CA2146976A1 - Ozone generation apparatus and method - Google Patents
Ozone generation apparatus and methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA2146976A1 CA2146976A1 CA002146976A CA2146976A CA2146976A1 CA 2146976 A1 CA2146976 A1 CA 2146976A1 CA 002146976 A CA002146976 A CA 002146976A CA 2146976 A CA2146976 A CA 2146976A CA 2146976 A1 CA2146976 A1 CA 2146976A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- generating apparatus
- ozone generating
- ozone
- discharge gap
- electrode
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B13/00—Oxygen; Ozone; Oxides or hydroxides in general
- C01B13/10—Preparation of ozone
- C01B13/11—Preparation of ozone by electric discharge
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2201/00—Preparation of ozone by electrical discharge
- C01B2201/20—Electrodes used for obtaining electrical discharge
- C01B2201/22—Constructional details of the electrodes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2201/00—Preparation of ozone by electrical discharge
- C01B2201/20—Electrodes used for obtaining electrical discharge
- C01B2201/24—Composition of the electrodes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S422/00—Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting, deodorizing, preserving, or sterilizing
- Y10S422/907—Corona or glow discharge means
Abstract
An ozone generation apparatus has a first electrode, a solid dielectric material and a discharge gap region with a flow of the oxygen gas or oxygen bearing gas provided through the discharge gap region. A structure of electrically conductive material such a titanium or stainless steel is positioned within the gas flow to act as second electrode with points of the structure contacting a surface of the dielectric material to provide a variable discharge gap in between the points of contact. The points of contact pref-erably form a regular pattern.
Description
~ 0 94/08891 21 4 6 9 7 6 PC~r/N Z93/00097 OZONE G~`'~P~TICN APPA~U~TUS l~ND MET~OD
R~ OUN~ OF THE IN~nENTION
The present invention relates to the generation of ozone.
The production of ozone can be required for many purposes such as in water treatment, whether this be for swimming pools, drinking water, hydroponics, cooling towers or the like, air purification and metal removal for example. Ozone has a major benefit as a disinfectant in that it will kill bacteria, viruses, cysts, etc. without putting any toxic matter into the water.
Ozone is a relatively unstable gas, having the formula 03 which will revert back to oxygen, 2- Ozone is created naturally such as by electrical activity associated with lightning, power tranæmission lines, ultra violet light etc. but commercially i8 produced by short wave ultra violet tubes or by corona discharge apparatus, sometimes referred to as Siemens discharge cells.
The present invention relates to sush corona discharge apparatus which will typically take the form of concentric tubes or parallel flat plates through which the oxygen or oxygen bearing gas will flow and across which a corona will be created to produce ozone.
~fq6~7~ RECEIVED o 7 rEB l~95 The description hereinafter will, for simplicity only, refer to parallel flat plate type apparatus but it is to be understood that other configurations which will be apparent to those skilled in the electrical arts, such as concentric tube configurations, are incorporated herein.
A major disadvantage of existing corona cells is the high voltage that is required, typically not less than 5KV at a frequency of 50Hz (low frequency)-600Hz (medium frequency)-2000Hz (high frequency). The highest frequency which the applicant is aware of having been proposed to be used in a corona cell was lOKHz. It will be appreciated that the use of high voltages carries with it inherent disadvantages both in the cost of providing the high voltage, the cost of insulating the equipment to accommodate the high voltage, and the inherent safety considerations for the users of the equipment.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an ozone generation method and apparatus which operates at or above substantially 20KHz, hereinafter referred to as "high frequency (as herein defined)" which overcomes or at least obviates disadvantages in such methods and apparatus available at the present time or which at least will provide the public with a useful choice.
AMENDEDSHEET
IPEA/AU
~ . _ 3 _ PCT~N~ 9 ~ J ~ O O 9 j REC~1YE~ O 7 FE~ ~99 214g97~
Further objects of this invention will become apparent from the following description.
SU~ARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is thus provided a method of generating ozone using high frequency (as herein defined) comprising:
i) Providing a first electrode, a solid dielectric material and a discharge gap region;
ii) Providing, in use, a flow of oxygen gas or oxygen bearing gas through said discharge gap region;
iii) Providing a structure of electrically conductive material having a plurality of spaced apart contact points from each of which is inclined away a portion of said conductive material;
iv) Positioning said structure to act as a second electrode within said gas flow so that said plurality of contact points of said structure contact a surface of said dielectric material and said inclined portion provides a variable discharge gap with said dielectric material in between said points of contact; and v) Connecting a high frequency (as herein defined) electrical supply across said first and second electrodes.
