US4376637A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus and method for destructive removal of particles contained in flowing fluid
Assignee: California Institute of Technology
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Filing: 1980-10-14
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Granted: 1983-03-15
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Expires: 2000-10-14
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas containing the particles. In the specific embodiments disclosed the apparatus is adapted to remove carbon particles from diesel engine exhaust products. The exhaust products are directed to a predetermined location where they are rapidly vaporized and combine with oxygen in the exhaust products to form carbon dioxide. Vaporization in one embodiment is effected by a discharge grid 30 located within an exhaust conduit 22, the grid 30 being chosen so that alternate conductors 32 and 34 defining the grid 30 are spaced apart a distance approximately 125 times the mean diameter of the particles to be removed. A voltage differential of approximately 690 volts is applied across adjacent conductors 32 and 34. Presence of a diesel exhaust particle between these conductors 32 and 34 is sufficient to create an electric spark discharge enveloping the particle, thereby resulting in a rapid vaporization and oxidation of the particle. In a further embodiment, a filter 145 is provided in an exhaust conduit 146. A light beam from a pulse laser 148 is directed at the filter 145 via a light directing conduit 150 or an optical fiber bundle 168. The pulse laser 148 is triggered to generate a light beam when particle build up at an inner surface of the filter 145 reaches a predetermined level. The pulse laser 148 is chosen to have an output light beam having sufficient energy to vaporize carbon particles accumulated on the filter 145 surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Lien C. Yang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 17:44
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01N; F01N3/00; F01N3/01; B; B03; B03C; B03C3/00; F01N3/08; F01N3/10; F01N3/24; F01N3/38; H; H01; H01T; H01T19/00; H01T19/04; F02; F02B; F02B1/00; F02B1/02; F02B1/04; F02B3/00; F02B3/06; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/10; Y02T10/12; Y10; Y10S; Y10S55/00; Y10S55/25; Y10S55/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 50
Claim 1
Independent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for removing particles from a flowing gas containing said particles comprising: means for so directing the flowing gas as to pass said particles through a predetermined location; and means for destructively removing said particles, said means being constructed and arranged to provide a spark discharge when said particles pass through said predetermined location.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for removing particles from a flowing gas containing said particles comprising: means for so directing the flowing gas as to pass said particles through a predetermined location; and means for destructively removing said particles, said means being constructed and arranged to provide a spark discharge when said particles pass through said predetermined location.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
85 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for destructively removing said particles comprises: a plurality of conductors located at said predetermined location, each of said conductors being spaced from adjacent conductors to form a spark discharge grid; and means for applying a voltage between adjacent ones of said conductors to generate an electric spark discharge between adjacent ones of said conductors in the presence of said particles located between said adjacent ones of said conductors, whereby said electric spark discharge destructively removes said particles.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
87 words
The apparatus of claim 2 including a conduit for containing said gas flow, wherein said predetermined location is in said conduit and said conduit is part of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine with gas flow in the direction of the axis of said conduit, and said gas and particles are exhaust products of said internal combustion engine, said plurality of conductors being comprised of a plurality of plates oriented parallel to the axis of said conduit so that said exhaust products will flow therebetween.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising filter means for passing said gas and blocking said particles, said filter means being located substantially adjacent to and downstream from said conductors so that said gas will flow therethrough after having passed between said plurality of conductors whereby particles concentrate between said plurality of conductors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means for applying a voltage between adjacent ones of said conductors comprises: a DC power supply having an output voltage terminal and a return terminal; and means for applying a portion of a voltage between said output voltage terminal and said return terminal to adjacent ones of said conductors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
112 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said conductors are in two groups designated as first conductors and second conductors, and said first and second conductors are alternately located with respect to each other, said means for applying a voltage between adjacent ones of said conductors further comprising: a plurality of energy storage devices each having an input and an output terminal; means for connecting an output terminal of each of said energy storage devices to one or more of said first conductors; means for connecting said energy storage device input terminals to said DC power supply output voltage terminal; and means for connecting said second conductors to said power supply return terminal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said energy storage devices are capacitors.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means for applying a voltage between adjacent ones of said conductors further comprises control means for providing said voltage differential portion across adjacent conductors only during predetermined time intervals.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
