Ignition reduction compositions and methods for catalytically decomposing exhaust gas mixtures

Abstract

A method for decomposing particulate pollutants present in exhaust gas is disclosed. Also disclosed are a composition for use in a method for purifying exhaust gas, and a method for preparing the composition. Also disclosed is a system configured to carry out a decomposition process for removing particulate pollutants from exhaust gas.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 338,616, filed May 5, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Background Art Combustion efficiency has been a challenge to the engineering world for over a century, dating back to the Industrial Revolution.

[0003] Taking sulfur pollution as just a single example, currently, less than 5% of the world's largest ships emit as much pollution as all of the world's automobiles (i.e., approximately 800 million cars and SUVs).

[0004] Currently, existing methods for reducing air pollution problems focus on: (i) improving the quality of combustible fuels (i.e., diesel, bunker fuel oil, coal, gasoline, etc.) by reducing the number of impurities present therein (i.e., sulfur, ammonia, unburned carbon, non - combustible particles, etc.); (ii) using catalytic converters and scrubbers at the end of the combustion process; and (iii) promoting the non - use of carbon - based fuels (e.g., encouraging or incentivizing the use of electric vehicles, wind energy, and other "green" energy sources).

[0005] The main source of air pollutants is the stack. Stacks are essentially small, medium, and large industrial chimneys designed to discharge and disperse hot air, particulate matter, and pollutants into the atmosphere at a height that does not pose a danger to living organisms in the environment (e.g., on the ground). However, the use of stacks is not a solution to the problem of air pollution caused by industrial processes. Rather, stacks only represent a temporary measure to make the living environment more comfortable without eliminating or otherwise addressing the real problems of air pollution and the impact of global warming such as greenhouse gases caused by air pollution.

[0006] Historically, the basic function of a smokestack was to provide natural ventilation for the combustion reaction, thereby providing the dispersion of pollutant species. Generally, under typical conditions, the main focus of stack design is related to the generated ventilation, frictional pressure loss, the structural design of the stack itself, and the selection of the foundation and suitable construction materials.

[0007] With the introduction of mechanical ventilation systems, the function of the stack has changed significantly to one of controlling air pollution through effective effluent dispersion. Stack designers frequently select the height and location of the stack based on meteorological conditions and the desired ground-level pollutant concentrations.

[0008] Other types of stacks include those provided or installed in land transportation modes such as boats, ships, and trains, trucks (e.g., semis), and heavy machinery (e.g., construction equipment).

[0009] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for new compositions and methods useful for removing or reducing the overall level of air pollutants generated by combustion reactions, such as combustion reactions occurring within the stack or combustion reactions that generate air pollutants dispersed through the stack. The present invention provides a "plug and play" method of thermocatalytic exhaust decomposition, which is a unique and efficient solution to any of these problems.

[0010] The electrolysis of water has been studied as a potential means for generating reducing gases. Examples of reducing gases include oxyhydrogen (also known as Knell gas), Brown gas, Tylar gas, Hydrogas™, and HHO gas (also known as Klein gas). Most of these gases, when ignited, induce thermocatalytic heat in the materials with which the gas comes into contact, thereby inducing phase dislocation (e.g., melting or evaporation).

[0011] Certain embodiments of the method of the present invention involve injecting (i) an ignition composition comprising an ignition reducing gas and / or at least one reducing gas, and (ii) a combustible gas into the contaminated exhaust using one or more nozzles. The contaminated exhaust can be, for example, from an engine mounted on a tanker, or from a generator, combustion engine, stack, or any other source that generates pollutant gases.

[0012] According to the present invention, pollutant species (i.e., particulate pollutants) present in the contaminated exhaust are decomposed into thermally and catalytically non-polluting, inert components.

[0013] The present invention is directed to a composition for decomposing pollutants introduced by pollutant gases and a method of using the same.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to a composition for use in the preparation of a reducing gas such as an ignition reducing gas. In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to a method for the preparation of a reducing gas such as an ignition reducing gas. In still other embodiments, the present invention is directed to a method for preparing a composition comprising one or more reducing gases such as an ignition reducing gas.

[0015] The present invention is also directed to a composition and method for decomposing pollutant gases. The present invention is also directed to a composition and method for reducing the amount of pollutant species generated by industrial processes. In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to a reaction vessel or stack in which the composition or method described herein is provided or implemented for decomposing pollutant species. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The present disclosure provides a method for decomposing particulate contaminants at an exhaust source, the method comprising: (i) injecting a reducing gas into the exhaust source containing particulate contaminants via a first series of nozzles; (ii) injecting a combustible gas into the exhaust source via the first series of nozzles or a second series of nozzles; and (iii) igniting the combustible gas in the presence of the reducing gas, thereby decomposing the particulate contaminants.

[0017] The present disclosure also provides a method for decomposing particulate contaminants at an exhaust source, the method comprising: (i) injecting a reducing gas and a metasilicate into a liquid, the injection being accompanied by mixing under turbulent conditions, such that the reducing gas and / or the metasilicate react with the aqueous solution to produce a reducing liquid having a redox potential (ORP) value of at least about -100 mV negative; (ii) injecting or spraying the reducing liquid into the exhaust source containing particulate contaminants via a first series of nozzles; (iii) injecting a combustible gas into the exhaust source via the first series of nozzles or a second series of nozzles; and (iv) igniting the combustible gas in the presence of the reducing liquid, thereby decomposing the particulate contaminants.

[0018] The present disclosure also provides a system for decomposing particulate contaminants, the system comprising: (a) a chamber (e.g., an exhaust stack) for receiving particulate contaminants from an exhaust source; (b) a heat source or an ignition source; and (c) a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle injecting into the chamber either (i) a reducing fluid from a reducing fluid outlet line and a combustible gas from a combustible gas outlet line, where the reducing fluid outlet line receives the reducing fluid from a reducing fluid injection line and the combustible gas outlet line receives the combustible gas from a combustion gas injection line, or (ii) a mixture of a reducing fluid and a combustible gas from a single fluid outlet line, where the reducing fluid flows into the single fluid outlet line via a reducing fluid injection line and the combustible gas flows into the single fluid outlet line via a combustible gas injection line, or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii), such that both the reducing fluid and the combustible gas are injected or sprayed into the chamber, the nozzles and fluid injection lines being configured such that a heat source or an ignition source ignites the combustible gas injected or sprayed into the chamber in the presence of the reducing fluid, thereby effecting decomposition of particulate contaminants in the chamber and reduction of particulate contaminants exiting the chamber or the exhaust.

[0019] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. Additional aspects of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Various features of illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate the present disclosure but not to limit it.

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

[0022] With reference to the accompanying drawings, detailed descriptions of compositions and methods useful for removing or reducing the overall level of air pollutants generated by combustion reactions, such as combustion reactions occurring within a stack or combustion reactions generating air pollutants dispersed through the stack, will be described below. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description.

[0023] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the subject technology may be implemented. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details.

[0024] It is understood that various configurations of the subject technology will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure, and the various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of example. As will be understood, the subject technology is capable of other different configurations, and some of its details can be changed in various other respects without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the summary, drawings, and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0025] Definition Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described herein. All publications, patent applications, patents, and / or other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of any conflict between the disclosure herein and any publications, patent applications, patents, and / or other references mentioned and incorporated herein, the disclosure herein, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0026] The amounts, concentrations, ratios disclosed herein are merely exemplary, and one of ordinary skill in the art can use other amounts, concentrations, or ratios based on the following disclosure.

[0027] The processes, protocols, and other methods described herein are disclosed for illustrative and exemplary purposes only. The processes, protocols, and methods can be varied in other exemplary uses of the method.

[0028] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or more (i.e., at least one) of the grammatical objects of the article. By way of example, an element means one element or more than one element.

[0029] As used herein with respect to values, the term "about" refers to values similar to the referenced value. In general, one of ordinary skill in the art, familiar with the situation, will understand the appropriate degree of variation subsumed by "about" in such a situation. For example, in some embodiments, the term "about" can include values within a range of 25%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% or less of the referenced value. Details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Further features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specification and drawings and from the claims.

[0030] Unless otherwise specified, all numbers representing amounts of ingredients, properties (such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, etc.) used in this specification and the related claims should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless indicated otherwise, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the embodiments of the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the reported number of significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0031] When a numerical range of a degree or measurement with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any range within that range are also intended to be specifically disclosed. For example, all ranges of values (in the form of "a to b", or "about a to about b", or "about a to b", "approximately a to b", and any similar expression where "a" and "b" represent numerical values of a degree or measurement) should be understood to indicate all numbers and ranges subsumed within the broader range of values.

[0032] Unless otherwise specifically stated, all numerical ranges defined in this specification include the endpoints and all values therebetween. For example, "at a concentration of a to b" means "at a concentration of at least a and at most b".

[0033] As used herein, the term "agent" refers to a substance, entity or complex, combination, mixture or system, or phenomenon (e.g., heat, electric current or electric field, magnetic force or magnetic field, etc.).