AMENDED SHEEI-IPE~AU
- 3a - PCT~Z ~ O 9 j RECEIVE~ ~ 7 F~ 199 2l~6976 According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an ozone generation apparatus which operates at a high frequency (as herein defined) comprising:
i) A first electrode;
ii) A solid dielectric material and a discharge gap region;
iii) Supply means, in use, to provide a flow of oxygen gas or oxygen bearing gas through said discharge gap region;
iv) A structure of electrically conductive material having a plurality of spaced apart contact points from each of which inclines away a portion of said conductive material said structure acting as a second electrode and positioned within said gas flow so that said plurality of contact points of said structure contact a surface of said dielectric material, said inclined portion providing a variable discharge gap with said dielectric material in between said points of contact;
v) Said first and second electrodes being adapted in use to be connected with a high frequency (as herein defined) electrical supply in producing ozone.
AMENDED SHEET
II'E~VAU
~ 4 ~ rc~QY~ 9 3 1 ~ O ~ 9 7 2 1 ~ 6 9 7 ~ R~CEIVEl) O 7 F E B ~9 Further aspects of this invention which should be considered in all its novel aspects will become apparent from the following description given by way of example of possible embodiments thereof and in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
Fiqure 1: Shows very diagrammatically a "prior art"
corona cell;
Fiqure 2: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to one possible embodiment of the invention;
Fiqure 3: Shows a view along arrows A-A of figure 2;
Figure 4: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to a further possible embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to a further possible embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to a still further possible emboA;m~nt of the invention;
A~ENDEDSHEET
IPE~AU
, ~ 94/088~1 21 ~ 6 9 7 6 PCT/NZ93/00097 Figure 7: Shows very diagrammatically an enlarged plan view of a mesh of electrically conductive material which can be used as the second electrode in the embodiments of Figures 5 and 6;
Fiqure 8: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to a still further possible embodiment of the invention;
Fiqure 9: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to a still further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 10: Shows very diagrammatically an enlarged plan view of a second electrode which may be used in the embodiment~ of Figures 8 and 9; and Fiqure 11: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to a still further possible emho~;ment of the invention.
TPTION OF rK~ v EMBODIMENTS
Referring to figure 1 a "prior art" corona cell has a pair of metallic electrodes 2 and 5 which will have an A.C. voltage applied across them, typically of the order of 5KV or greater. Separating the electrodes 2, 5 are a dielectric material 3 and a discharge gap region 4 through which oxygen or an oxygen bearing gas, identified by the arrow as 2 is caused to flow resulting in the production of ozone indicated by the arrow O3. The dielectric 3 and the discharge gap region 4 can be considered as a pair of series capacitors -W O 94/08891 214 6 9 7 6 - 6 - PC~r/N Z93/00097 -which, when the corona is developed in the air gap, become a capacitor (the dielectric) in series with a "~oft" regulator device such as a neon tube as the voltage drop across the gap 4 tends towards a constant value at the onset of corona. When a corona is present ozone will be produced if oxygen is present in the discharge gap region 4. In a practical mi n i gap, say of the order of 2mm, if the gas in the gap region 4 was air at STP, the voltage across the gap region 4 would typically be around 6KV peak for the discharge to start.
The potential then existing between the electrodes 1 and 5 would be dependent on the thickness and type of dielectric material 3. If this was 0.5mm mica the potential across electrodes 1 and 5 would typically be around 8KV peak for the discharge to start.
As mentioned previously the typical frequency range used in such a conventional corona cell 1 would be between 50Hz and 2KHz.
Referring now to figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings, a corona cell according to one possible embodiment of the invention is shown very diagrammatically and referenced generally by arrow 6.
Again it is shown having a pair of electrodes 7 and 11 separated by a dielectric 8 and a discharge gap region 9 through which oxygen or oxygen bearing gas will be ~ 94/08891 21 ~ S 9 7 6 PCT/NZ93/00097 caused to flow so that, with the corona present in the air gap 9, ozone will be created.
However it is seen that positioned within the discharge gap region 9 in the present invention of this particular embodiment is a mesh lO of an electrically conductive material such as titanium or stainless steel. In this embodiment, the mesh lO is shown contacting both the dielectric 8 and the electrode ll so that the mesh lO
effectively forms part of the electrode ll.
In figure 3 a plan view of the mesh lO shows it provided by way of example only a~ a grid pattern which could, by way of example only, have in one particular size of cell 6, perhaps 8 x 8 squares per square inch but of course any shapes, configurations and/or sizes of mesh lO of any suitable material could be used. The mesh lO at the points where the wires or the like cross over will provide a regular pattern of a plurality of contact points 13 with the dielectric 8, with corresponding contact points or "nodes" being provided along the under surface of the mesh lO contacting the electrode ll.
