Exhaust air purification process and particle module

Abstract

Method for exhaust air purification, wherein an exhaust air stream is passed through a magnetic field (10, 20), a chemical, preferably basic or acidic, solution is sprayed into the exhaust air stream, The exhaust air stream is treated in an electrochemical reaction module (40) which comprises an anodic part, a cathodic part and an ion-permeable membrane (43) located between the anodic part and the cathodic part. wherein the anodic part comprises at least one passage channel (41), preferably a plurality of passage channels running side by side, wherein the cathodic part comprises at least one passage channel (42), preferably a plurality of passage channels running side by side, wherein a supplied reaction gas is passed through the cathodic part, wherein the exhaust air stream is passed through the anodic part for the oxidation of organic components of the exhaust air stream and In a third process stage (3) the exhaust air stream is passed through an electrostatic precipitator (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates, firstly, to a method for exhaust air purification in which, in particular, mineral / organic chemical pollutants, solid particles, or viral particles that are typically transported in exhaust air are removed. The method according to the invention is intended for use, in particular, in the chemical industry, the paint and coatings processing industry, the paint and coatings manufacturing industry, foundries, refineries, the food industry, agriculture, hospitals, and for the purification of general building exhaust air. The present invention further relates to a particle module with which the exhaust air purification method according to the invention can be operated. Initial situation of the invention

[0002] Exhaust air treatment processes are required in a wide variety of sectors, such as the chemical industry, the paint and coatings processing and manufacturing industries, foundries, refineries, the food industry, agriculture, hospitals, and for general building exhaust air purification, in order to remove various pollutants from the exhaust air. "Exhaust air pollution" refers to a situation in which a foreign substance in the exhaust air exceeds its maximum permissible concentration in its natural environment.

[0003] Exhaust gas treatment processes generally aim to remove solid, pasty, liquid, and / or gaseous contaminants that are harmful to the environment and / or have strong odors. The number and variety of these contaminants are very large. They can include, for example, mineral particles such as sand, hair, and infectious particles (such as bacteria or viruses). Exhaust air contaminants can be solid, pasty, or liquid (in the form of liquid droplets). These include, in particular, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), hydrocarbons, non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy hydrocarbons, and a wide variety of oxides such as NOx, COx, and SOx.

[0004] Depending on the type of pollution, a wide variety of methods for treating exhaust air exist in the current state of the art. Conventional treatment systems are inefficient and unable to handle complex exhaust air contaminants or multi-gas pollutants. Treatment processes are therefore usually designed individually for each application and are consequently complex and expensive. If exhaust air purification is required for an industrial plant, it is generally necessary to design the system from scratch. For example, while conventional dry or activated carbon filters ensure a high filtration efficiency in removing mineral particles, they are associated with high operating costs and a significant amount of hazardous waste. Furthermore, dry activated carbon filters have a relatively high CO2 footprint and thus contribute to environmental pollution.Due to the diversity of pollutants present in an exhaust air stream on the one hand and the wide variety of methods known from the state of the art on the other, there is a fundamental need for cost-effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions that enable effective exhaust air purification for a large proportion of application situations without requiring the systems to be redesigned from scratch. Printed state of the art

[0005] WO 2021 / 148211 already shows a particle module with high-voltage electrolysis, an agglomeration chamber, and an ultrasonic nozzle located near the outlet, which sprays a washing solution into the exhaust air stream. The washing solution collected in the agglomeration chamber is returned to the cleaning process via a decanting device.

[0006] From JP H11-342312 A, an electrochemical reaction module is known comprising a plurality of anodic passage channels, a plurality of cathodic passage channels, and a plurality of ion-permeable membranes, wherein an ion-permeable membrane is arranged between each anodic and cathodic passage channel. Furthermore, the plurality of anodic and cathodic passage channels, as well as the plurality of ion-permeable membranes, are arranged in a sandwich-like stack. Object of the present invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for exhaust air purification and a particle module with diverse applications, higher environmental compatibility and lower operating costs. Solution to the task

[0008] The aforementioned problem is solved by the features of the method according to claim 1 or by the features of the particle module according to claim 18. Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.

[0009] Passing the exhaust air stream through a magnetic field has an antimicrobial effect on the air. Furthermore, ferromagnetic pollutants are either attracted to the magnets in the magnetic field or at least influenced in the alignment of their magnetic moments, which facilitates subsequent agglomeration. As a result, ferromagnetic pollutants have no, or at least a reduced, agglomeration-inhibiting effect in subsequent treatment stages. The lower the proportion of ferromagnetic substances in the exhaust air stream, the easier it is to achieve subsequent agglomeration. Diamagnetic pollutants, which are carried by elements of the chemical, especially basic or acidic, solution, are strongly agitated by the magnetic field. This latter effect has proven advantageous for achieving good homogenization of the exhaust air to be treated in subsequent treatment stages.The invention enables the capture, pretreatment, and separation of a wide range of unwanted exhaust air components of various types, such as mineral, organic, and even infectious components (bacteria or viruses). Complex redesigns of exhaust gas purification systems are unnecessary. The individual process stages can advantageously be combined or housed in a single particle module. The electrochemical reaction module serves to achieve catalytic treatment, in particular catalytic oxidation, of organic components in the exhaust air stream, especially odors or other low molecular weight VOCs or VTOCs, during an electrochemical reaction under the influence of an oxidizing agent.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the passage of the exhaust air stream through the magnetic field takes place in a first process stage, in which the exhaust air stream flows through a first, preferably ring-shaped, magnetic device that surrounds the channel of the exhaust air inlet, and / or in a second process stage, in which the exhaust air stream flows through a second magnetic arrangement, preferably designed as a wall permeable to the exhaust air stream.

