Corona Discharge Vortex Agglomerator for Improved Separation of Fine Sand/Dust Particles in Turbine Engines

Sand/dust particles have significant detrimental effects on turbine engine performance and durability. Current inertial particle separators are inadequate to achieve filtration/separation of fine particles. A novel electrostatic method is proposed to improve their efficiency by charging and agglomerating the fine particles. The method is based on a unique application of a low temperature plasma technology called corona discharge and turbulent mixing. The effects of air flow variation, particle size distribution, and plasma characteristics on particle charging and agglomeration of actual sand and ash particles will be thoroughly studied. The resulting technology will be lightweight, flexible in design, adaptable to variations in flight conditions and offer minimal resistance to engine air flow.