초록 ▼

The invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for the reduction of pollutants in a gas stream containing gas formed from the oxidation of fuel, such as, in the exhaust stream of a combustion engine. Radicals are produced using a corona discharge in the combustion gas stream of the engine, e

The invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for the reduction of pollutants in a gas stream containing gas formed from the oxidation of fuel, such as, in the exhaust stream of a combustion engine. Radicals are produced using a corona discharge in the combustion gas stream of the engine, either in the precombustion gas stream or from water in the exhaust gas. When the radicals are produced from the exhaust gas stream, the radicals may be produced using a corona discharge placed directly in the exhaust stream leading to or within the catalytic converter, or a portion of the exhaust stream may be diverted to a remote corona discharge radical generator. The corona discharge in the generator produces radicals in the diverted exhaust gas, and the exhaust gas containing radicals is then conveyed to the exhaust gas stream at a point upstream of the outlet of the catalytic converter.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for reducing at least one pollutant in a gas stream containing gas formed from the oxidation of fuel, the apparatus comprising:a catalyst, having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the catalyst is positioned such that at least a portion of the gas stream passe

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for reducing at least one pollutant in a gas stream containing gas formed from the oxidation of fuel, the apparatus comprising:a catalyst, having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the catalyst is positioned such that at least a portion of the gas stream passes through the catalyst;a corona discharge device for producing a corona discharge in the gas stream, the corona discharge device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode positioned a distance from the first electrode, and a dielectric material positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode; anda high frequency power supply having an operational frequency of at least about 1,000 Hz adapted to provide electrical power to the corona discharge device, whereinat least a portion of the gas stream is exposed to the corona discharge to produce radicals from gaseous species in the gas stream, and the radicals are introduced into the gas stream at a point upstream of the outlet of the catalyst.