[0034] As used herein, "associated with" indicates a relationship between two events, entities and / or phenomena. When this term is used in this specification, two events, entities, and / or phenomena are "associated with" each other if the presence, level, and / or form of one correlates with the presence, level, and / or form of the other.

[0035] As used herein, "flammable gas" means a gas that can burn in air or in the presence of oxygen, and includes oxygen itself.

[0036] One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that, as used herein, the term "composition" can be used to refer to a distinct physical entity that includes one or more specified components. Generally, unless otherwise specified, a composition can be in any form, e.g., gas, gel, liquid, solid, etc. In certain embodiments, the composition is a gas or a mixture of gases.

[0037] As used herein, in relation to a flammable gas, the terms "ignited" or "ignitable" or "ignition" refer to a gas that has undergone combustion or the process by which a gas undergoes combustion.

[0038] As used herein, the terms "infuse," "infusion," "infusing," or any variation thereof, include any other suitable method of mixing a reducing gas or silicate with a liquid, such as injecting, administering, or applying. In some embodiments, a process is provided for preparing a stable, non-toxic, non-corrosive reducing liquid by infusing a gas generated by the electrolysis process described herein into a "feed liquid" that is processed using the described process. The feed liquid can be any suitable liquid capable of stably incorporating the infused reducing gas. Examples of suitable feed liquids include, but are not limited to, organic solvents, non-polar oils, mineral oils, essential oils, colloidal suspensions, colloidal solutions, leachates from landfills, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and aqueous compositions. In a preferred embodiment, the feed liquid for infusion is water used to prepare cell culture media. Sources of water include, for example, distilled water, deionized water, tap water, drinking water, drinking beverages, non-drinking water, agricultural water, irrigation water, salt water, brackish water, hydrofractured water, water containing dissolved heavy metals, industrial water, recycled water, fresh water, natural source water, or reverse osmosis permeate. Drinking water is understood to be water that is safe for human or animal consumption, and non-drinking water is not safe for human or animal consumption but can be used for other purposes. Fresh water is understood to be water from a natural source that is not salt water. Salt water can be from a natural source such as the sea or ocean and also includes artificial salt water. Industrial water is water used for industrial purposes such as in manufacturing processes, cleaning of containers, machinery, etc. Industrial water can typically be tap water, well water, etc., which are typically non-drinking water.

[0039] As used herein, "reconstitution" refers to a process for converting a liquid to a reducing liquid or a gas to a reducing gas. As used herein, "reconstituted liquid" or "reducing liquid" refers to the reconstituted liquid. The reducing liquid is used to prepare the preservative composition described herein, which, in certain embodiments of the invention, can then be used to treat the exhaust stack.

[0040] As used herein, the term "stack" or "exhaust stack" refers to an outlet for exhaust resulting from a combustion reaction. In typical embodiments, but not limited to, the stacks referred to in this disclosure generally have a tubular shape or structure and can be of any size. A stack can be associated with any exhaust source or any source of combustion reaction (e.g., combustion of fossil fuels, hydrocarbons, or other combustible materials or substances).

[0041] As used herein, the term "substantially free of" refers to an amount of less than about 1%, preferably less than about 0.1%, of the indicated substance.

[0042] As used herein, the term "treating" or "treatment" (and their grammatical variations) refers to the implementation or execution of the methods described herein, which methods, for example but not limited to, partially or completely reduce, improve, mitigate, suppress, delay the occurrence of, reduce the severity of, and / or otherwise decrease the amount of pollution produced by processes such as combustion reactions. In certain embodiments, the amount of pollution can be measured as the total number of particulate species present in the gaseous products or by-products of a process (e.g., but not limited to, industrial processes and / or combustion reactions). For example, the total amount of pollution can be described in units such as one part in one hundred (1%) or one part in one thousand (ppt), one part in one million (ppm), one part in one billion (ppb), one part in one trillion (ppt) of an air sample.

[0043] Embodiment This disclosure provides methods, compositions, and systems for decomposing particulate contaminants within an exhaust source. In certain exemplary embodiments, the compositions, systems, and methods disclosed herein involve injecting a highly reducing negatively charged gas such as "Hydrogas (trademark)" along with one or more combustible gases into an exhaust stack by means of one or more nozzles, or are based on other introduction means.

[0044] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for decomposing particulate contaminants in an exhaust source.

[0045] In one embodiment, the method includes: (i) injecting a reducing gas into an exhaust source containing particulate contaminants via a first series of nozzles; (ii) injecting a combustible gas via the first series of nozzles or a second series of nozzles; and (iii) igniting the combustible gas in the presence of the reducing gas, thereby decomposing the particulate contaminants.

[0046] In another embodiment, the method includes: (i) injecting a reducing gas and a metasilicate into a liquid, wherein the injecting involves mixing under turbulent conditions and the reducing gas and / or the metasilicate react with an aqueous solution to produce a reducing liquid having a redox potential (ORP) value that is more negative than about -100 mV; (ii) injecting or spraying the reducing liquid into an exhaust source containing particulate contaminants via a first series of nozzles; (iii) injecting a combustible gas into the exhaust source via the first series of nozzles or a second series of nozzles; and (iv) igniting the combustible gas in the presence of the reducing liquid, thereby decomposing the particulate contaminants.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first and / or second series of nozzles are provided in an annular arrangement. In some embodiments, the first and / or second series of nozzles are provided in a spiral or helical arrangement.

[0048] In the methods, compositions, and systems of the present disclosure, the combustible gas is used in combination with a reducing fluid such as a reducing liquid.

[0049] As used herein, the term "reducing fluid" may be used to refer to a flowing reducing substance such as a reducing gas, a reducing plasma, or a reducing liquid. A reducing fluid carries electrons and can be oxidized when it loses electrons. These terms should be construed as being interchangeable with each other unless the context indicates otherwise. In some embodiments, the reducing fluid is a reducing gas. In some embodiments, the reducing gas is Hydrogas™, oxyhydrogen (Knell gas), Brown gas, Tylar gas, or HHO gas (Klein gas).

[0050] In some embodiments, the reducing fluid is a reducing liquid. It is reported herein that free charges are released via an aqueous reducing gas by the electrolysis process described herein, and optionally about liquid metasilicate and its reducing, highly alkaline, non-corrosive, and non-toxic properties. In certain embodiments, the reducing gas described herein can be used to inject a liquid to obtain a reducing liquid (e.g., a highly alkaline liquid with high reducing properties). In such embodiments, the liquid can be injected, sprayed, aerosolized, or otherwise applied into an exhaust stack together with one or more combustible gases, whereby upon ignition or after ignition, the ignition results in the decomposition of particulate contaminants in the exhausted exhaust. In some embodiments, the reducing liquid is produced by injecting a reducing gas and metasilicate into a liquid, and the injection involves mixing under turbulent conditions and the reducing gas and / or metasilicate reacts with the aqueous solution.

[0051] In some embodiments, the reducing gas may include a highly reducing negatively charged gas such as "Hydrogas (trademark)". In some embodiments, the reducing liquid disclosed herein may include a highly reducing highly alkaline liquid (e.g., highly reducing negative ORP or "HRNORP"), or a powder, such as modified sodium metasilicate (RLS). The RLS according to the present invention may be formed in a liquid (e.g., any HRNORP liquid). The highly reducing gas for injecting the liquid may be any highly reducing negatively charged gas, including but not limited to gases such as Hydrogas (trademark), HHO, BROWNS gas, Tylar gas, Knell gas, etc.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the reducing gas (e.g., Hydrogas (trademark)) is introduced into the exhaust stack at ambient temperature (i.e., the temperature of the exhaust stack without any additional heat being applied). Additionally, one or more combustible gases are introduced into the exhaust stack. When the mixture of the reducing fluid and the combustible gas ignites, the particulate contaminants in the exhaust are decomposed to form inert non - contaminating products.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the combustible gas is an alkane such as methane, ethane, propane, butane, or pentane. In other embodiments, the combustible gas can be hydrogen or oxygen. In other embodiments, the combustible gas is propane (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas or "LPG"), and / or natural gas.

[0054] One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the amounts of the reducing fluid and the combustible gas can be adjusted up or down based on the size of the exhaust stack and / or the amount of exhaust discharged by the exhaust stack.

[0055] In some embodiments, the reducing gas and the combustible gas are introduced into the exhaust stack and then heated together to a temperature in the range of about 400 - 700°F (Fahrenheit), or 420 - 680°F, or 430 - 670°F, or 440 - 660°F, or 450 - 650°F.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the reducing gas and the combustible gas are heated together to a temperature of at least about 454°F. In certain embodiments, the reducing gas and the combustible gas are heated together to a temperature of up to about 610°F.

[0057] In some embodiments, the combustible gas is introduced before the reducing gas. In other embodiments, the combustible gas is introduced after the reducing gas.

