U.S. patent application number 12/713446 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-08 for gas conversion system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Advanced Electron Beams, Inc.. Invention is credited to Tzvi Avnery.
Application Number | 20100170779 12/713446 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27395851 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100170779 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Avnery; Tzvi |
July 8, 2010 |
GAS CONVERSION SYSTEM
Abstract
A gas conversion system for removing carbon dioxide from gases
includes a duct through which gases are circulated. The duct has a
port for introducing a reaction agent into the duct to the gases.
An electron beam emitter is positioned relative to the duct for
directing an electron beam into the duct to cause components of the
carbon dioxide and the reaction agent to react to remove carbon
dioxide from the gases and release oxygen.
Inventors: |
Avnery; Tzvi; (Winchester,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAMILTON, BROOK, SMITH & REYNOLDS, P.C.
530 VIRGINIA ROAD, P.O. BOX 9133
CONCORD
MA
01742-9133
US
|
Assignee: |
Advanced Electron Beams,
Inc.
Wilmington
MA
|
Family ID: |
27395851 |
Appl. No.: |
12/713446 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10666982 |
Sep 19, 2003 |
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12713446 |
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09883853 |
Jun 18, 2001 |
6623705 |
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10666982 |
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60213358 |
Jun 20, 2000 |
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60214577 |
Jun 28, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
204/158.2 ;
422/168; 422/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 20/32 20130101;
B01D 2259/812 20130101; F24F 8/20 20210101; Y02A 50/20 20180101;
A61L 9/18 20130101; Y02P 70/10 20151101; B01D 53/60 20130101; B01D
53/50 20130101; B01D 53/62 20130101; B01D 53/56 20130101; Y02C
20/40 20200801; B01D 49/00 20130101; B01D 53/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
204/158.2 ;
422/186; 422/168 |
International
Class: |
B01D 53/38 20060101
B01D053/38; B01D 53/50 20060101 B01D053/50; B01D 53/56 20060101
B01D053/56; B01D 53/72 20060101 B01D053/72; F23J 15/00 20060101
F23J015/00 |
Claims
1. A gas treatment system for removing a compound from gases
comprising: a duct having a rectangular cross section having a
width and height through which the gases flow, said compound being
mixed with the gases; and first and second modular replaceable
hermetically sealed electron beam emitters operating at no more
than about 125 kV, each having an exit window mounted to the duct
and sealed over openings in the duct opposite from each other
across the height in opposed axial alignment for directing opposed
electron beams into the duct and causing the compound to react to
remove the compound from the gases, the electron beam emitters
being operated and configured to generate generally axially
straight uniform electron beams directed into the rectangular cross
section of the duct that axially combine together along the height
to provide complete continuous uniform rectangular electron beam
coverage across the width and height of the rectangular cross
section of the duct with generally evenly dispersed electrons.
2. The gas treatment system of claim 1 in which the compound is at
least one of VOCS, and NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x.
3. The gas treatment system of claim 2 further comprising a duct
having a port for introducing a reaction agent into the duct to the
gases to react with the compound.
4. The gas treatment system of claim 3 in which the reaction agent
is ammonia for reacting with NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x.
5. The gas treatment system of claim 1 in which the duct has a zig
zag configuration for providing shielding from X-rays.
6. The gas treatment system of claim 1 in which the gases are
exhaust gases from the exhaust system of a motorized vehicle.
7. The gas treatment system of claim 1 in which the gases are
exhaust gases from a smoke stack.
8. The gas treatment system of claim 1 in which the gases are
exhaust gas from a factory.
9. The gas treatment system of claim 1 further comprising a
collector for collecting solids that are formed by irradiation.
10. The gas treatment system of claim 1 in which the duct is no
more than about 5 inches in height.
