Autoselective regenerating particulate filter

A method of removal of particulates from a gas stream comprising causing the gas to flow through a filter so that particulates are separated from the gas flow and trapped by the filter, positioning at least one first electrode near to but spaced apart from the filter, providing at least one counter electrode, and applying an AC voltage at a frequency in the range of about 1 kHz to about 200 kHz between the electrodes so as to generate an atmospheric glow discharge from the first electrode, wherein the filter is a ceramic monolith of depth less than about 100 mm.

An apparatus for removing particulates from a gas stream comprising a filter through which gas may be caused to flow, at least one first electrode for producing an atmospheric glow discharge located near to but spaced apart from the filter, and at least one second counter electrode, said electrodes being connected to an AC voltage supply generating a AC voltage in a frequency range of about 1 kHz to about 200 kHz, wherein at least one of the electrodes comprises a layer of electrically conductive material bonded to or deposited on a surface of the filter.