[0058] In some embodiments, the combustible gas is ignited by introducing an ignition source, such as a flame, into the exhaust stack. In some embodiments, the combustible gas is ignited by activating an ignition source (e.g., turning on a heating switch). Ignition of the combustible gas and the reducing gas can be achieved by raising the temperature of the exhaust stack. In some embodiments, the combustible gas is ignited by heating the chamber within the exhaust stack to a temperature of at least 454 degrees Fahrenheit. In other embodiments, ignition can involve one or more catalysts.

[0059] In certain embodiments, after treatment by the methods disclosed herein, the exhaust from the stack contains about 90% or less particulate contaminants, or about 80% or less particulate contaminants, or about 70% or less particulate contaminants, or about 60% or less particulate contaminants, or about 50% or less particulate contaminants, or about 40% or less particulate contaminants, or about 30% or less particulate contaminants, or about 20% or less particulate contaminants, or about 10% or less particulate contaminants, compared to the exhaust before being treated by the method or in the absence of the method.

[0060] In some embodiments, after treatment by the methods disclosed herein, the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack contains about 50% or less particulate contaminants compared to the exhaust before being treated by the method or in the absence of the method. In some embodiments, after igniting the combustible gas in the presence of the reducing gas, the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack contains about 70% or less particulate contaminants compared to the exhaust before being treated by the method or in the absence of the method.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the methods disclosed herein decompose at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90% of the particulate contaminants that would be present in an exhaust stack (e.g., as measured by comparing the amount of particulate contaminants present before and after the method).

[0062] As used herein, "particulate contaminants" or "particulate matter" or other concepts described as "particulate" refer to the contents of the exhaust having an average diameter of 50 nm or more, unless otherwise stated.

[0063] In certain embodiments, unless otherwise stated, the minimum average diameter of the particulate contaminants removed from the exhaust gas is about 50 nm. In certain embodiments, unless otherwise stated, the maximum average diameter of the particulate contaminants removed from the exhaust gas is about 2.5 μm.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the exhaust discharged from a stack that incorporates a system or chamber described herein (e.g., a heating chamber or a plug-and-play stack) or in which a method described herein is implemented is essentially free of particulate contaminants having an average diameter of about 1.0 μm or more.

[0065] In other embodiments, the exhaust discharged from the stack is substantially or essentially free of particulate contaminants having an average diameter of about 500 nm or more.

[0066] In other embodiments, the exhaust discharged from the stack is substantially or essentially free of particulate contaminants having an average diameter of about 250 nm or more.

[0067] In other embodiments, the exhaust discharged from the stack is substantially or essentially free of particulate contaminants having an average diameter of about 100 nm or more.

[0068] In other embodiments, the exhaust discharged from the stack is substantially or essentially free of particulate contaminants having an average diameter of about 50 nm or greater.

[0069] The exhaust stack of the present disclosure can be associated with or communicate with any exhaust source or any combustion reaction (e.g., combustion of fossil fuels, hydrocarbons, or other combustible materials or substances). For example, references to an exhaust stack can include, but are not limited to, manufacturing plants (e.g., factories), vehicles (e.g., ships, boats, trucks, automobiles, SUVs, etc.), power plants, refineries, smelting plants, and heavy machinery / equipment (e.g., construction equipment, excavation equipment, etc.), and can be made with reference to exhaust stacks provided among other combustion exhaust sources. For example, a stack or exhaust stack can include a flue stack, also known as a smoke stack or chimney stack, a stack that discharges exhaust from a truck, ship / barge, and also includes an exhaust stack on a tailpipe of an automobile, SUV, truck, motorcycle, etc.

[0070] In some embodiments, the exhaust stack communicates with a manufacturing plant. In other embodiments, the exhaust stack communicates with a vehicle.

[0071] Also provided herein are embodiments of a heating chamber or stack that can be added to an existing stack or system. The heating chamber, stack, or system described herein comprises at least one nozzle, optionally a plurality of nozzles configured to introduce a reducing gas or liquid and a combustible gas.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the same nozzle may introduce both the reducing gas / reducing liquid and the combustible gas. In such embodiments, the nozzle may be configured to introduce the reducing gas / reducing liquid and the combustible gas in a single stream. In other embodiments, the nozzle is configured to introduce a first stream of reducing gas / reducing liquid and a second stream of combustible gas. In yet other embodiments, the nozzle is configured to introduce a first stream of combustible gas and a second stream of reducing gas / reducing liquid.

[0073] In other embodiments, each nozzle is configured to introduce either the reducing gas / reducing liquid or the combustible gas. In other words, a particular nozzle may be configured to introduce only the reducing gas / reducing liquid, while other nozzles may be configured to introduce only the combustible gas.

[0074] The heating chamber or stack described herein is also configured to be gradually heated to the temperature required to ignite (i.e., cause combustion of) the mixture of the combustible gas and the reducing gas / reducing liquid.

[0075] Alternatively, the heating chamber or stack described herein may be configured to introduce an ignition source, such as a flame, to ignite the mixture of the combustible gas and the reducing gas / reducing liquid.

[0076] The heating chamber or stack of the present invention is not limited in size and can be appropriately scaled up or down for compatibility with existing stacks.

[0077] In certain embodiments, the heating chamber or stack described herein is part of a modular system that allows for the replacement of different modules (i.e., "plug and play"), and a heating chamber or stack that includes one or more nozzles is one such module.

[0078] For example, in some embodiments, the heating chamber or stack of the present invention is used in an industrial facility such as a manufacturing plant, a power plant, or other large structures that discharge exhaust containing pollutants, or is sized and configured to be attached to a stack incorporated into an industrial facility or otherwise incorporated into the stack.

[0079] In other embodiments, the heating chamber or stack of the present invention can be sized and configured to be attached to a stack attached to a mode of transportation such as a cargo ship or other vessel, a freight train or passenger train, or a heavy machine such as a truck (e.g., a semi-truck) or construction equipment (e.g., a dump truck), or other land-based mobile equipment (e.g., an excavator, etc.), or otherwise incorporated.

[0080] In still other embodiments, the heating chamber or stack of the present invention can be sized and configured to be attached to a stack attached to a consumer-oriented mode of transportation such as an automobile, a sports utility vehicle (SUV), or the tailpipe of a motorcycle, or otherwise incorporated.

[0081] In some embodiments, the heating chamber or stack of the present invention can be sized and configured to be attached to a stack provided or incorporated into a boat, an airplane, or other mode of transportation, or otherwise incorporated.

[0082] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary system 10 for decomposing particulate contaminants according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 10 that includes a plurality of nozzles 26 each configured to inject a flow of reducing fluid 19 and / or a flow of combustible gas 21 into a chamber 13 within an exhaust stack 12. In FIG. 1, the plurality of nozzles 26 are connected to a fluid outlet line 24 that receives a flow of reducing fluid from a reducing fluid injection line 19 connected in fluid communication with a reducing fluid source 18 and a flow of combustible gas from a combustible gas injection line 21 connected in fluid communication with a combustible gas source 20.

[0083] System 10 further includes a heating source or ignition source 15 in communication with chamber 13 or exhaust stack 12 to ignite the combustible gas in the presence of a reducing fluid to decompose particulate contaminants in contaminant gas 17. In some embodiments, contaminant gas 17 flows from one or more pipes 14a, 14b that supply chamber 13, and pipes 14a, 14b receive contaminant gas 17 from one or more exhaust sources 16a, 16b. When the particulate contaminants in chamber 13 are decomposed, the flow of decomposed particles 32 exits chamber 13 or exhaust stack 12 through distal outlet 30.

[0084] FIG. 1 further shows a mixer 22 where the reducing fluid from reducing fluid injection line 19 is mixed with the combustible gas from combustible gas injection line 21 and then passes together through a single fluid outlet line 24. Alternatively, the flows of reducing fluid 19 and combustible gas 21 can be supplied directly to fluid outlet line 24 without mixer 22. Thus, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of nozzles 26 within system 10 injects or sprays a mixture of reducing fluid and combustible gas into chamber 13 via a single fluid outlet line 24, the reducing fluid flowing into the single fluid outlet line 24 via reducing fluid injection line 19, and the combustible gas flowing into the single fluid outlet line 24 via combustible gas injection line 21.

[0085] In other embodiments, each flow of reducing fluid and combustible gas from the reducing fluid injection line 19 and the combustible gas injection line 21 is separately connected to the corresponding reducing fluid outlet line 24a or combustible gas outlet line 24b, and each is separately supplied to a plurality of nozzles 26 such that the corresponding nozzle 26 injects either the reducing fluid 19 or the combustible gas 21 (but not both) into a chamber 13 (not shown) of the stack 12. Thus, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of nozzles 26 in the system 10 injects or sprays the reducing fluid from the reducing fluid outlet line 24a and the combustible gas from the combustible gas outlet line 24b into the chamber 13 of the exhaust stack 12, and each of the reducing fluid outlet line 24a and the combustible gas outlet line 24b is separately supplied to the plurality of nozzles 26 via separate fluid outlet lines 24a, 24b.