A variable discharge gap is therefore created between the mesh lO and the dielectric 8 due to the mesh wire angling away from each contact point. It has been found that with the placement of the mesh lO in the discharge gap region 9, the discharge now commences at around l.5KV peak thus representing a substantial reduction in WO94/08891 4 6 ~ 7 6 - 8 - PCT/NZ93/00097 -the voltage required. While the introduction of the mesh 10 has increased the capacitance of the cell 6 possibly by a factor of two, the decrease in voltage achieved is by a factor greater than four so that there is an advantage of two to one with respect to the s~n~Ard cell 1 such as shown in figure 1.
Moreover, with the introduction of the mesh 10 the frequency that can be used can be substantially higher, suitably in the range 20KHz to 30KHz and even above 30KHz. Compared with the standard "high" frequency of 2KHz used in such cells to date, this increase in the frequency is clearly a major one.
The invention makes use of the fact that the surface of the dielectric 8 at its con~unction with the discharge gap region 9 defines what is often called "an equipotential plane", which occurs because of the division of the cell voltage between gaseous and solid dielectrics. As the individual elements of the "plane"
are electrically insulated from one another, contact points 13 of the mesh 10 only remove the potential of that surface at the points where it actually touches, i.e. the "high" points of the mesh 10. The rest of the surface is left at high potential. Also, as the conductive wire or the like of the mesh 10 is angling away from each contact point 13 it is creating a variable gap starting from zero. This ~094/08891 21 ~ 6 9 7 ~ PCT/NZ93/0~97 _ g _ overcomes another disadvantage of a st~n~Ard cell where the discharge tends to favour certain areas of the cell due to non-uniformity of the gap. The mesh 10 in the present invention i~ believed to overcome or cancel out such non-uniformity of the gap 9 thus avoiding or at least reducing localised heating due to localised discharge which can damage a cell.
By providing a regular pattern of contact points with the dielectric 8 a substantially uniform discharge can be achieved within the gap region 9.
It will be appreciated that the mesh 10 acts as the second electrode but is being held in position by the electrode 11. The electrode 11 therefore could be omitted and other support means provided for the mesh 10 which could then be connected directly across the electric potential. This alternative embodiment with the electrode 11 omitted is shown in Figure 11.
In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention as shown in figure 4, referred generally by arrow 12, the electrode 7 of figure 2 is now replaced by a pair of electrodes 71 and 15 each associated with a respective dielectric 8 and 14 with a discharge gap region 16 positioned between them within which the mesh 10 is again acting as the second electrode.
WO94/08891 21 4 ~ 9 7 6 PCT/NZ93/00097 -The cell 12 of figure 4 again is able to achieve an improved ozone generation at a much lower voltage and a much higher frequency again due to the mesh 10 e~h~ncing the ozone production characteristics of the discharge gap region 16.
Referring now to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings, in a still further embodiment of the present invention, referred generally by arrow 611, reference numerals corresponding to those used in the earlier embodiments being used where appropriate, separating the electrodes 711 and 1111 are a solid dielectric material 811 and a discharge gap region 9ll through which oxygen or oxygen bearing gas will be caused to flow. Within the discharge gap region 9ll is a structure 17 of an electrically conductive material, such as titanium or stainless steel for example, which is shown to contact the surface of the solid dielectric 811 and the electrode 1111 so as to effectively form with it, the second electrode. As shown in Figure 7, the electrically conductive structure 17 may comprise an ~pAn~e~ metal structure which in a cross sectional view, as shown in Figure 5 has the loops 19 of electrically conductive material rising upwardly to contact the dielectric material 811 at the apexes 18 so as to provide a regular pattern of a multiplicity of contact points with the dielectric 811 and the sloping surface of the structure 17 providing a variable discharge gap in between the contact points.
21 ~9 76 In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6, the electrode 1111 has been once again omitted so that the electrically conductive structure 17 is again then connected directly across the electric potential to form the second electrode by itself.
Referring now to Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings, a further embodiment of the present invention is referenced generally by arrow 6111. In this embodiment, a further electrode 11111 is shown provided whereas in the further alternative embodiment of Figure 9, the further electrode is omitted so that the electrically conductive structure 19 then acts as the second electrode by itself.
A8 will be seen from the cross sectional views in Figures 8 and 9 and the plan view of Figure 10, the structure 19 in this embodiment comprises a shaped or punched sheet of electrically conductive material such as titanium or stainless steel forming a plurality of pyramidal shapes 20, the apexes 21 of which providing the contact points for the structure 19 with the solid dielectric 8111. The sloping surfaces of the pyramidal shapes 20 provide a variable discharge gap in between the contact points. It i5 envisaged that the structure 19 could be formed by any suitable stamping, pressing, punching, casting, moulding or other suitable technique.
