Abstract: Invention relates to air cleaning systems, particularly to electric air cleaners, and may be used for decontamination of air in different industries. Invention is directed to attaining a technical effect of providing an air cleaning device, where air is cleaned owing to action of corona discharge streamers on air molecules and contamination particles. Technical effect is attained by air cleaning device that contains a high-voltage pulse generator, an outer electrode provided as a grounded metal tube, and an inner electrode rigidly secured along the tube axis by a fastening member and provided in form of a metal rod and configured so as pulsed corona discharge streamers are formed in between the inner and outer electrodes, wherein the inner electrode is spaced by a gap from an output electrode of high-voltage pulse generator and size of the gap assures breakdown of the gap with pulses formed by high-voltage pulse generator.

Abstract: An adjustable filter assembly for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a first filter retainer configured to capture a first filter and a second filter retainer configured to capture a second filter. The adjustable filter assembly also includes a hinge coupled between first filter retainer and the second filter retainer and about which the first filter retainer and the second filter retainer are configured to rotate to position the first filter and the second filter at an angle relative to one another in a first angled operating configuration and to align the first filter and the second filter with one another in a second angled operating configuration.

Abstract: A gas purifying apparatus, including: at least one cylindrical ground electrode configured to receive gas flowing therethrough; a discharge electrode disposed centrally within each of the at least one cylindrical ground electrode; and a power supply electrically connected to the discharge electrode and the at least one cylindrical ground electrode so as to produce an electric field and a corona discharge from the discharge electrode to a corresponding cylindrical ground electrode to generate ions and free electrons into the gas to ionise substances in the gas for gas purification, wherein the discharge electrode and the corresponding cylindrical ground electrode form at least one plasma chamber when power from the power supply is applied, and wherein the discharge electrode includes: at least one annular plate having an outer edge extending towards the corresponding cylindrical ground electrode.

Abstract: A filtration device including a contoured support having 1) an interior surface, 2) an outside peripheral surface spaced farther from a center of the contoured support than the interior surface, and 3) a rim enclosed and sealed to a perimeter of the contoured support. The filtration device includes macroscopic openings in the contoured support extending from the interior surface to the outside peripheral surface, and a plurality of nanofibers having diameters less than 1 micron. The nanofibers are disposed on the outside peripheral surface of the contoured support, and cover the macroscopic openings to form a filtration medium on the contoured support.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitation type air cleaner is disclosed herein. The air cleaner includes a charging module to charge dust particles by applied power and a collection module to collect the dust particles charged by the charging module. The collection module includes high voltage electrode plates and low voltage electrode plates disposed opposite the high voltage electrode plates so as to form air passages with the high voltage electrode plates, at least one of the high voltage electrode plates and the low voltage electrode plates includes a conductive member, a dielectric member to surround at least a part of the conductive member and coating layers configured to coat the surfaces of the dielectric member, and the coating layer includes 0.5 w % to 5 w % of zinc oxide. The coating layer including 0.5 w % to 5 w % of zinc oxide may have high antimicrobial activity and maintain high surface hardness.

Abstract: A reactive-species supply device is configured to supply a treatment gas to an electric discharge space, for thereby supplying at least a reactive species formed in a plasma, to an object. The reactive-species supply device includes (a) at least one pair of electrodes configured to form the electric discharge space and (b) an electrode protection device configured to protect the electrodes from the treatment gas. Also disclosed is a surface treatment apparatus that includes the reactive-species supply device.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for modifying particle size of powders in closed items, comprising the exposure of said items to external electric field of suitable parameters. The degree of agglomeration of the particles can be increased or decreased. Applications to neutralization of harmful powders in mails, to dry agglomeration and to volatilization of powders in food industry and in pharmacology are described.

Abstract: A wet electrostatic precipitator includes an electric field forming unit including a first electrode and a second electrode which form an alternating electric field. The first electrode is a flat plate, and has a plurality of discharge electrodes on a surface that opposes the second electrode. The second electrode includes a discharge frame, a first flat plate portion and a second flat plate portion. The first flat plate portion opposes the discharge electrode of the first electrode. A plurality of discharge electrodes are formed on a surface of the second flat plate portion that opposes the first electrode. The discharge electrodes alternately generate corona discharges having opposite polarities in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of gas, and alternately apply charges having opposite polarities to mist and dust. The first electrode and the first flat plate portion trap the charged mist and the dust.