[0086] In some embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 26 are circularly arranged in the form of a ring positioned around the inner wall 11 of the exhaust stack 12. For example, in FIG. 1, the system includes two fluid outlet lines 24 that form a ring 28 connected to the plurality of nozzles 26, whereby the fluid outlet lines 24 are configured to horizontally surround and centrally longitudinally place three horizontally arranged rings 28 within the chamber 13, as illustrated in FIG. 2 for example. Any number of rings 28 may be used within the system 10 according to the present disclosure.

[0087] In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a system 10 for decomposing particulate contaminants includes a chamber 13 within an exhaust stack 12 that includes a combustible fluid outlet line 24a and a reducing fluid outlet line 24b, each optionally housed within or supported by support rings 28a, 28b that are each optionally horizontally disposed. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer periphery of ring 28a is directly connected to the inner wall 11 of the exhaust stack 12 and receives combustible gas through a combustible gas injection line 44. Ring 28b is connected in communication with the wall 11 of the exhaust stack by a plurality of spokes 42 and receives reducing fluid from a reducing fluid injection line 46. Nozzles 26 are connected to fluid outlet lines 24a, 24b within rings 28a, 28a by a series of connectors 36. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which three sets of nozzles 26 are connected by connectors 36 to the combustion gas outlet line 24a of ring 28a and the reducing fluid outlet line 24b of ring 28b. Each nozzle 26 discharges a combustible gas or a reducing stream as fluid stream 40. The number, arrangement, and order of the combustion gas outlet 24a and the reducing fluid outlet line 24b can vary within the chamber 13 of the stack 12. When the combustible gas is ignited in the presence of the reducing fluid, the particulate contaminants within the chamber 13 of the stack 12 are decomposed.

[0088] In another exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, a system 10 for decomposing particulate contaminants includes a chamber 13 within a stack 12, and a fluid outlet line 24 is wound in a spiral or helical shape around the chamber 13 of the exhaust stack in a vertical direction. The fluid outlet line 24 is connected in fluid communication with a plurality of nozzles 26 that receive fluid (e.g., a reducing fluid and / or a combustible gas) from the fluid outlet line 24. The nozzles 26 are configured to inject, spray, or otherwise release a plurality of streams of reducing fluid, combustible gas, or a mixture thereof into the chamber 13 from a rectangular container 48 connected to the nozzles 26, as shown. In certain embodiments, the fluid outlet line 24 is housed within or supported by a spiral or helically wound support member 28 connected in fluid communication with the wall 11 of the exhaust stack 12. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment where the fluid outlet line 24 receives reducing fluid and / or a combustible gas from a fluid injection line 34. In certain embodiments, a plurality of fluid injection lines 34 may be connected to the fluid outlet line 24, allowing for separate or mixed streams of reducing fluid and combustible gas to the fluid outlet line 24. As shown in FIG. 3, the radius of the spiral or helically wound fluid outlet line 24 varies longitudinally. From one end to the other end, the radius may increase or decrease by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 2 times, at least 5 times, at least 10 times, at least 20 times, at least 50 times or more, or any % range of the radius. Alternatively, the spiral or helically wound fluid outlet line 24 may have a constant radius from one end to the other end.

[0089] In other embodiments, the nozzles 26 may be arranged longitudinally along separate wall 11 sections of the exhaust stack 12. In still other embodiments, the nozzles 26 may be arranged vertically around one or more circumferential portions of the wall 11 or circumferentially around the entire wall.

[0090] An exemplary method for preparing a reducing gas and / or a reducing liquid for use in the method of the present invention is described in detail below.

[0091] The process for preparing the reducing gas can include preparing an activator (the activator includes water, potassium hydrate, magnesium sulfate, sodium oxidanide, and alkali metal silicate), introducing the activator into the reaction chamber of the reactor (the reactor is configured to generate an electrolytic reaction), adding water to the reaction chamber to provide a water-activator mixture, and applying a direct current to the water-activator mixture to generate the reducing gas. To increase the production rate of the reducing gas, it is generally desirable to reduce the pressure in the reaction chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the reducing pressure in the reaction chamber is maintained at about 0.5 bar. The reactor chamber typically comprises a wet electrolytic cell to drive the electrolytic reduction process described herein. Further information can be found in WO2019 / 232387, the relevant disclosure of which is incorporated by reference for the subject matter and purposes referenced herein.

[0092] The activator can be prepared using any suitable equipment for carrying out a chemical reaction involving an activator reagent. Typically, the activator is prepared by combining the activator components in stoichiometric amounts balanced from a redox equation. In some embodiments, the activator comprises potassium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, sodium hydroxide, and an alkali metal silicate in a predetermined stoichiometric ratio. The activator can comprise from about 40 wt% to about 59 wt% potassium hydroxide, from about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt% magnesium sulfate, from about 40 wt% to about 59 wt% sodium hydroxide, and from about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt% alkali metal silicate. In other embodiments, the activator can comprise from about 45 wt% to about 55 wt% potassium hydroxide, from about 0.2 wt% to about 3 wt% magnesium sulfate, from about 45 wt% to about 55 wt% sodium hydroxide, and from about 0.2 wt% to about 3 wt% alkali metal silicate. In other embodiments, the activator can comprise from about 47 wt% to about 53 wt% potassium hydroxide, from about 0.2 wt% to about 1.5 wt% magnesium sulfate, from about 47 wt% to about 53 wt% sodium hydroxide, and from about 0.2 wt% to about 1.5 wt% alkali metal silicate. In other embodiments, the activator can comprise from about 48 wt% to about 51 wt% potassium hydroxide, from about 0.3 wt% to about 0.8 wt% magnesium sulfate, from about 48 wt% to about 51 wt% sodium hydroxide, and from about 0.3 wt% to about 0.8 wt% alkali metal silicate. Potassium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, and sodium hydroxide are commercially available. In other embodiments, the activator is a liquid solution comprising potassium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, sodium hydroxide, and an alkali metal silicate in any of the stoichiometric amounts described herein. The liquid solution can have an activator concentration of from about 0.1 to about 20 g / l, from about 0.1 to about 15 g / l, from about 0.1 to about 10 g / l, from about 0.1 to about 5 g / l, from about 0.5 to about 4 g / l, from about 0.5 to about 3 g / l, from about 1 to about 3 g / l, or from about 1.5 to about 2.5 g / l.

[0093] The activator can be prepared by any suitable method. For example, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, alkaline cationic silicate, and magnesium sulfate can be weighed in any of the weight ratios described herein and then combined to form a single activator mixture. This activator mixture can then be dissolved in water at a predetermined concentration as described above herein. Alternatively, a certain amount of water can be provided, and potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, alkaline cationic silicate, and magnesium sulfate can be added to the certain amount of water in sequence, simultaneously, or in pairs in combination. In some embodiments, magnesium sulfate and alkaline cationic silicate are first mixed in the certain amount of water, followed by mixing potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide in the certain amount of water. The preparation of the activator can be carried out outside the reactor and then added. Alternatively, the activator can also be prepared within the reaction chamber of the reactor. Preferably, the alkaline cationic silicate is a metasilicate such as sodium alkaline silicate complex (SSC) or modified liquid silica (RLS). The metasilicate can be used in the preparation of the activator and can optionally be added to the raw material liquid in larger amounts, with or without a reducing gas. These complexes are described, for example, in US2011 / 0059189A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. Mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis yielded an estimated empirical formula for a compound or complex that is Na8.2Si4.4H9.70i7.6. This formula suggests that the sodium alkaline silicate complex (SSC) is not a single compound but a mixture of two different compounds in equilibrium with each other. Specifically, SSC is a mixture of trimeric sodium silicate (Na2Si03)3, NaNa 4 Na 4 :

Chemical formula

Chemical formula

[0094] Sodium silicate pentahydrate (Na2SiO3·5H2O) typically exists in equilibrium as two structural forms, one form containing one ionized water molecule and the other form containing three ionized water molecules. To produce SSC, silicon metal (any grade) is charged into the reactor. Sodium hydroxide is added together with water. An exothermic reaction occurs. The reaction is allowed to proceed for 4 - 6 hours, after which the product is recovered in a cooling tank. The product is cooled and the resulting liquid product is packaged.

[0095] Silicon-based alkaline composition (empirical formula, Na8.2Si4.4H 9.7 0i7.6) can have a specific gravity in the range of 1.24 - 1.26 kg / m 3 For example, 1.25 ± 0.1 kg / m 3 The composition can also have a pH in the range of 13.8 - 14.0, for example, 13.9 ± 0.1. In some embodiments, the SSC can be dried via any suitable method prior to use in any of the processes described herein. Suitable drying methods include, but are not limited to, gentle heating, storage in a desiccator, and vacuum drying.

