Plasmasol Corporation

Plasmasol Corporation Wall Township

Edward J Houston

Richard Crowe

Seth A Tropper

Pascal J Ricatto

Kurt Kovach

Michael L Epstein

Erich E Kunhardt

George P Korfiatis

A self-sustained atmospheric pressure system for absorbing or scattering electromagnetic waves using a capillary discharge electrode configuration plasma panel and a method for using the same. Of particular interest is the application of this system to vary the level of exposure or duration of an object to electromagnetic waves, or as a diffraction grating to separate multiple wavelength electromagnetic waves into its respective wavelength components. The generation of the non-thermal plasma is controlled by varying the supply of power to the plasma panel. When a substantially uniform plasma is generated the plasma panel absorbs substantially all of the incident electromagnetic waves thereby substantially prohibiting exposure of the object (disposed downstream of the plasma panel) to the electromagnetic waves. If the generated plasma is non-uniform the plasma panel reflects at least some of the electromagnetic waves incident on its surface. When a multiple wavelength electromagnetic source is employed, the plasma panel scatters the waves reflected from its surface in different directions according to their respective individual wavelengths. The degree of separation between the various wavelength components depends on arrangement of and spacing between the capillaries. Thus, the system may be used as a diffraction grating for separating multiple wavelength electromagnetic waves into its respective wavelength components.

Use of self-sustained atmospheric pressure plasma for the scattering and absorption of electromagnetic radiation

A device for the pre-treatment of combustion air by exposure to non-thermal plasma at substantially atmospheric pressure and a method for operating the same. The device includes an inner electrode having a longitudinal channel defined therein to receive a fuel. An outer dielectric layer is separated a predetermined distance from the inner electrode so as to form a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma region therebetween for receiving the combustion air to be treated. The outer dielectric has at least one opening (e.g., capillaries or slots) defined therethrough from which the non-thermal plasma is emitted. At least one outer electrode (e.g., in the shape of a pin or ring) is disposed in fluid communication with the at least one opening. The treated combustion air and fuel are combined in a mixing region. The pretreatment device may be disposed in an unsealed or a sealed combustion burner.

Electrode discharge, non-thermal plasma device (reactor) for the pre-treatment of combustion air

A plasma reactor including a first dielectric having at least one slot defined therethrough, and a segmented electrode including a plurality of electrode segments, each electrode segment is disposed proximate an associated slot. Each electrode segment may be formed in different shapes, for example, a plate, bar, rim, or plug. The electrode segment may be hollow, solid, or made from a porous material. The reactor may include a second electrode and dielectric with the first and second dielectrics separated by a predetermined distance to form a channel therebetween into which the plasma exiting from the slots defined in the first dielectric is discharged. The fluid to be treated is passed through the channel and exposed to the plasma discharge. If the electrode segment is hollow or made of a porous material, then the fluid/gas to be treated may be fed into the slots defined in the first dielectric and exposed therein to the maximum plasma density. Thus, the fluid/gas to be treated may be exposed to the plasma discharge both in the slots as well as in the channel between the two dielectrics. The plasma reactor is more energy efficient than conventional devices and does not require a carrier gas to remain stable at atmospheric pressure. The plasma reactor has a wide range of application, such as the destruction of pollutants in a fluid, the generation of ozone, the pretreatment of air for modifying or improving combustion, and the destruction of various organic compounds, and surface cleaning of objects.

Slot discharge non-thermal plasma apparatus and process for promoting chemical reaction

A method for activating chemical reactions using a non-thermal capillary discharge plasma (NT-CDP) unit or a non-thermal slot discharge plasma (NT-SDP) unit (collectively referred to as 'NT-CDP/SDP'). The NT-CDP/SDP unit includes a first electrode disposed between two dielectric layers, wherein the first electrode and dielectric layers having at least one opening (e.g., capillary or a slot) defined therethrough. A dielectric sleeve inserted into the opening, and at least one second electrode (e.g., in the shape of a pin, ring, metal wire, or tapered metal blade) is disposed in fluid communication with an associated opening. A non-thermal plasma discharge is emitted from the opening when a voltage differential is applied between the first and second electrodes. Chemical feedstock to be treated is then exposed to the non-thermal plasma. This processing is suited for the following exemplary chemical reactions as (i) partial oxidation of hydrocarbon feedstock to produce functionalized organic compounds; (ii) chemical stabilization of a polymer fiber (e.g., PAN fiber precursor in carbon fiber production; (iii) pre-reforming of higher chain length petroleum hydrocarbons to generate a feedstock suitable for reforming; (iv) natural gas reforming in a chemically reducing atmosphere (e.g., ammonia or urea) to produce carbon monoxide and Hydrogen gas; or (v) plasma enhanced water gas shifting.

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East Brunswick, NJ, United States of America

Edward J Houston