The pyramidal shapes 20 are shown providing a substantially regular pattern so as to provide a WO94/08891 21~ ~ 9 ~ ~ PCT/NZ93/00097 correspondingly substantially regular pattern of contact points 21 with the solid dielectric 8111.
Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.
Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
R~ OUN~ OF THE IN~nENTION
The present invention relates to the generation of ozone.
The production of ozone can be required for many purposes such as in water treatment, whether this be for swimming pools, drinking water, hydroponics, cooling towers or the like, air purification and metal removal for example. Ozone has a major benefit as a disinfectant in that it will kill bacteria, viruses, cysts, etc. without putting any toxic matter into the water.
Ozone is a relatively unstable gas, having the formula 03 which will revert back to oxygen, 2- Ozone is created naturally such as by electrical activity associated with lightning, power tranæmission lines, ultra violet light etc. but commercially i8 produced by short wave ultra violet tubes or by corona discharge apparatus, sometimes referred to as Siemens discharge cells.
The present invention relates to sush corona discharge apparatus which will typically take the form of concentric tubes or parallel flat plates through which the oxygen or oxygen bearing gas will flow and across which a corona will be created to produce ozone.
~fq6~7~ RECEIVED o 7 rEB l~95 The description hereinafter will, for simplicity only, refer to parallel flat plate type apparatus but it is to be understood that other configurations which will be apparent to those skilled in the electrical arts, such as concentric tube configurations, are incorporated herein.
A major disadvantage of existing corona cells is the high voltage that is required, typically not less than 5KV at a frequency of 50Hz (low frequency)-600Hz (medium frequency)-2000Hz (high frequency). The highest frequency which the applicant is aware of having been proposed to be used in a corona cell was lOKHz. It will be appreciated that the use of high voltages carries with it inherent disadvantages both in the cost of providing the high voltage, the cost of insulating the equipment to accommodate the high voltage, and the inherent safety considerations for the users of the equipment.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an ozone generation method and apparatus which operates at or above substantially 20KHz, hereinafter referred to as "high frequency (as herein defined)" which overcomes or at least obviates disadvantages in such methods and apparatus available at the present time or which at least will provide the public with a useful choice.
AMENDEDSHEET
IPEA/AU
~ . _ 3 _ PCT~N~ 9 ~ J ~ O O 9 j REC~1YE~ O 7 FE~ ~99 214g97~
Further objects of this invention will become apparent from the following description.
SU~ARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is thus provided a method of generating ozone using high frequency (as herein defined) comprising:
i) Providing a first electrode, a solid dielectric material and a discharge gap region;
ii) Providing, in use, a flow of oxygen gas or oxygen bearing gas through said discharge gap region;
iii) Providing a structure of electrically conductive material having a plurality of spaced apart contact points from each of which is inclined away a portion of said conductive material;
iv) Positioning said structure to act as a second electrode within said gas flow so that said plurality of contact points of said structure contact a surface of said dielectric material and said inclined portion provides a variable discharge gap with said dielectric material in between said points of contact; and v) Connecting a high frequency (as herein defined) electrical supply across said first and second electrodes.
AMENDED SHEEI-IPE~AU
- 3a - PCT~Z ~ O 9 j RECEIVE~ ~ 7 F~ 199 2l~6976 According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an ozone generation apparatus which operates at a high frequency (as herein defined) comprising:
i) A first electrode;
ii) A solid dielectric material and a discharge gap region;
iii) Supply means, in use, to provide a flow of oxygen gas or oxygen bearing gas through said discharge gap region;
iv) A structure of electrically conductive material having a plurality of spaced apart contact points from each of which inclines away a portion of said conductive material said structure acting as a second electrode and positioned within said gas flow so that said plurality of contact points of said structure contact a surface of said dielectric material, said inclined portion providing a variable discharge gap with said dielectric material in between said points of contact;
v) Said first and second electrodes being adapted in use to be connected with a high frequency (as herein defined) electrical supply in producing ozone.