[0011] The first magnetic array forms a magnetic corona. It cleans the exhaust air stream of ferromagnetic components by attracting them. The lower the concentration of ferromagnetic substances, the better the agglomeration effect and thus the cleaning effect. Furthermore, the first magnetic array causes magnetic resonance excitation of the atomic nuclei, proteins, RNA, and DNA in viral pollutants, resulting in increased movement of the diamagnetic and ionic components in the exhaust air stream and thus achieving better homogenization of these components. The second magnetic device serves to guide the exhaust air stream past micromagnets across its entire cross-section. These micromagnets are finely distributed throughout the entire flow area.This creates a magnetic path perpendicular to the airflow in order to excite and thereby aggregate very small magnetic components in the particles of the exhaust airflow.

[0012] According to the invention, in a third process stage, the exhaust air stream flows through an electrostatic precipitator in which it is exposed to an electric field (preferably under high voltage). In this electric field, particles in the exhaust air stream are charged and separated. The electric field can be operated with direct current or pulsed current. Due to the humidity of the exhaust air stream, an electrolytic process also occurs simultaneously, in which chemical and electrochemical reactions take place on the surface of the electrodes. For example, at the cathode, HC, VOC, TVOC, or NMHC are oxidized to CO2 and H2O. Preferably, the electrostatic precipitator has a plurality of adjacent, plate-shaped anode electrodes that interact with associated, for example, rod-shaped cathode electrodes, and form individual passage channels for the exhaust air stream.Advantageously, the anode electrodes are designed with a corrugated or zigzag pattern. This intensifies the contact between the exhaust air being treated and the surface of the anode electrode. This is particularly advantageous because, despite the humidity, the electrical conductivity of the exhaust air being treated is low.

[0013] Preferably, the exhaust air stream flows through the individual process stages in the following order: first process stage, second process stage, third process stage, and fourth process stage.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is preferably provided that in a fifth process stage the chemical solution is sprayed into the exhaust air stream on the inlet side by means of a first nozzle arrangement, and / or a second chemical, preferably basic or acidic solution is sprayed into the exhaust air stream in a sixth process stage downstream of the fifth process stage by means of a second nozzle arrangement, preferably by means of an electro-pulse nozzle arrangement, and / or In a seventh process stage, droplets are separated from the exhaust air stream using a droplet separator, and / or In an eighth process stage, the exhaust air stream is exposed to light using an exposure device.

[0015] The first nozzle arrangement generates a mist of electrically positive and negative charge carriers belonging to the ions of the first aqueous solution. These charge carriers induce agglomeration through electrical or magnetic polarization of the components of the outgoing exhaust stream, as the charge carriers or ions are in motion (every moving electric charge generates a point-like magnetic field). This results in electrostatic and van der Waals forces caused by the sprayed first chemical solution, which, together with the magnetic properties of the particles in the exhaust stream, lead to improved agglomeration. This also results in improved oxidation during the third process stage. In the sixth process stage, the second chemical solution is sprayed through nozzles, preferably electro-pulse nozzles. This can be a ring of nozzles.The second nozzle arrangement introduces an oxidizing agent, such as H₂O₂ and O₃, or an oxidizing agent containing radicals, preferably OH* radicals, via the second chemical solution. This oxidizing agent is introduced into the exhaust air via the second chemical solution to attack nonpolar particles or molecules and increase the number of polar molecules in the exhaust air. This increases the polarity, which in turn generates electrostatic forces in the pollutants in the exhaust air. The attractive effect of this force promotes agglomeration. Furthermore, the second nozzle arrangement, designed as an electro-pulse nozzle, releases radicals, preferably OH*, H*, or O* radicals, which are also important for the purification effect of the exhaust air.

[0016] This resulting mist (i.e., the mixture of exhaust air and oxidizing agent or radicals) can be passed through an exposure device, which may preferably be a UV lamp, an IR lamp, or a combination of both. The exposure serves to stimulate chemical bonds such as CC, C2, NH2, NO2, O2, C2-Cl, CF2, etc., by excitation or vibration, thereby activating the movement between the atoms and increasing collisions and thus oxidation of the mineral / viral particles or mineral / organic molecules in the exhaust air stream. To enhance the effect of the exposure and prevent the production of excess ozone due to radiation and humidity, sensors (electronic ozone measuring devices) can preferably be used to monitor the excess ozone.On the other hand, irradiation with light, especially UV light, can eliminate microbes in the exhaust air stream that cannot be eliminated by agglomeration.

