ZA200603655B - Apparatus and method for reducing and removing airborne oxidized particulates - Google Patents

Description

APP_ARATUS AND METHOD FOR REDUCING AND REMOVING

AIRBORNE OXIDIZED PARTICULATES

C_ROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of the following Republic of Kazakhstart patent applications: application number 2003/1474.1, filed November 17, 2003, now preliminary patent number 14236; application number 2003/14-75.0, filed November 17, 2003, now preliminary patent number 14237; application number 2003/1635.1, filed

December 1, 2-003, now preliminary patent number 14238; app lication number 2003/1686.1, £iled December 10, 2003, now preliminary patent: number 14312; application number 2004/0O911.1, filed June 28, 2004; and application num ber 2004/0924.1, filed JL ane 30, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to apparatus and methods for reducing airborne oxidized partic-ulates and, more particularly, to apparatus and nmethods for treating an ai-r flow containing pollutants generated from the burning of fossil fuels, waste, etc., to redvace the oxides to el_emental material and water, and to remove elem-ental material from the aair flow. The appaaratus and methods of the present invention also -1make possible the recovesry from an air flow of useful elemental materials, such as element=al carbon (including fullerenes), elemental sulfur, elemental iron, elemental gold, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTI®ON

[0003] «Our environment is becoming increasingly conta_minated both due to a variety of diffem-ent natural phenomena and due to the introductison of man-made pollutar—ts into the air and water by industrial nations around the globe. Ccommon examples of mara- made pollutants introduced into the air include airborne particul ates produced by combustion in Iydrocarbon-burning power plants, incinerators, -industrial processes of

CONFIRMATION COPY~ various kinds like smelting operations nitric and sulfuric acid plants, internal combustion engines, etc. For the most part, such peollutants comprise oxidation products of cazrbon, sulfur, nitrogen, lead, zinc, and other e=lements. For example, since coal includes Skraces of various impurities, including lead, zine, silver, etc., when coal is burned the carbon in the coal as well as these impurities are oxMdized. Finally, the sulfur oxides and nitrogeen oxides produced from the combustion of fuel=s containing sulfur compounds and the comFbustion of fuels that contain nitrogen compounds= form acids that contribute to acid rain, an increasingly significant environmental concern.

[0003] Many approaches have been developed to treating the combustion : products of hydrocarbon-burning power plants, incinerators, industrial processes, internal ccombustion engines, etc. to control the introductio n of airborne particulates from these source=s. For example, coal-burning power plants often employ scrubbing processes that use ca_lcium compounds that react with sulfur oxides to form gypsum. Unfortunately, the subsstantial amounts of waste products produced oy such scrubbing processes present serious disposal problems. Where possible, low-sulfumr coals are used in coal-burning power plant _s to reduce scrubbing requirements, but this incre ases the costs of power generation. Alternatively, sulfur oxide emissions are reduced by— operating the plants at lower temperatures, but this leaves some of the heating value of th_e coal untapped. 10004] Another approach to treating such emissions has been to use electr—ostatic precipitators to enhance the removal Of particulates. In this approach various typees of jonizers are used to create ions that attach themselves to the particulates. The resulting charged particulates are then collectecd as such in an electrostatic precipitator.

[0005] Unfortunately, the prior approaches to controlling the introductions of combustion-produced airborne particwilates have met with one or more serious preoblems.

For example, they have not been able to reduce emissions to acceptable levels, they have been inordinately expensive to build or operate, and they nave been energy inefficient.

[0006] The present invention provides apparatus a-nd methods for treating an air flow containing particulate combustion products to reduce= them to elemental material and water. The apparatus and methods of the invention also pmrovide means for removing the elemental material, leaving a cleansed and greatly improved air flow and making it possible to recover valuable elemental materials where desired. Firally, the present invention achieves all of these objectives in a highly energy-efficien® manner.