88 words
The apparatus of claim 2 in combination with an internal combustion engine wherein said gas and particles are exhaust products of said internal combustion engine, said means for directing said particles to a predetermined location comprises a conduit for containing said exhaust products, said conductors are attached on an inner portion of said conduit along one side thereof, and said conduit is formed on a side opposite said conductors to direct said exhaust products at said inner surface portion of said conduit to which said conductors are attached.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
138 words
The apparatus of claim 2 in combination with an internal combustion engine wherein said gas and particles are exhaust products of said internal combustion engine, and wherein said means for directing said particles to a predetermined location comprises: a first conduit for containing said exhaust products with flow in the direction of the axis of said conduit; a longitudinally-extending electrode disposed in said first conduit with its axis parallel to the axis of said first conduit; means for providing a voltage potential to said electrode with respect to said first conduit whereby said particles will become charged by, and thus repelled by, said electrode, thereby repelling said particles towards an inner surface portion of said first conduit; and means for locating said plurality of conductors defining said discharge grid along said inner surface portion of said first conduit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said plurality of conductors are longitudinally shaped and located along said inner surface portion of said first conduit so that they are substantially parallel to said electrode.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said plurality of conductors are substantially ring-shaped and located along said first conduit inner surface portion so that they are substantially around said electrode.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
104 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for destructively removing particles from said gas comprises: a plurality of conductors positioned at said predetermined location, each of said conductors being spaced from adjacent conductors to form a spark discharge grid; means for causing a concentration of said particles between adjacent conductors; and means for applying a voltage between adjacent ones of said conductors to generate an electric spark discharge between adjacent ones of said conductors initiated by said concentration of particles located between said adjacent ones of said conductors, said electric spark discharge destructively removing at least a portion of said concentration of particles.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 13 in combination with an internal combustion engine, wherein said gas and particles are exhaust products of said internal combustion engine, said apparatus further comprising a conduit for containing said flow of exhaust products with flow in the direction of the axis of said conduit, means for mounting said plurality of conductors in said conduit containing said flow of exhaust products.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said means for causing a concentration of said particles comprises a filter means for passing said gas and tending to block said particles so that said concentration of particles is formed, said filter means being downstream from and abutting said conductors so that said gas will flow therethrough after having passed between said plurality of conductors while blocked particles initiate spark discharges between adjacent conductors.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said means for applying a voltage comprises: a DC power supply having an output voltage terminal and a return terminal; and means for applying a portion of a voltage differential across said output voltage terminal and said return terminal to adjacent conductors.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said means for applying further comprises control means for providing said voltage differential portion across adjacent conductors only during predetermined time intervals.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
212 words
An apparatus for removing particles from a flowing gas containing said particles comprising: means for so directing the flowing gas as to pass said particles through a predetermined location; and means for destructively removing said particles, said means being constructed and arranged to provide a spark discharge when said particles pass through said predetermined location, said apparatus being connected to an internal combustion engine and said gas and particles are exhaust products of said internal combustion engine, said means for directing said particles through a predetermined location comprises: a first conduit for containing said exhaust products with flow in the direction of the axis of said conduit; a longitudinally-extending electrode disposed in said first conduit with its axis parallel to the axis of said first conduit; means for providing a voltage between said electrode and said first conduit whereby said particles will become charged by, and thus repelled by said electrode, thereby repelling said particles towards an inner surface portion of said first conduit; a second conduit in fluid communication with said first conduit; means for diverting a portion of said exhaust products adjacent to said inner surface portion of said first conduit into said second conduit; and means for locating said means for destructively removing said particles in said second conduit.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
212 words
