APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HIGH-ACTIVITY RADIANT RAYS AND IONS

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating high-activity radiant rays and ions comprising: a high voltage generating part for boosting the input power; an electrostatic induction part for generating a predetermined level of electrostatic potential by causing electrostatic induction, and for branching the high voltage output from the high voltage generating part; at least one protected discharge electrode part electrically connected to the electrostatic induction part; and at least one discharge conductor part for causing inductive discharge, the discharge conductor part being electrically connected to the high voltage generating part and disposed in the vicinity of the protected discharge electrode part. The apparatus for generating high-activity radiant rays and ions in accordance with the invention generates high-activity variant rays with a high efficiency to produce ions so that those active ions may be applied to the sewage treatment and the water or air purification. In addition, the apparatus needs a low manufacturing and operating cost and it is reliable and safe.

Description: APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HIGH-ACTIVITY RADIANT RAYS AND IONS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating high-activity radiant rays and ions and more particularly to an apparatus which generates high-activity radiant rays and ions, excellent in decomposing pollutant materials, by causing inductive discharging phenomena through an electrostatic induction part and discharge electrode part. The high-activity radiant rays herein means the radiant energy which includes ultraviolet rays or shorter wave rays and so is highly reactive. The high-activity radiant rays and ions are used for various industrial purposes and are so reactive, for example, to decompose the pollutant materials in water or air through reaction with the pollutants when applied in polluted water or air. Therefore, various methods including the use of high -activity radiant rays and ions have been attempted to purify sewage or to purify polluted air or foul water to reduce the pollution level of air or water or to produce clean air or potable water. However, those apparatuses to produce high-activity radiant rays and ions were very complicated and expensive; and, therefore, the prior apparatuses and methods cost considerably high. Accordingly, there has been a continued need for a cost-effective apparatus to produce high-activity radiant rays and ions which available for common use. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventionally, specially manufactured ultraviolet lamps or discharging needles of special metal which were connected to high-voltage static electricity generating apparatus were employed to provide optical UV rays or industrial ionic gases for use in sewage treating stations. However, those apparatuses were associated with such drawbacks as the instability in performance of the apparatus depending on the humidity, temperature and air cleanness, in addition to the cost problem of the apparatus. Further, the productivity of the apparatus is liable to become lowered due to the abrupt drop in discharging effect which is usually caused by the adhesion of pollutant materials around the metallic discharging needle over a duration of use. Moreover, the above-mentioned high-voltage static electricity generating apparatus is composed of complicate and delicate circuits and miscellaneous parts, so that it is vulnerable to humidity or temperature and tends to get in trouble very easily. Furthermore, since each UV lamp must be combined with each ion generating apparatus, individual connections and assemblies of several tens or hundreds of ion generating apparatuses have to be connected and assembled with UV lamps to produce massive ion gases. For this reason, the apparatus tends to become huge. In addition, a trouble of even a single UV lamp requires the interruption of the overall apparatus and dismantling of the apparatus for replacement or repair. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which produces high-activity radiant rays and ions with high efficiency. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic 2 - induction apparatus which is substantially free from malfunction and has a function capable of distributing high voltage to a multitude of lamps. A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of generating inductive discharge between discharge electrode and discharge conductor. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for generating high-activity radiant rays and ions, which comprises a high voltage generating means for boosting the input power; an electrostatic induction means for generating a predetermined level of electrostatic potential by causing electrostatic induction, and for branching the high voltage output from said high voltage generating means; at least one protected discharge electrode means electrically connected to said electrostatic induction means; and at least one discharge conductor means for causing inductive discharge, the discharge conductor means being electrically connected to said high voltage generating means and disposed in the vicinity of said protected discharge electrode means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a circuit arrangement for generating radiant rays and ions in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 depicts the detailed structure of the electrostatic induction means as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 describes the detailed structure of the inductive discharge means as shown in Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows the electrostatic induction means with plural second electrodes in an exploded view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of the present invention is now described in detail with reference to drawings. Figure 1 shows the structure of an apparatus for generating high-activity radiant rays and ions. In order to produce high-activity radiant rays and ions in accordance with the invention, the input electric power first needs to be raised to a certain level. To that end, the electric power is boosted to a level of, for example, 15,000 V by a high voltage generating part 10 through a step up transforming process. The level is required to cause inductive discharge and to produce ions in accordance with the invention. The high voltage output from the high voltage generating part 10 is then stabilized and an electrostatic potential is induced through an electrostatic induction part 20, which potential is applied to a single or plural protected discharge electrodes 31, 31' as the case