[0007] Fullerenes are one of the valuable elementa 1 materials that can be recovered using the apparatus and method of the present invention. Fullerenes are a very dear and industrially important form of carbon comprising a large cRosed-cage molecule made up of 60 or more sp>-hybridized carbon atoms, arranged in hexagons and pentagons. Currently, fullerenes are known in the form of spheriods (*buckminst-erfullerene”) and cylindrical or torroidal shapes (“nanotubes”). Various complex and expensive processes are known for producing fullerenes. Because the processes are so complex, and the yields so low, the resulting product is very, very expensive. The present inve=ntion provides a far more efficient and inexpensive method for producing these materials.

[0008] Since the apparatus of the present invention operates on only a small amount of energy, when the apparatus is used to treat the emissions of a coal-operated power plant, carbon may be recovered from the plant's smokestack and repeatedly re-used to fuel combustion, greatly enhancing the efficiency of the power plant.

[0009] Finally, the present apparatus is also useful #in reducing landfill requirements.

For example, since the invention is so efficient in cleaning -the air, it makes possible the use of incinerators which have been heretofore banned or disco uraged because of the difficulty of effectively co~ntrolling the air pollution that they gproduce. Thus, many materials that otherwise would be incinerated have been land-fille-d, unnecessarily wasting substa-mtial landfill area. If ssuch materials could be burned in in cinerators and treated in the pre=sent apparatus this w—ould greatly reduce the volume of thhe remaining material (primarily the collected elemerntal material) which could then be laand-filled, taking up substantial By less landfill area. Fiarthermore, already buried landfill material may be mined, incinerated, treated in accorcance with the present invention anc returned to the landfill to greatly reduce the volurme of the mined landfill, substantial 1y extending the lifetime of the landfill.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Ti he present invention comprises an mpparatus and method for treatirg an air flow containing particulates and/or oxidized compowunds of carbon, sulfur, iron and_ other elements. The zapparatus and method utilize a receptor having an inner surface, ancl an electrode node Eaaving a body with an outer surface spaced from the inner surface oofthe receptor to defire a reaction zone between the outex: surface of the body and the inrmer surface of the receptor. A plurality of electrically conductive point source electrod _es project from the body oof the electrode node into the reactiosn zone. The electrode node anc the receptor are eleactrically isolated from each other amd the inner surface of the receptor is connected to graound. A voltage source is electrical ly connected to the electrode node.

F inally, means for introducing an air flow into the xeaction zone is provided, for treating the air flow to remcove the particulates and oxidized compounds.

[0011] The apparatus and method may be wased for a variety of different puzxposes.

For example, thae apparatus and method may be use=d for treating an air flow contai ming pollutants generated from the burning of fossil fuel s, trash and other materials to re=duce the oxides to eleme=ntal material and water and to remove the elemental material from the air

VO 2005/046877 PCT/1B2004/003722 flow~ Also, the apparatus and method may be used for trezating emissions of coal-operated powe=r plants to improve their efficiency by recovering cartbon from the plant emissions and reusizng the recovered carbon as fuel. The apparatus and m:ethod may be used to reduce landfZill requirements by burning waste in incinerators and streating the incinerator emissions to recover elemental material which is then landfilled in fam less space than the original unbu-xned waste. Additionally, the apparatus and method nmay be used with mined landfill matemial which is incinerated, treated to recover elemental mmaterial and returned to a landfill as recovered elemental material of a far reduced volume. Finally, the apparatus and method may Boe used to produce valuable elemental material such a- s fullerenes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIRAWINGS

[0012] The features of this invention which are beli_eved to be novel are set forth with gparticularity in the appended claims. The invention, tcgether with its objects and advarntages, may be best understood by reference to the folB owing description, taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like refe=rence numbers identify like elemesnts in the several figures and in which:

[00138] FIGURE 1 is a front elevation view of an apparatus for treating an air flow conta-ining airborne oxidized particulates in accordance witTh the present invention;

[0014] FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the apparatias of FIG. 1;

[00155] FIGURES 3A and 3B are respectively a fromt elevation and a side elevation view «Of a rubber tile of the electrode node body of the appazratus of FIG. 1;

[00167] FIGURES 4A, 4B and 4C are diagrammatic representations of the preferred (FIG <4A) and different possible shapes of the electrode nod _e body and corresponding receptor (FIGS. 4B and 4C);

[0017] FIGUW RE 5 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of the invention in which tlhe treated air flow is recirculated to improve t=he system effectiveness; and

[0018] FIGUIRE 6 illustrates alternative embodiments of tThe point source electrode tip.