Abstract: A robot cleaner is provided that may include a suction motor installed within a main body to generate a suction force, at least two conductive plates spaced apart from each other to form a flow path for external air introduced by the suction force, and a calculator to measure a capacitance value between the at least two conductive plates. Further, provided is a robot cleaner that may include a suction motor installed within a main body to generate a suction force, a porous structure having at least one through hole, through which external air introduced by the suction force may flow, at least one filter disposed on a surface of the porous structure to filter dust contained in the air, and a power supply configured to apply alternating current (AC) power to at least a portion of the surface of the porous structure.

Abstract: An air purifier includes a frame, a fan unit, and an electrostatic precipitator. The precipitator has a first strip with a first continuous conductive electrode layer directly adjacent to an edge, and a second strip with a second continuous conductive electrode layer directly adjacent to an edge. The first and second strips are nested with one another. The edge of the first strip is opposed to the edge of the second strip. An electrostatic precipitator for an air purifier includes a first spiral strip having a continuous conductive electrode, a second spiral strip having a continuous conductive electrode and nested with the first strip, a plurality of combs. Each comb extends from an outer periphery of the precipitator to an intermediate region between the outer periphery and a center of the precipitator.

Abstract: An air filter replacement system for existing buildings, vehicles, arenas, and other enclosed airspaces includes a replacement air filter for replacing a standard air filter. The replacement air filter has dimensions and air flow specifications that allow it to replace the standard air filter. The replacement air filter includes a filter material that removes radiological or biological or aerosol particles.

Abstract: A novel method and system of separating carbon dioxide from flue gas is introduced. Instead of relying on large temperature or pressure changes to remove carbon dioxide from a solvent used to absorb it from flue gas, the ion pump method, as disclosed herein, dramatically increases the concentration of dissolved carbonate ion in solution. This increases the overlying vapor pressure of carbon dioxide gas, permitting carbon dioxide to be removed from the downstream side of the ion pump as a pure gas. The ion pumping may be obtained from reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, thermal desalination methods, or an ion pump system having an oscillating flow in synchronization with an induced electric field.

Abstract: A multi-sectional linear ionizing bar with at least four elements is disclosed. First, disclosed bars may include at least one ionization cell with at least one axis-defining linear ion emitter for establishing an ion cloud along the length thereof. Second, disclosed bars may include at least one reference electrode. Third, disclosed bars may include a manifold for receiving gas or air from a source and for delivering same past the linear emitter(s) such that substantially none of the gas/air flows into the ion cloud. Fourth, disclosed bars may include means for receiving the ionizing voltage and for delivering same to the linear emitter(s) to thereby establish the ion cloud. In this way, disclosed ionizing bars may transport ions from the plasma region toward a charge neutralization target without inducing substantial vibration of the linear emitter and without substantial contaminants from the gas/air flow reaching the linear emitter.

Abstract: An electrostatic screen battery for emission control (ESBEC) system includes a plurality of screens arranged in an alternating manner, so that screens at a first electric potential are interposed with screens at a second electric potential, with an ionizer disposed upstream of the screens, wherein a particulate-containing exhaust stream passing by the ionizer and then through the screens deposits particulates onto the screens. In preferred embodiments the screens have hydrophobic surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separating apparatus for separating particles from a fluid flow. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner having such a separating apparatus for removing dust particles from a dust laden airstream. The separating apparatus includes a first cyclonic cleaning stage including at least one cyclone, and an electrostatic filter located downstream of and in fluid communication with the at least one cyclone, wherein at least a portion of the electrostatic filter is located longitudinally through the separating apparatus, at least a portion of the first cyclonic cleaning stage being arranged around the electrostatic filter.