may be. Referring to the electrostatic induction part 20 in more detail with regard to Figures 1 and 2, one of the two lines from the high voltage generating part 10 is connected to the first induction electrode 24 of flat plate in the electrostatic induction part 20 and the other line is connected to the discharge conductor parts 32, 32'. The first induction electrode 24 is laminated with an dielectric layer 23, on which a second induction electrode 22 is arranged and it is connected to the discharge electrode 31. Thus, there is generated a loop induction on the second induction electrode 22 in relation with the first induction electrode 24, the first induction electrode sandwiching the dielectric layer 23 with the second electrode, and the electrostatic potential so induced on the second electrode 22 is stably supplied to the discharge electrode part 31, 31'. Hereon, power supply to plural discharge electrode is possible, because on a single electrostatic induction part 20, there can be provided a multitude of second electrodes 22, 26 which can be connected to the corresponding discharge electrodes 31, 31', respectively. Therefore, a cost reduction is realized as compared to the conventional arrangement in which all of the discharge electrode are supplied with electric power from a single high voltage electrostatic induction part 20. In order to provide plural second induction electrodes, on the top and bottom surfaces of the first electrode 24 there are arranged dielectric layers 23, 25 respectively, on which layers the second induction electrodes 22, 26 are provided. Further, the second electrodes which are arranged on the dielectric layers 23, 25 may preferably be formed smaller in size than the first electrode 24 so that plural second electrodes, as required, may be arranged to match the number of discharge electrodes 31, 31 '..., thereby to supply the high electrostatic potential to those electrodes. The dielectric layers which are positioned between the first and second plate induction electrode serve as electric insulators and are generally made of glass or ceramics. As indicated above, the electrostatic potential output from the electrostatic induction part 20 is connected to the protected discharge electrodes 31, 31'. Electric discharge can take place in the inductive discharge part 30 between the protected discharge electrodes 31, 31 ' and the discharge conductor parts 32, 32' by virtue of the short distance each other and high voltage applied thereto. Accordingly, due to the electric discharge induced, highly energized rays including ultraviolet ray and shorter wave length rays are generated, ionizing the surrounding gaseous substances. The heat resistant electrode 34 is protected by preferably transparent housings 33 such as glass to prevent any penetration of substance including gas and water and adhesion of pollutants. The electrode 34 is preferably in the form of filament. Referring to Fig 3, the discharge conductor part 32 is preferably disposed in almost contact relation with the discharge electrode 31 so that the electric discharge is easily induced and generated continuously even in high duty condition. The discharge conductor part 32 is desirably made of stainless steel in consideration of durability and cost and particularly is shaped in the form of net to dispose in close proximity to the discharge electrode for effective induction of discharge and ionization of substances. The set of the discharge electrode 31 and the discharge conductor part 32 in the apparatus is capable of effectively generating high-energy rays in the air to produce ionized gases, or can produce some ions in water when dipped in water. The active high-energy ions so produced may be supplied, for example, to a sewage water or polluted air to induce decomposition of polluting materials, and so the apparatus in accordance with the invention may effectively be used for the treatment of sewage or purification of air or - 6 water. On the other hand, in order to rectify into cations or anions the static charge induced in the electrostatic induction part 20 in the inventive apparatus, there may be provided a rectification part 40 further including the diodes Dl, D2. A change of the direction of the diodes Dl, D2 can permit the selection of the polarity of charge ions generated by discharge phenomena as positive or negative ions. The current applied on the discharge electrodes 31, 31 ' may be controlled as positive or negative by that rectification part 40 and thus the ionization or species of ions could be affected thereby. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an electrostatic induction apparatus comprising: a housing filled with insulating oil; a first induction electrode of plate built in said housing, said electrode being supplied with a high voltage electricity; at least one dielectric layer disposed on said first induction electrode; and at least one second induction electrode for causing electric induction in relation with said first induction electrode, the second induction electrode being disposed on the dielectric layer. Referring now to Figure 4, the electric power which was boosted to a predetermined voltage level as required in the electrostatic induction part in accordance with the invention is supplied to the first induction electrode 24 which is preferably a flat plate. The dielectric layer 23 which is laminated on the first induction electrode 24 is made of glass or ceramics with super-insulating property, and in case of glass, it should be a super-hard glass plate to sustain the necessary strength. 7 - The second electrode 22 is arranged on the dielectric layer 23 which is formed on the first induction electrode 23. As a high voltage is applied across the first induction electrode 24 and the second induction electrodes 22, 22', 26, 26' with the insulator 23, 25, a loop electrostatic discharge can take place between the two induction electrodes. When electrostatic discharge is caused in such a manner, an arc discharge or deflected discharge is avoided so that an electrostatic potential can be supplied to the rectifier 40. Plural second electrodes, the size of which is smaller than the first electrode, can be arranged, so that those second electrodes 22 and 22' as well as 26 and 26' may distribute electrostatic potential to the plural discharge electrodes, as shown in Figure 4. In this case, the electrostatic induction apparatus in accordance with the invention serves both to induce electrostatic potential and to distribute it. All of the first induction electrode, the second induction electrodes and the dielectric plates are enclosed in an insulator housing 28, the interior of which housing is filled with insulating oil. The electrostatic induction