Electrostatic Collector Discharge Electrode with Sudden Widening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrostatic collectors face challenges in optimizing the electric discharge between the discharge electrode and the collection electrode to maximize collection efficiency, leading to inhomogeneous particle accumulation and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The electrostatic collector features a discharge electrode with a sudden widening, biased to a lower potential, and a collection electrode biased to a higher potential, facilitating axisymmetric particle deposition and reducing the risk of electric arcs, along with a design that allows for easy removal and cleaning of the collection electrode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a discharge electrode of constant diameter is used, then the structure is simple, but the particle deposition is inhomogeneous and collection efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle deposition uniformityVSAvoidelectrode structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge electrode incorporates a sudden widening section that creates different geometric zones along its length. The narrow section generates stronger electric field intensity for effective ionization, while the widened section promotes more uniform particle deposition distribution. This local variation in geometry optimizes different functional requirements at different positions of the same electrode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If the discharge electrode and collection electrode are positioned close to each other, then the electric field intensity is high for effective ionization, but the risk of electric arcs increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric field intensityVSAvoidelectric arc risk
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge electrode features a sudden widening that creates distinct electric field zones. The narrow section maintains high field intensity for effective corona discharge and particle ionization, while the widened section acts as a geometric barrier that prevents direct arc formation between electrodes, thus locally addressing different electrical requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the collection electrode is fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but the ease of removal for cleaning and analysis is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode position stabilityVSAvoidelectrode removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The collection electrode is designed with movable positioning capability, allowing it to be shifted between operational positions (where it maintains stable alignment with the discharge electrode) and removal positions (where it can be extracted for cleaning or analysis). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between operational stability and maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This configuration enhances collection efficiency by ensuring uniform particle distribution and reducing variations in corona discharges, resulting in improved performance and ease of maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

A high electric field is induced between the two electrodes under the effect of a potential difference applied between the two electrodes. The electric field ionizes the volume of gas located between the two electrodes, creating a sheath or crown of ionized gas located around the discharge electrode. This phenomenon is called corona discharge.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorona discharge: Corona Discharge

Implementation Method 2

The gas containing the particles to be separated which is passed between the discharge electrode and the collection electrode then passes through a flow of ions and the particles to be separated are in turn ionized. Under the effect of electrostatic forces, the charged particles thus created are attracted by the collection electrode on which they are collected.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3160651B1Electrostatic collector
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3160651B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3160651B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3160651B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Electrostatic collector comprising a collection chamber delimited by a tubular wall oriented along a first axis; a discharge electrode, of elongate form, extending along said first axis; a collection electrode intended to be disposed inside the collection chamber against the wall, characterized in that the discharge electrode (10) comprises an end (10-1), in the shape of a tip, said end being disposed opposite the collection electrode; a first part, slender (10a) of a first diameter, emerging on said tip-shaped end, a second part (10b) of a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than or equal to twice the first diameter, the second diameter being preferably between 2 and 6 times the first diameter; and a sudden widening (11), extending between the first part (10a) and the second part (10b).