Patent ID: 6027616
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: B01D,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for extracting selected molecules from a first gas mixture, which comprises the steps of:generating ions, by electrical discharge, in a second gas mixture comprised of molecules which have an ionization potential that is higher than that of the selected molecules of the first gas mixture;injecting the ionized second gas mixture into the first gas mixture by applying a differential pressure thereto;applying an electric field to the first gas mixture and the injected ionized second gas mixture to propel ions through the first gas mixture and to produce interaction between the ions and the selected molecules whereby the molecules become sensitive to the electric field;continuing to apply the electric field to the first gas mixture to propel the sensitized selected molecules to a collection location; andcollecting a concentration of the selected molecules at the collection location and removing them from the first gas mixture.