Capillary Tube Electrostatic Particle Collector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic devices for collecting airborne particles are bulky, require additional modules like pumps and fans for air circulation, and necessitate high voltages for corona discharge and electrospray processes, limiting their portability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact device that combines corona discharge and electrospray processes to generate both the electric field for particle charging and air entrainment, eliminating the need for external pumps or fans, using a capillary tube with a polarized liquid to create a corona discharge and electrospray, which charges particles and generates an ionic wind for air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external pumps or fans are used for air circulation, then air flow through the device is achieved, but device bulk and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the corona discharge electrode with the electrospray liquid supply system into a single integrated structure. The capillary tube delivering liquid is positioned at the tip of the discharge electrode, merging two functional components (high voltage discharge and liquid spray) into one unified element that eliminates the need for separate pump or fan systems
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the corona discharge process itself to generate the electric field that drives both particle charging and liquid electrospray. The high voltage applied to the combined electrode-capillary structure creates ionized gas that propels charged liquid droplets forward, allowing the system to self-generate the forces needed for operation without external mechanical assistance
2Reliability
If separate high voltage sources are used for corona discharge and electrospray, then both processes are achieved, but power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single high voltage source applied to the integrated electrode-capillary structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it creates the corona discharge for particle charging, generates the electric field for electrospray, and produces the ionic wind for air entrainment. This multi-functional use of one voltage source eliminates the need for separate power supplies while maintaining all required processes
3Measurement precision
If corona discharge is used for particle charging, then particle collection efficiency is improved, but ozone production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces charged liquid droplets from the electrospray as an intermediary medium. These droplets are charged by the corona discharge and then collide with airborne particles, transferring charge more efficiently while the liquid phase absorbs some of the energy that would otherwise produce ozone. The liquid acts as a mediator between the electric field and the particles, reducing harmful byproducts
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves efficient particle collection with reduced bulk, low power consumption, and enhanced portability, allowing for effective air entrainment and particle transfer to a liquid phase without additional modules, while maintaining high capture efficiency and minimizing ozone production.
Implementation Method 1
The electric field existing between the two electrodes ionizes the volume of gas located in the inter-electrode space, and in particular a sheath or crown of ionized gas located around the discharge electrode. This phenomenon is called corona discharge.
Implementation Method 2
The electrospray process allows a liquid to be sprayed into fine droplets. A device implementing this process comprises two electrodes, one formed by a capillary bringing the liquid to be sprayed and the other by a generally planar counter-electrode. The drops thus formed are electrically charged and are dispersed in the air containing the particles to be collected; they transfer their charge to the polar particles which can then be attracted and then collected by the counter-electrode.
Implementation Method 3
The corona discharge charges the particles to be separated for capture on the collection electrode. It also allows the generation of an ionic wind allowing air to be drawn through the device.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The device has a collecting chamber (4) comprising a tubular shaped collecting electrode (16). A collecting device comprises a capillary tube (12), where an end (12.1) of the tube terminates upstream of the electrode in a flow direction of a gaseous flow through the chamber. Another end (12.2) is connected to a liquid tank. Polarization units perform polarization of liquid in the tube so as to make a difference in potential between the liquid at the former end of the tube and the electrode to cause corona discharge and spraying of the liquid by electro spray in the direction of the electrode. An independent claim is also included for a portable collecting system.