Plasma chamber for treating objects and bulky materials while transporting themDevice and method of treating objects & bulk materials with a physical plasma cushion at atmospheric pressure. The plasma passes from the discharge chamber to the treatment chamber through a sparger plate comprising a multitude of holes, producing a plasma cushion, which supports & transports the objects while treating them. In a separate embodiment the chamber has a circulating device for the bulk material, which has a shaker engaging the conveyer for the bulk material so that the conveyer conveys the particles of the bulk material through the treating chamber in such a way that the particles are individually jumping on the conveyer. ChallengeSeveral plasma devices and methods do exist for the treatment of objects, particularly their surfaces. Some even include a complicated turbulent gas flow through the treatment chamber. But all these devices ususally do not treat all the surfaces from all the sides of the objects by themselves. This is particularly important for the treatment of bulky materials, like e.g. grains, seeds or fibers. Our SolutionThe present invention therefor has the object of providing a device and a method which enable the easy treatment of all the surfaces of an object or bulky material, like grains, seeds or fibers, and supporting its further transport using a plasma cushion at atmospheric pressure. The plasma source is integrated in the conveyor line. The activated plasma passes from the discharge chamber to the treatment chamber through a sparger plate comprising a multitude of holes, producing a plasma cushion, which supports & transports the objects while treating them. Thus, the plasma cushion enables a homogeneous treatment of all sides from all objects & bulky materials, while transportating them through the conveyor.
The following schemes are some possible embodiments. Device for the treatment of objects/bulky materials (small balls) with a physical plasma cushion, which passes the plasma from the discharge chamber to the treatment chamber through a sparger plate comprising a multitude of holes (small arrows). This allows a homogeneous all around plasma treatment of the objects/bulky materials.
Device for the treatment of objects/bulky materials (small balls) with a physical plasma cushion, which passes the plasma from the discharge chamber to the treatment chamber through a sparger plate comprising a multitude of chamfer/inclinated holes (small arrows). Thus the material is being rotated and transported forward over the conveyor due to the action of the plasma cushion.
Device for the treatment of objects/bulky materials (small balls) with a physical plasma cushion, which passes the plasma from the discharge chamber to the treatment chamber through a sparger plate comprising a multitude of holes (small arrows). Since the chamber and conveyor are inclinated, the material rotates over the plasma cushion moving forward while being treated. Advantages
ApplicationsThe innovative plasma cushion technology can be used to treat different objects and particularly bulky materials, like e.g. grains and seeds (disinfection), wood fibres (improve their surface binding), powders, granulates, etc.. to clean, disinfect or activate them. Developmental StatusAt laboratory level. Patent StatusGranted EP2306792B1, validated in Germany (DE), France (FR) and United Kingdom (GB). Granted EP2024080B1, validated in Germany (DE). Patent owner is the HAWK Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften und Kunst Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen. ContactDr. Stefan Uhle |