DETAILED DESC-RIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Turn#ng first to FIGURES 1 and 2, an apparatus 10) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Apparatus 10 includes an electrocie node body 12 having an inverted cone-shape, suspended above and spaced from a funnel-sshaped receptor 14. The electrode node body and receptor are affixed to a support structuree 16 disposed about the cone and funnel comprising infer alia a series of support beams 1+6A — 16E and generally horizontal members including beams 16F — 16H and other attachrment members, as appropriate, for holding the electrode node body, receptor and ottmer components of the system in place. A series of three generally horizontal support bars 161 - 16K are attached to the interior of electrode node body 12 along its inside top peripehery 18. The three support bars are also joined to a common center 20 (FIG. 2) from which a central support 22 projects downwardly into the interior of the electrode node body =and is attached to the back of the distal tip 24 o fhe injector. Support bars 161 — 16K and cemtral support 22 are made of an electrically comductive material.

[0020] Electzrode node body 12 is electrically isolated frorm the system by suspending the body from horizontal members 16F, 16G and 16M by a series of insulators 26 which are attache=d to the bottom side 28 of horizontal membemrs 16F, 16G and 16H and to support bars 161, 16J and 16K.

®

[0021] Electrode node body 12 comprises a series of interconnected Aluminum frames 30 sized and shaped appropriately to psroduce the desired conical body shape.

Rubber tiles 32 are mounted in these frames tao form a continuous cone structure. A representative tile 32a is illustrated in FIGUR_ES 3A and 3B. The front surface 34 of tiles 32 form the outer surface of the electrode node body and are generally smoo=th, with a series of point source electrodes in the form of sharpoly-pointed needles 36 projectirag from the surface of the tiles. These needles include a s-harp, pointed tip 38, a shaft 40 and an expanded base 42. They must be electrically conductive and, preferably, willl be made of stainless steel or another electrically conducti—ve material that resists corrosiomn and can take and maintain a fine, sharp tip 38. In the prese=ntly preferred embodiment, sta_inless steel needles intended for placement in hypodermic syringes are used.

[0022] The inside of electrode node b-ody 12 is covered with at least - one sheet of an electrically conductive material such as aluminum foil. In the present embociiment, three layers of aluminum foil 44A, 44B and 44C ar-e applied to the inner surface o=f the electrode node body, adjacent the back wall 46 of the ti_les (and frames) with an approppriate adhesive such as polyurethane glue between the back v=valls 46 and the front of the firsst foil sheet 44A and then between the successive abutting surfaces of foil sheets 44A, 44B arad 44C.

[0023] Needles 36 are electrically intesrconnected by driving them thorough foil sheets 44A, 44B and 44C and then through thme rubber tiles until the expande=d base 42 of the needles abuts the exposed back surface 48 of foil sheet 44C. Since all of the= needles are attached in this manner, electrical continuity =is achieved between all of the raeedles and the foil sheets through the electrical contact between expanded base 42 and foil sheet 44C as well as the electrical contact between the basee portion 50 of the needle shaft and the three foil layers. In assembling the apparatus it is preferred that the electrical continuity between

« , e=ach of the needles and the foil be checked with an appropriate conductivity meter, to e=nsure that all of the point source electrodes are intezgrated in a common electrical circuit. [ 0024] While only a few needles are shown protruding from injector tile 32a, in