Abstract: Technologies are presented for applying electrical energy to a combustion reaction to produce agglomerated combustion particulates. For example, a system may include: one or more electrodes configured to apply electrical energy to a combustion reaction; a combustion zone configured to support the combustion reaction of a fuel at a fuel source; and an electrical power source operatively coupled to the one or more electrodes and configured to apply electrical energy to the combustion reaction. The combustion reaction is controlled to produce a distribution of agglomerated combustion particulates characterized by an increase in at least one of an average particulate diameter or an average particulate mass.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for removing particulate matter from gas turbine engines during operation are provided. Gas turbine engines are also provided. The particulate matter is suspended in a primary gas flow stream passing through an engine flowpath. A flowpath surface of the engine flowpath is electrostatically charged to a first polarity to thereby impart an electrostatic charge of the first polarity to the particulate matter. A bleed discharge duct is electrostatically charged to a second polarity and intersects the engine flowpath to define a bleed air flowpath. The second polarity is opposite to the first polarity. A bleed port is in fluid communication with the bleed discharge duct and has an outlet exterior of the gas turbine engine.

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: A multi-sectional linear ionizing bar with at least four elements is disclosed. First, disclosed bars may include at least one ionization cell with at least one axis-defining linear ion emitter for establishing an ion cloud along the length thereof. Second, disclosed bars may include at least one reference electrode. Third, disclosed bars may include a manifold for receiving gas or air from a source and for delivering same past the linear emitter(s) such that substantially none of the gas/air flows into the ion cloud. Fourth, disclosed bars may include means for receiving the ionizing voltage and for delivering same to the linear emitter(s) to thereby establish the ion cloud. In this way, disclosed ionizing bars may transportions from the plasma region toward a charge neutralization target without inducing substantial vibration of the linear emitter and without substantial contaminants from the gas/air flow reaching the linear emitter.

Abstract: A computer system includes a computer chassis housing a processor and having a dust filter disposed in an airflow pathway through the computer chassis. A plurality of electrodes is disposed across an area of the dust filter, and a voltage source is provided having a negative terminal and a positive terminal. A controller selectively couples a first subset of electrodes to the negative terminal and selectively couples a second subset of electrodes to the positive terminal, wherein a voltage differential between the first subset of electrodes and the second subset of electrodes is sufficient to cause electrostatic movement of dust from an area of the dust filter near the first subset of electrodes to an area of the dust filter near the second subset of electrodes.

Abstract: A gas purification apparatus capable of removing fine particles of substantially any size without lowering the efficiency of gas supply. A loader module of a substrate processing apparatus includes a fan filter unit for producing a downward flow of atmospheric air in the internal space of a transfer chamber. The fan filter unit includes a fan for generating an atmospheric air flow, a filter of mesh structure for trapping and removing particles mixed in the atmospheric air flow, an irradiation heater disposed between the fan and the filter, and a high temperature part disposed in the atmospheric air flow and higher in temperature than the filter.

Abstract: A dehumidification device and an electrified desorption device thereof are provided. The electrified desorption device includes a conductive water-absorbing material containing titanosilicates; a conductive layer containing a metal component or a mixture of the metal component and graphite, attached to end surfaces at two sides of the water-absorbing material; a pair of electrode structures, coupled to the two sides of the water-absorbing material respectively and each having multiple sub-electrodes insulated from each other; and a voltage source, coupled to the pair of electrode structures. The electrodes are coupled to the conductive water-absorbing material, and the conductive water-absorbing material is directly electrified with a current, so that the conductive water-absorbing material generates heat to achieve a desorption effect, and further maintains a re-adsorbing capability to continue operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separating apparatus for separating particles from a fluid flow. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a domestic vacuum cleaner having such a separating apparatus for removing dust particles from a dust laden airstream. The separating apparatus includes a first cyclonic cleaning stage including at least one cyclone, and an electrostatic filter, wherein the electrostatic filter is in fluid communication with the at least one cyclone via an air passage, at least a portion of the air passage being formed longitudinally through the separating apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the first cyclonic cleaning stage, the electrostatic filter and the air passage are arranged concentrically.