[0017] Preferably, the exhaust air stream flows through the individual process stages in the following order: first process stage, fifth process stage, second process stage, seventh process stage, third process stage, eighth process stage and fourth process stage, wherein the sixth process stage is located either between the fifth process stage and the second process stage and / or between the second process stage and the seventh process stage.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the sixth stage of the process is located both between the fifth and second stages of the process and between the second and seventh stages of the process.

[0019] As the exhaust air flows through the individual process stages, it preferably enters an expansion chamber. The expansion chamber can advantageously contain the second, sixth, and / or seventh process stage. The expansion chamber, in combination with the aforementioned process stages, promotes the agglomeration of particles from the exhaust air stream.

[0020] The electrochemical reaction module comprises both an anodic and a cathodic passage, separated by an ion-permeable membrane (IEM - ion exchange membrane). The exhaust air stream passes through the anodic passage, while a reaction gas supplied from outside the process (e.g., air or a gaseous electrolyte) passes through the cathodic passage. Here, the ions formed by a cathodic reaction, preferably OH- / H+ ions, penetrate the membrane and initiate an anodic reaction with the components of the exhaust air. In this case, the organic substances in the anodic passage are oxidized and adsorbed by the anode to complete the chemical oxidation reaction of the lighter molecules to H₂O and CO₂, while the heavier molecules are broken down or partially oxidized to produce the lighter molecules.In the case of bacteria or viruses, either a membrane explosion or passivation occurs.

[0021] It is advantageous if the reaction gas directed to the cathodic passage channel is reintroduced into the upstream exhaust air stream after passing through the electrochemical reaction module, as this accelerates the oxidation processes in the exhaust air channel, since the reaction gas contains the strongly oxidizing and active radicals O*, OH* and H*.

[0022] Preferably, the reaction gas is fed into the exhaust air stream between the seventh and third process stages.

[0023] The reaction gas is preferably air, in particular fresh air, or air or fresh air into which H₂O₂ has been injected. Air or fresh air contains water in the gaseous state (water vapor). The oxidizing effect is further enhanced by the electrochemical reaction module. The addition is particularly advantageous if the chemical solution previously introduced in the sixth process stage is acidic.

[0024] It is particularly advantageous that the anodic passage channel, the cathodic passage channel and the membrane are designed in a wave-like or zigzag shape to increase the surface area or the reaction area.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the anodic and / or cathodic passage can be provided with an open-pore, gas-permeable filling (e.g., made of powdered, solidified material). This increases the contact with the anodic or cathodic material of the respective passage. This material can preferably also have a high anode or cathode potential. Furthermore, the anodic and / or cathodic passage, in particular their respective open-pore fillings, can contain an absorbent, e.g., activated carbon.

[0026] According to a suitable embodiment, the reaction gas flows in the electrochemical reaction module transversely or obliquely to the direction of flow of the exhaust air stream, preferably therefore transversely to the respective anodic passage channel.

[0027] It is particularly advantageous if the electrochemical reaction module comprises a multitude of parallel, superimposed arrangements of anodic and cathodic channels, each with an ion-permeable membrane in between.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the first magnet arrangement comprises a ring surrounding the exhaust air stream and consisting of a plurality of individual magnets. Preferably, the individual magnets are arranged in pairs along the ring in a magnetic arrangement N / N or N / SN / S. In the former case, the magnetic field lines of the magnet pairs repel each other; in the latter case, they attract each other. It is particularly advantageous if the paired individual magnets have a magnetic flux density in the range of 1–4 Tesla.

[0029] The second magnet arrangement preferably comprises a type of gas-permeable membrane or magnetic wall equipped with a plurality of distributed dipole magnets. This second magnet arrangement causes the exhaust airflow to pass through a dense network or grid of dipole magnets. Preferably, the dipole magnets are arranged in a regular grid.

[0030] It is advantageous if the membrane is a carrier in the form of a woven, knitted, or nonwoven fabric, e.g., each composed of plastic or metal threads, preferably steel threads. Preferably, the dipole magnets can be arranged at the intersection points of the woven, knitted, or nonwoven fabric or its threads.

[0031] It has proven advantageous if the dipole magnets are arranged along the gas-permeable membrane in such a way that they repel each other.

[0032] The first chemical solution sprayed in the fifth process stage is preferably a basic solution, for example NaOH, KOH, or a mixture thereof. The first chemical solution should be ionic.

[0033] The second chemical solution, which is sprayed in the sixth process stage, is preferably a basic solution, for example NaOH, KOH, or a mixture thereof. Alternatively, the second chemical solution can be an acidic solution, for example H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the second chemical solution contains oxidizing agents such as H₂O₂, O₃, or OH* radicals as an additive. The second chemical solution should be ionic and electrically conductive.

[0034] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the electrostatic precipitator can have a multitude of zigzag-shaped or wavy electrodes, each running parallel to one another, through which the exhaust air flows. This further increases the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

[0035] The exposure unit of the eighth process stage preferably emits UV rays and / or IR rays.