Practice the outer surface of electrode node body 12 is covered with myriad protruding meedles preferably evenly spaced across the front su_rface of each of the tiles. While the actual spacing of the needles can vary as desired, it Sis presently preferred that an electrode mode body having an inverted cone-shape with a sur—face area of about 22 m? will have approximately 17,000 needles of about 0.35 mm diammeter projecting from its surface, s paced at about 22 mm between adjacent needles. \hile fewer or greater numbers of meedles may be used as needed, it is believed, that tke greatest efficiency is achieved with the greatest practical number of needles. Currently -a spacing of no less than about 20 mm and no more than about 45 mm is believed to be optzimal. Also, in the illustrated e=mbodiment, the tiles are about 4 cm in thickness, a-nd the needle shafts protrude about 40 rm from the front surface of the tiles.

[0025] The point source electrodes 36 used mn the present invention bear special a_ttention. While in the preferred embodiment of FICGURES 1 — 2 these point source electrodes are shown to be hypodermic needles, they may be of any structure that includes a s Tarp point at its distal end. The shafts may be rourmd, flat, triangular, rectangular, etc., as desired. A non-limiting selection of such structures is shown in FIGURE 6. In all cases, at least the distal end of the shaft has a taper leading upp to the tip and the tip comes to a single stharp point. The angle of the taper may vary but as sharp a taper angle as possible is percferred. Appropriate point source electrodes will be observed in the dark to produce a lmaminous discharge surrounding the tip when, as described below, the electrical potential is applied and the tip is disposed in the air flow.

-—

Co = 2006 /03655

[0026] Needles 36 are provided with an electrical potential by electrically connecting a voltage source such as a transformer 52 to electrically conductive support bars 161 — 16K which in turn are electrically connected to thae back of the injector, to the foil and hence to the needles. While the negative lead of the traansformer is shown connected to the injector and the positive lead to ground (which is prefexrred), these leads may be switched if desired. Army conventional electrical transformer can be used. It is preferred that the transformer “produce a voltage in the range of about 10-3000 kV through a rectifier. In the illustrated ermbodiment, a transformer producing 300 kV DC and 250 mA is used. The potential many be constant or may be varied commensurate with the nature of the particulates in the air flo-w, the rate of flow of the air flow, etc.

[0027] Turning now to funnel-shaped receptor 14, it is seen that the receptor includes a continuous conical inner inclined surface 60. The outer cdge 62 of the receptor is encircled by- an annular trough 64. Water is continuou sly supplied to the trough during the operation of the apparatus by a pump 66 drawing watex from a reservoir 68 and delivering the water to trough 64 through supply tubes 70 and 72 so that the water in the trough spills over the out er edge 62 of the receptor covering the entire inner inclined surface of the receptor with a continuous film 74 of water. Since it iss preferred that the entire surface of the receptor be coated with the film of water during the operation of the apparatus, the receptor is rmaintained at as level a condition as possib le so that the water falling over the outer edge oes so evenly about the entire surface of the funnel-shape. In the operation of the illustratezd embodiment, pump 66 supplies water tow the trough at a rate of about 600 m’ per minute.

[0028] Receptor 14 in the illustrated embodim ent is about 5 meters across at its outer edge €2 and about 2 meters in height. Inner incl ined surface 60 of receptor 14 is set at an angle of about 45° and is spaced a distance A of zabout 0.5 meters from the outer surface of inverted cone-shaped electrode node body 12, cre=ating a funnel-shaped air treatment region or reaction zone 45 between the cone and furmnel surfaces. This spacing may be adjusted as necessary or desired to optimize the opesation of apparatus 10. Indeed, conventional manual or motorized means may be praovided (not shown) to move the electrode node body 12 up and down with respect to the receptor 14 (and/or the receptor with respect to the electrode node body) in order to wary this spacing.

[0029] Additionally, it is preferred that the wwater-carrying inner surface 60 of the receptor be covered by an insulating coating such as an epoxy coating 80 which in the illustrated embodiment is about 6 mm in thickness and filled with dielectric particles.