11. A method of removing a compound from gases comprising: flowing
the gases through a duct having a rectangular cross section having
a width and height, said compound being mixed with the gases; and
irradiating said compound and gases with first and second modular
replaceable hermetically sealed electron beam emitters operating at
no more than about 125 kV, each having an exit window mounted to
the duct and sealed over openings in the duct opposite from each
other across the height in opposed axial alignment for directing
opposed electron beams into the duct and causing the compound to
react to remove the compound from the gases, the electron beam
emitters being operated, and configured to generate generally
axially straight uniform electron beams directed into the
rectangular cross section of the duct that axially combine together
along the height to provide complete continuous uniform rectangular
electron beam coverage across the width and height of the
rectangular cross section of the duct with generally evenly
dispersed electrons.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising irradiating the
compound, in which the compound is at least one of VOCS, and
NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising introducing a
reaction agent into the duct to the gases through a port to react
with the compound.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising introducing ammonia
as the reaction agent for reacting with NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x.
15. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing the duct
with a zig zag configuration for providing shielding from
X-rays.
16. The method of claim 11 further comprising irradiating exhaust
gases from the exhaust system of a motorized vehicle.
17. The method of claim 11 further comprising irradiating exhaust
gases from a smoke stack.
18. The method of claim 11 further comprising irradiating exhaust
gas from a factory.
19. The method of claim 11 further comprising collecting solids
formed by irradiation with a collector.
20. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing the duct
with a height that is no more than about 5 inches.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
10/666,982, filed Sep. 19, 2003, which is a divisional of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/883,853, filed Jun. 18, 2001 (now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,623,705, issued Sep. 23, 2003), which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/213,358, filed on Jun. 20,
2000, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/214,577, filed on
Jun. 28, 2000, The entire teachings of the above applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Air circulation systems in commercial aircraft circulate a
mixture of fresh and recirculated air to the occupants. A certain
amount of fresh air is required to maintain healthy oxygen and
carbon dioxide gas levels for the occupants. Typically, sufficient
fresh air cannot be drawn into aircraft at altitudes above 40,000
feet because the air is very thin. Consequently, this prevents
commercial aircraft from flying at such altitudes. Flying at
altitudes above 40,000 feet would be desirable for commercial
aircraft because the thin air at those altitudes offers less wind
resistance than at lower altitudes, and therefore allows the
aircraft to fly in a more fuel efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present invention provides a gas conversion or treatment
system which may be employed to remove carbon dioxide from gases.
The gas conversion system of the present invention includes a duct
through which the gases are circulated. The duct has a port for
introducing a reaction agent into the duct to the gases. An
electron beam emitter is positioned relative to the duct for
directing an electron beam into the duct and causing components of
the carbon dioxide and reaction agent to react to remove carbon
dioxide from the gases and release oxygen.
[0004] In preferred embodiments, the carbon dioxide is within air.
An air circulator is included for circulating the air which can be
circulated within an enclosed environment. A separator separates
solids from the gases which are formed by reaction of the
components of the carbon dioxide and the reaction agent. In one
embodiment, the reaction agent is water. The present invention may
be within, part of, or be an air circulation or recirculation
system.
[0005] The present invention is also directed to a method of
removing carbon dioxide from gases including introducing a reaction
agent to the gases and treating the reaction agent and the gases
with an electron beam. The electron beam causes components of the
carbon dioxide and the reaction agent to react to remove carbon
dioxide from the gases and release oxygen. The carbon dioxide can
be removed from air within an air circulation or recirculation
system.
[0006] The present invention is additionally directed to a gas
conversion system for removing NOX and SOX (nitrogen and sulfur
oxides) from gases and includes a duct through which the gases
flow. The duct has a port for introducing a reaction agent into the
duct to the gases. First and second electron beam emitters are
mounted to the duct opposite from each other for directing opposed
electron beams into the duct and causing components of the NOX, SOX
and reaction agent to react to remove NOX and SOX from the gases.
In one embodiment, the reaction agent is ammonia.
[0007] The present invention is also directed to a treatment system
for removing a compound and includes a duct through which gases
flow. The compound is mixed with the gases. The duct has a port for
introducing a reaction agent into the duct to the gases. First and
second electron beam emitters are mounted to the duct opposite from
each other for directing opposed electron beams into the duct and
causing components of the compound and reaction agent to react to
remove the compound from the gases.