AMENDED SHEET
II'E~VAU
~ 4 ~ rc~QY~ 9 3 1 ~ O ~ 9 7 2 1 ~ 6 9 7 ~ R~CEIVEl) O 7 F E B ~9 Further aspects of this invention which should be considered in all its novel aspects will become apparent from the following description given by way of example of possible embodiments thereof and in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
Fiqure 1: Shows very diagrammatically a "prior art"
corona cell;
Fiqure 2: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to one possible embodiment of the invention;
Fiqure 3: Shows a view along arrows A-A of figure 2;
Figure 4: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to a further possible embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to a further possible embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to a still further possible emboA;m~nt of the invention;
A~ENDEDSHEET
IPE~AU
, ~ 94/088~1 21 ~ 6 9 7 6 PCT/NZ93/00097 Figure 7: Shows very diagrammatically an enlarged plan view of a mesh of electrically conductive material which can be used as the second electrode in the embodiments of Figures 5 and 6;
Fiqure 8: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to a still further possible embodiment of the invention;
Fiqure 9: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to a still further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 10: Shows very diagrammatically an enlarged plan view of a second electrode which may be used in the embodiment~ of Figures 8 and 9; and Fiqure 11: Shows very diagrammatically a corona cell according to a still further possible emho~;ment of the invention.
TPTION OF rK~ v EMBODIMENTS
Referring to figure 1 a "prior art" corona cell has a pair of metallic electrodes 2 and 5 which will have an A.C. voltage applied across them, typically of the order of 5KV or greater. Separating the electrodes 2, 5 are a dielectric material 3 and a discharge gap region 4 through which oxygen or an oxygen bearing gas, identified by the arrow as 2 is caused to flow resulting in the production of ozone indicated by the arrow O3. The dielectric 3 and the discharge gap region 4 can be considered as a pair of series capacitors -W O 94/08891 214 6 9 7 6 - 6 - PC~r/N Z93/00097 -which, when the corona is developed in the air gap, become a capacitor (the dielectric) in series with a "~oft" regulator device such as a neon tube as the voltage drop across the gap 4 tends towards a constant value at the onset of corona. When a corona is present ozone will be produced if oxygen is present in the discharge gap region 4. In a practical mi n i gap, say of the order of 2mm, if the gas in the gap region 4 was air at STP, the voltage across the gap region 4 would typically be around 6KV peak for the discharge to start.
The potential then existing between the electrodes 1 and 5 would be dependent on the thickness and type of dielectric material 3. If this was 0.5mm mica the potential across electrodes 1 and 5 would typically be around 8KV peak for the discharge to start.
As mentioned previously the typical frequency range used in such a conventional corona cell 1 would be between 50Hz and 2KHz.
Referring now to figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings, a corona cell according to one possible embodiment of the invention is shown very diagrammatically and referenced generally by arrow 6.
Again it is shown having a pair of electrodes 7 and 11 separated by a dielectric 8 and a discharge gap region 9 through which oxygen or oxygen bearing gas will be ~ 94/08891 21 ~ S 9 7 6 PCT/NZ93/00097 caused to flow so that, with the corona present in the air gap 9, ozone will be created.
However it is seen that positioned within the discharge gap region 9 in the present invention of this particular embodiment is a mesh lO of an electrically conductive material such as titanium or stainless steel. In this embodiment, the mesh lO is shown contacting both the dielectric 8 and the electrode ll so that the mesh lO
effectively forms part of the electrode ll.
In figure 3 a plan view of the mesh lO shows it provided by way of example only a~ a grid pattern which could, by way of example only, have in one particular size of cell 6, perhaps 8 x 8 squares per square inch but of course any shapes, configurations and/or sizes of mesh lO of any suitable material could be used. The mesh lO at the points where the wires or the like cross over will provide a regular pattern of a plurality of contact points 13 with the dielectric 8, with corresponding contact points or "nodes" being provided along the under surface of the mesh lO contacting the electrode ll.
A variable discharge gap is therefore created between the mesh lO and the dielectric 8 due to the mesh wire angling away from each contact point. It has been found that with the placement of the mesh lO in the discharge gap region 9, the discharge now commences at around l.5KV peak thus representing a substantial reduction in WO94/08891 4 6 ~ 7 6 - 8 - PCT/NZ93/00097 -the voltage required. While the introduction of the mesh 10 has increased the capacitance of the cell 6 possibly by a factor of two, the decrease in voltage achieved is by a factor greater than four so that there is an advantage of two to one with respect to the s~n~Ard cell 1 such as shown in figure 1.
Moreover, with the introduction of the mesh 10 the frequency that can be used can be substantially higher, suitably in the range 20KHz to 30KHz and even above 30KHz. Compared with the standard "high" frequency of 2KHz used in such cells to date, this increase in the frequency is clearly a major one.
The invention makes use of the fact that the surface of the dielectric 8 at its con~unction with the discharge gap region 9 defines what is often called "an equipotential plane", which occurs because of the division of the cell voltage between gaseous and solid dielectrics. As the individual elements of the "plane"
are electrically insulated from one another, contact points 13 of the mesh 10 only remove the potential of that surface at the points where it actually touches, i.e. the "high" points of the mesh 10. The rest of the surface is left at high potential. Also, as the conductive wire or the like of the mesh 10 is angling away from each contact point 13 it is creating a variable gap starting from zero. This ~094/08891 21 ~ 6 9 7 ~ PCT/NZ93/0~97 _ g _ overcomes another disadvantage of a st~n~Ard cell where the discharge tends to favour certain areas of the cell due to non-uniformity of the gap. The mesh 10 in the present invention i~ believed to overcome or cancel out such non-uniformity of the gap 9 thus avoiding or at least reducing localised heating due to localised discharge which can damage a cell.