Preferably, this insulating coating extends around thee lip at the top edge of the receptor. It is further preferred that this coating be highly polish-ed to facilitate surface coverage by the water film and to maximize the rate of flow of the water film down continuous conical inner inclined surface 60 of the funnel receptor. Notwithstanding this insulating coating, the water film is electrically grounded as will be describeed below.

[0030] While particular electrode node body and receptor configurations are illustrated in the embodiment of the invention of FICGURES 1-2 (and in the corresponding diagrammatic representation of FIGURE 4A), other configurations may be used. For example, the electrode node body and receptor may “by bowl shaped as in the diagrammatic representation of FIGURE 4B or they may be othervewise shaped. It is preferred, however, that the corresponding electrode node body and receptor surfaces be substantially parallel to or equidistant from each other and that the electrode node body and receptor be symmetrically disposed about a common axis. Also. in alternate, presently less preferred embodiments, the electrode node body and receptor may be simply flat surfaces (FIGURE

4C) carrying myriad point source electrodes as described above with the space between the flat surface constituting the= reaction zone.

[0031] After the water travels down inner inclined surface 60 of the receptor, it is collected in an annular gutt-er 78 and flows from the gutter throu_gh an outlet 90 to reservoir 68 from which the water is drawn by pump 66 after passing thro ugh a filter 92. Gutter 78 is electrically conductive to emnsure that the water film is electrically grounded. While filter 92 is shown diagramatically, a_ny conventional filtering means may be used. For example, an air flotation system may be used whereby lighter-than-water materials collected in the reservoir (like carbon particles, fullerenes, ete.) are skimmed off” the top of the reservoir leaving clean water for retumrn to the receptor. In the illustrated e=mbodiment, reservoir 68 holds about 3000 liters of vevater.

[0032] The present apparatus is intended to treat an air fl ow containing oxidized particulates that is introduceed into funnel-shaped reaction zone 425 between the electrode node body and receptor sur—faces. The air flow may be introduce=d into the air treatment region from different locati-ons in the apparatus. For example, ar annular air chamber 96 may be disposed about the eouter edge 94 of annular trough 64. 'Whis chamber will include one or more inlets 100 (FIGS. 2) preferably oriented, as shown, toe direct the airflow in an annular fashion about the amr chamber. Air chamber 96 has at itss top 102 a radially inwardly-directed annular rmose portion 104 juxtaposed above trosugh 64. The top 106 of annular air chamber 96 has an annular opening 98 from which thme air flow entering air chamber 96 is ejected. A deflector panel 108 is provided encircling the trough above opening 98. Deflector pane=1 108 is spaced from the inner incline=d surface 60 of the receptor to provide an annular openi: ng 110 just above the outer edge 62 ofthe funnel. In the illustrated embodiment, thiss cavity is about 6 cm across. In a preferred embodiment, a guard 112 (shown enlarged) is positione=d just above edge 62 of the funnel to prevent the entering air flow from interfering with t_he flow of water onto the inner surface of the funne=l.

[0033] The air flow containing Oxidized particulates is preferably supplied to air chamber 96 under a positive head of pre=ssure. An air pump (not shown) is used to accelerate the air flow so that it enters tie chamber under a pressure of about 70 mm water column,

[0034] In an alternate embodiment, the air flow containing oxidized particulates may be provided to a central air chambe=r 120 having an inlet 122 and an outlet 124. When_ the air flow is supplied to this central air chamber, it enters reaction zone 45 from the lower part of the funnel-shaped receptor, prefe=rably pressurized as described above. This air flows moves through the reaction zone contacting needles 36 protruding from the electrode node body as described earlier.

[0035] In another alternate embodiment, means are provided for recirculating the ai .x flow passing through reaction zone 45 ir order to improve the efficiency of the system.

This may be accomplished, for example_, as illustrated diagrammatically in FIGURE 5 where a portion of the already treated aim flow in reaction zone 45 is drawn off of the bottorm of the receptor through central air chamt>er 120 under the action of air pump 126 and retumed to air reservoir 96 for reintroduection into the reaction zone.

