US3892544A

US3892544A - Electrodynamic electrostatic gas charge

Info

Publication number: US3892544A
Application number: US363487*[A
Authority: US
Inventors: Hans O Haupt
Original assignee: Crs Industries Inc
Current assignee: Crs Industries Inc
Priority date: 1973-07-16
Filing date: 1973-07-16
Publication date: 1975-07-01
Anticipated expiration: 1992-07-01
Also published as: DE2432015A1

Abstract

An electrodynamic electrostatic gas charge system to separate combined particles of dissimilar substances and recombination into combined particles of similar substance comprising an antenna array including a first and second electrode means disposed across the gas flow and a signal generator means including a first and second signal output generator means coupled to the first and second electrode means respectively to generate charged force fields to separate dissimilar and substance and recombine like particles.

Description

United States Patent Haupt 1 5] July 1, 1975 1 ELECTRODYNAMIC ELECTROSTATIC 2.440.455 4/1948 White .4 55/2 GAS CHARGE 3,040,497 6/1962 Schwab 3.392.509 7/1968 Pelosi. Jr. w 55/123 [75] Inven r: Hans p lndlanapohs. $518,462 6/1970 Brown 4 4 1 1 310/10 I I 3.600653 8/1971 Hall 317/262 R Assgnee' CR5 lmmsm Tampa 3.724174 4 1973 Walkenhorst 55/485 x [221 Filed: July 16, 1973 Primarv Examiner-Dennis E1 Talbert Jr. 21 A l. N 363,487 l 1 PP 0 Altomey, Agent or FirmSteln & Orman [52] US. Cl 5. 55/106; 21/74 R; 55/123; 57 ABSTRACT 55/1316 /D[G 4 317/262 AE An electrodynamlc electrostatic gas charge system to [51] Int Cl. 303C 3/66 separate combined particles of dissimilar substances [58] w of Search 55/105, 106 13L 130 and recombination into combined particles of similar 55/132' 2 136, 138, [39, 150, substance comprising an antenna array including a 151 2 2 3 DlG 21/53, first and second electrode means disposed across the 54 R 74 317/262 262 NE; 98 R gas flow and a signal generator means including a first and second signal output generator means coupled to [56] References Cited the first and second electrode means respectively to UNITED STATES PATENTS generate charged force fields to separate dissimilar and substance and recombine like particles lv853 393 4/1932 Anderson .1 SS/DIG. 25 2,295.152 9/1942 Bennett 55/123 18 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures I 28 ,4 AIR l4 FLOW SHEET 1 FIG-.2 l2 IO |4 l2 :8 AIR l6 PULSED 32 I W 32 D D.C. 34 f AIR I8 I I4 28 FLOW i 38 26 3s- 2O 42 fi-3o 24 F.M.-A.C. 22

FIG!

POWER 3 POWER -52 UNE SUPPLY s2- 54- PULSE FIG? GENERATOR 5e PULSE POwER GG AMPLIFIER TO 7s- 72 26 76 PuLsEO PEAK PEAK HIGH VOLTAGE D.C. RECTlFIER TRANSFORMER sAw TOOTH SHAPER 1 X 1 F. m-Ag POwER FREgFMOD.

88\ GENERATOR 96 IMPEDANCE BALLAST LORC SHEET 2 I5V a o A It A L. PULSE GEN.

Isov b J 1 H PULSE POWER 0 AMP FIG 4 IOKV 0 I 1 [r' T I'RX'IISI'OPIMER IOKV PEAK-PEAK d 0 RECTIFIER Iov e sAw TOOTH 0 SHAPER FREQ. MOD. f I Veff R.F. GENERATOR l H H H] POWER q 500%" I H H W AMPLIFIER PHASE h APHA5E COMPARATOR i AL W IMPEDANCE l l l ITIME BALLAST 50ms SOms 50ms I20 l04 l |00 loz H/ FIG 5 I I08 :1 H6 I24 ELECTRODYNAMIC ELECTROSTATIC GAS CHARGE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention An electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system to separate combined particles of dissimilar substances and recombination into combined particles of similar substance.

2. Description of the Prior Art The science of contamination control has rapidly advanced in the last several years. It has been determined that over 98.5 per cent of atmospheric dust and con taminates comprise fine particles (three-forths of a micron and smaller). These fine particles will not settle out but remain suspended in the atmosphere subject to several environmental forces Recently it was discovered that these particles are electrostatically charged which generates an electrostatic force of normally positive potential. As a result the positively charged fine particles will be attracted or driven to any surface or mass of lower electrical potential, precipitation of these fine particles on surfaces will occur. Commonly these surfaces and/or masses of lower electrical potential. refer to surfaces such as walls, ceilings. furnishings, clothing, products, processes and people.

