Electrolysis: processes – compositions used therein – and methods – Electrolytic material treatment – Organic
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-08
2001-07-03
Phasge, Arun S. (Department: 1741)
Electrolysis: processes, compositions used therein, and methods
Electrolytic material treatment
Organic
C205S701000, C422S044000, C422S127000, C426S237000, C426S238000, C426S240000, C588S253000, C047S001300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06254764
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for dissociating materials and, in particular, subjecting a given material to a high energy electrical dissociation using corona pulse discharge for such applications as conversion of hazardous material to non-hazardous material, rock crushing, treating milk, juices and/or blood fluids, enhancing yields of crops and the like.
BACKGROUND ART
The use of high energy electrical discharges to treat liquids or solid materials is known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,785 to Juvan discloses a complicated liquid processing system involving high-energy discharge. This system has a firing chamber especially configured to attenuate shock waves and includes hydraulic shock absorbers and a complicated cooling arrangement for the electrodes. This patent is also limited to treating process liquids such as waste, sewage waters, geothermal brines, etc.
In view of the complex nature of the prior art devices utilizing high energy discharge for material treatment, a need has developed to provide simpler apparatus for treating liquids and solids with high energy electrical discharge as well as the capability of treating other materials than that previously done in the prior art.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages noted in the prior art above by providing a simple but effective apparatus for disassociating both solids and liquids for the purposes of improving plant yields, converting hazardous materials to non-hazardous materials, crushing rock, treating medium/medias such as blood and milk and the like. One method employed is the use of high voltage, low amperage corona pulse capable of producing 360 joules within an in-line work fixture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a first object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for treating solid and liquid materials using high energy electrical discharge.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for dissociating a material for environmental benefits, medical treatment, enhancement of crop growing, improved paper making, rock crushing, milk sterilization, gravel surface treatment, precious metal recovery from gangue, rice husk treatment and treatment of trash or waste material such as garbage.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as a description thereof proceeds.
In satisfaction of the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention, in one embodiment, provides an apparatus for disassociating a material comprising a power supply, a capacitor for storing an electrical charge supplied by the power supply, a trigger switch for instantaneously discharging the electrical charge stored in the capacitor, at least one probe, one end connected to the trigger switch for receiving the electrical discharge, the other end being free to release the charge from the capacitor. A reactor, preferably with a medium/media therein is provided with the free end of the probe disposed in the reactor so that the material for dissociation is subjected to the released electrical charge.
The reactor can be either closed, open topped or be configured to have a closed inlet and outlet for either medium/media or material flow.
The trigger switch can be configured to release the stored energy in as short a time as about a nanosecond or greater. The capacitor should be designed to release up to 100 kilovolts in the nearly instantaneous discharge time. A ground switch can also be employed to prevent unwanted discharges.
More than one probe can be used and the electrical discharge can be repeated on a given material depending on the desired treatment. The reactor can also have a material handler to provide a continuous treatment apparatus. Additional material handling and recovery systems can be provided in conjunction with the reactor.
In the method aspect of the invention, a selected material is disassociated by subjecting it to a cycle shock front which is formed by the instantaneous release of the electrical charge contained in the capacitor. Depending on the material to be treated and the type of dissociation, either at least one of the disassociated product, a media, if used, or a material remainder is recovered. Preferably, the apparatus described above is used to subject the material to the cycle shock front.
The dissociation caused by the energy of the electrical discharge can break up the material treated into simpler constituents or modify its make up depending on the material treated. For example, seed such as corn, soya and wheat can be treated to accelerate growing and increase the crop harvest. Other materials for use in the invention include treating paper pulp to whiten it, treating garbage to vaporize organic matter and other contaminants which can then be recovered, if desired. Other toxic material such as PCB's and phenols could also be treated to break down these toxins into non-hazardous materials. Pulverization of rock can also be achieved, either in situ or as part of a continuous or batch process.
Liquids can be treated such as toxic chemicals, infected blood or milk needing sterilization. Precious metals can be dissociated from gangue with further recovery of constituents of the gangue material. Gravel material or the like can be scored to produce a rough surface for subsequent use as a better building aggregate. Wax coatings from rice husks could be removed to permit commercial use of the rice husks for building materials.
REFERENCES:
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Babington Peter D.
Green Daniel T.
Laforet Maurice
Clark & Brody
E/P Technologies
Phasge Arun S,.
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