[0036] The operation of the appamratus proceeds as follows:

[0037] A. Transformer 52 is- turned on to produce the desired voltage at needless 36.

[0038] B. A continuous film of water on the inner surface of the receptor is started by turning on pump 66.

[0039] C. Am air flow containing oxidized particulates imncluding, for example, carbon oxides, sulfur oxides, lead oxides, zinc oxides, iron oxides, a_nd silver oxides is introduced through inletss 100. Where apparatus 10 is used to directBRy treat a high temperature air flow it is preferred that the air flow be cooled by any~ conventional means to a temperature of at least about 60°C.

[0040] D. The air flow fills annular air chamber 96 and eexits annular opening 98, traveling through rea ction zone 45, where the air rises to interactz with the needle tips protruding from the outer surface of the electrode node body. The air entering the space between the electrode node body and the receptor is accelerated to enhance the interaction between the point sources electrodes (needle tips) and the oxidized particulates as a result of the interaction of oxidized particulates and the point source electrodess of the injector. The oxidized particulates in the air flow are converted to elemental carbon, sulfur, lead, zinc and silver by the action of the point source electrodes and drop into wate=r film 74 on the inner inclined surface 60 of the funnel, and are carried off to reservoir 68. Once removed by filter 92, the elemental materi;al may be separated, discarded, processed, etc. as desired.

[0041] E. Afr free of the oxidized particulates rises thromagh the air treatment region and escapes at channel 91 to re-enter the atmosphere.

[0000] The above apparatus may be operated indoors, since ®he exiting air flow is essentially free of undesi rable particulates. Alternatively, it can of c-ourse be operated out- of-doors, preferably with an appropriate rain shield (not shown) protecting the electrode node body, receptor and «other potentially vulnerable components of the apparatus.

Additionally, two or mor-e apparatus units 10 may be grouped or linksed in tandem using a canopy to collect and rec-irculate the air output from channel 91, to a_ct as a failsafe structure should any one of the units fail. In an alternative embodiment, two <r more apparatus 10 are linked in tandem by collecting the air output from a first apparatus using a canopy extending over~ channel 91, and feeding the collected air output into inlets WM 00 of a second apparatus.

[0042] Fullerenes can be produced using the present apparatus and collected from reservoir 68. Preferably, when it is desirable to produce a fullerene, a very clean hydrocarbon source (such as jet fuel or paraffin) is burned and treated by agoparatus 10 in order to minim_ize the presence of impurities in the fullerene final product. The fullerenes produced, incltading Cg, C10, Cgq and C29, may be segregated using convertional means.

[0043] ‘While it is believed that the important and unexpected resul€s achieved in the apparatus and ruethod of the invention are the result of the production of eleemental hydrogen prodeuced at the tips of the point source electrodes by unipolar iorization, which very actively reduces the oxidized particles, applicants do not intend to be 1_imited in the coverage of thes present invention to any theory of its operation. With this i_n mind, applicant suggests the following possible mechanism for sulfur dioxide redwmuiction in accordance wit_h the invention, with other materials such as carbon, iron, silver, copper, etc. being converte to their elemental form by a like mechanism.

[0044] H,0=O0H +H'

[0045] WH +e =H

[0046] 40H - 4¢’ = 0, =2H,0

[0047] &H + 80, = H;S + 2H,0

[0048] 50, +2H,S=3S | + 2H,0

[0049] Or

[0050] S0,+4H=S | +2H,0

[00m 51) Similarly, carbon dioxicle may be reduced according to the present mechanism: [00= 52] 4H+CO,=C | +2H,O [00:53] CO, + 8H = CH, + 2H,© [00 5d] CH4+CO;=2C | +2H,0 [00-55] All references, including publications, patent applications, and peatents, cited here=in are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each referemice were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0056] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referentss in the conutext of describing the invention (esp ecially in the context of the following cl aims) are to be c=onstrued to cover both the singular znd the plural, unless otherwise indicate«d herein or clearly contradicted by context. The ter-ms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “cortaining” are to be construed as oper-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limisted to,”) unless otherwise noted. Re=citation of ranges of values herein are maerely interaded to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value fallirag within the range, unless otherwis € indicated herein, and each separate vaFE ue is incomrporated into the specification as if i t were individually recited herein. All mnethods described herein can be performed in an-y suitable order unless otherwise indicat-ed herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by contexct. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary langi_1age (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminatee the inverntion and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specificatiosn should be construed as indicating any mnon- clainaed element as essential to the practi ce of the invention.

[0057] Preferred embodiments of this invention are= described herein, includimng the best mocde known to the inventors for carrying out the invemntion.

Variations of those : preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of omrdinary skill in the art upon reading #the foregoing description.

The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ sumch variatiorms as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the irmvention to be practiced otherwis € than as specifically described herein.

Accordingl?y, this invention includes all modificaa tions and equivalents of the subject matter recited #n the claims appended hezxeto as permittec] by applicable law.

Moreover, any combination o=f the above-described elerments in all posssible variations thereof is encompassed by the inve=ntion unless otherwise incdicated herein or- otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims (40)

WHAT IS CLAIMEED IS:

1. An apparatus for treating an air flow containing partic=ulates and/or oxidized compounds of carbosn, sulfur, iron, and other elements, comprising: a receptor hatving an inner surface; an electrode “node having a body with an outer surface= spaced from the inner surface of the receptor to define a reaction zone between the outer surface of the body and the inner surface of the receptor; a plurality of electrically conductive point source electrodes projecting from the body of the electrodes node into the reaction zone; the electrode node and the receptor being electrically isolated from each other and the inner surface of the receptor being connected to ground; a voltage source electrically connected to the electrode node; and means for int-reducing the air flow into the reaction zomne.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the electrode node b>ody comprises a series of interconnected electr=ically conductive frames.

3. The apparatuzs of claim 2 in which conductive tiles are mounted on the frames to produce a cone-shapeed structure,

4. The apparatuss of claim 3 in which the point source electrodes project from the tile surfaces into the reac=tion zone.

5. The apparatuss of claim 1 in which the electrode node beody has an inner surface that is covered with electmrically conductive material.

6. The apparatuss of claim 5 in which the electrically condluctive material is an aluminum foil.

. .

7. The apparatus of claim 1 in which “the point source electrodes are integrated in a common electrical circuit.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 in which “the point source electrodes are needle electrodes.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 in which %the spacing between adjacent needles is no less than about 20 mm and no more than about 45 mm.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 in which #he electrode node body has an outer surface area of about 22 m? with approximately 17,000 needles of about 0.35 mm diameter projecting from its surface, the needles being spaced at about 22 mm between adjacent needles.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 in which t-he needle shafts protrude about 40 mm from the outer surface of the body of the electrode node.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the voltage source is a transformer.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 in which the transformer provides a voltage in the range of about 10 —- 3,000 kV through a rectifier.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 in which the transformer produces a voltage in the range of about 300 kV and a current of about 250 mA, through a rectifier.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the receptor is funnel-shaped, having a conical inclined inner surface.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 includings a means for supplying a continuous film of electrically-grounded water on the inner sur-face of the receptor.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 in which the outer edge of the receptor is encircled by an annular trough continuously supplied with water that spills over the outer edge of the funnel receptor to supply the continuous film of water.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 in which “the inner surface of the receptor carrying the water film is covered with an insulating coating,

19. The apparatus of claim 18 ira which the insulating coating is an epoxy filleed with dielectric particles.

20. The apparatus of claim 16 iracluding means for collecting the water travelimng over the inner surface of the receptor ancl means to filter the collected water to remove particulates and elemental material

21. The apparatus of claim 20 imcluding an air flotation system for filtering thes collected water.

22. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the reaction zone is about 5 m in thickn ess.

