Plasma actuated electronic catalytic converter

Abstract

An apparatus and method for the breakdown of exhaust gas pollutant molecules into their constituent atoms and then re-assembling those atoms into low energy state non-toxic molecules that are found in the atmosphere naturally is disclosed. A plasma actuated electronic catalytic converter includes an exhaust gas inlet, a first oxidization reaction chamber, a second reduction reaction chamber, an exhaust gas outlet, and an electronics power source. A first reaction chamber includes a plasma discharge electrode and semi-spherical screen that are negatively biased by a direct current source followed by a mixing screen and an anode screen. A second reaction chamber includes a plasma discharge electrode and semi-spherical screen that are positively biased by a direct current source followed by a mixing screen, if needed, a fresh air inlet, and a screen or screens that are negatively biased so as to gradually return electrons to the exhaust gasses.

1 . A plasma oxidization device comprising:
 an electrically insulated outer casing with a gas flow inlet and a gas flow outlet;   a plasma discharge anode device disposed within the outer casing, wherein the plasma discharge anode device includes a first plasma discharge electrode and a second plasma discharge electrode, wherein at least one of the first and second plasma discharge electrodes can donate electrons;   a gas mixing and charge distribution mesh being electrically isolated from the outer casing;   an electron retrieval cathode mesh;   a plasma generation circuit connected to the-first and second plasma discharge electrodes; and   a direct current power source being operatively connected to the electron retrieval cathode mesh and at least one of the plasma discharge electrodes.   
     
     
         2 . A plasma oxidation device according to  claim 1 , wherein a negative output of the direct current power source is connected to at least one of the plasma discharge electrodes and and a positive output of the direct current power source is connected to the electron retrieval cathode mesh. 
     
     
         3 . A plasma reduction device comprising:
 an electrically insulated outer casing with a gas flow inlet and a gas flow outlet;   a plasma discharge cathode device disposed within the outer casing, wherein the plasma discharge cathode device includes a first plasma discharge electrode and a second plasma discharge electrode, wherein at least one of the first and second plasma discharge electrodes can remove electrons for a gas;   a gas mixing and charge distribution mesh electrically isolated from the outer casing;   a plurality of electron return anode meshes;   a plasma generation circuit connected to the first and second plasma discharge electrodes; and   a direct current power source being operatively connected to at least one of the electron return anode meshes and at least one of the plasma discharge electrodes.   
     
     
         4 . A plasma reduction device according to  claim 1 , wherein a negative output of the direct current power source is connected to the plurality of electron return anode meshes and a positive output of the direct current power source is connected to at least one of the plasma discharge electrodes.