Patent ID: 6783633
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: B01J

Abstract:
A method of controlling a chemical reaction comprising the steps of:a) providing to a chemical reactor a liquid continuous sample selected from the group including: a single component liquid; a multi-component liquid; and, a liquid continuous multi-phase system; b) applying to the liquid continuous sample an electric field having a carrying frequency greater than 100 kHz and less than 200 GHz and no limitation on the modulation of the electric field, wherein the amplitude of the electric field is sufficient to cause at least one of a dielectric breakdown condition and a dielectric pre-breakdown condition within the liquid continuous sample; c) detecting an indication of at least one of the dielectric breakdown condition and the dielectric pre-breakdown condition within the liquid continuous sample resulting from the applied electric field; and, d) controlling the chemical reaction in dependence upon a feedback signal related to the indication of at least one of the dielectric breakdown condition and the dielectric pre-breakdown condition.