Recently, a system was developed which replaced the entire ceiling area or one wall surface. This massive filter system replaces the air in the room once every minute eliminating any secondary air mixture within the room. In reality the room becomes merely an extension of the air handling or conditioned system plenum. Control of contamination is thus achieved by eliminating the primary and secondary air dilution process used in the more common air conditioning systems. Unfortunately this is neither a practical nor economical contamination control for the majority of air conditioning applications due to the massive filtration system. In addition the primary air may itself be a source of contamination.

The more common systems employ a primary and secondary air dilution process. High efficiency filtra tion is used to remove the maximum number of suspended particles trom the primary air supply and minimizes the first source of environmental contamination. Unfortunately this has a minimum effect upon internal contamination created by infiltration and internal generation of the fine particles. A limited degree of control may result from recirculation of secondary air through filters or other absorption devices. Normally the effect is limited due to the ratio of secondary to primary air. The most recent advances in contamination control has been the agglomerating of these fine particles into larger masses that can be filtered from the conditioned space. This is commonly accomplished by subjecting the fine particles to a plurality of signal generating sources creating a plurality of voltage source fields of varying gradients. Unfortunately as the environmental conditions change during the operation of the system the efficiencies vary due to the operating electrical characteristics.

In addition. various stack gases cause air pollution and contamination. These stack gases comprise molecules of both similar and dissimilar substances. When the molecules of dissimilar substances are separated and recombined with like particles. the noxious stack gases may be reduced or eliminated.

Thus. a need exists for an efficient and effective agglomerating system capable of varying operating characteristics in response to environmental conditions and reduce noxious stack gases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an electrodynamic/electrostatic gas change system. More specifically, the system includes a plurality of electrically charged electrode means and signal generator means.

The plurality ofelectrically charged electrode means comprises a first and second electrode means arranged in parallel spaced relationship relative to each other. The first electrode means comprises a first. electrically charged. and second, electrically neutral. electrode element. The second electrode means includes a plurality of electrically charged electrodes.

The signal generator means comprises a pulse generator means operatively coupled to a first and second output signal generator means. The first output signal generator means includes a pulse D.C. generator that generates a high voltage pulsed DC. output signal. In response to the output of the pulse generator element this PDC signal is fed to the first electrode element which in combination with the second electrode means generates a first variable voltage gradient field. The second output signal generator means includes a frequency modulator generator means to generate a frequency modulated A.C. output signal in response to the output of the pulse generator means.

This frequency modulated signal is fed to the second electrode means to generate a second variable gradient field. The frequency modulated A.C. signal is kept in resonance with second electrode means by the control means which comprises a closed loopfeedback system including an impedance ballast means and phase comparator means.

When used with a closed area. the system does not replace existing collecting screens or filters; it merely allows existing filters to operate more effectively by agglomerating the suspended particles into large particles. Alternately. the system may be placed in an exhaust stack to reduce noxious exhaust gases passing therefrom.

In operation. the electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system is positioned within duct work through which the gas and pollutant flows. In general, a filter or collecting device is disposed upstream from the system to mechanically, intercept and remove the particle pollutants. However, because of predetermined spacing of the mesh sizes used in such collecting devices many of the submicron sized particles are not trapped. Accordingly, the systems is used to agglomeration such particles into larger sized particles so that on recirculation of the gas through the duct work the agglomerated particles are trapped by the collecting device. Of course, the collecting device may be positioned downstream of system so that agglomeration takes place before the initial trapping.

The first and second output voltage signals ff'om the signal generator means generate two variable gf'adient fields through first and second electrode means r ectively. Since the electric potentials and masses 6 ihe particles vary over a wide range these variable gradient fields increase the probability of particle accelerailbh. As a result, combined particles of dissimilar substailt'ies are separated and recombined with particles at like substances. The recombined particles are then electrically charged as the particles flow from the system. Since the second output voltage signal is kept in reso nance with the second electrode means by the control means greater operating efficiency is realizedv Thus the electrodynamic/electrr :tatic gas charge system enhances particles filtration and operates to control the deposit of fine particles within the conditioned space by joining these fine suspended particles into suspended agglomerates which are trapped by the screen element. In addition, odor control is achieved by the reduction of suspended fine particles carrying odorous parasites.

