Abstract Apparatus and method are disclosed for high efficiency electrical conversion of oxygen to ozone. An oxygen-containing gas is passed upwardly through a particulate dielectric contained between spaced electrode surfaces, whereby a fluidized bed is established consisting of a suspension of said dielectric particles in the streaming gas. Means are present for simultaneously maintaining a silent electrical discharge across the spaced electrodes and through the fluidized bed. The bed acts as a highly effective heat sink and also promotes the presence of high-frequency components in the current waves passing between electrodes, as a result of which increased electrical efficiency and increased ozone output is enabled in the conversion process.
A method according to claim 1 wherein said discharge is maintained by an A.C. electric field established across said fluidized bed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
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A method according to claim 1 further including continuously collecting the gases exuding from said bed, separating the dielectric particles entrained in said gases, and returning said separated particles to said bed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
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A method according to claim 1 wherein the particles of said dielectric are in the size range of from about 100 to about 300 microns, and are contained between two surfaces substantially uniformly spaced from one another a distance of from about 1 to about 5 millimeters, the gas velocity between said surfaces being from about 1 to about 3 feet per second.