An apparatus for removing particles from a flowing gas containing said particles comprising: means for so directing the flowing gas as to pass said particles through a predetermined location; and means for destructively removing said particles, said means being constructed and arranged to provide a spark discharge when said particles pass through said predetermined location, said apparatus being connected to an internal combustion engine and said gas and particles are exhaust products of said internal combustion engine, said means for directing said particles through a predetermined location comprises: a first conduit for containing said exhaust products with flow in the direction of the axis of said conduit; a longitudinally-extending electrode disposed in said first conduit with its axis parallel to the axis of said first conduit; means for providing a voltage between said electrode and said first conduit whereby said particles will become charged by, and thus repelled by said electrode, thereby repelling said particles towards an inner surface portion of said first conduit; a second conduit in fluid communication with said first conduit; means for diverting a portion of said exhaust products adjacent to said inner surface portion of said first conduit into said second conduit; and means for locating said means for destructively removing said particles in said second conduit.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
163 words
An apparatus for removing particles from a flowing gas containing said particles comprising: means for so directing the flowing gas as to pass said particles through a predetermined location; and; means for destructively removing said particles, said means being constructed and arranged to provide a spark discharge when said particles pass through said predetermined location, said apparatus being connected to an internal combustion engine, and said gas and particles are exhaust products from said internal combustion engine, and said means for directing said particles through a predetermined location comprises a conduit for containing said exhaust products with flow in the direction of the axis of said conduit, and said means for destructively removing said particles from said predetermined location comprises: filter means located in said conduit for blocking said particles while passing said gas through said conduit; a laser; and means for directing an output beam from said laser to said filter means for destructively removing said blocked particles from said filter means.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
163 words
An apparatus for removing particles from a flowing gas containing said particles comprising: means for so directing the flowing gas as to pass said particles through a predetermined location; and; means for destructively removing said particles, said means being constructed and arranged to provide a spark discharge when said particles pass through said predetermined location, said apparatus being connected to an internal combustion engine, and said gas and particles are exhaust products from said internal combustion engine, and said means for directing said particles through a predetermined location comprises a conduit for containing said exhaust products with flow in the direction of the axis of said conduit, and said means for destructively removing said particles from said predetermined location comprises: filter means located in said conduit for blocking said particles while passing said gas through said conduit; a laser; and means for directing an output beam from said laser to said filter means for destructively removing said blocked particles from said filter means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said means for directing said laser beam comprises a light pipe.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said means for directing said laser beam comprises fiber-optic means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising: means for determining the quantity of particles being blocked by said filter; and triggering means responsive to said means for determining the quantity of particles for causing said laser to generate said output light beam.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said means for determining the quantity of particles comprises a flow meter for providing an output signal related to the flow rate of said exhaust products through said filter.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said means for determining the quantity of particles comprises a differential pressure measuring device for providing an output signal related to a pressure differential of said exhaust products prior to and subsequent to passing through said filter.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
85 words
An apparatus for destructively removing particles from a gas flowing along a predetermined path comprising: a plurality of conductors spaced apart a distance from each other in said path of said flowing gas so that said particles can be located therebetween; and means for applying a voltage between adjacent conductors, said voltage being sufficiently high for an electric spark discharge to be initiated between adjacent conductors when one of said particles is located therebetween, such that said electric spark discharge envelopes and vaporizes said particle.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
85 words
An apparatus for destructively removing particles from a gas flowing along a predetermined path comprising: a plurality of conductors spaced apart a distance from each other in said path of said flowing gas so that said particles can be located therebetween; and means for applying a voltage between adjacent conductors, said voltage being sufficiently high for an electric spark discharge to be initiated between adjacent conductors when one of said particles is located therebetween, such that said electric spark discharge envelopes and vaporizes said particle.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said plurality of conductors are parallel plates oriented parallel to said flow path.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 26 in combination with a diesel engine wherein said flowing gas comprises exhaust products from said diesel engine, and said plates are positioned less that 125 micrometers apart.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