[0008] The present invention is further directed to an electron
beam treatment system including a duct through which a substance to
be treated flows. First and second electron beam emitters are
mounted to the duct opposite from each other for directing opposed
electron beams into the duct to treat the substance.
[0009] The present invention is also directed to an electron beam
treatment system including an electron beam emitter for generating
an electron beam through an exit window. A reaction chamber is
mounted to the electron beam emitter for receiving the electron
beam from the electron beam emitter. The reaction chamber has a
nozzle for directing a substance towards the exit window for
treatment and an outlet adjacent to the nozzle for receiving the
treated substance.
[0010] The present invention can be employed in air circulation or
recirculation systems for removing carbon dioxide and releasing
oxygen to eliminate the need for drawing in fresh air. As a result,
the air can be circulated in an enclosed environment. Such enclosed
environment air circulation systems can be installed within
commercial aircraft to provide the passengers with breathable air
that has healthy levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen, while at the
same time allowing the aircraft to fly at altitudes significantly
above 40,000 feet where the aircraft is more fuel efficient. In
addition, an embodiment of the present invention can be employed
for removing NOX and SOX from the exhaust of vehicles or factories
to reduce pollution. Other embodiments may be employed for removing
or destroying other compounds or substances.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following more particular
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference
characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of the
present invention gas conversion system.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of an air circulation system
including the gas conversion system of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of another embodiment of the
gas conversion system.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional schematic view of the gas
conversion system depicted in FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic side sectional view of yet another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an enlargement of the bottom portion of FIG.
6.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a top schematic view of the reaction chamber of
FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of another embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, gas conversion or treatment system 10
is employed for removing carbon dioxide from gases and releasing
oxygen. Often, gas conversion system 10 is included within or is
part of an air circulation system for removing carbon dioxide from
the air and releasing oxygen gas. Other common uses are removing
carbon dioxide from and releasing oxygen into exhaust gases. Gas
conversion system 10 includes a duct 12 through which gases flow or
circulate in the direction of arrows A. Typically, a percentage of
the gas or gases flowing through duct 12 is made up of carbon
dioxide gas. A port 20 extending into duct 12 is employed for
introducing a scavenging or reaction agent 21 into the duct 12 for
mixing with the flowing gases. An electron beam emitter 14 is
mounted to the duct 12 over an opening in the duct 12 in a sealed
manner, typically downstream of port 20 for directing an electron
beam 24 into the flowing gases within duct 12. The electron beam
emitter 14 has an exit window 14a through which the electron beam
24 is directed. The electron beam emitter 14 is sized to cover
virtually the entire cross section of duct 12 with electrons e-
from the electron beam 24. This forms an irradiation zone 22
through which the flowing gases and reaction agent 21 pass. The
electron beam 24 causes carbon dioxide gas to react with the
reaction agent 21 to remove carbon dioxide from the flowing gases
while at the same time releasing oxygen gas. Often, a byproduct
results from the reaction and may be a solid. A separating device
such as a filter 16 is typically positioned downstream of the
electron beam emitter 14 and irradiation zone 22 for filtering
these solids from the flowing gases. In addition, the filter 16 can
be used in conjunction with a collector 18 for collecting the
solids.
[0022] In use, the reaction agent 21 is continuously introduced
into duct 12 while in a form that easily mixes with the flowing
gases, such as in a gaseous or vapor form, mist, or fine powder. As
the mixture of gases and reaction agent 21 pass through the
irradiation zone 22, the electron beam 24 breaks apart carbon
dioxide gas molecules (CO.sub.2) into smaller components such as C,
O or CO. The reaction agent 21 may also be broken up, depending
upon the particular agent employed. Components of the carbon
dioxide containing the element carbon react with components of the
reaction agent 21, typically forming a solid, and are thereby
removed from the flowing gas. Removing carbon bearing components
from the flowing gas removes carbon dioxide gas therefrom.