By providing a regular pattern of contact points with the dielectric 8 a substantially uniform discharge can be achieved within the gap region 9.
It will be appreciated that the mesh 10 acts as the second electrode but is being held in position by the electrode 11. The electrode 11 therefore could be omitted and other support means provided for the mesh 10 which could then be connected directly across the electric potential. This alternative embodiment with the electrode 11 omitted is shown in Figure 11.
In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention as shown in figure 4, referred generally by arrow 12, the electrode 7 of figure 2 is now replaced by a pair of electrodes 71 and 15 each associated with a respective dielectric 8 and 14 with a discharge gap region 16 positioned between them within which the mesh 10 is again acting as the second electrode.
WO94/08891 21 4 ~ 9 7 6 PCT/NZ93/00097 -The cell 12 of figure 4 again is able to achieve an improved ozone generation at a much lower voltage and a much higher frequency again due to the mesh 10 e~h~ncing the ozone production characteristics of the discharge gap region 16.
Referring now to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings, in a still further embodiment of the present invention, referred generally by arrow 611, reference numerals corresponding to those used in the earlier embodiments being used where appropriate, separating the electrodes 711 and 1111 are a solid dielectric material 811 and a discharge gap region 9ll through which oxygen or oxygen bearing gas will be caused to flow. Within the discharge gap region 9ll is a structure 17 of an electrically conductive material, such as titanium or stainless steel for example, which is shown to contact the surface of the solid dielectric 811 and the electrode 1111 so as to effectively form with it, the second electrode. As shown in Figure 7, the electrically conductive structure 17 may comprise an ~pAn~e~ metal structure which in a cross sectional view, as shown in Figure 5 has the loops 19 of electrically conductive material rising upwardly to contact the dielectric material 811 at the apexes 18 so as to provide a regular pattern of a multiplicity of contact points with the dielectric 811 and the sloping surface of the structure 17 providing a variable discharge gap in between the contact points.
21 ~9 76 In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6, the electrode 1111 has been once again omitted so that the electrically conductive structure 17 is again then connected directly across the electric potential to form the second electrode by itself.
Referring now to Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings, a further embodiment of the present invention is referenced generally by arrow 6111. In this embodiment, a further electrode 11111 is shown provided whereas in the further alternative embodiment of Figure 9, the further electrode is omitted so that the electrically conductive structure 19 then acts as the second electrode by itself.
A8 will be seen from the cross sectional views in Figures 8 and 9 and the plan view of Figure 10, the structure 19 in this embodiment comprises a shaped or punched sheet of electrically conductive material such as titanium or stainless steel forming a plurality of pyramidal shapes 20, the apexes 21 of which providing the contact points for the structure 19 with the solid dielectric 8111. The sloping surfaces of the pyramidal shapes 20 provide a variable discharge gap in between the contact points. It i5 envisaged that the structure 19 could be formed by any suitable stamping, pressing, punching, casting, moulding or other suitable technique.
The pyramidal shapes 20 are shown providing a substantially regular pattern so as to provide a WO94/08891 21~ ~ 9 ~ ~ PCT/NZ93/00097 correspondingly substantially regular pattern of contact points 21 with the solid dielectric 8111.
Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.
Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (17)
1. A method of generating ozone using high frequency (as herein defined) comprising:
i) Providing a first electrode, a solid dielectric material and a discharge gap region;
ii) Providing, in use, a flow of oxygen gas or oxygen bearing gas through said discharge gap region;
iii) Providing a structure of electrically conductive material having a plurality of spaced apart contact points from each of which is inclined away a portion of said conductive material;
iv) Positioning said structure to act as a second electrode within said gas flow so that said plurality of contact points of said structure contact a surface of said dielectric material and said inclined portion provides a variable discharge gap with said dielectric material in between said points of contact, and v) Connecting a high frequency (as herein defined) electrical supply across said first and second electrodes.
i) Providing a first electrode, a solid dielectric material and a discharge gap region;
ii) Providing, in use, a flow of oxygen gas or oxygen bearing gas through said discharge gap region;
iii) Providing a structure of electrically conductive material having a plurality of spaced apart contact points from each of which is inclined away a portion of said conductive material;
iv) Positioning said structure to act as a second electrode within said gas flow so that said plurality of contact points of said structure contact a surface of said dielectric material and said inclined portion provides a variable discharge gap with said dielectric material in between said points of contact, and v) Connecting a high frequency (as herein defined) electrical supply across said first and second electrodes.
