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 dual-filter electrically enhanced air-filtration apparatus and method are described. One embodiment includes an upstream electrically enhanced filter; a downstream electrically enhanced filter; a first control electrode adjacent to an upstream side of the upstream electrically enhanced filter; a second control electrode adjacent to a downstream side of the downstream electrically enhanced filter; and an ionizing electrode disposed between the upstream and downstream electrically enhanced filters, the ionizing electrode having an electrical potential with respect to the first and second control electrodes. Optional field electrodes may be included to enhance the electric fields associated with the upstream and downstream electrically enhanced filters.

Abstract: An electrically enhanced air filter apparatus for filtering particles from moving air is described. The apparatus includes a filter arranged so particles approach the filter a filter speed and pass through an ionizer at an ionizer speed, and is configured so the filter speed is less than the ionizer speed. The ionizer is arranged to guide the moving air in an ionizer airflow direction and generates an ionizing electric field having ionizer field direction substantially perpendicular to the ionizer airflow direction.

Abstract: Filter media for an active field polarized media air cleaner includes two layers of dielectric material with a higher resistance air permeable screen sandwiched between the lower resistivity electric layers. The filter media may further include a mixed fiber filter layer having fibers from different sides of the triboelectric scale. The filter media may further include a layer of relatively higher density dielectric material followed by a layer of relatively lower density dielectric material.

Abstract: An inlet air filtration system for a gas turbine includes, in an exemplary embodiment, an air plenum, and a plurality of filter elements mounted inside the air plenum, 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: 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: System for separating particles from an environment, the system including a perforated screen and an ionisation electrode in the environment for creating an electrostatic potential between the electrode and the screen to attract the particles to the screen.

Abstract: Air cleaning device has a particle charging zone comprising a conducting sheet having a plurality of apertures, through which air can be passed, and a plurality of corona emitters each associated with an aperture, and a filter.

Abstract: A gas port assembly is provided for supplying or removing one or more gases to a powered electrode in a plasma processing chamber. The chamber has at least one electrode (11) to which an alternating electrical potential is applied in use, the assembly being electrically insulated from the electrode(s). The assembly comprises, a number of dielectric members (15) and a number of electrically conductive members (16). The members are arranged in a stack of alternating dielectric and electrically conductive members. Each member comprises at least one gas pathway for the passage of the gas(es), such that when stacked, the gas pathways are in communication with each other and the gas(es) are able to pass between an outer side of the stack and a chamber side of the stack. The members act as a capacitive divider to reduce high voltages within the assembly.

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

Abstract: A method for the sorption of a liquid or vapor phase trace contaminant from a fluid stream containing an electrically charged particulate, which comprises: providing a fluid stream comprising a liquid or vapor phase trace contaminant and an electrically charged particulate; providing an electrically conductive stationary sorbent having an electrical charge that is of the same polarity as that of the charged particulate; and contacting the fluid stream with the charged stationary sorbent, which sorbs the trace contaminant and repels the charged particulate.

Abstract: A hybrid wet electrostatic precipitator for collecting sub-micron and nano-particulate material. The collector can be made up of three concentric tubes or pipes with an internally formed gas path communicating between an inlet and an outlet. A first collector and discharging zone can be provided in the gas path to create a corona discharge to charge particles and to collect particulate. A second collector can be formed by a porous wall which can act as a filtration device. A third collector can be formed by two or more of the concentric circular tubes, one porous and one solid, with a zone of uniform electric field between them. The porous tube can be either the inner tube or the middle tube. A liquid pool can be placed between the first and third collectors to provide chemical treatment of the gas flow or simply filtration as the gas passes through. A high-tension voltage supply can be used to supply a discharge voltage capable of generating a corona discharge into the flow in the first zone.