[0023] In one embodiment, the reaction agent 21 is water (H.sub.2O)
which may be introduced into duct 12 through port 20 as a mist or
vapor. The electron beam 24 breaks apart water molecules (H.sub.2O)
into smaller components such as H, OH or O, and carbon dioxide
molecules (CO.sub.2), as mentioned above. Once water (H.sub.2O) and
carbon dioxide molecules (CO.sub.2) are broken up into smaller
components, the components can react with each other. Carbon
dioxide gas (CO.sub.2) can react with water (H.sub.2O) when
irradiated by the electrons e- from the electron beam 24 as
follows:
CO.sub.2+H.sub.2O+Electron
Beam.fwdarw.(CH.sub.2O).sub.n+O.sub.2
[0024] The byproducts of the reaction can be a solid containing
carbon components in the form of sugar, and oxygen gas. The solid
containing the carbon elements is removed from the flowing gases
while the released oxygen mixes with the gases. Consequently, the
process removes carbon dioxide gases from the flowing gases and
releases oxygen gas back into the gases. The released oxygen
(O.sub.2) is formed from oxygen components which do not become
incorporated into the solid.
[0025] Some of the broken up carbon dioxide components might not
have a chance to react with the components of the reaction agent 21
and might reform back into carbon dioxide gas. In one embodiment,
this can be minimized by introducing a sufficient amount of the
reaction agent 21 into duct 12 and causing sufficient mixing
therein with the gases. In another embodiment, it might be
desirable to maintain a certain level of carbon dioxide after
passing irradiation zone 22 because too much oxygen could be a fire
hazard. In such a case, a lesser amount of reaction agent 21 is
needed. Once the solids formed from the reaction of the carbon
dioxide with the reaction agent 21 are removed by filter 16, the
treated or converted gases can be directed by duct 12 to the
appropriate destination. In some embodiments, the treated gases are
circulated within an enclosed environment, such as in air
circulation systems, while in other embodiments, the treated gases
are directed to the outside environment (atmosphere), such as in
exhaust systems.
[0026] Duct 12 is commonly rectangular in cross section, but can
also have any other suitable cross section such as polygonal,
circular, or have a combination of curves and straight sides. A
pump or blower can be used to inject the reaction agent 21 into
duct 12 through port 20. Although gas conversion system 10 has been
shown to have one port 20 for introducing the reaction agent into
duct 12, alternatively, more than one port 20 can be employed.
Additionally, a series of ports 20 can be positioned about duct 12
for introducing reaction agent 21 radially inwardly into duct 12.
Electron beam emitter 14 is typically similar to those disclosed in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/349,592, filed Jul. 9, 1999
entitled "Electron Beam Accelerator," the entire contents of which
are incorporated herein, which describes that the electrons of the
electron beam exit the filament housing in a relatively straight
manner, and that the accelerator or emitter can be replaceable,
modular and sealed, and can be hermetically sealed. Alternatively,
other suitable electron beam emitters can be used. Filter 16
typically includes an electrostatic precipitator which increases
the size of the particles of the solids and a mechanical filter
downstream of the precipitator. Alternatively, filter 16 can
consist of either the electrostatic precipitator or the mechanical
filter. Collector 18 is often a collection container or bin for
collecting solids under duct 12. Collector 18 can also include a
conduit or chute for conveying the solids to a bin positioned apart
from the duct 12. Gas conversion system 10 is often within or part
of an air circulation system, including air conditioning and
heating systems, but can also be a stand alone unit employed
primarily for removing carbon dioxide from air and releasing
oxygen. In such a case, an air circulator such as a fan or blower
would be included for causing the air flow within duct 12. In
embodiments where gas conversion system 10 is employed for treating
exhaust gases, the gases are often the product of a combustion
reaction and in many cases are able to flow through duct 12 without
the aid of an air circulator.
[0027] A gas conversion system 10 for removing carbon dioxide from
and adding oxygen to a breathable air supply flowing through duct
12 may be installed within an aircraft. This would allow the
aircraft to have a closed air circulation system and eliminate the
need for drawing in and circulating a percentage of fresh air. As
previously mentioned, commercial aircraft typically fly no higher
than about 40,000 feet because sufficient amounts of fresh air
cannot be drawn into the aircraft at such altitudes. Gas conversion
system 10 would allow an aircraft to fly at altitudes much higher
than 40,000 feet since fresh air does not need to be drawn in.
