Richard M Crowe

US Patent:

6923890, Aug 2, 2005

Filed:

Aug 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/211980

Inventors:

Pascal J. Ricatto - Ridgewood NJ, US
Edward J. Houston - East Brunswick NJ, US
Richard Crowe - Hazlet NJ, US

Assignee:

PlasmaSol Corporation - Hoboken NJ

International Classification:

D06M011/00
C01G015/12
C01B003/24
B01J019/08

US Classification:

204164, 811551, 811552, 204165, 208 46, 423650, 423655

Abstract:

A method for activating chemical reactions using a non-thermal capillary discharge plasma (NT-CDP) unit or a non-thermal slot discharge plasma (NT-SDP) unit (collectively referred to as “NT-CDP/SDP”). The NT-CDP/SDP unit includes a first electrode disposed between two dielectric layers, wherein the first electrode and dielectric layers having at least one opening (e. g. , capillary or a slot) defined therethrough. A dielectric sleeve inserted into the opening, and at least one second electrode (e. g. , in the shape of a pin, ring, metal wire, or tapered metal blade) is disposed in fluid communication with an associated opening. A non-thermal plasma discharge is emitted from the opening when a voltage differential is applied between the first and second electrodes. Chemical feedstock to be treated is then exposed to the non-thermal plasma. This processing is suited for the following exemplary chemical reactions as (i) partial oxidation of hydrocarbon feedstock to produce functionalized organic compounds; (ii) chemical stabilization of a polymer fiber (e. g.

US Patent:

7029636, Apr 18, 2006

Filed:

Aug 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/211936

Inventors:

Pascal J. Ricatto - Ridgewood NJ, US
Edward J. Houston - East Brunswick NJ, US
Richard Crowe - Hazlet NJ, US

Assignee:

Plasmasol Corporation - Hoboken NJ

International Classification:

B01J 19/08

US Classification:

42218604, 204177, 60275

Abstract:

A device for the pre-treatment of combustion air by exposure to non-thermal plasma at substantially atmospheric pressure and a method for operating the same. The device includes an inner electrode having a longitudinal channel defined therein to receive a fuel. An outer dielectric layer is separated a predetermined distance from the inner electrode so as to form a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma region therebetween for receiving the combustion air to be treated. The outer dielectric has at least one opening (e. g. , capillaries or slots) defined therethrough from which the non-thermal plasma is emitted. At least one outer electrode (e. g. , in the shape of a pin or ring) is disposed in fluid communication with the at least one opening. The treated combustion air and fuel are combined in a mixing region. The pretreatment device may be disposed in an unsealed or a sealed combustion burner.