[0096] The physicochemical properties and potential therapeutic uses of SSC have been studied previously. In one study, SSC was found to exhibit antibacterial properties against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and drug-resistant bacteria such as those described in Vatten et al., Res. J. Microbiol. 2012 Mar 1;7(3):191-8. Sodium silicate is also generally recognized as safe for human ingestion by the US FDA according to 21 C.F.R. §182.90. US2014 / 0087003A1 describes a method of using an alkaline sodium silicate composition to inhibit the toxic effects of poisons and treat venomous bites and stings. US2006 / 0275505A1 describes a composition for increasing alkalinity in the body that contains water, a source of alkalinity, particularly an alkaline silicon solution. US2011 / 0059189A1 describes a modified sodium silicate composition and a method of treating cancer and viral infections using the modified sodium silicate composition (Na 8.2 Si 4.4 H 9.7 0i 7.6 ), and is also described in Townsend et al., Int. J. Appl. Res. Nat. Prod. 2010;3:19-28 (AVAH silicate was also effective in inhibiting some important physiological events crucial for the survival and virulence development in viruses and microbial pathogens). However, the SSC mentioned in these publications does not contain reducing gas, and its combination is the subject of this specification along with other beneficial uses of this technology.

[0097] The electrolysis process is generally carried out in a reactor. In an exemplary process, the activator is either prepared within the reaction chamber of the reactor or prepared externally and then added to the reaction chamber. Additional water can be combined with the activator within the reaction chamber in any suitable amount up to the filling volume of the reaction chamber.

[0098] The reactor can be any suitable device for carrying out an electrolytic reaction. In some embodiments, the reactor includes a wet electrolytic cell. In the electrolytic cell, an electric current is returned from an electronic conductor, through a chemical substrate such as an ionic solution contained in one or more tanks (i.e., reaction chambers), to a second electronic conductor. The circuit is closed outside the cell (external circuit) through various electronic conductors. This typically includes a power source and a current measurement device. The junctions between the electronic conductor and the ionic conductor are called electrodes, i.e., the cathode and the anode. In an electrolysis reaction, a direct current is passed through the solution contained in the reaction chamber, and a chemical reaction occurs at the electrodes. In the standard electrolysis of pure water (i.e., in the absence of an activator), at the cathode, a reduction half-reaction occurs, where electrons from the cathode move to hydrogen cations to form H2 gas, as illustrated by the following chemical formula: 2H+(aq) + 2e → H2(g). At the anode, as illustrated by the chemical formula, an oxidation half-reaction occurs, where electrons move from water molecules to the anode to form O2 gas: 2H2O(l) → O2(g) + 4H + (aq) + 4e _ These half-reactions can be balanced by the addition of a base.

[0099] A direct current (DC) power source is connected to the reactor and provides the energy necessary to drive the electrolysis process. The current is transmitted by electrons in the external circuit. Electrodes made of metals, graphite, and semiconductor materials are widely used. The selection of a suitable electrode depends on the chemical reactivity between the electrode and the electrolyte and the manufacturing cost. The DC power source is connected to two electrodes placed in water, or two plates (typically made of some inert metal such as platinum, stainless steel 360, or iridium). In some embodiments, the DC delivered to the electrolytic cell is in the range of about 20V to about 30V, for example, about 24.65V ± 0.12V. The current input can further be via a 110V (60Hz) or 220V, 50Hz or 60Hz circuit.

[0100] The reactor can be configured to perform the electrolysis reaction under reduced pressure or in a vacuum. Vacuum electrolysis reactors are known in the art, and suitable apparatuses will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The electrolysis reaction can be carried out at standard temperature and pressure (STP). In some embodiments, the reaction is first carried out at STP, and then the pressure in the reaction chamber can be reduced when the production of the reducing gas is initiated within the reactor chamber. For example, the reduced pressure can be from about 0.3 bar to about 0.9 bar. In some embodiments, the reduced pressure is 0.5 ± 0.05 bar. By carrying out the reaction under reduced pressure, the production rate of the reducing gas can be increased up to 2.2 times that of the reaction carried out at standard atmospheric pressure.

[0101] In some embodiments, the liquid can be an aqueous solution having a moderate to high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). BOD is defined as the amount of dissolved oxygen required by aerobic organisms to decompose the organic substances present in a given water sample, and is most commonly expressed in milligrams of oxygen consumed per liter of sample during a 5-day incubation at 20°C. In some embodiments, the aqueous solution has a 5-day BOD in the range of about 2 mg / L to about 600 mg / L. In certain preferred embodiments, the liquid is water, optionally deionized water or distilled water.

[0102] The injection can be carried out by any suitable method. For example, the gas can be injected into the liquid by bubbling the reducing gas into the liquid. Bubbling can be carried out simultaneously with the electrolytic production of the reducing gas by connecting the reactor to a container having the liquid therein and allowing the reducing gas to flow into the liquid when the reducing gas is produced. Alternatively, the injection can be carried out by bubbling the reducing gas stored in a pressurized gas tank, etc., into a container having the liquid therein.

[0103] The injection process can be enhanced by adding a reducing gas to the liquid under turbulent conditions. In fluid dynamics, turbulence or turbulent flow is any pattern of fluid motion characterized by chaotic changes in pressure and flow velocity. Turbulence is caused by excessive kinetic energy in a part of the fluid flow, which overcomes the damping effect of the fluid's viscosity. Generally speaking, in turbulence, unstable vortices of many sizes that interact with each other appear. Turbulent conditions can be created in a variety of well-known ways, including but not limited to vortices, vibrations, oscillations, mixing, floating, and cavitation. Turbulence and cavitation can improve the dissolution rate of the reducing gas into the liquid by up to 100 times, depending on the application and the flow rate capacity of the recirculation pump, typically measured in volume per minute (e.g., gallons, liters). In some embodiments, the turbulent conditions are created by cavitation, which is performed using a propeller, impeller, or suitable device. In one example, a recirculation pump including an impeller is used at a speed of up to 3600 revolutions per minute (RPM), preferably 750 - 900 RPM. Venturi technology is also used when turbulence is generated in a pipe having a positive flow pressure of the liquid.

[0104] When producing a stable reducing liquid, the reducing gas is injected into the liquid until a negative ORP of the threshold value is achieved, and a commercially available calibrated ORP meter equipped with a waterproof electrode, preferably one capable of measuring pH, is used to observe an amount of time (stabilization time or holding time) sufficient to reliably measure the ORP value. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand the routine practices associated with the measurement of reduction potentials, including standard redox potentials. This stabilization time varies depending on the amount of liquid produced per unit time. In some embodiments, the stabilization time is at least about 2 minutes. In other embodiments, the stabilization time is at least about 10 minutes. More generally, the stabilization time varies from seconds to 28 hours depending on several factors including the degree of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the presence or absence of colloidal particles, oil, solvents, and / or other dissolved solutions. Vacuum and turbulence improve efficiency and thus can shorten the holding time by up to 100 times. Appropriate methods for determining the appropriate stabilization time for a liquid sample of interest are within the scope of the technical knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. The induction of vacuum and turbulence also often enables the generation of "residual effects". For example, by applying an appropriate stabilization time, the injected liquid maintains the residual effects of reduction and disinfection (i.e., replaces oxidizing agents such as chlorine, ozone, UV, H2O2, etc.). In some embodiments, the threshold ORP after stabilization is negative and greater than or equal to -150 mV.

[0105] A composite reducing solution can also be prepared that includes a non-toxic, non-corrosive reducing agent and the injected reducing solution described herein. The non-toxic, non-corrosive reducing agent can be any compound that is readily miscible with the injected reducing solution. Suitable reducing agents include, but are not limited to, natural antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (vitamin c), glutathione, melatonin, and water-soluble tocopherol (vitamin E). In some embodiments, the non-toxic, non-corrosive reducing agent is the alkaline cationic silicate described herein. The composite reducing solution can be produced by any suitable method. In some embodiments, the non-toxic, non-corrosive reducing agent is added in a predetermined amount to the injected reducing solution. In other embodiments, the reducing agent and the reducing gas are injected simultaneously into the liquid. This simultaneous injection can be carried out at a rate of at least about 800 ± 35 RPM under turbulent flow conditions, for example, using a recirculation pump.

[0106] The addition can be done by quantitatively transferring a single aliquot to the injected reducing solution. Alternatively, the addition can be done by continuously transferring the reducing agent from a storage container at any desired flow rate over a specific period of time. The flow rate and time depend on the reducing agent and the desired stoichiometric ratio of the reducing agent in the composite reducing solution to the injected reducing solution. In another embodiment, the reducing agent is added in an intermittent drip mode that includes multiple aliquots.

[0107] In some embodiments of the process for manufacturing an aqueous reducing solution, the aforementioned reducing gas injection step is carried out by injecting 75 - 120 liters of reducing gas per 60 gallons of the liquid being reconstituted, either before or simultaneously with an alkaline cationic silicate in the range of 0.5 - 12 milligrams per liter. In other embodiments, the amount of alkaline cationic silicate required in the process step is the amount described hereinabove, and the alkaline cationic silicate is composed of lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, ammonium silicate, or a combination thereof.