Abstract: A compact, hybrid particulate and gas collector that can be used in a vehicle emissions control system, gas turbine, or in any other application where space and lower cost is important or in applications where sub-micron and nano-particulate filtering is needed. A gas flow enters the device in a first chamber and can be immediately exposed to a high-tension corona discharge electric field which typically results in a strong ionic flow by charging and collecting the incoming effluent (oil mist, soot particles, etc.). Subsequently, the charged flow enters a second zone of high-tension uniform electric field that causes the remaining charged particles to migrate to one of the charged electrodes. One of the electrodes can be made of porous filter material that allows the cleaned gas to flow into an exit zone also containing a high-tension uniform electric field where the remaining effluent can be collected prior to the clean gas exiting either to ambient air or being re-circulated to be used again by the engine.

Abstract: A compact, hybrid particulate and gas collector that can be used in an ultra-clean air purification, vehicle emissions control system, gas turbine, or in any other application where space and lower cost is important or in applications where sub-micron and nano-particulate filtering is needed such as in clean rooms and surgical suites. A gas flow enters the device in a first chamber and can be immediately exposed to a high-tension corona discharge electric field which typically results in a strong ionic flow by charging and collecting the incoming effluent (oil mist, soot particles, etc.). Subsequently, the charged flow enters a second zone of high-tension uniform electric field that causes the remaining charged particles to migrate to one of the charged electrodes.

Abstract: A compact, hybrid particulate and gas collector that can be used in an ultra-clean air purification, vehicle emissions control system, gas turbine, or in any other application where space and lower cost is important or in applications where sub-micron and nano-particulate filtering is needed such as in clean rooms and surgical suites. A gas flow enters the device in a first chamber and can be immediately exposed to a high-tension corona discharge electric field which typically results in a strong ionic flow by charging and collecting the incoming effluent (oil mist, soot particles, etc.). Subsequently, the charged flow enters a second zone of high-tension uniform electric field that causes the remaining charged particles to migrate to one of the charged electrodes.

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: A gas purifying apparatus includes an adsorption member (e.g., a honeycomb structural body) that adsorbs particulate matter contained in the gas by the action of an electric field. The apparatus also includes a supply device (e.g., an ozone generator including a discharger, a pulsed power supply, a pump, and a discharge port) that supplies a pro-oxidant to the adsorption member.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a renewable composite filter media for removal of particles from a fluid stream. The filter media includes a membrane filtration layer comprising a porous polymeric membrane having an upstream side and a downstream side relative to the direction of fluid flow, a first depth filtration media layer having an upstream side and a downstream side relative to the direction of fluid flow, the first depth filtration media layer being disposed on upstream side of the membrane filtration layer; and at least one additional depth filtration media layer removably attached to the upstream side of the first depth filtration media layer. In this aspect, the first depth filtration media layer may be removably attached to the membrane filtration layer.

Abstract: An intense field dielectric air filtration system includes a perimeter frame for wall or ceiling mounting at the inlet of a return air duct for an air conditioning apparatus. A door including a grille disposed thereon is mounted for movement on the frame between working and non-working positions for access to an air filter unit, a pre-filter unit and an intense field particle charging unit. Contacts on the filter unit and the field charging unit engage cooperating contacts on an enclosure mounted on the frame when the door is closed to supply electrical power. An interlock is provided to interrupt power when the door is moved to an open position or the grille is removed. A control system disposed in the enclosure includes user control features accessible when the door is in an open position. An alternate embodiment includes a support frame for positioning the filtration system in ductwork or the like other than a return air inlet.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrostatic ionic emission device for depositing on the surface of a plurality of particles aerosols within a fluid, a quasi-homogeneous amount of ions. The device includes a discharge corona conductive electrode, and a non-corona conductive receptor electrode. The receptor electrode has an open cellular foam structure and a pseudo planar active surface that faces the discharge electrode. The active surface of the receptor electrode has a multiplicity of substantially sharpened points.

Abstract: A reticle carrier for an Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) reticle may include nested grids of electret fibers to provide active protection from contamination without a power supply. The reticle carrier may include in-line sensors for in-situ monitoring of contamination. Grids of electret fibers may also be used in an EUV pellicle.