Abstract: The present invention is an air purification method and device. Due to the lower airflow resistance that the present invention induces, an exhaust fan or blower with motor of lower torque is adopted. Consequently, the whole air purification is operated at a lower noise level. Lower operational voltage is applicable for the high-voltage electrostatic precipitator device and provides a similar or superior performance and effectiveness for dust removal. The air purification device/system is designed with higher flexibility and of more compact in dimension and size. Dust is removed from the environment by a high voltage electrostatic precipitator. The airflow stream within a high-voltage electrostatic precipitator is such that the direction of the path of the airflow is changed at least twice.

Abstract: Improvements in active field polarized media air cleaner include an aerodynamic front cowling to reduce static air resistance, a rear double hinge to reduce blow by, a resistive center screen permitting the sharing of high voltage power supplies while reducing the tendency to arc and allowing for a higher operational voltage, a dielectric media support frame to produce a more uniform electrostatic field and reduce blow by, while at the same time reducing the tendency to spray corona and/or arc at the edges of the center screen, a substantially flat conductive outer screen to produce a more uniform electrostatic field throughout the filter media and a high-voltage shield to reduce high-voltage arcing and the spraying of corona where the high-voltage probe contacts the center screen.

Abstract: A filter element has of a filter medium (10) folded in a zig-zag manner and designed in a tubular shape. End plates (11, 12) are arranged on the filter medium end faces. End plate (12) has a concentric opening as well as a first annular ring (14) and a second annular ring (15), and a sealing groove (16) arranged between the rings. A reinforcement plate (17) is arranged at the end plate and has an annular surface (23) extending in axial direction across folds of the filter element.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes of, for instance, poly(ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene) (HALAR®), PVDF or PP, incorporating PVME or vinyl methyl ether monomers. The PVME may be present as a coating on the membrane or dispersed throughout the membrane or both. The membranes are preferably hydrophilic with a highly asymmetric structure with a reduced pore size and/or absence of macrovoids as a result of the addition of PVME. The PVME maybe cross-linked. The invention also relates to methods of hydrophilising membranes and/or preparing hydrophilic membranes via thermal or diffusion induced phase separation processed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separating apparatus for separating particles from a fluid flow. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner having such a separating apparatus for removing dust particles from a dust laden airstream. The separating apparatus includes a first cyclonic cleaning stage, a second cyclonic cleaning stage arranged downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage, and an elongate filter arranged downstream from the second cyclonic cleaning stage, wherein the filter is at least partially surrounded by the first cyclonic cleaning stage.

Abstract: An electric precipitator includes a charge unit disposed at an upstream part and a dust collection unit disposed at a downstream part, the charge unit includes charge electrodes and a discharge wire disposed between two neighboring charge electrodes and separated from the charge electrodes, the dust collection unit includes high voltage electrodes, front ends of which are opposite to the charge unit, and low voltage electrodes, front ends of which are opposite to the charge unit and which alternate with high voltage electrodes, and the front ends of high voltage electrodes protrude toward the charge unit as compared to the front ends of low voltage electrodes, thereby guiding electrons to the discharge electrodes due to an electric field formed between the front ends of the high voltage electrodes and the discharge electrodes and thus reducing current leakage through the low voltage electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separating apparatus for separating particles from a fluid flow. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner having such a separating apparatus for removing dust particles from a dust laden airstream. The separating apparatus includes a first cyclonic cleaning stage, a second cyclonic cleaning stage arranged downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage, and an elongate filter arranged downstream from the second cyclonic cleaning stage, wherein the filter is at least partially surrounded by the first cyclonic cleaning stage.

Abstract: A process for forming a porous nanoscale membrane is described. The process involves applying a nanoscale film to one side of a substrate, where the nanoscale film includes a semiconductor material; masking an opposite side of the substrate; etching the substrate, beginning from the masked opposite side of the substrate and continuing until a passage is formed through the substrate, thereby exposing the film on both sides thereof to form a membrane; and then simultaneously forming a plurality of randomly spaced pores in the membrane. The resulting porous nanoscale membranes, characterized by substantially smooth surfaces, high pore densities, and high aspect ratio dimensions, can be used in filtration devices, microfluidic devices, fuel cell membranes, and as electron microscopy substrates.

