Patent ID: 6217776
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: B03C,H01J

Abstract:
A centrifugal filter for separating low-mass particles from highmass particles in a rotating multi-species plasma which comprises:a first annular means for generating a magnetic field component (Bz1), said first annular means defining a longitudinal axis;a second annular means for generating a magnetic field component (Bz2), said second annular means being substantially coaxial with said first annular means and distanced therefrom to establish a passageway for said multi-species plasma therebetween, said magnetic field component (Bz1) being additive with said magnetic field component (Bz2) in said plasma passageway to create a magnetic field (Bz);means for establishing an electric field substantially perpendicular to said magnetic field (Bz) to create crossed magnetic and electric fields in said passageway, said electric field having a positive potential on said longitudinal axis with a decreasing potential in an outwardly radial direction; andmeans for injecting said rotating multi-species plasma into said passageway to interact with said crossed magnetic and electric fields for ejecting said high-mass particles from said passageway in an outwardly radial direction and for confining said low-mass particles in said passageway during transit therethrough to separate said low-mass particles from said high-mass particles.