Electrostatic particle separation system, apparatus, and related method

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for electrostatically separating two species of particles from a particle mixture that overcomes the above-identified limitations and shortcomings of the prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a particle separation system including a single distributor for simultaneously supplying the particle mixture to a plurality of individual electrostatic separation apparatus, whereby two distinct and substantially pure particle species are recovered from each apparatus.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic separation apparatus having multiple separators in series for removing and collecting selected charged particles from a particle mixture, whereby after passing the particle mixture through said multiple separators, two distinct and substantially pure species of particles are fully recovered.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic separation apparatus that includes flow straighteners for both the particle mixture and curtain gas flows to reduce turbulence in the separation chamber and improve separation efficiency.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic separation apparatus having at least one separation chamber wherein the length of the electric field zone is selectively adjustable for varying the quantity and quality of the selected charged particles that are drawn from the particle mixture.
Additional objects, advantages and other novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention.
The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, an improved electrostatic separation apparatus is disclosed and use of this apparatus as part of an overall particle separation system is described