159 words
An apparatus for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas comprising: a conduit having an axis for containing said flowing gas in a direction of said axis; a longitudinally-extending electrode positioned along the axis of said conduit; a plurality of conductors positioned along the inner surface of said conduit, said conductors being spaced apart on the inner surface of said conduit and parallel to said longitudinally-extending electrode to form a spark discharge grid; a DC power supply for applying a voltage between adjacent ones of said conductors, said voltage being sufficiently large to cause an electric spark discharge to be initiated by one of said particles when it passes between adjacent ones of said conductors; and means for applying a voltage between said longitudinally-extending electrode and said conduit to charge particles flowing in said conduit with a charge of the same polarity as that of the voltage applied to said electrode, thereby repelling particles toward said spark discharge grid.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
159 words
An apparatus for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas comprising: a conduit having an axis for containing said flowing gas in a direction of said axis; a longitudinally-extending electrode positioned along the axis of said conduit; a plurality of conductors positioned along the inner surface of said conduit, said conductors being spaced apart on the inner surface of said conduit and parallel to said longitudinally-extending electrode to form a spark discharge grid; a DC power supply for applying a voltage between adjacent ones of said conductors, said voltage being sufficiently large to cause an electric spark discharge to be initiated by one of said particles when it passes between adjacent ones of said conductors; and means for applying a voltage between said longitudinally-extending electrode and said conduit to charge particles flowing in said conduit with a charge of the same polarity as that of the voltage applied to said electrode, thereby repelling particles toward said spark discharge grid.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas comprising: a conduit for containing said flowing gas; a filter means located in said conduit for blocking said particles from passing therethrough; a laser for generating an output light beam of high intensity to vaporize said particles; means for directing said output light beam to said blocked particles; and means for triggering said laser to periodically generate said output light beam.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas comprising: a conduit for containing said flowing gas; a filter means located in said conduit for blocking said particles from passing therethrough; a laser for generating an output light beam of high intensity to vaporize said particles; means for directing said output light beam to said blocked particles; and means for triggering said laser to periodically generate said output light beam.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 29 further comprising: means for determining when a predetermined amount of said particles have been blocked by said filter means; and said means for triggering comprises means responsive to said means for determining said predetermined amount of said particles for causing said laser to periodically generate said output light beam.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
108 words
Apparatus for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas containing said particles, said apparatus comprising: first means for directing said particles to a predetermined location; and second means located at said predetermined location for vaporizing said particles so that they will chemically combine with other portions of said flowing gas, thereby destructively removing said particles from said flowing gas, said second means comprising a spark discharge grid of conductors for generating an electric spark discharge enveloping one or more of said particles, and means for applying a voltage across adjacent ones of said conductors to generate an electric spark discharge in the presence of one of said particles.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
108 words
Apparatus for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas containing said particles, said apparatus comprising: first means for directing said particles to a predetermined location; and second means located at said predetermined location for vaporizing said particles so that they will chemically combine with other portions of said flowing gas, thereby destructively removing said particles from said flowing gas, said second means comprising a spark discharge grid of conductors for generating an electric spark discharge enveloping one or more of said particles, and means for applying a voltage across adjacent ones of said conductors to generate an electric spark discharge in the presence of one of said particles.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
99 words
Apparatus for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas containing said particles, said apparatus comprising: first means for directing said particles through a predetermined location; and second means located at said predetermined location for vaporizing said particles so that they will chemically combine with other portions of said flowing gas, thereby destructively removing said particles from said flowing gas, said second means comprising: a filter for blocking passage of said particles; a laser for generating an output light beam having a sufficient intensity to vaporize said particles; and means for directing said laser light beam at said blocked particles.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
99 words