[0036] The invention further comprises a particle module for exhaust air purification with a housing, an inlet and an outlet for air, wherein the following are arranged in the housing: A first magnet arrangement, a second magnet arrangement, an electrostatic precipitator, and an electrochemical reaction module. In addition, the following is provided: A chemical solution is sprayed into the exhaust air stream by means of a first nozzle arrangement (50), and / or A second chemical, preferably basic or acidic, solution is sprayed into the exhaust air stream by means of a second nozzle arrangement (60), preferably by means of an electro-pulse nozzle arrangement. wherein the electrochemical reaction module comprises an anodic part, a cathodic part and an ion-permeable membrane (IEM - Ion Exchange Membrane) located between the anodic part and the cathodic part, wherein the anodic part comprises at least one passage channel (41), preferably a plurality of adjacent passage channels (41), wherein the cathodic part comprises at least one passage channel (42), preferably a plurality of parallel passage channels (42), wherein a supplied reaction gas is passed through the cathodic part, and wherein the exhaust air stream is passed through the anodic part for the oxidation of organic components of the exhaust air stream. Preferably, the particle module is configured to carry out a process according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the particle module according to the invention, an expansion chamber is located between the inlet and outlet, wherein the second magnet arrangement and / or the second nozzle arrangement are preferably positioned in the expansion chamber.

[0038] The first magnet arrangement is preferably located at the inlet of the particle module.

[0039] The reaction module comprises a plurality of anodic passage channels, a plurality of cathodic passage channels, and a plurality of ion-permeable membranes, with one ion-permeable membrane being arranged between each anodic and cathodic passage channel. The majority of the anodic and cathodic passage channels, as well as the ion-permeable membranes, are stacked on top of each other in a sandwich-like arrangement. This allows for increased exhaust air purification efficiency.

[0040] Furthermore, the respective anodic and / or cathodic passage channel can have a gas-permeable porous anodic or cathodic filling. This can further increase the efficiency of the exhaust air purification.

[0041] Furthermore, the respective anodic and / or cathodic passage can be coated with an absorbent, preferably activated carbon. This can also increase the efficiency of the cleaning action.

[0042] Furthermore, the respective anodic and / or cathodic passage channel can be coated with a catalyst. This can also improve the performance of the reaction module.

[0043] Furthermore, the respective cathodic passage channel can be arranged in the opposite direction to the respective anodic passage channel, running transversely, or at an oblique angle to each other. This can also improve the efficiency of the cleaning effect.

[0044] Furthermore, the respective anodic and / or cathodic passage channel and / or the ion-permeable membrane can be shaped in a wave-like or zigzag pattern. This can also improve the efficiency of the cleaning process. Description of the invention using exemplary embodiments

[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a highly simplified schematic representation of an example of a particle module according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention, Fig. 2 a highly simplified schematic representation of the first magnet arrangement, Fig. 3 a highly simplified schematic perspective representation of a section of the second magnet arrangement, Fig. 4 A highly simplified schematic sectional view of the layered arrangement of the anodic passage channels, the cathodic passage channels and the ion-permeable membranes between them of the electrochemical reaction module according to Fig. 1, Fig. 5 an enlarged section of the layered arrangement in the area of ​​each anodic passage channel, a cathodic passage channel and the intervening ion-permeable membrane of the electrochemical reaction module according to Fig. 1, Fig. 6 an exemplary representation of the anodic and cathodic reaction in the electrochemical reaction module according to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 when spraying with a basic chemical solution; as well as Fig. 7 an exemplary representation of the anodic and cathodic reaction in the electrochemical reaction module according to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 when spraying with an acidic chemical solution.

[0046] Reference number 100 in Fig. Figure 1 describes an example of a particle module according to the invention for exhaust air purification. The particle module comprises a housing 101 with an inlet 102 and an outlet 103. The housing 101 comprises several housing sections with different flow cross-sections. In the central part of the housing 101 is an expansion chamber 104, which has a larger volume than the upstream adjacent chamber 105 or downstream adjacent chamber 106. Between the expansion chamber 104 and the adjacent chambers 105 and 106, respectively, conical or inclined housing sections 107 and 108 are provided.

[0047] At the inlet 102 of the housing 101, there is a first process stage 1 in the form of a first magnet arrangement 10. The magnet arrangement 10 is designed as a ring 11 extending around the inlet 102, which can be formed from pairs of individual magnets 12 or 13. The individual magnets are permanent magnets. Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of the first magnet arrangement, with only two individual magnet pairs of ring 11 shown for clarity. The individual magnets 12 and 13 can either have the same magnetization, e.g., N / N and the adjacent pair S / S, or they can each have different magnetizations N / S. In the former case, individual magnet pairs with the same magnetization alternate with individual magnet pairs with opposite magnetizations. In the latter case, individual magnets with different magnetizations alternate. The magnetic field strength of the individual magnets 12 and 13 is preferably in the range of 1–4 Tesla.

