US 6,783,633 B2 · Dielectric breakdown chemical reactor for liquids

Abstract

This invention relates to the enhancement of chemical reactions by applying a high frequency electric field to a material. The frequency and amplitude of the electric field are selected in accordance with the properties of the reacting components in the bulk of chemical reactor. In general, the high frequency range is determined by the dielectric properties of reactant(s), that is, at any given temperature, when, for example, the specific conductivity starts to grow from its low frequency value. Typically, frequencies in the range of 100 kHz to 200 MHz or greater are suitable for the enhancement of the reactions. An electric field of any shape having Fourier components that when applied to a chemical process exhibits growth in the real part of conductivity relative to the low frequency value is of particular importance.

Claims31

Dependent claims

A method of controlling a chemical reaction comprising the steps of:

a) providing to a chemical reactor a liquid continuous sample selected from the group including:
a single component liquid;
a multi-component liquid;
and, a liquid continuous multi-phase system;
b) applying to the liquid continuous sample an electric field having a carrying frequency greater than 100 kHz and less than 200 GHz and no limitation on the modulation of the electric field, wherein the amplitude of the electric field is sufficient to cause at least one of a dielectric breakdown condition and a dielectric pre-breakdown condition within the liquid continuous sample;
c) detecting an indication of at least one of the dielectric breakdown condition and the dielectric pre-breakdown condition within the liquid continuous sample resulting from the applied electric field;
and,
d) controlling the chemical reaction in dependence upon a feedback signal related to the indication of at least one of the dielectric breakdown condition and the dielectric pre-breakdown condition.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dielectric breakdown chemical reactor for liquids

Life of this patent

Dielectric breakdown chemical reactor for liquids

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims31