Chemistry: electrical and wave energy – Processes and products – Electrostatic field or electrical discharge
Patent
1988-07-18
1990-10-30
Niebling, John F.
Chemistry: electrical and wave energy
Processes and products
Electrostatic field or electrical discharge
204165, 204168, 204169, 204176, 204179, 31323131, 31323141, 42218604, 42218607, 42218612, 42218615, 42218618, 42218619, 4221862, 42218621, 42218622, B01J 1908, C01B 1311
Patent
active
049666665
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a fluid energizing apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
Various fluids may be energized, thereby dissociating one or more electrons from a molecule and allowing recombination in an altered form. This process is particularly useful in the generation of ozone (O.sub.3) from either oxygen (O.sub.2) or air and is additionally useful in the reduction of complex organic molecules into simple compounds or elemental matter.
Ozone is a metastable substance. The synthesis of ozone from its ingredients is characterized by numerous contradictions in both kinetic and thermodynamic considerations. Large deviations between the theoretical data and the values attainable in practice are encountered. Ozone is, however, a powerful oxidizing agent and when dissolved in water forms a bleaching-sterilizing solution suitable for sterilizing instruments, such as those used in medical procedures.
Most ozone is generated through a corona discharge technique. Approximately 88% to 90% of the power applied in the corona discharge technique is transformed into heat, which contributes to the dissociation of the ozone which is formed. Above 373.degree. K, ozone decomposes. Known corona discharge units are fairly large, on the order of 0.1 cubic meter, and require permanent installation. Such units are generally powered by 220 vac and will draw approximately 20 amps and 1.5 kw. The result is a conversion rate of approximately 2% oxygen to ozone. Generally, some type of cooling is required throughout the conversion process, either to chill the feedstock gas or to cool the conversion chamber.
The corona discharge technique supplies enough energy to energize an oxygen atom to a level slightly above its first ionization potential which is approximately 13 ev per molecule. This level is sufficient to dissociate the electrons in the outer, or third ring. To dissociate electrons from the second ring requires approximately 35 ev and the removal of all electrons from the atoms requires approximately 55 ev. With known ozone generators, application of energy sufficient to dissociate electrons in the second or third ring generates enough heat to destroy the ozone already produced and may destroy the generator.
Toxic organic products are particularly difficult to neutralize. Polychloride biphenyls (PCBs) are known carcinogens and pose a threat to current and future life. Organic compounds, such as benzene, are also toxic to animal and plant life and must be neutralized or placed in long-life sealed containers prior to disposal.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The energizer of the instant invention includes an electric discharge apparatus for creating an electric discharge and a focusing mechanism for focusing the electric discharge on a fluid to be energized. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the focusing mechanism takes the form of a dielectric core which is constructed and arranged to focus the electric discharge into a passage formed about the periphery of the core thereby enabling the use of energy levels substantially higher than would be possible without the focusing means. An alternate form uses a substantially flat plate having a fluid passage formed therein.
A method of energizing a fluid is taught which includes introducing the fluid into a confined region, providing an electric discharge for energizing the fluid and focusing the discharge into the confined region.
A power supply for the electric discharge has a range of about 20 kv to 320 kv and a slew rate of at least 1300 volts per microsecond.
Although the primary example used herein deals with the formation of ozone from oxygen, it should be appreciated that the method and apparatus of the invention are useful to promote the change in state of any fluid material, whether allotropic or non-allotropic.
These and other objects and advantages of the instant invention will become more fully apparent as the description which follows is read in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fluid en
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Niebling John F.
Ryser David G.
Waltonen Laboratories
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