Patent ID: 6585809
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A system for separating a gaseous constituent from a gaseous mixture, comprising:an ionization chamber having an entry port for discharging the gaseous mixture into a substantially enclosed volume, the volume disposed between an anode and a cathode; first suction means disposed against the anode, for suctioning the gaseous mixture from the substantially enclosed volume through the anode, the first suction means configured to pump at a first suction rate; second suction means disposed against the cathode, for suctioning the gaseous mixture from the substantially enclosed volume through the cathode, the second suction means configured to pump at a second suction rate; and an adjustable throttle valve located upstream and in series with the entry port and configured to control flow into the ionization chamber at an inlet rate not greater than a sum of the first suction rate and the second suction rate, whereby the ionization chamber is maintained at a static pressure substantially less than atmospheric when the first suction means and the second suction means are operating.