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: Particle collection, transport, and detection systems are disclosed. The systems are uniquely adapted for collecting or concentrating particles from a flowing medium and then transporting the collected particles to a desired location or for subsequent analysis. Electrostatic traveling wave grids can be used in conjunction with sample concentrators.

Abstract: A gas treating device capable of electrically collecting dust and of decomposing odors and other matter by plasma includes a plasma generating device integrally incorporated into an ionization part in a casing. The ionization part has an ionization line and a columnar portion of a negative electrode member. The plasma generating device includes a discharge electrode which shares a counter electrode with the ionization line. During operation, dust of a relatively small size in room air is electrically charged by discharge between the ionization line and the counter electrode. An electrostatic filter entraps and collects the electrically charged dust. A plasma of low temperature is generated by streamer discharge between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode. Harmful substances and odorous substances in the room air are decomposed by an activated species contained in the generated low-temperature plasma.

Abstract: An air purifier provides various air purification functions relating to various environmental conditions by increasing a purification function relative to specific contaminants through replacement of a filter based on the environment to be purified. The air purifier includes a main body of a structure allowing air to pass therethrough. A replaceable filter is received into the main body and is replaceable on a basis of the environmental properties of a space to be purified, removing contaminants in the air passing through the main body. Further, the air purifier includes a dust collecting unit to charge dust particles electrically and to collect the dust particles by electrostatic attraction. In addition, a metal filter functions to collect the dust particles charged in the dust collecting unit, and a HEPA filter is used to collect micro-contaminants. The metal filter is positioned in front of the HEPA filter.

Abstract: A system for separating oxygen from air operates at a pressure less than atmospheric. The oxygen separation system includes an entry port for ambient air, and at least two separate exhaust ports through which separate exhaust streams are drawn by separate suction sources. The oxygen separation system further includes a low-energy ionization portion that favors creation of molecular oxygen ions, and a higher-energy portion disposed between the ionization portion and one of the exhaust ports. A plurality of gas-permeable electrodes are charged to different voltages to provide the different portions inside the separator. An exhaust stream taken from the anode side of the separator is enriched in oxygen relative to ambient air.

Abstract: An apparatus, which collects particulate matter contained in a gas flowing through a flow path formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer surface and an inner surface, includes: an outer shell that forms the outer surface of the flow path; a ground electrode that forms the inner surface of the flow path; a filter layer that is arranged between the outer shell and the ground electrode; and a discharge electrode that generates, when a voltage is applied, an ion wind inducing a secondary flow toward the ground electrode in a direction transverse to the flow path. The secondary flow passes through the ground electrode and the filter layer having a predetermined aperture ratio.

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

Abstract: An electrostatic filter having an improved dielectric is described. The dielectric constitutes a dielectric mat formed from high porosity non-woven fibers having pores that have a void fraction of at least 97%. The dielectric mat is sandwiched by a pair of porous electrodes. The fibers that form the mat have a maximum cross sectional thickness that is less than 100 microns and a length to maximum thickness ratio of greater than 10. The pores are preferably statistically substantially equally sized and open in three dimensions. In various preferred embodiments, the void fraction of the dielectric mat is greater than 99 percent. The mat preferably has a tortuosity of at least 2. The maximal cross sectional width of the fibers is preferably in the range 0.1 to 50 microns. In many implementations, the fibers that form the dielectric mat are formed from either polyester or polypropylene.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical electrostatic air cleaner that combines a low air resistance dielectric fibrous filter material positioned between and electrically charged by two electrically resistant carbon coated screens. The screens are charged by a remotely mounted bi-polar power supply. A pair of post ionization electrodes charge particles in the air with opposite charges, causing the particles to agglomerate. A plurality of screens may be placed in an array for increased one-pass filtration.

