Background of Invention There are many Known methods for controlling polluant emission.

Automobile emission control systems are well known as are the so-called scrubbers and scrubbing systems often used to control emission from industrial processors. Electrostatic precipitation is another known method of controlling the emission of pollutants.

Summary of Invention The present invention aims to provide an alternative to known polluant emission control systems and methods.

This invention in one aspect resides broadly in a method of controlling polluant emission, the method including :- introducing heated exhaust gases containing polluants into a chamber beneath a layer of expanded metal mesh nets made from expandable metal foil, and introducing a low temperature water spray into the chamber above the layer.

It is preferred that the method also includes maintaining a zone of higher temperature above the low temperature water spray.

It is also preferred that the method further includes collecting water containing polluants absorbed from the gases in a reservoir.

It is also preferred that the method further includes filtering the water to substantially remove the pollutants.

It is also preferred that the method further includes chilling the filtered water to a low temperature.

It is also preferred that the method further includes recirculating the chilled filtered water to provide the low temperature water spray.

In another aspect this invention resides broadly in a polluant emission control system, the system including :- a chamber ; a layer of expanded metal mesh nets made from expandable metal foil in the chamber ; inlet means for introducing heated exhaust gases containing pottutants into the chamber beneath the layer, and spray means for introducing a low temperature water spray into the chamber above the layer.

It is preferred that the system also includes temperature control means for maintaining a zone o higher temperature above the low temperature water spray.

It is also preferred that the system further includes reservoir means for collecting water containing pollutants absorbed from the gases.

It is also preferred that the system further includes filter means for filtering the water to substantially remove the pollutants.

It is also preferred that the system further includes chilling means for chilling the filtered water to a low temperature.

It is also preferred that the system further includes pump means for recirculating the chilled filtered water to provide the low temperature water spray.

It is also preferred that the temperature of the water in the cool water spray is less than substantially 5 degrees Celsius. Most preferably the temperature of the water ! in the cool water spray is substantially 2 degrees Celsius.

It is further preferred that the temperature of the higher temperature zone is substantially ambient temperature.

Description of Drawings In order that this invention may be more easily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein :- FIG 1 is a schema tic diagram of a polluant control system in accordance with the invention; FIG 2 is a schematic diagram of the pollutant control system for use in an automobile, and FIG 3 is a schematic diagram of the polluant control system for domestic use in the home.

Description of Preferred Embodiment of invention The present invention will now be described with reference to the anti- pollution emission filtration system illustrated in FIG 1. The system can dramatically reduce and jn some cases eliminate the pollutants emitted into the air and atmosphere by the burning of solid or fossil fuels.

In one aspect the jinverttion may be regarded as utilising the principal of nature which entraps and contains atmospheric polluants which return to the surface with rain (acid raWn}. Thus smog, which includes gases and particulates released from the burning of solid or fossil fuels and entrapped in fine particles of cool water, remains at surface level usually due to temperature inversion when a cold pocket of air is trapped below a pocket of warmer air.

In this aspect the invention may be seen to work on the same principal by reducing the temperature of the gases and particulates released through the burning of solid or fossil fuels, entrapping them in cold water and continuously pushing them downwards with a constant supply of the cold water.

The invention utilises a system of filtration using both liquid and temperature to prevent pollutants and dangerous gases being released and reaching the atmosphere by entrapping or liquefying them before they are released into the air aftei burning of solid or fossil fuels. The system uses water to entrap or liquefy some pollutants, and temperature to entrap and

liquefy others. It can entrap or liquefy most pollutants such as carbon monoxide, lead, hydrocarbons, ash, gasoline additives or particulates, VOCs (volatile organic chemicais), carbon dioxide and sulfer dioxide.

This is achieved through the ability of ametal alloy mesh to maintain temperature, and entrap and in some cases liquefy gases by exposing them to sudden temperature drop. The mesh has a honeycomb shape which traps water or liquid to create liquid filter. This creates a positive energy as liquid passes through it and wit not electrically charge some of the gases that are receptive to electrical charges.

