APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PURIFYING AIR

摘要

An apparatus for removing particles from air, including an inlet for receivi ng a flow of air, a first chamber in flow communication with the inlet, wherein a charged spray of semi-conducting fluid droplets having a first polarity is introduced to the air flow so that the particles are electrostatically attracted to and retained by the spray droplets, and an outlet in flow communication with the first chamber, wherein the air flow exits the apparat us substantially free of the particles. The first chamber of the apparatus further includes a collecting surface for attracting the spray droplets, a power supply, and a spray nozzle connected to the power supply for receiving fluid and producing the spray droplets therefrom. The apparatus may also include a second chamber in flow communication with the inlet at a first end and the first chamber at a second end, wherein particles entrained in the ai r flow are charged with a second polarity opposite the first polarity prior to the air flow entering the first chamber. The second chamber of the apparatus further includes a power supply, at least one charge transfer element connected to the power supply for creating an electric field in the second chamber, and a ground element associated with the second chamber for definin g and directing the electricfield, wherein the air flow pases between the charge transfer element and the ground element.