Alternately, when the electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system is used with an exhaust stack noxious gas particles are separated and recombined as particles of like substances as the particles pass through the stack.

This invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in connection with accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the signal generator means.

FIG. 4a through 41' is a family of waveforms of system operation.

Fig. 5 is a detailed schematic of the pulsed generator means.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention includes an electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system generally indicated as 10. Electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system I0 comprises first and second electrode means 12 and 14 respectively as more fully described hereinafter.

Electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system is configured to be positioned in existing duct work or exhaust stack through which the contaminated gas flows.

When used in combination with existing duct work a filter or collecting device (not shown) is disposed across the air flow to mechanically intercept and remove the paricle pollutants. However. many of the submicron sized particles are not trapped and pass through the collecting device. The function of electrodynamiclelectrostatic gas charge system 10 is to separate particles of dissimilar substances, recombination into particles oflike substances and electrically charging the particles so that upon recirculation the closed area the particles agglomerate and are mechanically trapped in the collecting device.

. Alternately when used with an exhaust stack, noxious gas particles of dissimilar substances are separated and recombined as particles of like substance. These particles are then electrically charged and passed from the stack into the atmosphere.

As shown in FIG. 1, first electrode means 12 comprises first electrode element generally indicated as [6 and second electrode element generally indicated as 18. First electrode element 16 comprises a plurality of ellipsoid electrodes 20 coupled through conductor 26 to a pulse generator means as more fully described hereinafter. Second electrode element 18 comprises at least one electrode 28 disposed between adjacent electrodes 20. Electrode 28 is coupled to ground through frame support 30 and panel 22.

Electrodes

20 and 28 comprise a ellipsoid shape to reduce the corona effect. In addition the variable voltage gradiant therebetween created also eliminated the generation of ozone and corona effect.

Second electrode means 14 comprises a grid member 32 including a plurality of vertical electrodes 34 and upper and lower

horizontal electrodes

36 and 38 respectively. Second electrode 14 is connected through conductor 40 to an AC voltage signal as more fully described hereinafter. Second electrode means I4 is insulated from frame panel 22 by insulator 42. The relative distances between first and second electrode means 12 and 14 respectively, and relative field strengths are such to prevent any interaction between the respective fields due to the relative capacitance. This allows the use ofa high voltage source thereby increasing the voltage gradients.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of signal generator means 50 comprising power supply means 52, pulse generator means 54, first output signal generator means 56 and second output signal generator means 58.

Power supply means 52, connected to a standard I20 volts A.C. source through conductor 60, generates the necessary D.C. supply voltages to operate the system FIG. 4 is a family of curves with nominal values for a better understanding of the instant invention but should not be considered limiting in any sense. The DC. voltage output of power supply means 52 is coupled through conductor 62 to pulse generator means 54 which generates pulsed D.C. signals (FIG. 4a). These signals are fed simultaneous to first and second output signal generator means, 56 and 58, through conductors 64 and 66 respectively. The pulse generator output signal may be coupled to additional electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system (not shown) through conductor 68.

As shown in FIG. 3, first output signal generator means 56 comprises pulse power amplifier means 70 and pulsed DC. voltage generator means 72 which includes high voltage transformer means 74 and peakpeak rectifier means 76. The output of pulse generator means 54 is amplified by power amplifier means 70 (FIG. 4b) and fed to high voltage transformer means 74 through conductor 78. The A.C. voltage output of transformer means 72 (FIG. 40) is coupled to rectifier means 76 through conductor 80 where the A.C. signal is D.C. rectified and fed to electrodes 20 through conductor 26 as a pulsated DC. voltage signal, PDC, with an A.C. voltage signal superimposed thereon (FIG. 4d).

Second output signal generator means 58 comprises waveshaping means 82, frequency modulator signal generator means 84, power amplifier means 86 and control means 88. Control means 88 comprises impedance ballast means 90 and phase comparator means 92 as more fully described hereinafter. The output of pulse generator means 54 is fed to wave-shaping 82 where a saw-tooth signal is generated (FIG. 4g). This saw-tooth signal output is coupled to frequency modulator generator means 84 through conductor 93 where the carrier radio frequency output signal is generated (FIG, 4f). The output of generator means 84 is fed through conductor 95 to amplifier means 86 where the signal is amplified (FlG. 4g) and fed as FM AC output signal to electrodes 34 through conductor 40.