[0108] In one aspect, the process of preparing the reducing liquid includes injecting a reducing gas (e.g., the reducing gas generated by the electrolysis process described herein) into a certain amount of liquid under turbulent flow conditions. Inducing turbulent flow and cavitation in this process increases the efficiency of reconstructing the water in the tank by up to 1000 times. This enables the use of 1 kWh of power per 10,000 gallons of reconstructed water per hour. Without implementing a cavitation / turbulent flow system, the dissolution rate of the gas with the liquid is practically inefficient. However, excessive turbulent flow results in potential cavitation of the impeller of the water pump, which is not practically desirable. Therefore, the upper limit of the turbulent flow conditions in this process is less than 3600 RPM.

[0109] In some embodiments, the reconstruction process includes the following steps: The reduced water gas ("C1") and the reduced liquid metasilicate ("C2") are injected immediately before the raw material liquid enters a conventional reservoir or container. The raw material liquid to be treated can pass through (i) a closed pressurized pipe, or (ii) an open water tank, channel, or open pipe under atmospheric conditions or normal temperature and pressure conditions.

[0110] When the raw material liquid to be processed passes through a closed pressurized pipe, the following steps are further performed: (i) Cl and C2 are injected into the pipe, and Cl is injected through a Venturi device or another method that generates a negative pressure within the pipe, (ii) C2 is proportionally injected through a conventional dosing pump, a gravity dosing method, or any other method used to administer liquid chemicals. The generation of the liquid is improved by the negative pressure. Depending on the electrolytic cell, the improvement in gas generation can be up to 250%. In different tests conducted, it is accurately shown that approximately 9325 liters of Cl gas are required to reconstruct 5000 gallons of water processed under NPT conditions in about 10 hours. This value corresponds to 932.5 liters of Cl per hour when the method of enhancing cavitation is not used. The flow rate of the reducing gas (Cl) is then measured as a flow rate in liters per hour (FLPH) using an equation that varies depending on the raw material liquid and other parameters, and is further described herein for each raw material liquid and corresponding use. When the closed pressurized system stabilizes, the ORP value is measured in millivolts (mv). The ORP varies depending on the composition of the raw material liquid. The minimum contact time of Cl with the raw material liquid required within the pipe is typically 3 seconds to 30 minutes. The ORP charge is measured at least 3 seconds after the minimum contact time of Cl with the raw material liquid and should be a negative value. The calculation formula for FLPH is independent of the liquid pressure within the pressurized pipe. The volume (in milliliters) of the liquid metasilicate (C2) required to reconstruct the raw material liquid (C2) is determined using the formula described below, which varies based on the composition of the raw material liquid and its desired use.

[0111] When the liquid to be processed passes through atmospheric pressure (open tank, channel, or open pipe), or passes under normal temperature or normal pressure conditions, the following procedure is applied to the mixing of Cl and C2. (i) Cl is mixed with the raw material liquid under turbulent flow conditions, or through cavitation induced by using a floating mode, a recirculation pump creating a vacuum, and / or a Venturi device. (ii) C2 is mixed with the raw material liquid through an existing conventional dosing pump, a gravitation dosifier, or a similar method apparent to those skilled in the art. The FLPH of Cl is then measured in liters per hour using a specific formula that varies based on the composition of the raw material liquid and the process conditions, and as further described below in this specification, this varies based on the composition of the raw material liquid, the process conditions, and the desired use of the raw material liquid. The volume (milliliters) of liquid metasilicate required to reconstruct water (C2) is determined using the formula described below, which also varies based on the composition of the raw material liquid, the process conditions, and the desired use of the raw material liquid. The minimum contact of C2 in the raw material liquid reservoir or container is typically 15 - 30 minutes to achieve a negative ORP. If the residual negative ORP value (mv) is less than -200 mV, the contact time is extended until the ORP becomes more negative than -200 mV.

[0112] Since the reduced water is effectively neutralized through the reduction process, it is substantially free of oxidizing agents such as oxidizing agents, especially calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, gaseous chlorine, bromine, iodine, ozone, and / or ultraviolet light, thus improving the stability of the liquid water. This thus reconstituted water can then be used to prepare the cell culture medium of the present invention.

[0113] In some embodiments, the reducing liquid is reconstituted water or a reconstituted aqueous solution.

[0114] In some embodiments, the resulting reducing solution has a pH of about 7, or from 7 to 14, or from 7 to 13, or from 7 to 12, or from 7 to 11, or from 7 to 10, or from 7 to 9, or from 7 to 8, or from 8 to 14, or from 8 to 13, or from 8 to 12, or from 8 to 11, or from 8 to 10, or from 8 to 9, or from 9 to 14, or from 9 to 13, or from 9 to 12, or from 9 to 11, or from 9 to 10, or from 10 to 14, or from 10 to 13, or from 10 to 12, or from 10 to 11, or from 11 to 14, or from 11 to 13, or from 11 to 12, or from 12 to 14, or from 12 to 13, or from 13 to 14.

[0115] In other embodiments, the resulting reducing solution has a pH of at least about 7.0. In certain other embodiments, the resulting reducing solution has a pH of at least about 9.5. In certain embodiments, the resulting reducing solution has a pH of at least about 13.0.

[0116] Furthermore, after undergoing the reconstruction process, despite having an alkaline pH greater than 9.5 as measured by an equivalent redox potential (ORP) greater than (-300 mV), the resulting solution is non-corrosive and non-toxic to mammals (such as animals like humans and pets) upon contact or ingestion, and further includes highly alkaline pH values greater than 13.0 with an ORP value greater than (-550 mV).

[0117] The addition / injection of liquid metasilicate is not chemically induced and is not produced by alkaline chemicals (such as sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, etc.).

[0118] In one aspect, the reconstruction described herein reduces the ORP value of the liquid.

[0119] In some embodiments, the reconstruction converts the ORP from a positive value to a negative value. Reducing the ORP charge to a negative value is desirable in order to reduce the oxidative stress of the system, as it is known in the art that this can be harmful to certain systems.

[0120] In other embodiments, the composition (e.g., reducing gas or reducing liquid) used in the method of the present invention has an ORP value that is negative by -50 mV or more, or -100 mV or more, or -200 mV or more, or -300 mV or more, or -400 mV or more, or from about -50 mV to about -800 mV, or from about -400 mV to about -600 mV, preferably from about -300 mV to about -500 mV, more preferably from about -200 mV to about -400 mV. In some embodiments, the composition has an ORP value of -800 mV or more negative.

[0121] Furthermore, compared to the non-reconstructed form of the same liquid, the reconstructed form of the liquid will exhibit additional properties such as a pH greater than 7, reduced surface tension, improved hydration, improved bioassimilation, improved solubility of organic or inorganic compounds with the liquid, and antibacterial properties.

[0122] The inventors have found that, by the electrolysis process described herein, free charges are released via an aqueous reducing gas, and optionally with respect to liquid metasilicate and its reducing, highly alkaline, non-corrosive, and non-toxic properties.

[0123] Other embodiments

[0125] A method for decomposing particulate contaminants in an exhaust source, the method comprising: (i) injecting a reducing gas through a first series of nozzles into an exhaust source containing particulate contaminants in the exhaust; (ii) injecting a combustible gas through the first series of nozzles or a second series of nozzles into the exhaust source; and (iii) igniting the combustible gas in the presence of the reducing gas, thereby decomposing the particulate contaminants.

[0124]

[0126] The method according to item 125, wherein the exhaust source is an exhaust stack.

[0125]

[0127] The method according to item 126, wherein the exhaust stack communicates with a manufacturing plant.

[0126]

[0128] The method according to item 126, wherein the exhaust stack communicates with the vehicle.

[0127]

[0129] The method according to any one of items 125 to 128, wherein the combustible gas is hydrogen, oxygen, or an alkane.

[0128]

[0130] The method according to any one of items 125 to 129, wherein the combustible gas is ignited by introducing an ignition source into the exhaust source.

[0129]

[0131] The method according to any one of items 126 to 129, wherein the combustible gas is ignited by heating the exhaust stack to a temperature of at least 454 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0130]

[0132] The method according to any one of items 126 to 131, wherein, following step (iii), the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack contains approximately 50% or less particulate contaminants compared to the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack prior to ignition.

[0131]

[0133] The method according to any one of items 126 to 131, wherein, following step (iii), the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack contains approximately 70% or less particulate contaminants compared to the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack prior to ignition.

[0132]

[0134] The method according to any one of items 125 to 133, wherein the particulate contaminants have an average diameter of approximately 100 nm or more.

[0133]

[0135] The method according to any one of items 125 to 133, wherein the particulate contaminants have an average diameter of approximately 500 nm or more.

[0134]

[0136] The method according to any one of claims 126 to 135, wherein the first series of nozzles, and optionally the second series of nozzles, are arranged in the exhaust stack in a circular, spiral or helical arrangement.