Flying at altitudes significantly higher than 40,000 feet is
desirable because fuel consumption is lower and, therefore, the
aircraft is more efficient. In addition to removing carbon dioxide
and adding oxygen to breathable air, the electron beam 24 of gas
conversion system 10 also kills airborne microorganisms passing
through the electron beam 24. This reduces the possibility of
spreading sickness on the aircraft since the air in the cabin is
recirculated. Filter 16 may also be designed for filtering out
ozone that is produced in the irradiation process. Such a design
can include a reactive filter having a pellet bed of spherical
manganese dioxide or platinum pellets.
[0028] Gas conversion system 10 may be employed for closed air
circulation or recirculation systems in applications other than
aircraft, such as buildings, motorized vehicles, water craft, space
craft, etc. In addition, gas conversion system 10 may be employed
for removing carbon dioxide gas from the exhaust of factories and
motorized craft. Furthermore, reaction agents 21 other than water
may be employed, such as lime. Also, gas conversion system 10 may
be employed for removing carbon dioxide gas from ambient air, such
as in large cities for improving the air quality. Multiple gas
conversion systems 10 would typically be required to handle a large
flow rate.
[0029] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of gas conversion system 10 as
part of an air circulation system 30. An air circulator 28 such as
a fan or blower is positioned upstream of port 20 for causing air
flow within duct 20. Air is provided to air circulator 28 through
inlet 32 and passes through a filter 26 for filtering particles
from the air. The air is treated by gas conversion system 10 in the
manner previously discussed above. It is understood that air
conditioning and/or heating components can also be included within
air circulation system 30. Air circulation system 30 can eject air
treated by gas conversion system 10 directly from duct 12.
Optionally, a series of smaller ducts 13 can be connected to duct
12 at a junction 13a which deliver the treated air to different
zones or areas. If air circulation system 30 is installed within an
enclosed environment such as in the cabin of an aircraft, air
ejected from ducts 13 would eventually reenter inlet 32 so that the
air is circulated in a recirculating manner.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, gas conversion or treatment
system 25 can be used in applications similar to gas conversion
system 10 but differs in that gas conversion system 25 includes
multiple electron beam emitters 14. The electron beam emitters 14
are mounted to duct 12 in opposed axial alignment for directing
electron beams 24 into irradiation zone 22 from opposite
directions. This allows the height of duct 12 to be made greater
than in gas conversion system 10. The electron beams 24 have a
limited penetration depth into the flowing gases and reaction agent
21. The intensity of an electron beam 24 directed into gas
decreases to zero very rapidly. Therefore, directing electron beams
24 from opposed directions enables the penetration depths of the
opposed electron beams 24 to be combined to cover a cross section
of greater height with more uniformity and better use of energy. As
a result, a duct 12 having a relatively large height can be used
while at the same time employing relatively low power electron beam
emitters 14. For example, opposed electron beam emitters 14
operating at about 125 kV can be employed for irradiating a duct 12
that is about 5 inches high. In addition, the width of duct 12 can
be increased by mounting electron beam emitters 14 side by side as
depicted in FIG. 4. The electron beams 24 of side by side electron
beam emitters 14 combine to provide continuous electron beam
coverage across the width of duct 12. Furthermore, electron beam
emitters 14 can be positioned in a manner where some of the
electron beam emitters 14 are mounted to the duct 12 longitudinally
along the duct 12 sequentially in the direction of gas flow
resulting in upstream and downstream electron beam emitters 14.
This allows higher air flow rates to be employed than with the
single electron beam emitter 14 depicted in gas conversion system
10. Although a faster flow rate shortens the time that the gases
and reaction agent 21 pass through an electron beam 24 of a given
electron beam emitter 14, sequentially positioned electron beam
emitters 14 provides an irradiation zone 22 of increased length to
ensure that the gases and reaction agent 21 are irradiated for a
sufficient amount of time to obtain the desired gas conversion
reaction. In addition to sequentially positioning the electron beam
emitters 14, electron beam emitters 14 can also be positioned on
the sides of duct 12 to provide increased electron beam
coverage.
