Apparatus and method for reducing particulate emissions from combustion processes

A method of reducing particle emissions from a combustion process, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) combusting a fuel source with primary and secondary air to produce a flame in a combustion zone;
• (b) applying a high voltage electrical potential to an electrode mounted at a periphery of the combustion zone and in touching relation with the flame, to subject the flame to an electrical field;
• and
• (c) supplying the secondary air to the combustion zone in the vicinity of the electrode;
• whereby the applying of the field and the supplying of air reduces particulate emissions in the size range about 0.1 to about 3 microns from the combustion zone by from about 50 to about 60 wt %.

A combustion apparatus having reduced particulate emissions, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) a housing for containing a combustion zone, the housing having an opening to admit primary combustion air to combust a fuel in the housing, the housing containing disposed therein:
• (i) a first perforated hollow electrode, shaving a first internal space, located on one side of the combustion zone;
• (ii) a second hollow electrode, on an opposite side of the combustion zone from the first electrode, the second electrode having a second internal space in fluid communication with the first internal space;
• and
• (b) means for generating an electrical field between the first and second electrodes of at least about 150 V/cm.

Twice a combustion apparatus having reduced particle emissions from a combustion process in a combustion zone, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) an electrically grounded portion comprising a plenum supplied with an inlet for receiving inlet air and outlet holes for supplying primary combustion air to the combustion zone, the grounded portion located in the vicinity of a first outer edge of the combustion zone;
• (b) hollow electrode located near a second outer edge of the combustion zone, on an opposite side of the first outer edge of the combustion zone, the electrode comprising a hollow body portion in fluid communication with the plenum, the body portion perforated to provide secondary combustion air to the combustion zone;
• and
• (c) a high voltage electrical field between the electrode and the grounded portion, the field passing through the combustion zone.