[0135]

[0137] A method for decomposing particulate contaminants in an exhaust source, the method comprising: (i) injecting a reducing gas and a metasilicate into a liquid, the injecting involving mixing under turbulent conditions, the reducing gas and / or the metasilicate reacting with the aqueous solution to produce a reducing liquid having a redox potential (ORP) value that is negative by about -100 mV or more; (ii) injecting or spraying the reducing liquid through a first series of nozzles into an exhaust source containing particulate contaminants; (iii) injecting a combustible gas into the exhaust source through the first series of nozzles or a second series of nozzles; and (iv) igniting the combustible gas in the presence of the reducing liquid, thereby decomposing the particulate contaminants.

[0136]

[0138] The method according to claim 137, wherein the exhaust source is an exhaust stack.

[0137]

[0139] The method according to claim 138, wherein the exhaust stack communicates with a manufacturing plant.

[0138]

[0140] The method according to claim 138, wherein the exhaust stack communicates with a vehicle.

[0139]

[0141] The method according to any one of claims 137 to 140, wherein the combustible gas is hydrogen, oxygen or an alkane.

[0140]

[0142] The method according to any one of claims 137 to 141, wherein the combustible gas is ignited by operating an ignition source in the exhaust source or introducing an ignition source into the exhaust source.

[0141]

[0143] The method according to any one of paragraphs 137 to 141, wherein the combustible gas is ignited by heating the exhaust source to a temperature of at least 454 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0142]

[0144] The method according to any one of paragraphs 138 to 143, wherein following step (iii), the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack contains particulate contaminants that are about 50% or less as compared to the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack before ignition.

[0143]

[0145] The method according to any one of paragraphs 138 to 143, wherein following step (iii), the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack contains particulate contaminants that are about 70% or less as compared to the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack before ignition.

[0144]

[0146] The method according to any one of paragraphs 137 to 145, wherein the particulate contaminants have an average diameter of about 100 nm or more.

[0145]

[0147] The method according to any one of paragraphs 137 to 145, wherein the particulate contaminants have an average diameter of about 500 nm or more.

[0146]

[0148] The method according to any one of paragraphs 138 to 147, wherein the first series of nozzles and optionally the second series of nozzles are disposed in the exhaust stack in a circular, spiral, or helical arrangement.

[0147]

[0149] A system for decomposing particulate contaminants, the system comprising: (a) an exhaust stack for receiving particulate contaminants from an exhaust source; (b) a heat source or an ignition source; and (c) a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle injecting into the exhaust stack any one of: (i) a reducing fluid from a reducing fluid outlet line and a combustible gas from a combustible gas outlet line, where the reducing fluid outlet line receives the reducing fluid from a reducing fluid injection line and the combustible gas outlet line receives the combustible gas from a combustion gas injection line; (ii) a mixture of a reducing fluid and a combustible gas from a single fluid outlet line, where the reducing fluid flows into the single fluid outlet line via a reducing fluid injection line and the combustible gas flows into the single fluid outlet line via a combustible gas injection line; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii), such that both the reducing fluid and the combustible gas are injected or sprayed into the exhaust stack. The heat source or the ignition source ignites the combustible gas injected or sprayed into the exhaust stack in the presence of the reducing fluid, thereby causing decomposition of particulate contaminants in the exhaust stack and reduction of particulate contaminants exiting the exhaust stack.

[0148]

[0150] The system according to item 149, wherein each nozzle injects into the exhaust stack a reducing fluid from a reducing fluid outlet line and a combustible gas from a combustible gas outlet line, where the reducing fluid outlet line receives the reducing fluid from a reducing fluid injection line and the combustible gas outlet line receives the combustible gas from a combustion gas injection line.

[0149]

[0151] The system according to item 149, wherein each nozzle injects into the exhaust stack a mixture of a reducing fluid and a combustible gas from a single fluid outlet line, where the reducing fluid flows into the single fluid outlet line via a reducing fluid injection line and the combustible gas flows into the single fluid outlet line via a combustible gas injection line.

[0150]

[0152] The fluid outlet line surrounds the exhaust stack horizontally in an annular arrangement, the fluid outlet line is connected to a plurality of nozzles, and optionally the fluid outlet line is supported by a support member connected to the wall of the exhaust stack, the system according to any one of claims 149 to 151.

[0151]

[0153] The fluid outlet line is spirally or helically wound around the exhaust stack in the vertical direction, the fluid outlet line is connected to a plurality of nozzles, and optionally the fluid outlet line is supported by a support member connected to the wall of the exhaust stack, the system according to any one of claims 149 to 151.

[0152]

[0154] The exhaust stack communicates with a manufacturing plant, the system according to any one of claims 149 to 153.

[0153]

[0155] The exhaust stack communicates with a vehicle, the system according to any one of claims 149 to 153.

[0154]

[0156] The reducing fluid is a reducing gas, the system according to any one of claims 149 to 153.

[0155]

[0157] The reducing gas is Hydrogas, oxyhydrogen (Knell gas), Brown gas, Tylar gas, or HHO gas (Klein gas), the system according to claim 156.

[0156]

[0158] The reducing fluid is a reducing liquid, the system according to any one of claims 149 to 153.

[0157]

[0159] The system according to item 158, wherein the reducing liquid is produced by injecting a reducing gas and a metasilicate into an aqueous solution, and the injection involves mixing under turbulent flow conditions, and the reducing gas and / or the metasilicate react with the aqueous solution.

[0158]

[0160] The system according to item 158, wherein the reducing liquid contains a combination of a reducing negatively charged gas and a reducing alkaline liquid, optionally the negatively charged gas is Hydrogas, and the highly reducing alkaline liquid optionally contains an ORP liquid or an HRNORP liquid combined with sodium metasilicate (RLS).

[0159]

[0161] The system according to items 158 to 160, wherein the reducing liquid has an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value that is negative by -100 mV or more.

[0160]

[0162] The system according to any one of items 149 to 161, wherein the combustible gas is hydrogen, oxygen, or an alkane.

[0161]

[0163] A method for decomposing particulate contaminants from the system according to item 162, the method comprising: (i) injecting a reducing fluid and a combustible gas into an exhaust stack via a plurality of nozzles; and (ii) igniting the combustible gas in the presence of the reducing fluid, whereby the particulate contaminants are decomposed and the amount of particulate contaminants exiting the exhaust stack is reduced.

[0162]

[0164] The method according to item 163, wherein the reducing fluid is a reducing gas.

[0163]

[0165] The method according to item 164, wherein the reducing gas is Hydrogas, hydrogen peroxide (Knell gas), Brown gas, Tylar gas, or HHO gas (Klein gas).

[0164]

[0166] The method according to item 163, wherein the reducing fluid is a reducing solution.

[0165]

[0167] The method according to item 166, wherein the reducing solution is produced by injecting a reducing gas and a metasilicate into an aqueous solution, and the injection involves mixing under turbulent flow conditions, and the reducing gas and / or the metasilicate react with the aqueous solution.

[0166]

[0168] The method according to item 166, wherein the reducing solution contains a combination of a negatively charged reducing gas and a reducing alkaline solution, optionally the negatively charged gas is Hydrogas, and the highly reducing alkaline solution optionally contains an ORP solution or an HRNORP solution combined with sodium metasilicate (RLS).

[0167]

[0169] The method according to any one of items 166 to 168, wherein the reducing solution has an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value that is negative and greater than or equal to about -100 mV.

[0168]

[0170] The method according to any one of items 163 to 169, wherein the combustible gas is hydrogen, oxygen, or an alkane.

[0169]

[0171] The method according to any one of items 163 to 170, wherein the combustible gas is ignited by activating an ignition source.

[0170]

[0172] The method according to any one of items 163 to 170, wherein the combustible gas is ignited by heating the exhaust stack to a temperature of at least 454 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0171]

[0173] The method according to any one of items 163 to 172, wherein following step (iii), the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack contains about 50% or less particulate contaminants compared to the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack before ignition.

[0172]

[0174] Following step (iii), the exhaust gas exiting the exhaust stack contains particulate contaminants that are about 70% or less, as compared to the exhaust gas exiting the exhaust stack before ignition, according to any one of claims 163 to 172.

[0173]

[0175] The particulate contaminants have an average diameter of about 100 nm or more, according to any one of claims 163 to 174.

[0174]

[0176] The particulate contaminants have an average diameter of about 500 nm or more, according to any one of claims 163 to 174.

[0175]

[0177] A plurality of nozzles are provided in an annular arrangement, according to any one of claims 163 to 176.

[0176]

[0178] A plurality of nozzles are provided in a spiral or helical arrangement, according to any one of claims 163 to 176.

[0177]

[0179] The exhaust stack communicates with a manufacturing plant, according to any one of claims 163 to 169.

[0178]

[0180] The exhaust stack communicates with a vehicle, according to any one of claims 163 to 178.