2. An ozone generating apparatus which operates at a high frequency (as herein defined) comprising:
i) A first electrode;
ii) A solid dielectric material and a discharge gap region;
iii) Supply means, in use, to provide a flow of oxygen gas or oxygen bearing gas through said discharge gap region;
iv) A structure of electrically conductive material having a plurality of spaced apart contact points from each of which inclines away a portion of said conductive material said structure acting as a second electrode and positioned within said gas flow so that said plurality of contact points of said structure contact a surface of said dielectric material, said inclined portion providing a variable discharge gap with said dielectric material in between said points of contact;
v) Said first and second electrodes being adapted in use to be connected with a high frequency (as herein defined) electrical supply in producing ozone.
i) A first electrode;
ii) A solid dielectric material and a discharge gap region;
iii) Supply means, in use, to provide a flow of oxygen gas or oxygen bearing gas through said discharge gap region;
iv) A structure of electrically conductive material having a plurality of spaced apart contact points from each of which inclines away a portion of said conductive material said structure acting as a second electrode and positioned within said gas flow so that said plurality of contact points of said structure contact a surface of said dielectric material, said inclined portion providing a variable discharge gap with said dielectric material in between said points of contact;
v) Said first and second electrodes being adapted in use to be connected with a high frequency (as herein defined) electrical supply in producing ozone.
3. A method of generating ozone as claimed in Claim 1 including connecting said electrically conductive material directly across said high frequency supply.
4. A method a claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 3 wherein said points of contact are provided as a regular pattern.
5. A method of generating ozone substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of Figures 2 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.
6. An ozone generating apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said structure is connected directly to said high frequency supply.
7. An ozone generating apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 wherein a further electrode connects said structure to said high frequency supply.
8. An ozone generating apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 wherein said solid dielectric material is provided on both sides of said discharge gap region adjacent said first and said further electrode respectively.
9. An ozone generating apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 2 and 6 to 8 wherein said structure is in the form of a mesh where said contact points are provided by the cross over of the wires of the mesh.
10. An ozone generating apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 2 and 6 to 8 wherein said structure is an expanded metal structure with raised up portions thereof providing said contact points.
11. An ozone generating apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 2 and 6 to 8 wherein said structure is in the form of a plate having a plurality of upraised portions providing said contact points.
12. An ozone generating apparatus as claimed in Claim 11 wherein each of said upraised portions is in the form of a pyramidal shape with the apex portions thereof providing said contact points.
13. An ozone generating apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 2 and 6 to 12 wherein said contact points define a regular pattern.
14. An ozone generating apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 2 and 6 to 13, wherein said electrically conductive material is titanium.
15. An ozone generating apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 2 and 6 to 13 wherein said electrically conductive material is stainless steel.
16. An ozone generating apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 2, Figure 4 or Figure 11 and Figure 3, Figure 5 or Figure 6 and Figure 7, or Figure 8 or Figure 9 and Figure 10.
17. An electrode for an ozone generating apparatus of any one of Claims 2 and 6 to 16 substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 3, Figure 7 or Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ244729 | 1992-10-14 | ||
| NZ24472992 | 1992-10-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2146976A1 true CA2146976A1 (en) | 1994-04-28 |
Family
ID=19924141
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002146976A Abandoned CA2146976A1 (en) | 1992-10-14 | 1993-10-13 | Ozone generation apparatus and method |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5554345A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU672829B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2146976A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1994008891A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (23)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5529760A (en) * | 1994-12-13 | 1996-06-25 | Burris; William A. | Ozone generator |