[0048] The exhaust air flows through the ring 11 of the first process stage 1, whereby ferromagnetic pollutants are removed from the exhaust air stream. Furthermore, the diamagnetic, polar, and ionic components of the exhaust air are set in motion by the magnetic effect of the first magnet arrangement 10, which can improve the agglomeration effect of the subsequent process stages.

[0049] The inlet 102 is followed by an inclined, widening housing section 109, in which the fifth process stage 5 is located in the form of a first nozzle arrangement 50. This is preferably an atomization nozzle or atomizing nozzle with which a first chemical ionic solution is sprayed into the exhaust air stream to form a mist. The first chemical solution is preferably a basic solution, e.g., a NaOH solution, or a salt solution consisting of water and NaCl. The chemical solution, which is atomized by means of the atomizing nozzle, attracts particles or ions from the exhaust air stream, i.e., macromolecules, with positively charged particles forming the agglomeration nucleus. This results from electrostatic and van der Waals forces as well as the magnetic depolarization of the matter. The prior passage through the first magnetic arrangement enhances this effect.Agglomerated particles fall downwards due to gravity and can therefore be removed from the exhaust air stream.

[0050] Due to the atomization of the chemical solution by means of the first nozzle arrangement 50, agglomeration occurs in the area of ​​the chamber 105.

[0051] In a further, obliquely extending, widening housing section 107, a second nozzle arrangement 60 is located as a sixth process stage 6. This arrangement is preferably a ring of nozzles, preferably electro-pulse nozzles. With an electro-pulse nozzle, the nozzle generates a mist under the simultaneous influence of an electrical pulse. This type of nozzle is used, in particular, to inject OH* radicals, which are oxidizing agents with a high chemical potential, into the exhaust air. The purpose of this injection is to attack particles or nonpolar molecules in order to increase the number of polar molecules in the exhaust air. A second chemical solution, which is also an ionic solution, is sprayed in. This solution should be electrically conductive. Strong oxidizing agents such as H₂O₂, radicals, or O₃ can be added to the second chemical solution as an additive.

[0052] For example, a basic solution, such as NaOH, KOH, or a mixture thereof, or alternatively an acid, such as H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄, or a mixture thereof, can be used as the second chemical solution. The concentration of the solution supplying the second nozzle assembly 60 is adjusted to the voltage or current required for the treatment. An "electro-pulse nozzle" comprises two electrodes in the nozzle head area, as well as a current generator to produce an electrical pulse. The electrical conduction between the two electrodes is established by the flow of the chemical solution, which is injected through the nozzle and is briefly located between the electrodes. The electro-pulse nozzles of the sixth process stage 6 increase the polarity of the pollutants in the exhaust air, which is an important factor in achieving satisfactory agglomeration.On the other hand, the chemical solution injected by the electro-pulse nozzles contains positive ions (Na. + or others), which supports atomization. Furthermore, the electrical impulses produce OH. - -, H - - as well as O - -Radicals are released, which contribute to the elimination of biological components in the exhaust air.

[0053] The second process stage 2, in the form of a second magnet arrangement 20, is located in the expansion chamber 104. This is a membrane 21 made of plastic or metal mesh (comparable to a filter mesh) 21, which is permeable to gas. The membrane 21 is equipped with individual dipole magnets 22, cf. Fig. 3. The membrane 21 is preferably a woven, knitted, or nonwoven fabric, in the area of ​​whose intersection points the dipole magnets 22 are arranged, thereby creating a planar pattern of individually distributed dipole magnets 22. Preferably, the dipole magnets 22 are arranged in a regular pattern in the second magnet arrangement 20. The dipole magnets 22 of the second magnet arrangement 20 can have a wide variety of shapes. Fig. 3. The dipole magnets 22 are, for example, cylindrical in shape. The arrangement of their polarity can also vary. The base material of the membrane 21 can be plastic threads or metal threads, in particular steel threads.

[0054] The gas-permeable membrane 21 of the second magnet arrangement 20 extends through the expansion chamber 104, so that the exhaust air located in the expansion chamber 104 flows through the second magnet arrangement 20 via a large flow cross-section.

[0055] Downstream of the second magnet assembly 20, but still within the expansion chamber 104, is the second nozzle assembly 60 of the sixth process stage 6, with which a second chemically ionized solution is sprayed in this area. Reference can be made to the previous descriptions of the second nozzle assembly 60 in this context. Due to the prior modification of the exhaust airflow by the second magnet assembly 20, an additional cleaning effect can thus be achieved by further modification of the exhaust airflow by the second nozzle assembly 60.

[0056] In the outlet area of ​​the expansion chamber 104 of the housing 101 is the seventh process stage 7 in the form of a droplet separator 70. The droplet separator 70 is designed to remove droplets above a certain size (e.g., above a size of 30 µm) in order to prevent damaging effects of the droplets in the subsequent process stages, especially in the electrostatic precipitator.