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: A system for the electrical agglomeration of particles in a fluid using a plurality of electrically charged panels, such as electrets, metal panels, or any conductive material, positioned in series perpendicular to the direction of flow of fluid. The panels are about 20% to 80% open to the flow of fluid. The panels produce agglomerates of increasing size and number from the particles in a fluid as the fluid flows through each of the panels. The panels have an electrical charge of about 5,000 to 12,000 volts with amperage about 0.001 amps to 100 amps. Agglomerates are trapped by downstream capture media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filtration system and method that uses a corona discharge grid and a series of electrostatic grids to filter ambient particles. The filtration system eliminates, or greatly reduces, the pressure drop across the associated filter media.

Abstract: An air sanitization system including a reactive oxygen species generator, a variable speed fan, a pathogen sensor and a controller. The reactive oxygen species generator generates reactive oxygen species from an oxygen-containing gas and discharges the reactive oxygen species to a conditioned space. The variable speed fan directs the oxygen-containing gas to the reactive oxygen species generator at a controlled speed. The pathogen sensor senses a level of airborne pathogens in the conditioned space and generates a signal indicative of the level of pathogens sensed. The controller receives the signal from the pathogen sensor and varies the speed of the variable speed fan in response to the signal to decrease a speed of the variable speed fan in response to an increase in the level of airborne pathogens sensed by the pathogen sensor.

Abstract: A self service kiosk station employing a water repellant air filter is provided. The self service kiosk may take many forms including a vending machine, gaming station, ATM, DVD rental machine, or the like. Positive pressure within the housing may be employed as well to keep contaminants outs and ensure air flow into the housing is through the water repellant air filter.

Abstract: A uniform electrical field dielectric barrier discharge reactor consists of an electrode unit, a dielectric catalyst container and an insulative housing. Each electrode plate of the electrode unit includes an insulative plane frame structure, and discharge needles evenly distributed on the insulative plane frame structure. The dielectric catalyst container is a hollow solid member internally coated with a metallic catalyst coating layer. The flow directing plate is made of a conducting substrate, having two opposite sides thereof covered by a metallic catalyst coating layer. The invention is practical for use in an air purifier, fluid sterilizer or waste water treatment equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissipating energy into the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine includes a container for confining a flow path for exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine where the container has an inlet and an outlet. A porous, electrically conductive mesh is placed in the container such that exhaust gas can flow through the conductive mesh. At least two electrical terminals are in permanent electrical contact with the conductive mesh. An electrical power supply completes an electrical circuit through the conductive mesh with the power supply having two or more electrical outputs electrically connected to an equal number of electrical terminals on the conductive mesh. The apparatus provides a filter, heater, electrical load and silencer.

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: The invention relates to polymeric ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes of, for instance, Halar, PVDF or PP, incorporating PVME or vinyl methyl ether monomers. The PVME may be present as a coating on the membrane or dispersed throughout the membrane or both. The membranes are preferably hydrophilic with a highly asymmetric structure with a reduced pore size and/or absence of macrovoids as a result of the addition of PVME. The PVME maybe cross-linked. The invention also relates to methods of hydrophilising membranes and/or preparing hydrophilic membranes via thermal or diffusion induced phase separation processed.

Abstract: An ionizing device for air treatment systems includes two electrodes that can be connected to a high-voltage source generating an AC voltage and between which a dielectrically encumbered discharge can be induced for generating a plasma, wherein each electrode includes a deformable shape having an electrical conductor encased in a dielectric material and wherein the two deformable shapes are fixed relative to each other such that the two deformable shapes contact each other at least in areas or have a small enough distance from each other that they can induce the dielectrically encumbered discharge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrostatic filter. Particularly but not exclusively the invention relates to an electrostatic filter for removing dust particles, for example an electrostatic filter for use in a vacuum cleaner, fan or air conditioner. The electrostatic filter includes a filter medium located between a first and a second electrode, each at a different voltage during use, such that a potential difference is formed across the filter medium, the first and second electrodes being substantially non-porous.

