the impulse and reduce the burden that would otherwise be placed upon the refreshing power supply. The novel separation apparatus and technique offer particular synergy when applied to the effluent stream from a coal-fired electric power plant or other similar gas streams.

Abstract: A cleaning mechanism for a wire electrode of an air purifier device includes a base, a post having a first end attached to the base and a second end accessible from a location external the housing, a cleaning plate assembly attached to the base, wherein the cleaning plate assembly frictionally contacts the wire electrode when moved relative to the wire electrode. The cleaning plate assembly is movable within the housing when the second end of the post is moved from a resting configuration to a cleaning configuration.

Abstract: A bow-reduced precipitator collector plate assembly and an appertaining method include a precipitator collector plate that contacts a spring-like stiffening element configured to be attached to a fixed anchor or an adjacent anchoring collector plate. The stiffening element is configured to apply a force in a direction normal to a primary plane, which is generally co-linear but opposite in direction of a direction of bowing, of the precipitator collecting plate.

Abstract: An air conditioner with a cleaning member having an opening, through which a wire-like electrode passes. The member is moved along the wire to frictionally clean the wire-like electrode when a collector electrode array is moved. A lifting arm is mounted to the collector electrode. The lifting arm can move the member to clean the wire-like electrode as the collector electrode is moved (e.g., removed from the air conditioner for cleaning).

Abstract: An air cleaner electrode assembly includes an elongated collector electrode and a plurality of elongated discharge electrodes arranged around the collector electrode. A fan may move air in a direction parallel to a length of the electrodes. The collector electrode may have a plurality of distinct faces where at least one discharge electrode is associated with a corresponding face. A cleaning shuttle may be configured to ride on and remove debris from the elongated electrodes. A voltage differential across the electrodes and the fan speed may be adjusted independently of each other.

Abstract: A cleaning mechanism for a wire electrode of an air purifier device includes a base, a post having a first end attached to the base and a second end accessible from a location external the housing, a cleaning plate assembly attached to the base, wherein the cleaning plate assembly frictionally contacts the wire electrode when moved relative to the wire electrode. The cleaning plate assembly is movable within the housing when the second end of the post is moved from a resting configuration to a cleaning configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants from gas streams. A first step involves selecting a contaminant to be removed from a gas stream and determining a characteristic ionizing energy value required to selectively ionize the selected contaminant with minimal effect on other contaminants in the gas stream. A second step involves applying the characteristic ionizing energy value to the gas stream and selectively ionizing the selected contaminant. A third step involves capturing the selected contaminant after ionization.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner with a bead member having a bore, through which a wire-like electrode passes. The bead is moved along the wire to frictionally clean the wire-like electrode when an electrode array is removed. A bead lifting arm is mounted to the electrode array. The bead lifting arm can move the bead to clean the electrode as electrode array is removed from the air conditioner for cleaning.

Abstract: An dry horizontal flow electrostatic precipitator wherein a portion of the gas flow passing through the precipitator is extracted from the upper portion of the casing, such extraction flow having a lower particle concentration than gas flow at the bottom portion of the casing due to re-entrainment. The extraction gas flow is extracted by a manifold positioned at the top of the casing.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a mechanism to clean the wire-like electrodes in the first electrode array. A length of flexible Mylar type sheet material projects from the base of the second electrode array towards and beyond the first electrode array. The distal end of each sheet includes a slit that engages a corresponding wire-like electrode. As a user moves the second electrode array up or down within the conditioner housing, friction between slit edges and the wire-like electrode cleans the electrode surface. The sheet material may be biasedly pivotably attached to the base of the second electrode array, and may be urged away from and parallel to the wire-like electrodes when the conditioner is in use. Another embodiment includes a bead-like member having a through opening or channel, through which the wire-like electrode passes.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electrostatic air conditioner with a bead member having a bore, through which a wire-like electrode passes. The bead is moved along the wire to frictionally clean the wire-like electrode when an electrode array is removed. A bead lifting arm is mounted to the electrode array. The bead lifting arm can move the bead to clean the electrode as electrode array is removed from the air conditioner for cleaning.

Abstract: An improved method and system is provided to control the rapping process used to clean the internal collection plates and discharge electrodes of electrostatic precipitators. The system obtains the performance characteristics of a first rapper and calculates a rapper lift value. The system then obtains performance characteristic data from two or more additional rappers and calculates rapper lift values for each of the rappers. Finally, the system compares the rapper lift value of each additional rapper and adjusts its performance characteristics so that it substantially approximates the performance characteristics of the first rapper.

Abstract: An economical air purification system and process that greatly reduces concentrations of dust and noxious gases to provide for a cleaner and healthier enviroment for people, plants, poultry and other animals. Desirably, the special air purification system and process has a set of modules arranged for emitting overlapping flow patterns of ions. The modules can include parallel arrays of ionizers which are preferably arranged in a matrix or grid pattern. For even better results, the ionizers can comprise self-cleaning ionizers. One or more fans can be spaced from the modules to circulate the ions and air as well as draw influent air through the intake ports and exhaust purified air through the outlet ports. Heaters can also be provided to heat the circulating air.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a two-stage emission electrode of an electrofilter suitable for use with an internal combustion engine, whereby a cleaning body moves along the emission electrode to strip it of deposits. Only the first stage of the electrode is cleaned by the cleaning body.

Abstract: A membrane is used as a collection substrate in an electrostatic precipitator (ESP). Possible material choices include fibers in the form of woven mats, screens made from stainless steel wires or fiber reinforced polymer composite membranes. The membranes have a tensile bias applied during operation, and have impulse tensile force applied during a dust removal step. By combining a dry ESP membrane field with wet-film cleaning field, it may be possible to improve collection efficiencies both by reducing turbulence and eliminating re-entrainment losses due to rapping. Through implementation of new materials that resist hostile ESP environments, the invention enhances the possibility of using novel technologies, such as pulsed corona and others, suitable for removal of molecules such as NOx and SOx, which is very important for meeting proposed PM2.5 EPA emissions regulations.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling particulate air pollutants of the present invention combines filtration and electrostatic collection devices. The invention includes a chamber housing a plurality of rows of filter elements. Between each row of filter elements is a grounded plate. Between the grounded plates and the filter elements are electrode grids for creating electrostatic precipitation zones between each row of filter elements. In this way, when the filter elements are cleaned by pulsing air in a reverse direction, the dust removed from the bags will collect in the electrostatic precipitation zones rather than on adjacent filter elements.

Abstract: Electrostatic filter in which the enclosure (2) is fitted with a flexible membrane (12) , behind which an acoustic wave generator (14) is placed and which vibrates the gaseous contents of the filter to detach retained dust and clean the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the amount of unburned carbon in raw flyash, wherein raw flyash containing unburned carbon is introduced into the tribocharger, the tribocharger producing positive and negative surface charges on the respective particles of carbon and flyash, introducing the charged particles into an electrical field containing positively and negatively charged plates, the positively and negatively charged particles being collected on the negatively and positively charged plates, and selectively vibrating the plates to selectively recover the unburned carbon and flyash.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for rapping electrodes, preferably collecting electrodes, in a high voltage supplied electrostatic precipitator. The device has at least one piezo electric element adapted to supply a rapping impact to at least one electrode at a predetermined level and frequency.