Abstract: A system for separating a gaseous constituent from a gaseous mixture includes a substantially sealed passageway extending between a first exhaust port and a second exhaust port. An entry port for a gas mixture to be separated opens into the passageway. At least three gas-permeable electrodes are disposed across the passageway at intervals. The electrodes divide the passageway into multiple sections. Each section is bounded at opposing ends by an electrode, and the sections are disposed in serial fashion through at least a portion of the passageway. A high-voltage static electric field may be applied to opposing electrodes of one or more sections. When voltage is so applied, gas may be drawn through a static electric field in one or more sections, by applying suction to the exhaust ports.

Abstract: Particle collection, transport, and detection systems are disclosed. The systems are uniquely adapted for collecting or concentrating particles from a flowing medium and then transporting the collected particles to a desired location or for subsequent analysis. Electrostatic traveling wave grids can be used in conjunction with sample concentrators.

Abstract: Ionic emission electrostatic device (1) for depositing on the surface (sp) of a multitude of aerosol particles (p1, p2, . . . , pn) within a fluid (F), a quasi-homogeneous quantity of ions (iq). This electrostatic device (1) is constituted by a conductive discharge corona electrode (EC) and a noncorona conductive receptor electrode (ER). The pseudo-planar active face (SA) of its receptor electrode (ER) is covered by a plurality of craters with sharp edges, in a closed pseudo circle, exhibiting on their end edges (Ai) a section of minimum bend radius, and enclosing the orifices (O1, O2, . . . , On) and terminating towards the outside of the active face (SA). The craters are distributed quasi-uniformly on the active face (SA), in its two geometric directions. The surface flow of ions (iq) originating from the corona electrode (EC) and in the direction of the active face of the receptor electrode (ER) has an increased homogeneity.

Abstract: An air filtration system including a filter (4) for separation of particles and an ionizer (3) for ionization of the air. In use of the system, ionization of the air occurs before the air passes the filter (4). The filter (4) is made up of fibers of polypropylene mixed with acrylic.

Abstract: A vacuum bag media and associated method of production, which includes a first layer that includes an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and at least one second layer that includes a first component having a first melting point and a second component having a second melting point that is higher than the first melting point, wherein the first layer is attached to the at least one second layer. The second layer can include cellulose material, spunbond, nonwoven fabric, and a thermal bond, nonwoven fabric. Attachment of the first layer of material to the at least one second layer of material can occur through thermobonding, e.g., heated gas, infrared heat and heated calender rolls. The application of adhesives and the use of ultrasonic energy can also bond the layers together. Approximately five percent (5%) to fifty percent (50%) of the first component can be selectively melted for superior airflow.

Abstract: A polarized media electronic air filter assembly has an electronics box mounted along one side by a slid-in fit into an open, receiving channel. Arcing between screens is reduced by using a relatively resistive material for at least one of the screens exposed to arcing.

Abstract: An electrical type grid electrostatic collector/separator removes particles from an air stream. The apparatus includes multiple parallel grids that act as the porous material, enclosed in a sealed compartment so that the entrained air flows parallel and between one or more centrally located grids. A direct current high voltage field is established between the grids with the polarities alternating between facing grids. Finer particles may be temporally collected on plate or grid assemblies that are located out of the airflow. When non-conductive particles are present, external methods of pre-charging by corona discharge are preferably used. When non-conductive particles are present, both internal and external methods of pre-charging by corona discharge are used with the external method being preferred.

Abstract: The invention refers to a composite filter for filtering a stream of ambient air including at least one non-prebonded upstream tier and one non-prebonded downstream tier, wherein the ratio of absolute pore volume of upstream tier to downstream tier RAPV>2, and the absolute projected fiber coverage of upstream tier and of downstream tier APFC>95%. Further, the invention refers to a method of making such a composite filter including the steps of (a) laying down a filtration material onto a support to form the upstream non-prebonded tier, (b) depositing onto the upstream tier the downstream non-prebonded tier, and (c) bonding the tiers to form a composite filter having a unitary stratified structure.