Abstract: A charged particle separation apparatus that separates ionized gas clusters is disclosed. The charged particle separation apparatus includes three or more electric field applying parts arranged in an incident direction of an ionized gas cluster, wherein each of the electric field applying parts includes a pair of electrodes; an electric power source configured to supply alternating-current electric voltages to the three or more electric field applying parts in such a manner that an alternating-current electric voltage applied across one pair of the electrodes of one of the three or more electric field applying parts is different in phase from an alternating-current voltage applied across another pair of the electrodes of an adjacent one of the three or more electric field applying parts; and a plate including an opening in an extension of the incident direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrostatic dust catcher comprising a first (1) and a second electrode (2) and a voltage source (3) for applying an electrical voltage between the two electrodes (1, 2). The first electrode (1) is designed as a dust catching device and the second electrode (2) is grounded.

Abstract: A novel method and system of separating carbon dioxide from flue gas is introduced. Instead of relying on large temperature or pressure changes to remove carbon dioxide from a solvent used to absorb it from flue gas, the ion pump method, as disclosed herein, dramatically increases the concentration of dissolved carbonate ion in solution. This increases the overlying vapor pressure of carbon dioxide gas, permitting carbon dioxide to be removed from the downstream side of the ion pump as a pure gas. The ion pumping may be obtained from reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, thermal desalination methods, or an ion pump system having an oscillating flow in synchronization with an induced electric field.

Abstract: Porous polymeric membranes formed from a hydrophobic polymer, such as halar having membrane pores of a size sufficient to permit gas and/or vapor permeation 0.05 ?m to 5 ?m without permitting the flow of a hydrophilic fluid across the membrane. Pore distribution is uniform and porosity is high, in some cases up to 80%. Membranes may be in the form of a flay sheet or hollow fibre for example and can be used in a variety of applications such as stripping HF gas, degassing of caustic solution, chlorine gas/alkaline filtration, degassing tap water to remove dissolved chlorine. Processes used to make such membranes can be carried out using relatively non toxic solvents such as citric acid ethyl ester or glycerol triacetate.

Abstract: The present invention describes directly using particles collected with an electrostatic precipitator for the detection of explosives and other compounds of interest. The method and apparatus of analyzing particles involves directly measuring particles on the collection electrodes or thermally desorbing them into an ion mobility spectrometer and/or other analytical instruments. One aspect of the present invention is a particulate charging method. Another aspect of the present invention provides a means of high charging of the particulates while minimizing their collection in the charging stage. The present invention also provides a means for efficiently collecting the particulates in a second stage for sampling in a compact electrode.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator element comprises preferably a mesh made of at least two individually insulated conductors with defined openings therebetween. An electrical field in the openings electrostatically attracts suspended particulate to a respective conductors for collection.

Abstract: Virtual sorbent bed systems and methods for receiving contaminants from a waste stream are presented. In an embodiment, the virtual sorbent bed system comprises an outlet for introducing into the gas stream a material capable of receiving contaminants, a first charged DC electrode oriented substantially peripheral to the gas stream and normal to the flow of the gas stream; a second charged DC electrode oriented substantially peripheral to the gas stream and normal to the flow of the gas stream, wherein the first DC charged electrode and the second charged DC electrode cooperatively generate a first electric field that imparts a drift velocity to the material; and a plurality of charged AC electrodes oriented substantially peripheral to the gas stream and normal to the flow of the gas stream, wherein the charged AC electrodes generates a second electric field that imparts additional three-dimensional motion to the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes of, for instance, Halar, PVDF or PP, incorporating PVME or vinyl methyl ether monomers. The PVME may be present as a coating on the membrane or dispersed throughout the membrane or both. The membranes are preferably hydrophilic with a highly asymmetric structure with a reduced pore size and/or absence of macrovoids as a result of the addition of PVME. The PVME maybe cross-linked. The invention also relates to methods of hydrophilising membranes and/or preparing hydrophilic membranes via thermal or diffusion induced phase separation processed.