| JPH09241005A (en) * | 1996-03-04 | 1997-09-16 | Kobe Steel Ltd | Ozone generator |
| RU2102312C1 (en) * | 1996-04-08 | 1998-01-20 | Александр Леонидович Захаров | Ozone generator |
| GB9722173D0 (en) * | 1997-10-22 | 1997-12-17 | Aea Technology Plc | Plasma gas processing device |
| GB2334656B (en) * | 1998-02-24 | 2000-10-25 | Peter John Niccolls | Ozone generator |
| US20030206837A1 (en) | 1998-11-05 | 2003-11-06 | Taylor Charles E. | Electro-kinetic air transporter and conditioner device with enhanced maintenance features and enhanced anti-microorganism capability |
| US20050210902A1 (en) | 2004-02-18 | 2005-09-29 | Sharper Image Corporation | Electro-kinetic air transporter and/or conditioner devices with features for cleaning emitter electrodes |
| US6176977B1 (en) | 1998-11-05 | 2001-01-23 | Sharper Image Corporation | Electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner |
| US7695690B2 (en) | 1998-11-05 | 2010-04-13 | Tessera, Inc. | Air treatment apparatus having multiple downstream electrodes |
| SE514694C2 (en) | 1999-03-05 | 2001-04-02 | Ozonator Ltd | Device and method for generating ozone in which pressure changes are equalized |
| WO2002081369A1 (en) * | 2000-04-02 | 2002-10-17 | Agtech International, Inc. | Ozone generator |
| US6599486B1 (en) | 2000-09-15 | 2003-07-29 | Ozonator, Ltd. | Modular ozone generator system |
| JP4383743B2 (en) * | 2001-02-16 | 2009-12-16 | イグニス・イノベイション・インコーポレーテッド | Pixel current driver for organic light emitting diode display |
| DE10125823A1 (en) * | 2001-05-26 | 2002-12-05 | Wedeco Ges Fuer Umwelttechnolo | Method and device for generating ozone |
| US7724492B2 (en) | 2003-09-05 | 2010-05-25 | Tessera, Inc. | Emitter electrode having a strip shape |
| US7906080B1 (en) | 2003-09-05 | 2011-03-15 | Sharper Image Acquisition Llc | Air treatment apparatus having a liquid holder and a bipolar ionization device |
| US7767169B2 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2010-08-03 | Sharper Image Acquisition Llc | Electro-kinetic air transporter-conditioner system and method to oxidize volatile organic compounds |
| CA2461223C (en) * | 2004-03-16 | 2013-05-28 | Stanley Phillips | Apparatus for generating ozone and/or o1 using a high energy plasma discharge |
| US20060016333A1 (en) | 2004-07-23 | 2006-01-26 | Sharper Image Corporation | Air conditioner device with removable driver electrodes |
| US7833322B2 (en) | 2006-02-28 | 2010-11-16 | Sharper Image Acquisition Llc | Air treatment apparatus having a voltage control device responsive to current sensing |
| KR100833579B1 (en) * | 2007-03-27 | 2008-05-30 | 신영철 | Surface multi-discharge type ozone generator |
| DE102015002102A1 (en) * | 2015-02-23 | 2016-08-25 | Xylem Ip Management S.À.R.L. | Ozone generator with position-dependent discharge distribution |
| DE102015002103A1 (en) * | 2015-02-23 | 2016-08-25 | Xylem Ip Management S.À.R.L. | Ozone generator with position-dependent discharge distribution |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US788557A (en) * | 1904-06-21 | 1905-05-02 | Carl Adolph Sahlstroem | Electrical ozonizer. |
| US935457A (en) * | 1907-04-30 | 1909-09-28 | James Howard Bridge | Apparatus for electrically treating air and other gases. |
| US2128455A (en) * | 1936-01-17 | 1938-08-30 | Arthur R Darling | Ozonizer |
| US2113913A (en) * | 1936-02-01 | 1938-04-12 | Wilson H Cragun | Ozonator |
| DE3203775A1 (en) * | 1982-02-04 | 1983-08-11 | Behringwerke Ag, 3550 Marburg | FIBRINOGEN PREPARATION, METHOD FOR THEIR PRODUCTION AND THEIR USE |
| JPS62278105A (en) * | 1986-05-23 | 1987-12-03 | Sumitomo Heavy Ind Ltd | Ozone-generator |
| JPS6317207A (en) * | 1986-07-08 | 1988-01-25 | Fuji Electric Co Ltd | Ozone-generation tube |
| US5089098A (en) * | 1990-02-05 | 1992-02-18 | Tacchi Ernest J | Apparatus and method for ozone production |
| US5087428A (en) * | 1990-05-30 | 1992-02-11 | Systemes Ozonics Inc. | Air purifying system |
| GB2250407B (en) * | 1990-12-01 | 1994-06-29 | Triogen Ltd | Apparatus for generating ozone |
| US5409673A (en) * | 1992-02-10 | 1995-04-25 | O'three Limited | Ozone generator having an electrode formed of a mass of helical windings and associated method |
-
1993
- 1993-10-13 WO PCT/NZ1993/000097 patent/WO1994008891A1/en active Application Filing
- 1993-10-13 CA CA002146976A patent/CA2146976A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-10-13 US US08/416,705 patent/US5554345A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-10-13 AU AU51207/93A patent/AU672829B2/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU672829B2 (en) | 1996-10-17 |
| US5554345A (en) | 1996-09-10 |
| WO1994008891A1 (en) | 1994-04-28 |
| AU5120793A (en) | 1994-05-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |