Nano powder transportation by combining plasma actuation and electrostatic mixing in a tube

Abstract

“Plasma Tube” is proposed for nano particle transportation and for particle surface purification in this study. The well-controlled efficient nano particle transportation is realized by combining plasma actuation, electrostatic force and high oxidation potential of produced ozone in a tube. Nano particles in the plasma tube can be transported in axial direction with swirl. Nano particles near the inner electrode wall jump due to electrostatic force, which can suppress particle clogging in a tube. The characteristics of plasma induced flow, particle charging and ozone generation are experimentally clarified in this study for various electrode angles and electrical conditions. Finally, the powder transportation rate is quantitatively evaluated. The alumina powder with average diameter of 30 nm can be transported at the maximum rate of 2.8 mg/s at consumption power of as low as 0.35 W for the transportation distance of 100 mm.