Apparatus for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas containing said particles, said apparatus comprising: first means for directing said particles through a predetermined location; and second means located at said predetermined location for vaporizing said particles so that they will chemically combine with other portions of said flowing gas, thereby destructively removing said particles from said flowing gas, said second means comprising: a filter for blocking passage of said particles; a laser for generating an output light beam having a sufficient intensity to vaporize said particles; and means for directing said laser light beam at said blocked particles.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas, comprising: a plurality of parallel conductors, each of said conductors being spaced from adjacent conductors to form a discharge grid; means for directing said flowing gas so that said particles contained therein will pass between said conductors; means for producing agglomerations of said particles between said conductors; and means for applying a voltage between adjacent ones of said conductors to generate an electric spark discharge initiated by said agglomerations of particles passing between adjacent ones of said conductors, said electric spark discharge destructively removing at least a portion of said agglomerations of particles.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas, comprising: a plurality of parallel conductors, each of said conductors being spaced from adjacent conductors to form a discharge grid; means for directing said flowing gas so that said particles contained therein will pass between said conductors; means for producing agglomerations of said particles between said conductors; and means for applying a voltage between adjacent ones of said conductors to generate an electric spark discharge initiated by said agglomerations of particles passing between adjacent ones of said conductors, said electric spark discharge destructively removing at least a portion of said agglomerations of particles.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
101 words
The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said apparatus comprises a first conduit within which the flowing gas is contained and said means for directing said flowing gas so that said particles contain therein will pass between said conductors comprises a second conduit containing said plurality of conductors in fluid communication with said first conduit, said apparatus further comprising: particle agglomeration means in said first conduit just downstream from said second conduit, for agglomertaing said particles, and means for periodically dislodging agglomerated particles from said particle agglomeration means into said second conduit to flow between said plurality of spark discharge grid conductors.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said means for periodically dislodging agglomerations of particles comprises a means for directing a gas jet across said particle agglomeration means and toward said second conduit.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas, wherein dimensional characteristics of said particles are known, the steps comprising: locating a plurality of conductors so that they are spaced apart to form a spark discharge grid; applying a voltage between adjacent ones of said conductors that is chosen to be sufficiently high for an electric spark discharge to be initiated between adjacent ones of said conductors when one of said particles is located therebetween; and directing said flowing gas so that particles contained therein will pass between said conductors.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas, wherein dimensional characteristics of said particles are known, the steps comprising: locating a plurality of conductors so that they are spaced apart to form a spark discharge grid; applying a voltage between adjacent ones of said conductors that is chosen to be sufficiently high for an electric spark discharge to be initiated between adjacent ones of said conductors when one of said particles is located therebetween; and directing said flowing gas so that particles contained therein will pass between said conductors.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 36 wherein said last step comprises the step of directing all of said flowing gas so that it passes between said conductors.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 36 wherein said last step comprises the steps of: concentrating said particles in a specific portion of said flowing gas; and directing said flowing gas portion containing said concentrated particles to said conductors.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
101 words
A method for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas, wherein dimensional characteristics of said particles are known, the steps comprising: locating a plurality of conductors so that they are spaced apart to form a spark discharge grid; directing said flowing gas so that said particles contained therein will pass between said conductors; causing a concentration of said particles to accumulate between said conductors; and applying a voltage between adjacent ones of said conductors to generate an electric spark discharge initiated by said concentration of particles located between said conductors, said electric spark discharge destructively removing a portion of said particles.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
101 words
A method for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas, wherein dimensional characteristics of said particles are known, the steps comprising: locating a plurality of conductors so that they are spaced apart to form a spark discharge grid; directing said flowing gas so that said particles contained therein will pass between said conductors; causing a concentration of said particles to accumulate between said conductors; and applying a voltage between adjacent ones of said conductors to generate an electric spark discharge initiated by said concentration of particles located between said conductors, said electric spark discharge destructively removing a portion of said particles.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-03-14 | 1994-09-13 | 1995-03-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |