Abstract. Aerosol particles are electrically charged using special devices to form what is called electro(aero)sol. Their motion will then be affected by electric, magnetic and/or electromagnetic fields. Particle deposition on a surface may thereby be controlled. Non-conventional methods of gas purification from solids and liquids and processes of flue gas treatment to remove SO_x and NO_x were thus devised. They involve electric pretreatment of gas to be cleaned, supplying high voltage to filters, and thermal diffusion phoresis.

Importantly, the process may use not only liquids but also pretreated liquid-gas mixtures. Precipitation of solid particles and sprayer clogging is thus eliminated. Self-excited oscillations generated during electrosol formation, and forced electrode position contribute to high performance. Furthermore, excessive electric charge raises energies of activation of many processes and changes properties of many substances. This increases the rates of mass transfer and chemical reactions.

A high-voltage device (HVD) is used that consists of a control block and a high voltage converter connected with a cord. The control block supplies low voltage which is then converted to high voltage. The converter is placed near the sprayer.

HVD advantages and specifications:

Electro-painting is another application of the method. The yield of liquid paint can attain 95% under industrial conveyor conditions. This is especially true of mass-produced products featuring low area, like grids, frames etc. The whole surface can be painted with a sprayer located on one side. The electric charging devices can be used for any type of sprayer.

DEGREE OF COMMERCIALIZATION. The development was tested and partly implemented in chemical and engineering industry and farming in the former Soviet Union.

TECHNICAL DATA AND COST PERFORMANCE.

The electrosol process is highly conserving, enabling a 5- to 10-fold reduction in the consumption of pesticides, 99.5 to 99.9% removal of dispersed particles from industrial gases, a 60% decontamination factor in cleaning gases from NO_x, SO_x and CO_x, improved quality of paint coats, increased rates of reaction, like oxidation, and mass transfer.

Pesticide spraying is a vast market, because in Ukraine alone there are about 15,000,000 small private gardens. Sprayers having electric chargers eliminate soil contamination with chemicals and reduce pesticide consumption rates 5- to 10-fold. The profit on sale of one charger is estimated at $10 to $20. A company covering only 10% of Ukrainian market may have a profit of $500,000 in one year

Electrosol sprayers with compact electric chargers were developed for small private gardens. They offer 5 to 6 times lower pesticide consumption rate and therefore cleaner food, reduced pollution and material savings. Their pilot tests were successful.

MARKET PENETRATION. We are prepared to deliver WR-30 sprayers either complete with Korona-120-2 high voltage devices or separately. Other forms of collaboration may be accepted.