[0057] Following the expansion chamber 104, the inclined, tapered housing section 108 is provided, which transitions into the outlet chamber 106. An electrostatic precipitator 30, representing the third process stage 3, is located on the inlet side of the chamber 106. The electrostatic precipitator 30 is equipped with a plurality of individual electrodes, preferably zigzag-shaped or corrugated. The zigzag or corrugated shape of the electrodes generates turbulence in the exhaust air flow, thereby increasing the contact between the components of the exhaust air to be treated and the electrodes. This is advantageous because the conductivity of the exhaust air to be treated is very low.

[0058] In the electrostatic precipitator 30, two different types of influence occur. Firstly, components of the exhaust air stream come into electrostatic contact with the respective electrode, whereupon this part of the exhaust air stream assumes a charge corresponding to that of the contact electrode, so that this component of the exhaust air is attracted to the respective counter electrode and precipitates. Electrolytically, HC, VOC, TVOC, and NMHC are converted into CO₂ + H₂O. Organic radicals can even be formed on the anode side due to the high-voltage field. On the cathode side, a series of electrochemical reactions can occur, either the formation of a radical or of an H⁺ ion, which is reduced [H⁺]. + + e- → H2], or moisture (H2O) H+ according to the following reaction [2H2O+2e - →H2 + 2OH - At the anode, 4OH- → O2+ 2H2O+4e -but also converts other reactions involving nitrates or sulfates [2SO4 2- → S2O8 2- + 2e - ] can occur on the anode surface. Furthermore, radicals, especially H₂, are produced. - -radicals or OH - -Radicals produced on the electrode surface.

[0059] Hydrocarbon (HC) pollution, and especially light pollution such as VOCs, can generally react as follows: [HyCx + (2x)H2O → (y+4x)H + + xCO2 + (y+4x)e - ]..

[0060] Furthermore, an indirect reaction occurs between the electrodes. On the one hand, oxidation occurs through oxygen in the exhaust air being treated, excitation of radicals (H*, O*, OH*) produced on the electrode surface. On the other hand, oxidation takes place near the electrode surface due to oxidizing agents produced on the electrode surface, such as OH*, which is a strong oxidizing agent for organic material.

[0061] Following the third process stage 3, the eighth process stage 8 involves illuminating the exhaust air stream with UV light from an illuminator 80, i.e., using a UV lamp. UV rays with a wavelength of approximately 254 nm and above begin to attack the internal organisms of microbes. Preferably, a range of 254–400 nm is selected. This excites and breaks down CC and CO bonds, which can be dominant in the exhaust air. To further enhance the effect of the UV irradiation and prevent the production of excess ozone, IR lamps are also used in the illuminator 80 in addition to the UV light. This activates the movement between atoms and increases collisions and thus oxidation.Since microbes are very difficult to agglomerate in the exhaust air stream, the main task of the exposure unit 80 is to attack microbes, preferably those resistant to microbial antibiotics, by means of UV and / or IR exposure. Furthermore, the exposure unit 80 can effectively combat or eliminate odors as well as VOCs and TVOCs.

[0062] Downstream of the exposure unit 80, chamber 106 contains an electrochemical reaction module 40 as the fourth process stage 4. This module is designed to initiate catalytic oxidation in the exhaust air stream based on an electrochemical reaction, depending on whether the exhaust air stream has been made acidic or basic by the chemical solution sprayed in the first nozzle arrangement 50. The electrochemical reaction module 40 comprises a plurality of anodic passage channels 41 and cathodic passage channels 42 arranged in alternating sequence, like a sandwich. An ion-permeable membrane 43 is located between each anodic passage channel 41 and cathodic passage channel 42. The exhaust air to be purified is passed through the anodic passage channels 41, while a reaction gas, e.g.,Air containing water vapor, especially fresh air, is passed through it. In the anodic passage 41, as described in . Fig. Figure 6 shows that, in the case of basic exhaust air, an oxidative reaction takes place with the organic material in the exhaust air stream. The flow direction of the cathodic passage channels 42 is perpendicular to the flow direction of the exhaust air stream in the anodic passage channels 41. Alternatively, the orientation of the cathodic passage channels 42 to the anodic passage channels 41 could also be opposite or oblique to each other. The cathodic passage channels 42 are supplied with a reaction gas, e.g., oxygen-rich fresh air, via a suction fan 44 and a supply line 45. This fresh air absorbs the anode electrons to trigger, for example, the following chemical reactions, whereby the moisture (H₂O) and the oxygen in the fresh air contribute to the formation of OH⁻. - Ions enable: Cathodic side: H2O + O2 + 4e - → 4OH - E= 0.4 V or in the case the exhaust air contains droplets 2H2O + 2e - → H2 + 2OH - E= -0.8 V Anodic side: TVOC +OH - → CO2 + H2O + e -

[0063] An electrical voltage E is applied across conductors 47 and 48, and electrons e- are transported from the anode to the cathode. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the reaction gas exiting the electrochemical reaction module 40 can be fed back into the exhaust air stream via a return channel 46 upstream, preferably in the region of the obliquely tapered housing section 108. This reintroduced gas contains radicals and oxidizing agents that accelerate the oxidation in the exhaust air stream.

[0064] Instead of injecting fresh air, fresh air mixed with H₂O₂ can also be used as a reaction gas to increase the chemical decomposition potential. Fresh air mixed with H₂O₂ initiates a further reaction, namely the reaction of H₂O₂ + 2H₂. + +2e - →2H2O (E = 1.77V) is required. The addition of H2O2 is particularly effective when the second chemical solution of the sixth process step 6 is acidic.

[0065] According to a special embodiment, the anodic passage channel 41 and the cathodic passage channel 42 can be, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows each electrode filled with an open-pore material 41a, 42a. These are therefore each a type of foam electrode. This open-pore filling material itself can have an anode or cathode potential. The electrode material can also contain or be coated with an absorbent, for example, activated carbon.

[0066] Fig. Figure 7 shows an alternative oxidative reaction with the organic material (e.g., TVOC) in acidic exhaust air. The following reactions, for example, occur: Cathodic side: H2O2 + 2H + 2e- → 2H2O E = 1.77 V or in the case the exhaust air contains droplets 1 / 4O2+H+e-→1 / 2H2O E= 1.23 V Anodic side: TVOC + OH- → CO2 + H2O + e-

[0067] Here too, the organic components undergo oxidation, as shown in the following. Fig. 7 is visible.

[0068] The present invention offers numerous advantages and represents an excellent alternative to existing particle filter solutions, such as dry filters. The exhaust air purification method or particle module according to the invention can be easily integrated into existing systems for a variety of cleaning purposes. It results in only a minimal pressure drop and, compared to conventional methods, produces less hazardous waste and lower CO2 emissions. It contains no toxic chemicals and poses no risk of explosion or fire. Complex and expensive redesigns due to differing cleaning objectives are unnecessary, as the inventive method or particle module offers a cleaning process that is not limited to specific cleaning requirements.Due to the aforementioned advantages, the ongoing costs incurred by the exhaust air purification process according to the invention are considerably lower compared to conventional exhaust air purification processes. The same applies to maintenance costs.

[0069] Finally, it should be noted that combinations of features of the aforementioned designs and arrangements are also expressly considered to be part of the invention. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1. First stage of the procedure 10 first magnet arrangement 11 Ring 12 individual magnets 13 single magnets 2 second stage of the procedure 20 second magnet arrangement 21 Membrane 22 Dipole magnet 3 third stage of the procedure 30 electrostatic precipitators 4 fourth stage of the procedure 40 electrochemical reaction module 41 anodic passage channel 41a open-pore filling 42 cathodic passage channels open-pore 42a Filling 43 Membranes 44 suction blowers 45 Supply line 46 Feedback channel 47 leaders 48 ladders 5 fifth stage of the procedure 50 first nozzle arrangement 6 sixth stage of the procedure 60 second nozzle arrangement 7 seventh stage of the procedure 70 droplet separators 8 eighth stage of the procedure 80 Exposure equipment 100 particle module 101 cases 102 Admission 103 Outlet 104 Expansion Chamber 105th Chamber 106th Chamber 107 sloping housing area 108 sloping housing area 109 sloping housing area