[0031] The opposed electron beam emitter 14 configuration described
for gas conversion system 25 can also be employed for removing
nitrogen and sulfur oxide gases (NO.sub.X and SO.sub.X) from
exhaust or flue gases, for example from motorized vehicles or
factories. Although a reaction agent 21 does not have to be
employed, the use of ammonia (NH.sub.3) as a reaction agent 21 is
preferable for mixing with the gases within duct 12 before
irradiation. The electron beams 24 break apart the NO.sub.X,
SO.sub.X and NH.sub.3 molecules into smaller components and cause
components of the NO.sub.X, SO.sub.X and NH.sub.3 to react
resulting in the formation of ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate
which is typically a solid in the form of dust. The dust can be
separated from the flowing gases by a suitable filter arrangement
16 which can include an electrostatic precipitator to increase the
size of the solid particles before filtering by a mechanical
filter. Alternatively, the electrostatic precipitator or the
mechanical filter can be used by itself. Consequently, NO.sub.x and
SO.sub.x gases are removed from flowing gases by the present
invention by the formation of solids containing nitrogen and sulfur
components and the subsequent removal of the solids from the
flowing gases. In some situations, only two opposed electron beam
emitters 14 mounted to duct 12 may be required. Additionally, in
other situations, electron beam emitters 14 can also be positioned
side by side and/or in series along the direction of gas flow as
depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4. Furthermore, some situations may require
only a single electron beam emitter 14 such as in gas conversion
system 10 (FIG. 1).
[0032] The present invention can be installed within the exhaust
system of a motorized vehicle instead of a catalytic converter for
removing NO.sub.X and SO.sub.X from the exhaust gases. The present
invention can also be installed for removing NO.sub.X and SO.sub.X
from the smokestacks of factories. In addition to removing NO.sub.X
and SO.sub.X from gases, the opposed electron beam emitter 14
configuration can also be employed for destroying or removing
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from flowing gases. The VOCs can
be in a gas, vapor or mist form when irradiated by electron beam
emitters 14. The reaction agent 21 can be chosen for a particular
organic compound.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, gas conversion or treatment system 40
is an embodiment of the present invention that can be employed for
treating compounds or substances such as gases flowing through a
circular conduit or duct 34. System 40 includes a rectangular duct
portion 38 to which opposed electron beam emitters 14 are mounted.
Typically, duct portion 38 has a lower height than duct 34, but is
greater in width. This allows electron beam emitters 14 to be
employed for sufficiently treating the substances flowing through
duct 34 with electron beams 24 which ordinarily would not have a
high enough power for penetrating deep enough through the flowing
substances in duct 34 to obtain sufficient treatment. Transition
portions 36 connect duct portion 38 to the duct 34 on opposite
sides of duct portion 38. Transition portions 36 have a height that
decreases moving from duct 34 to duct portion 38 and a width that
increases moving from duct 34 to duct portion 38. Typically,
transition portions 36 have angled top, bottom and side walls, but
alternatively, the walls can be curved. The opposed electron beam
emitters 14 are abutted in side by side relation in order to
provide continuous electron beam coverage across the width of duct
portion 38. One or more additional rows of electron beam emitters
14 can be positioned in the direction of flow to lengthen the time
of irradiation, as shown. If the height of the duct portion 38 is
low enough, a single unopposed row of electron beam emitters 14 can
be employed. Although a port 28 and a separating device 16 are not
depicted in FIG. 5, it is understood that such features can be
included in system 40. System 40 can be employed for treatment the
same substances as systems 10 and 25. In addition, the angled
transition portions 36 can be employed when using two opposed
electron beam emitters 14 or a single electron beam emitter 14.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 6-8, gas conversion or treatment system
50 is yet another embodiment of the present invention which is
suitable for treating relatively small flow rates of substances
such as gases. System 50 is small or compact and is suitable for
installation on the exhaust systems of motorized vehicles. System
