Gas separation: apparatus – Electric field separation apparatus – And radioactive or ultraviolet light ionizer
Patent
1996-04-09
1997-10-28
Chiesa, Richard L.
Gas separation: apparatus
Electric field separation apparatus
And radioactive or ultraviolet light ionizer
55279, 96 17, 422 24, B03C 3016
Patent
active
056813740
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for the separation of microscopic particles out of air.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART
In normal indoor air, generally large quantities of microscopic and ultra-microscopic particles exist even in those cases where the incoming air is filtered in conventional filters before it is let in. One explanation to this phenomenon is that these filters are only capable of removing comparatively large constituents, i.e., generally speaking visible particles, while microscopic and ultra-microscopic particles pass the filters without being withheld. Another explanation is that in a room, different activities per se cause emissions of particles, man and animal being important particle-producing sources. Thus, investigations have shown that, e.g., such an ordinary activity as human walking gives rise to about 5 to 7 million particles per minute, while for instance physical exercising brings about 15 to 30 million particles per minute. The micro particles existing indoors can be of a most varied character, being composed of for instance mites, bacteria, virus, pollen, spores, dust, fibers, fumes, gases, etc. Under some circumstances, the existence of micro particles is without significance. However, under other circumstances it can be most aggravating, for instance at the manufacturing of most sensitive products, such as drugs, computer chips and similar, or for allergics and others who are oversensitive in one way or another to certain substances in the air.
In order to overcome the above related problems, a number of different arrangements and devices have been developed, e.g., a type of circulation apparatus that takes in air via an inlet, makes it pass one or several micro-filters and then blows out the cleaned air into the room. The micro-filters in such apparatus can inter alia be made of layers of polymer fibers (for instance so called electrete fibers which are marketed under the name FILTRETE) which form electrostatically charged dipoles, these dipoles being able to attract to their surfaces also microscopic particles, i.e., particles which are smaller than 1 .mu.m. Although the fibers in this filter layer are interlaced into a fluffy, low-resistant network, this network becomes substantially immobile and stable and the micro particles agglomerate in the randomly or irregularly shaped cavities between its fibers. For instance, initially after the manufacture of the electrete fibers their dipoles can have a relatively high electrostatic charge, which however can only be upheld for a certain, limited period of time. Gradually, the charge will diminish and eventually it will almost disappear. The fibers of the filter layer will then loose their capability of attracting and binding the micro particles, what in turn can cause a drastic deterioration of the separation capacity of the filter. In other words, the filter of the apparatus gets a limited life and, therefore, requires a careful surveillance.
Further, in SU 1 125 053 a device is disclosed, having a particle separator that comprises a multitude of elongated and flexible elements in the form of polymer film strips, these strips being held together at one end in a frame structure. In their loose, deformable portions downstreams of the holding frame structure, these elements are arranged to be set in motion relative to each other by the passing air, thereby continuously effecting a rubbing of the elements against each other during running, thus generating a static electricity with the purpose of attracting micro particles out of the air. It is true that by this known construction, which represents the prior art as accounted for in the preamble of appended claim 1, a continuous charging of the elements with static electricity is attained by the influence of the passing air. However, a serious disadvantage of this known arrangement is that the frame structure consists of a simple wire grating of a small or even non-existent axial extension, through which the air can pass with
REFERENCES:
patent: 2277712 (1942-03-01), Otto
patent: 2593869 (1952-04-01), Fruth
patent: 3744216 (1973-07-01), Halloran
patent: 3798879 (1974-03-01), Schmidt-Burbach et al.
Derwent's abstract, No. 85-139861/23, 233k 8523, Abstract of SU, 1125053 (As UKR Phys Org Che), 23 Nov. 1984.
Chiesa Richard L.
Freshman AB
LandOfFree
Device for the separation of microscopic particles out of air does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device for the separation of microscopic particles out of air, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device for the separation of microscopic particles out of air will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1023111