| 摘要 |
Methods and apparatuses to activate, modify, and sanitize the surfaces of granular, powdered, or seed material placed in a continuous flow of a low-temperature, reduced-pressure gas plasma. Said plasma may be created with radio-frequency power, using capacitive-inductive, or a combination of both types of discharge. The plasma is generated at pressures in the 0.01 to 10 Torr range. RF frequency ranges from 0.2 to 220 MHz, and correspond to a plasma density between about ne×108-ne×1012 or 0.001 to 0.4 W/cm3. Inserts and electrodes may be temperature controlled to control process conditions. RF discharge may be pulsed or modulated by different frequency in order to stimulate energy exchange between gas plasma and process material. The apparatuses may be grounded, biased and mechanically activated (e.g., vibration, rotation, etc.). |
| 主权项 |
1. An apparatus for processing agricultural matter comprising:
a first compartment, for receiving agricultural matter from an external source, a second compartment, for processing agricultural matter, and a third compartment, for receiving processed agricultural matter; a first re-sealable airtight seal, disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment, and a second re-sealable airtight seal, disposed between the second compartment and third compartment, through which agricultural matter passes; a vacuum, operably connected to the second compartment, that evacuates air from at least the second compartment; a gas supply, operably connected to at least the second compartment, that provides gas to the second compartment; a plasma ionizer, operably associated with the second compartment, that ionizes gas in the second compartment into a plasma; an RF generator configured to provide a plasma striking voltage and operating power; an RF matching network, configured to match the impedance of the RF generator, a plasma controller, operably associated with the second compartment, that controls plasma flow within the second compartment, and; a first ridged sheet, operably connected to an actuator, that moves agricultural matter within the second chamber; and a second ridged sheet, operably connected to an actuator, that moves agricultural matter within the second chamber. |