[0179] Further Considerations Although the present disclosure has been described in relation to its specific embodiments, further modifications are possible, and this application generally intends to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the principles of the present disclosure and fall within the known or customary practices in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains and can be applied to the essential features described herein, including departures from the present disclosure that are within the scope of the claims. Other embodiments are within the scope of the claims.

[0180] The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. Although the subject technology has been particularly described with reference to various drawings and configurations, it should be understood that the drawings and configurations are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject technology.

[0181] Many other ways of implementing the subject technology may exist. The various functions and elements described herein may be divided differently than shown without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Various modifications to these configurations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other configurations. Thus, many changes and modifications can be made to the subject technology by those skilled in the art without departing from its scope.

[0182] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed process is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps within a process may be rearranged. Some steps may be performed simultaneously. The appended method claims present the elements of the various steps in a sample order and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0183] Furthermore, as long as terms such as "include" and "have" are used within the specification or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in the same manner as the term "comprise", and "comprise" is construed when used as a transitional term within the claims.

[0184] The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0185] References to elements in the singular are not intended to mean "sole and exclusive" unless specifically stated otherwise, but rather are intended to mean "one or more". Masculine pronouns (e.g., "his") include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., "her" and "its"), and vice versa. The term "some" refers to one or more. Headings and subheadings in underline and / or italics are used for convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are not referred to in connection with the interpretation of the description of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents of the various elements of the configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be publicly available, whether or not such disclosure is expressly recited in the foregoing description.

[0186] The detailed description includes many specific examples, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject technology, but rather should be construed as merely illustrative of different examples and aspects of the subject technology. It should be understood that the scope of the subject technology includes other embodiments not detailed above. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, various other modifications, changes, and variations can be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatuses of the subject technology disclosed herein. Additionally, a device or method need not address all problems that can be solved (or have all advantages achievable) by different embodiments of the present disclosure in order to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. The use of "can" and its derivatives herein should be understood in the sense of "in some cases" or "optionally", as opposed to affirmative ability.

Claims

1. A method for decomposing particulate contaminants in an exhaust source, the method comprising: (i) injecting or spraying a reducing fluid into the exhaust source containing the particulate contaminants via a first series of nozzles; (ii) injecting a combustible gas into the exhaust source via the first series of nozzles or a second series of nozzles; (iii) igniting the combustible gas in the presence of the reducing fluid, thereby decomposing the particulate contaminants.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising injecting a reducing gas via the first series of nozzles.

3. The method according to claim 1, comprising spraying a reducing liquid via the first series of nozzles.

4. The reducing liquid is produced by injecting a reducing gas and a metasilicate into a liquid, the injecting involving mixing under turbulent conditions, and the reducing gas and / or the metasilicate react with an aqueous solution to produce a reducing liquid having a redox potential (ORP) value of about -100 mV or more negative. The method according to claim 3.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the exhaust source is an exhaust stack.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the exhaust stack communicates with a manufacturing plant.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the exhaust stack communicates with a vehicle.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the combustible gas is hydrogen, oxygen, or an alkane.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the combustible gas is ignited by introducing an ignition source into the exhaust source.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the combustible gas is ignited by heating the exhaust source to a temperature of at least 454 degrees Fahrenheit.

11. Following step (iii), the exhaust contains about 50% or less of the particulate contaminants compared to the exhaust before ignition. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Following step (iii), the exhaust contains about 70% or less of the particulate contaminants compared to the exhaust before ignition. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the particulate contaminants have an average diameter of about 100 nm or more.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the particulate contaminants have an average diameter of about 500 nm or more.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first series of nozzles and optionally the second series of nozzles are provided to the exhaust source in a circular, spiral, or helical arrangement.

16. A system for decomposing particulate contaminants, the system comprising: (a) an exhaust stack for receiving particulate contaminants; (b) a heat source or ignition source; (c) a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle (i) a reducing fluid from a reducing fluid outlet line and a combustible gas from a combustible gas outlet line, wherein the reducing fluid outlet line receives the reducing fluid from a reducing fluid injection line, and the combustible gas outlet line receives the combustible gas from a combustion gas injection line, the reducing fluid from the reducing fluid outlet line and the combustible gas from the combustible gas outlet line, or (ii) a mixture of a reducing fluid and a combustible gas from a single fluid outlet line, wherein the reducing fluid flows into the single fluid outlet line via a reducing fluid injection line, and the combustible gas flows into the single fluid outlet line via a combustible gas injection line, the mixture, or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii), and a plurality of nozzles for injecting or spraying any of them into the exhaust stack. The nozzles and the fluid injection lines are configured such that both the reducing fluid and the combustible gas are injected or sprayed into the exhaust stack. The heat source or ignition source ignites the combustible gas injected into the exhaust stack in the presence of the reducing fluid, thereby causing decomposition of the particulate contaminants in the exhaust stack and reduction of the particulate contaminants exiting the exhaust stack.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein each nozzle injects into the exhaust stack the reducing fluid from the reducing fluid outlet line and the combustible gas from the combustible gas outlet line, wherein the reducing fluid outlet line receives the reducing fluid from the reducing fluid injection line, and the combustible gas outlet line receives the combustible gas from the combustion gas injection line.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein each nozzle injects into the exhaust stack a mixture of a reducing fluid and a combustible gas from a single fluid outlet line, the reducing fluid flowing into the single fluid outlet line via a reducing fluid injection line, and the combustible gas flowing into the single fluid outlet line via a combustible gas injection line.

19. The system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the fluid outlet line horizontally surrounds the exhaust stack in an annular arrangement, the fluid outlet line being connected to the plurality of nozzles in a connecting manner, and optionally the fluid outlet line being supported by a support member connected to the wall of the exhaust stack in a connecting manner.

20. The system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the fluid outlet line is wound spirally or helically around the exhaust stack in a vertical direction, the fluid outlet line being connected to the plurality of nozzles in a connecting manner, and optionally the fluid outlet line being supported by a support member connected to the wall of the exhaust stack in a connecting manner.

21. The system according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the exhaust stack communicates with a manufacturing plant.

22. The system according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the exhaust stack communicates with a vehicle.

23. The system according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the reducing fluid is a reducing gas.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the reducing gas is Hydrogas, oxyhydrogen (Knell gas), Brown gas, Tyler gas, or HHO gas (Klein gas).

25. The system according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the reducing fluid is a reducing liquid.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the reducing liquid is produced by injecting a reducing gas and a metasilicate into an aqueous solution, the injecting being accompanied by mixing under turbulent conditions, and the reducing gas and / or the metasilicate reacting with the reducing aqueous solution.

27. The system according to claim 25, wherein the reducing liquid comprises a combination of a reducing negatively charged gas and a reducing alkaline liquid, optionally the negatively charged gas is Hydrogas, and the highly reducing alkaline liquid is optionally an ORP liquid or an HRNORP liquid combined with sodium metasilicate (RLS).

28. The system according to claim 25, wherein the reducing liquid has an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value that is negative and greater than or equal to about -100 mV.

29. The system according to any one of claims 16 to 28, wherein the combustible gas is hydrogen, oxygen, or an alkane.

30. A method for decomposing particulate contaminants from the system according to claim 16, the method comprising: (i) injecting or spraying the reducing fluid and the combustible gas into the exhaust stack via the plurality of nozzles; (ii) igniting the combustible gas in the presence of the reducing fluid; wherein the particulate contaminants are decomposed and the amount of particulate contaminants exiting the exhaust stack is reduced.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the reducing fluid is a reducing gas, and optionally the reducing gas is Hydrogas, hydrogen peroxide (Knell gas), Brown gas, Tyler gas, or HHO gas (Klein gas).

32. The method according to claim 30, wherein the reducing fluid is the reducing liquid according to any one of claims 26 to 28.

33. The method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the combustible gas is hydrogen, oxygen, or an alkane.

34. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the combustible gas is ignited by activating an ignition source.

35. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the combustible gas is ignited by heating the exhaust stack to a temperature of at least 454 degrees Fahrenheit.

36. Following step (iii), the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack contains about 50% or less of the particulate contaminants compared to the exhaust exiting the exhaust stack in the absence of the method. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 35.

37. Following step (iii), the particulate contaminants are at least 50% decomposed compared to the particulate contaminants in the absence of the method. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 36.

38. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 37, wherein the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust stack substantially or essentially does not contain particulate contaminants having an average diameter of about 500 nm or more. **Claim 39** The method according to any one of claims 30 to 38, wherein the plurality of nozzles are disposed in the exhaust stack in an annular arrangement. **Claim 40** The method according to any one of claims 30 to 38, wherein the plurality of nozzles are disposed in the exhaust stack in a spiral or helical arrangement. **Claim 41** The method according to any one of claims 30 to 40, wherein the exhaust stack communicates with a manufacturing plant. **Claim 42** The method according to any one of claims 30 to 40, wherein the exhaust stack communicates with a vehicle.

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