apparatus constructed as above has the advantage that it is not affected by the environmental factors such as varying humidity and temperature and it has high impact resistance, safety and long service life. In accordance with the further aspect of the present invention, there is provided with an inductive discharge apparatus for generating high-activity radiant rays and ions, which comprises; and at least one discharge electrode means; and at least one discharge conductor means for causing inductive discharge in relation with the protected discharge electrode means, said discharge conductor means being disposed in the vicinity to said protected discharge electrode means. Referring back to Figures 1 and 3 in combination, as the discharge electrode 34 is built in a housing 33. The heat resistant electrode 34 is protected by housing 33 such as preferably transparent glass, which is desirably in the form of filament. The interior of the housing 33 is vacuumed or filled with inert gas to prevent an oxidation or evaporation of the electrode 34. The high voltage from the rectifier 40 is applied to the electrodes 34, 34'. To the protected discharge electrode 31, there is supplied a high voltage electricity and in a position near the discharge electrode 31, the discharge electrode conductor part 32 is disposed. Thus, as electric discharge takes place between the protected discharge electrode 31 and the discharge conductor part 32, a high energy radiation is generated, ionizing the nearby gaseous substances. Similarly as in the foregoing, in this case, the discharge electrode conductor part 32 is preferably is disposed in close proximity to the protected discharge electrode 31 so that the discharge generated continuously between the protected discharge electrode 31 and the discharge conductor 32 is easily conducted. The discharge conductor part 32 is desirably made of stainless steel in consideration of durability for discharging state in the air or water as well as cost and particularly is shaped in the form of net to dispose adjacent to the electric bulb for effective induction of discharging and ionization of substances. The inductive discharge apparatus 30 wherein the set of the protected discharge electrode 31 and the discharge conductor part 32 is located is an actual area for producing high-energy radiant rays and high-activity ions, and into that apparatus, there may be led a duct through which air can be blown to produce ionized gases from the air. The ionized gases so produced may be supplied to a variety of uses including particularly the sewage treatment and the water or air purification, as described already. As evident from the above description, the apparatus for generating high-activity radiant rays and ions in accordance with the invention emits high-activity radiant rays with a high efficiency to produce ions so that those active ions may be applied to the sewage treatment and the water or air purification. In addition, the apparatus needs a low manufacturing and operating cost and it is reliable and safe. Moreover, when the set of the protected discharge electrode and the discharge conductor part is disposed in the foul water, the ionized material as produced can be directly used for cracking the pollutants in the water. In this case, in contrast to the conventional case of the discharge needle wherein the discharging ability falls down with use due to the adhesion of various contaminants in water, the arrangement in accordance with the present invention wherein discharge takes place between the discharge electrode and the net-like conductor is free from such disadvantages. While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the claims. 10 -

Claims: What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for generating high-activity radiant rays and ions, said apparatus comprising: a high voltage generating means for boosting the input power; an electrostatic induction means for generating a predetermined level of electrostatic potential by causing electrostatic induction, and for branching the high voltage output from said high voltage generating means; at least one protected discharge electrode means electrically connected to said electrostatic induction means; and at least one discharge conductor means for causing inductive discharge, the discharge conductor means being electrically connected to said high voltage generating means and disposed in the vicinity of said protected discharge electrode means. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said electrostatic induction means comprises a first induction electrode connected to said high voltage generating means, at least one dielectric layer disposed on said first induction electrode, and at least one second induction electrode disposed on said dielectric layer and connected to said protected discharge electrode means. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said at least one second induction electrode is disposed in a plurality. 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the dielectric layer consists of glass or ceramics. 11 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a rectifying means for rectifying into positive or negative charges the electrostatic potential induced by said electrostatic induction means. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said rectifying means comprises at least one diode to select the polarity of the charge ions. 7. An electrostatic induction apparatus comprising: a housing filled with insulating oil; a first induction electrode of plate built in said housing, said electrode being supplied with a high voltage electricity; at least one dielectric layer disposed on said first electrode; and at least one second induction electrode for causing electric induction in relation with said first induction electrode, the second induction electrode being disposed on the dielectric layer. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said at least one second induction electrode is provided in a plurality. 9. An inductive discharge apparatus for generating high-activity radiant rays and ions, which comprises; at least one discharge electrode means; and at least one discharge conductor means for causing inductive discharge in relation with the protected discharge electrode means, said discharge conductor means being disposed in the vicinity to said protected discharge electrode means. 12 10. The apparatus of claim 9, said discharge conductor means is in the form of net. 11. The apparatus of claim 9, said discharge conductor means consists of stainless metal. - 13

Inventors: PARK SUNG DON, PARK, SUNG, DON
Applicants: PARK SUNG DON, PARK, SUNG, DON
Application year: 1998
Main classification: B01D53
IPC codes: B01D53, H01J27