50 includes a small low power electron beam emitter 14 that is
mounted to a reaction chamber 42. Electron beam emitter 14 includes
a cylindrical housing 44 having an exit window 14a at one end. An
electron generator 46 positioned within the housing generates
electrons e- which are accelerated through exit window 14a in an
electron beam 24. The distal end of the housing 44 of electron beam
emitter 14 is mounted to reaction chamber 42 in a manner where the
exit window 14a is positioned and sealed over the interior cavity
42a of reaction chamber 42 so that electrons e- generated by
electron generator 46 can be accelerated through exit window 14a
into cavity 42a. Reaction chamber 42 has an inlet 48 through which
flowing substances enter. A nozzle 52 (FIGS. 7 and 8) is positioned
at or near the end of inlet 48 for directing a jet of the
substances into the cavity 42a towards exit window 14a, the central
axis of the jet being substantially perpendicular to exit window
14a and generally axially or along the same direction as electron
beam 24. The nozzle 52 is centrally positioned at the bottom of
cavity 42a opposite to exit window 14a for uniformly directing the
substances towards exit window 14a. The intensity of the electron
beam 24 into the flowing substances increases from close to zero at
the bottom of cavity 42a to about full intensity adjacent exit
window 14a. Consequently, the irradiation zone 22 in the area near
exit window 14a has the highest intensity of electrons.
[0035] The substances are treated by the electron beam 24 in the
irradiation zone 22 as it flows toward exit window 14a and then
flows away from exit window 14a into a series of outlets 54 equally
positioned about or around nozzle 52. This results in a mushroom
shaped flow of substances. The cavity 42a forms a reverse flow duct
in which the flow of substances is reversed. The substances are
irradiated in both the forward and backward flow directions with
the increasing and decreasing electron beam irradiation intensity
resulting in relatively uniform irradiation. In one embodiment,
four outlets 54 are employed. The outlets 54 are in communication
with a chamber 56 which is connected to the outlet 58 of reaction
chamber 42 through which the treated substances flow. In such an
embodiment, electron beam emitter 14 can have a 2 inch diameter
exit window 14a and operate at about 60 kV with reaction chamber 42
having a cavity 42a of about 2 inches in diameter by about 2 inches
high.
[0036] If a reaction agent 21 is employed, the reaction agent 21
from a port 20 is typically mixed with the flowing substances
before entering inlet 48. In addition, any separating or filter
devices 16 would be positioned downstream from the outlet 58 of
reaction chamber 42. System 50 can be employed for treating the
same substances as systems 10, 25 and 40. In addition, system 50
can also be employed for sterilizing substances. Inlet 48, nozzle
52, cavity 42a, outlets 54, chamber 56 and outlet 58, including any
connections to inlet 48 and outlet 58, can be considered to form a
continuous duct.
[0037] While this invention has been particularly shown and
described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
[0038] For example, although gas conversion systems 10, 25, 40 and
50 are suitable for removing carbon dioxide, NO.sub.X, SO.sub.X and
VOCs from gases, alternatively, other gases, liquid substances or
compounds may also be removed, treated, and/or sterilized.
Particular reaction agents would be chosen to address the situation
at hand. In some cases, it might be desirable not to introduce a
reaction agent. Filters can be positioned upstream of the present
invention systems for filtering out particles. The components that
are removed from the gases or substances are usually in the form of
a solid but in some cases can be a liquid. The filter 16 can be
configured for trapping the liquid. In some cases, the liquid can
be trapped without employing filter 16. The duct can also be
configured for trapping solids without filter 16. Features of
systems 10, 25, 40 and 50 as well as air circulation system 30 can
be combined or omitted. Although ducts 12 and 34 have been depicted
as straight and horizontally positioned, ducts 12 and 34 can have
corners or bends and can be oriented vertically or at an angle,
depending upon the situation at hand. For example, the ducts can
have a zig zag configuration which provides shielding for X-rays,
for example, as seen in FIG. 9. In addition, the shape and/or size
of the cross section of ducts 12 and 34 can be varied along its
length.
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