Abstract: A dust collecting apparatus for an air conditioner, including an ionizer to electrically charge dust particles in air; and a metal filter having fine metal fibers, disposed at a predetermined distance from a back of the ionizer, the metal filter having a polarity opposite to that of the charged dust particles to electrically collect the dust particles.

Abstract: A personal tabletop-type air cleaner is provided which is user-friendly and can improve smoke sucking efficiency in a simple configuration. The disclosed personal tabletop-type air cleaner has a front opening portion to suck air containing smoke of a cigarette, a blower to forcedly feed air having been sucked into the front opening portions in a centrifugal manner, a pair of right and left peripheral opening portions each being placed in a fringe portion on the right and the left at a front of the air cleaner and forming an air curtain by emitting air fed forcedly from the blower ahead of the front of the air cleaner, a dust collecting filter being placed between the front opening portion and the blower to remove cigarette odor, and a deodorizing filter being placed between the blower and each peripheral opening portion making up the pair of right and left peripheral opening portions to remove cigarette odor.

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: A multi-stage collector of the type used to collect particles from industrial gas. The collector can contain multiple narrow and wide zones formed by a plurality of parallel corrugated plates. Contained in the narrow zones can be elongated electrodes with sharp leading and/or trailing edges. These electrodes can provide a non-uniform electric field near their sharp edges leading to corona discharge. The corona discharge causes particulate matter in the gas flow to become charged. The region in narrow zones away from the sharp edges of the electrodes resembles a parallel plate capacitor with relatively uniform electric field. In this region, particles can be collected on the plates and on the electrode. Wide regions can contain barrier filters (bag filters) with conductive surfaces. The collector can also be used to clean inlet gas in gasification plants and to collect re-usable materials from a gas stream.

Abstract: An air filter in which a thick sheet of textile of three-dimensionally knitted synthetic fiber thread is sliced at a middle position in a thickness direction and separated into a front face and a rear face. The front face or the rear face is one face side, and many short fibers are protruding from another face side. Further, the air filter is electrified as a whole.

Abstract: An integrated air filtration unit includes a support structure for mounting a V-shaped filter bank to an air passage of an air handling system. The V-shaped filter bank may be moved from a working position in which the air is filtered to a service position in which a pair of filter pads in the filter bank can be accessed for service or replacement. The integrated air filter unit may include an ultraviolet irradiation system for destroying airborne micro-organisms trapped by the pair of filter pads.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator using substantially planar screens of similar charge positioned perpendicular to the gas flow direction. The screens have a similar charge of the same polarity, and particles flowing through the screens are charged, agglomerated and either collected on the screens or fall downwardly into collecting hoppers below the screens. The screens preferably have openings smaller than 3 millimeters and are spaced apart less than 10 millimeters. In an alternative embodiment, the screens have alternating polarities and are spaced about an inch or more apart to prevent sparkover.

Abstract: A vacuum bag media and associated method of production, which includes a first layer that includes an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and at least one second layer that includes a first component having a first melting point and a second component having a second melting point that is higher than the first melting point, wherein the first layer is attached to the at least one second layer. The second layer can include cellulose material, spunbond, nonwoven fabric, and a thermal bond, nonwoven fabric. Attachment of the first layer of material to the at least one second layer of material can occur through thermobonding, e.g., heated gas, infrared heat and heated calender rolls. The application of adhesives and the use of ultrasonic energy can also bond the layers together. Approximately five percent (5%) to fifty percent (50%) of the first component can be selectively melted for superior airflow.

Abstract: A filter element that comprises a porous molded web 10′ that contains thermally bonded staple fibers 12 and non-thermally bonded electrically charged microfibers 14. The molded web is retained in its molded configuration, at least in part, by bonds between the staple fibers 12 at points of fiber intersection 13. The web may be molded, for example, into the shape of filtering face mask 16.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrostatically charged filter material comprising a blend of polyester fibers and electrostatically chargeable fibers of at least one other kind.