Alternating potential electrostatic separator of particles with different physical properties

An electrostatic particle separator for particles having different physical properties comprising:

• first conductive electrode means having a surface area of predetermined length and width;
• a second conductive electrode means having a surface area of predetermined length and width wherein the second electrode is mounted in spaced relation with the first electrode means such that a voltage applied between the electrode means will produce an electric field of non-uniform intensity along the width of the electrode means and having field lines curved in the direction of the width of the electrode means;
• power source means of predetermined voltage and frequency for applying the voltage between the electrode means;
• means for introducing the particles to be separated unto the surface at one end of the first electrode means in an area of high field intensity;
• and
• means for driving the particles along the length of the electrode means.

An electrostatic particle separator for particles having different physical properties comprising:

• means for generating an alternating electric field having a predetermined length and width, wherein the field lines are curved in the direction of the width of the field;
• means for inserting the particles into one end of the electric field at the side away from the curvature of the field lines;
• and
• means for driving the particles through the electric field along the length of the electric field.