23. The apparatus of claim 1 in<cluding means for moving the electrode node t=ody with respect to the receptor in order to vary thickness of the reaction zone.

24. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the electrode node body and receptor ar—e bowl- shaped.

25. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the corresponding outer surface of the e=lectrode node body and the inner surface of the receptor are substantially equidistant from each other and the electrode node body and re«ceptor are symmetrically disposed about 2 comamon axis.

26. The apparatus of claim 1 including means for recycling the air flow introd—uced into the reaction zone.

27. The apparatus of claim 1 including means for introducing the air flow frorm the lower part of the receptor.

28. The apparatus of claim 1 including means for accelerating the air flow as iit enters the reaction zone.

29. A method for treating an air flow containing particulates and oxidized con=ipounds of carbon, sulfur, iron and other elements, comprising the steps of:

; , ® supplying an airflow to a reaction zone formed bestween an electrode node havin ga plurality of point source electrodes and a receptor connected to ground, the electrode no de and receptor being electrically insulated from each other and ; applying a voltage to the point source electrodes; supplying a continuous film of electrically grouncied water on the surface of the receptor; and filtering the water after it travels over the surface of the receptor to collect eleme=ntal materials formed in the reaction zone.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the point source electrodes are needle electrodes.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein atomic hydrogen is produced by unipolar ionization at the point source electrodes, to reduce the ox ide compounds in the reaction zone,

32. A method for treating the emissions of a coal-fire«d plant to improve its efficiency by recovering carbon from the plant emissions and reusing the recovered carbon as fuel, comprising: supplying an air flow containing carbon compounds from the emissions cofa coal-fired plant to a reaction zone formed between an electrode node having a plurality of point source electrodes and a receptor connected to grourmd, the electrode node and receptor being electrically insulated from each other; applying a voltage to the point source electrodes; supplying a continuous film of electrically-grounc3ed water on the surface of the receptor; filtering the water after it travels over the surface eof the receptor to collect the carbon produced in the reaction zone; and adding thme collected carbon to the coal fuel.

33. The methmod of claim 32, wherein the point source elect=rodes are needle electrodes.

34. The metlmod of claim 32 in which the air flow is cooled. to at least about 60°C before it enters the reac®tion band.

35. A method for reducing waste in waste landfills by incirerating the waste and landfilling the re-sulting elemental material having a diminisheed volume compared to the initial waste, cormprising: burning waste in an incinerator to produce an air flow Containing oxides of carbon, sulfur, iron and other elements; stapplying the air flow from the incinerator to a reaction zone formed between an electrode node having a plurality of point source eBectrodes and a receptor connected to gro=und, the electrode node and receptor being ele=ctrically insulated from each other; applying a voltage to the point source electrodes of the injector; supplying a continuous film of electrically-grounded water on the surface of the receptor; filtering ®&he water after it travels over the surface of thes receptor to collect the elemental materi: als produced in the reaction zone; and landfilling the collected elemental materials.

36. The metlaod of claim 35, wherein the point source electrodes are needle electrodes.

37. A method for producing fullerenes, comprising: supplyingg an air flow containing oxidized carbon compounds to a reaction zone formed between an electrode node having a plurality of point Source electrodes and a receptor ¢ -onnected to ground, the electrode node and receptor being electrically insulated from eachu other; applying a voltage to the point source electrodes of the injector; supplying a continuous film of electrically-grounded vevater on the surface of the receptor; filstering the water afier it travels over the surface of thee receptor to collect the carbon prcoduced in the reaction zone; and separating fullerenes from the collected carbon.

38. Thae method of claim 37, wherein the point source elec trodes are needle electrodes.

39. Thaemethod of claim 37 wherein atomic hydrogen is pxoduced by unipolar ionization at the point source electrodes to reduce the carbon compounds in the reaction zone and joroduce carbon.

40. Th_e method of claim 35 in which the oxidized carbon «compounds are produced by burning a “hydrocarbon fuel or paraffin,