Claims

[1] Method for purifying exhaust air, wherein an exhaust air stream is passed through a magnetic field (10, 20), a chemical, preferably basic or acidic, solution is sprayed into the exhaust air stream, The exhaust air stream is treated in an electrochemical reaction module (40) which comprises an anodic part, a cathodic part and an ion-permeable membrane (43) located between the anodic part and the cathodic part. wherein the anodic part comprises at least one passage channel (41), preferably a plurality of passage channels running side by side, wherein the cathodic part comprises at least one passage channel (42), preferably a plurality of passage channels running side by side, wherein a supplied reaction gas is passed through the cathodic part, wherein the exhaust air stream is passed through the anodic part for the oxidation of organic components of the exhaust air stream and In a third process stage (3) the exhaust air stream is passed through an electrostatic precipitator (30). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the passage of the exhaust air stream through the magnetic field (10, 20) takes place in a first process stage (1) in which the exhaust air stream flows through a first, preferably ring-shaped magnet arrangement (10), and / or in a second process stage (2) in which the exhaust air stream flows through a second magnet arrangement (20). [3] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the chemical solution is sprayed into the exhaust air stream in a fifth process stage (5) by means of a first nozzle arrangement (50), and / or a second chemical, preferably basic or acidic solution is sprayed into the exhaust air stream in a sixth process stage (6) by means of a second nozzle arrangement (60), preferably by means of an electro-pulse nozzle arrangement, and / or in a seventh process stage (7) droplets are separated from the exhaust air stream by means of a droplet separator (70), and / or In an eighth process stage (8) the exhaust air stream is exposed by means of an exposure device (80). [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by, that the exhaust air stream flows through the individual process stages in the following sequence: first process stage (1), fifth process stage (5), second process stage (2), seventh process stage (7), third process stage (3), eighth process stage (8) and fourth process stage (4), wherein the sixth process stage (6) is located either between the fifth process stage (5) and the second process stage (2) and / or between the second process stage (2) and the seventh process stage (7). [5] Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that the second process stage (2) and / or the sixth process stage (6) and / or the seventh process stage (7) is / are located in an expansion space (104). [6] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the reaction gas, after passing through the electrochemical reaction module (40), is fed back upstream to the exhaust air stream, preferably between the seventh process stage (7) and the third process stage (3). [7] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the reaction gas is air, preferably fresh air, or air, preferably fresh air, into which O2 or H2O2 is injected. [8] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the anodic passage channel (41) and the cathodic passage channel (42) are shaped in a wave-like form and / or the anodic passage channel (41) and / or the cathodic passage channel (42) are provided with an open-pore filling (41a, 42a). [9] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the reaction gas flows in the electrochemical reaction module (40) transversely or obliquely to the direction of flow of the exhaust air stream. [10] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electrochemical reaction module (40) comprises a plurality of parallel, superimposed arrangements of anodic pass-through channels (41) and cathodic pass-through channels (42). [11] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 2 to 10, characterized by , that the first magnet arrangement (10) comprises a ring (11) surrounding the exhaust air stream made of individual magnets (12, 13) arranged side by side, preferably the individual magnets (12, 13) are arranged in pairs along the ring (11), preferably the paired individual magnets (12, 13) are arranged along the ring (11) in a magnetization N / NS / S or N / SN / S and / or preferably the paired individual magnets (12, 13) establish a magnetic flux density of 1 to 4 Tesla. [12] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 2 to 11, characterized by , that as a second magnet arrangement (20) a gas-permeable membrane (21) with a plurality of dipole magnets (22) arranged in a, preferably regular, grid is provided. [13] Method according to claim 12, characterized by , that the membrane (21) is a carrier in the form of a woven fabric or a knitted fabric or a nonwoven fabric, preferably wherein the dipole magnets (22) are arranged at the intersection points of the woven fabric, knitted fabric or nonwoven fabric. [14] Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that the dipole magnets (22) are arranged along the membrane (21) in such a way that they repel each other. [15] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the chemical solution contains NaOH, KOH or a mixture thereof, wherein preferably oxidizing agents, preferably H2O2, OH* radicals and / or O3 in the second chemical solution. [16] Method according to at least one of claims 3 to 15, characterized by , that the second chemical solution is a basic solution, preferably NaOH, KOH or a mixture thereof, or the second chemical solution is an acidic solution, preferably H2SO4, H3PO4 or a mixture thereof, wherein preferably oxidizing agents, preferably H2O2, OH* radicals and / or O3 are contained in the second chemical solution. [17] Method according to at least one of claims 3 to 16, characterized by , that the exposure device (80) emits UV rays and / or IR rays. [18] Particle module (100) with a housing (101) with an inlet (102) and an outlet for exhaust air, wherein each is arranged in the housing (101): a first magnet arrangement (10), a second magnet arrangement (20), an electrostatic precipitator (30), as well as an electrochemical reaction module (40), preferably for carrying out a process according to one of claims 1-17, wherein a chemical solution is sprayed into the exhaust air stream by means of a first nozzle arrangement (50), and / or a second chemical, preferably basic or acidic solution is sprayed into the exhaust air stream by means of a second nozzle arrangement (60), preferably by means of an electro-pulse nozzle arrangement, wherein the electrochemical reaction module (40) comprises an anodic part, a cathodic part and an ion-permeable membrane (43) located between the anodic part and the cathodic part, wherein the anodic part comprises at least one passage channel (41), preferably a plurality of adjacent passage channels (41), wherein the cathodic part comprises at least one passage channel (42), preferably a plurality of parallel passage channels (42), wherein a supplied reaction gas is passed through the cathodic part, and wherein the exhaust air stream is passed through the anodic part for the oxidation of organic components of the exhaust air stream. [19] Particle module according to claim 18, characterized by , that an expansion chamber (104) is located between the inlet (102) and outlet (103), and preferably the second magnet arrangement (20) and / or the second nozzle arrangement (60) is or are arranged in the expansion chamber (104). [20] Particle module according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by , that the first magnet arrangement (10) is located at the inlet (102) of the particle module (100). [21] Particle module according to claims 18 to 20 characterized by that the electrochemical reaction module comprising a plurality of ion-permeable membranes (43), wherein one ion-permeable membrane (43) is arranged between an anodic and cathodic passage channel (41, 42), wherein the majority of the anodic and cathodic passage channels (41, 42) and ion-permeable membranes (43) are arranged in a sandwich-like stacked arrangement. [22] Particle module according to claim 21, characterized by , that the respective anodic and / or cathodic passage channel (41, 42) has a gas-permeable porous filling, and / or the respective anodic and / or cathodic passage channel (41, 42) is coated with an adsorbent, preferably activated carbon, and / or the respective anodic and / or cathodic passage (41, 42) is coated with a catalyst, and / or the respective anodic passage channel (41, 42) is arranged in the opposite direction to the respective cathodic passage channel (41, 42), running transversely or at an oblique angle to each other, and / or the respective anodic and / or cathodic passage channel (41, 42) and / or the ion-permeable membrane (43) is shaped in a wave-like or zig-zag shape.

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