Control means 88 comprises a closed loop feedback means to provide resonance tuning between second electrode means 14 grid 32 and the FM radio frequency generator 84. Thus tuned resonance may be achieved in one of two configurations. The impedance of ballast means 90 may be varied (FIG. 4i) by phase comparator output signal (FIG. 411) through conductor 94 to maintain the overall load impedance at resonance. Alternately, the frequency of frequency modulator generator means 84 may be controlled by phase comparator means 92 through conductor 96.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of pulsed D.C. generator means 72 comprising high voltage transformer means 74 and rectifier means 76. Transformer means 74 includes primary and

secondary windings

100 and 102 respectively. The output of amplifier means 70 is imposed across primary winding 100 through conductors 104 and 106. Both

windings

100 and 102 are center tapped. Capacitor 108 and resistor 110 are connected across conductors 104 and 106 by conductor 112 which is in turn coupled to primary 100 through conductor 114. Rectifier diode 116 is coupled to the top and center of secondary 102 by conductor ll8/capacitor 120 and conductor 122. Rectifier diode 124 is coupled to diode 116 through capacitor 126. Capacitor 128 is coupled to center top through capacitor 126 and bottom of sec ondary 102 through conductor 130.

In operation the gas is passed through a filter or collecting device (not shown) where the larger suspended particles are trapped. The small fine particles are carried along with the flow of the gas to electrodynamic- [electrostatic gas charge system 10. As the particles pass through first electrode means 12 particles of dissimilar substances are separated and recombined into particles of like substances by the action of the pulsed DC. voltage signal. The variable gradient of the field increases the probability of acceleration and separation of the particles.

As gas continues rearwardly through the second electrode means 14 the recombined particles are electrically charged. Since the AC voltage signal is kept in resonance with second electrode means 14 by control means 88, a greater operating efficiency is realized. Accordingly, the electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system is used to agglomerate such particles into larger sized particles so that as the gas recirculates through the closed area the particles are flocculated. In addition. the odor causing parasites are electrically attracted to the particles. The larger particles are trapped by the filter or collecting device.

Alternately, the electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system may be used in an exhaust stack. The operation is similar in operation except that noxious gases are separated and recombined into particles of like substance. These particles are electrically charged and passed into the atmosphere,

Thus, electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system 10 enhances the particle filteration and operates to control the deposit of fine particles within the conditioned space. In addition, odor control is accomplished by the reduction of suspended particles carrying odorous parasites. These odorous contaminant parasites are attracted to the agglomerate in the return air and are separated therefrom within the electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system 10 thus reducing the irritation and unpleasant odors from suspended fine particles.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above,

among those made apparent from the preceeding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and article without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features of the invention herein described. and all state ments of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Now that the invention has been described,

What is claimed is:

1. An electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system configured for operation within a gas stream, said electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system comprising a first and second electrode means, signal generator means including first and second output signal generator means generating a first and second output voltage signal respectively, said first electrode means operatively coupled to said first output signal generator means to receive said first output voltage signal, said second electrode operatively coupled to said second output signal generator means to receive said second output voltage signal, said signal generating means fur ther including control means to vary said second output voltage signal with changes in environmental conditions, said first and second electrode means generating a first and second voltage gradient field respectively.

2. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 1 wherein said first electrode means comprises first and second electrode element, said first electrode element operatively coupled to said first signal generator means to receive said first output voltage signal and said second electrode element operatively coupled to different voltage potential such that a voltage gradient is cooperatively formed therebetween.

3. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 2 wherein said first electrode element comprises a plurality of charged electrodes disposed across the gas stream and said second electrode element comprises at least one neutral electrode operatively disposed between adjacent charged electrodes to generate said voltage gradient therebetween.

4. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 3 wherein said charged electrodes and said neutral electrode each comprise an ellipsoid element to cooperatively form a variable voltage gradient therebetween.

5. The elctrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 1 wherein said second electrode means comprises a grid-like frame including a plurality of charged electrodes disposed across the gas stream.

6. The elctrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 1 wherein said signal generator means comprises first and second output signal generator means to generate said first and second output voltage signals respectively.

7. The electrodynamic/electrostritic gas charge system of claim 6 wherein said signal generator means further includes pulse generator means coupled to said first and second output signal generator means to generate said first and second output voltage signals 8. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 7 wherein said first and second output voltage signals are synchronous relative to each other.

9. The electrodynarnic[electrostatic gas charge system of claim 7 wherein said first output signal generator means comprises pulsed voltage generator means including a recitifier means to generate said first output signal voltage in response to the output of said pulse generator means.

10. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 9 wherein said first output voltage signal comprises a pulsed DC voltage signal.

ll. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 8 wherein said pulsed DC. voltage component and AC. voltage component imposed thereon.

12. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system ofclaim 7 wherein said second output signal generator means comprises modulator signal generator means to generate said second output voltage signal in response to the output of said pulse generator means.

13. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim [2 wherein said second output voltage signal comprises a modulated oltage signal 14. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 13 wherein said second output signal generator means includes a wave shaping means coupled between said pulse generator means and said modulator signal generator means to modulate said second output voltage signal.

15. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge sys' tem of claim 13 wherein said second output signal generator means further includes control means to control said second output voltage signal.

16. The elctrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 15 wherein said second output voltage signal comprises a frequency modulated voltage signal, and said control means a closedloop feedback system coupled between said second electrode means and said modulator signal generator means such that said second output voltage signal is in resonant frequency of said second electrode means 17. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 16 wherein said control means comprises an impedance ballast means to vary the load impedance of said second electrode means.

18. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 16 wherein said control means includes frequency phase comparator means to vary the frequency of said second output voltage signal to maintain UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,892,5LF4 Dated July 1, 1975 Inventor(s) Hans O. Haupt It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 8, delete "change" and insert therefor charge Column 2, line 25, delete "means" and insert therefor element Signed and Scaled this Third Day Of August 1976 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer Commissioner of Parents and Trademarks

Claims

1. AN ELECTRODYNAMIC/ELECTROSTATIC GAS CHARGE SYSTEM CONFIGURED FOR OPERATION WITHIN A GAS STREAM, SAID ELECTRODYNAMIC/ELECTROSTATIC GAS CHARGE SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRST AND SECOND ELECTRODE MEANS, SIGNAL GENERATOR MEANS INCLUDING FIRST AND SECOND OUTPUT SIGNAL GENERATOR MEANS GENERATING A FIRST AND SECOND OUTPUT VOLTAGE SIGNAL RESPECTIVELY, SAID FIRST ELECTRODE MEANS OPERATIVELY COUPLED TO SAID FIRST OUTPUT SIGNAL GENERATOR MEANS TO RECEIVE SAID FIRST OUTPUT VOLTAGE SIGNAL, SAID SECOND ELECTRODE OPERATIVELY COUPLED TO SAID SECOND OUTPUT SIGNAL GENERATOR MEANS TO RECEIVE SAID SECOND OUTPUT VOLTAGE SIGNAL, SAID SIGNAL GENERATING MEANS FURTHER INCLUDING CONTROL MEANS TO VARY SAID SECOND OUTPUT VOLTAGE SIGNAL WITH CHANGES IN ENVIROMENTAL CONDITIONS, SAID FIRST AND SECOND ELECTRODE MEANS GENERATING A FIRST AND SECOND VOLTAGE GRADIENT FIELD RESPECTIVELY.

7. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 6 wherein said signal generator means further includes pulse generator means coupled to said first and second output signal generator means to generate said first and second output voltage signals.

8. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 7 wherein said first and second output voltage signals are synchronous relative to each other.

9. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 7 wherein said first output signal generator means comprises pulsed voltage generator means including a recitifier means to generate said first output signal voltage in response to the output of said pulse generator means.

10. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 9 wherein said first output voltage signal comprises a pulsed D.C. voltage signal.

11. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 8 wherein said pulsed D.C. voltage component and A.C. voltage component imposed thereon.

12. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 7 wherein said second output signal generator means comprises modulator signal generator means to generate said second output voltage signal in response to the output of said pulse generator means.

13. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 12 wherein said second output voltage signal comprises a modulated voltage signal.

14. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 13 wherein said second output signal generator means includes a wave shaping means coupled between said pulse generator means and said modulator signal generator means to modulate said second output voltage signal.

15. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 13 wherein said second output signal generator means further includes control means to control said second output voltage signal.

16. The elctrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 15 wherein said second output voltage signal comprises a frequency modulated voltage signal, and said control means a closedloop feedback system coupled between said second electrode means and said modulator signal generator means such that said second output voltage signal is in resonant frequency of said second electrode means.

17. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 16 wherein said control means comprises an impedance ballast means to vary the load impedance of said second electrode means.

18. The electrodynamic/electrostatic gas charge system of claim 16 wherein said control means includes frequency phase comparator means to vary the frequency of said second output voltage signal to maintain resonance.