Particle separation/purification system, diffuser and related methods

A separator for intended use in at least partially separating at least one species of selectively charged particles from a particle mixture carried by a fluid flow, comprising:

• a tubular, elongated body for receiving the fluid flow;
• a first imperforate electrode;
• a second imperforate electrode below the first imperforate electrode, the first and second electrodes together generating a first electric field for deflecting selectively charged particles in at least a portion of the body;
• and
• an imperforate partition creating first and second channels adapted for separating the fluid flow into first and second portions and preventing the portions from recombining after entering the first electric field, at least one of the portions of the fluid flow including selectively charged particles deflected by the first electric field.

A separator for facilitating the separation of heavier particles from a particle mixture carried by a fluid flow, comprising:

• a tubular, elongated body for receiving the fluid flow;
• a first imperforate electrode;
• a second imperforate electrode spaced from the first electrode in a vertical direction, the first and second electrodes being differentially charged and together generating a first electric field for deflecting selectively charged particles in at least a portion of the body;
• and
• an imperforate partition defining first and second channels adapted for separating the fluid flow into first and second portions and preventing the portions from recombining after entering the first electric field, at least one of the portions of the fluid flow including selectively charged particles deflected by the first electric field,
• wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged such that gravity causes the heavier particles to deflect toward or away from the first electrode regardless of the presence of the first electric field.