Electric discharge for treatment of trace contaminants

US4130490A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Alan M. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Lovelace · San Marino, US
• Daniel Flamm · Walnut Creek, US
• Theodore J. Wydeven · Sunnyvale, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 23, 1977
• Grant date: Dec 19, 1978
• Expiry date: May 23, 1997

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S422/907
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A radio-frequency glow discharge reactor for removing trace oxidizable contaminants from an oxygen bearing atmosphere including a reaction chamber defined by an inner metal electrode facing a dielectric backed by an outer conductive electrode. In one embodiment, a conductive liquid forms the conductor of an outer electrode and cools the dielectric. A resonator coupled to a variable radio-frequency source generates the high voltages for creating a glow discharge in the chamber at a predetermined pressure whereby the trace contaminants are oxidized into a few simple non-toxic products that may be easily recovered. The corresponding process for removal of trace contaminants from an oxygen-bearing atmosphere with high efficiency independent of the concentration level is also disclosed.