As can be seen in FIG 1, which illustrates an anti-pollution emission filtration system 10, input to the system is via main pipe 12 in which is located inlet fan unit 11, a vacuum unit which draws and regulates pressure and fumes released from the main exhaust system. Inlet fan unit 11 varies in size and capacity according to system requirements. Unit 11 controls a constant non-constructive flow frozen the combustion chamber to filtration system 10 and prevents a build up or return of fumes to the combustion chamber.

Main exhaust pipe 12 leads from the combustion chamber and transfers gas, polluants Md particuiates to filtration system 10. The diameter of pipe 12 varies depending on system requirements. It can be constructed. from a metal alloy depending on its location in relation to, and the heat requirements of, the combustion chamber Lower portion 13 of the filtration system 10 is shaped liF ; e a funnel and leads from the main bod 31 of the filter to the water dump tank 14. Lower portion 13 gathers the wter and entrapped pollutants falling under the action of gravity from reaction chamber 33 and mesh 23.

Water dump tank ! 14 consists of one or two units (a single unit with a divider as seen in FIG 1, a dual unit as seen in FIG 2 and a single unit as seen in the automobile filtration system in FIG 3). Dump tank 14 is an enclosed unit made in one preferred iarger embodiment from concrete with a synthetic liner to render i) t non-porous. In smaller or portable units it can be constrfucted from metal with a synthetic liner or plastic.

Waste liquid 15 contains the temperature liquefied gases, particulates and VOCs. In the case where the system is used to filter large industrial

waste, waste liquid 15 can be filtered and replaced with clean water as needed depending on us In smaller units such as are suitable for domestic use, liquid in dcmp tank 14 can be removed depending on use and refilled with clean water. in the case of small units in automobiles the liquid can be changed during the routine servicing of the vehicle.

An internal filter assembly 16 filters chemical and solid compounds from waste water 14. Filter 16 has three components (a) a sand filtration, (b) a charcoal filtration, and c) an open cell polyurethane foam. Divider 17 divides dump tank 14 into two portions containing waste water and clean water respectively. Divider 17 supports filter 16 and is made from the same materials as dump tank 14.

Clean water 18 is held in clean water chamber 19 which is an enclosed unit from which water pump 20 draws water for pumping through the main pipe 24 to refrigeration uhit 22 and hence to spray heads 32.

Water pump 20 isja conventional pump sized in accordance with system requirements and the level of polluants pumped into the filtration system by fan 11.

Water is extracted from chamber 19 by hosepipe 21 which is inserted approximately half way down the chamber and connected to pump unit 20.

Refrigeration unit 22 is a fine chiller similar to units used in cooling liquids such as beer. The unit is powered with copper pipe coils winding through a system of alloy foil fins, and reduces the temperature of the water being pumped through t two (2) degrees Celsius.

Metal foil mesh 2$ is located within filtration system 10 above the point of entry of the heated exhaust gases. The foil can consist of a variety of metal combinations. In one embodiment the foil is made from an alloy comprising 0. 25% (Si) Silicon, 0. 30% (Fe) Iron, 0. 01% (Cu) Copper, 0.01% (Mn) Manganese, 10. 00% (Al) Aluminium, 0.10% (Zn) Zinc, 0.08% (Ti) Titanium, and the remaining % (Mg) Magnesium. This alloy is lightweight and strong and has been found to retain temperature. The mesh is formed into a foil sheet then perforated, and when expanded it forms a three-dimension honey comb shape net. This is ! achieved by slits cut parallel to the longitude dimension of the long continuous sheet of foil. The thickness of the foil is 0.03

mm and the length of each slit is 10mm, the un-slit section following each slit is 3mm in length. They ere also offset at 50% on the alternative fine, leaving 2mm between each parallel line. It is preferable that in any sheet the slits, dimensions and all gaps are uniformed. When the latitude of the foil is pulled and stretched, it creates a honeycomb shape foil.

The size of the sli s is varied to allow for variations in water pressure with the slits being of smaller length if pressure is lower and being longer if pressure is higher. This facilitates ftoodage of the foil mesh under differing operating pressures.

This foil has the unique properties of maintaining and retain the temperature of the majority of surface or liquid it comes into contact with. The temperature of the water) sprayed on to the mesh remains substantially at (2°) degrees Celsius and as the mesh is of honeycomb shape, the filtration process is assisted. Asithe water is passed through the honeycomb shape it fills the chambers creating a barrier for gases and particulates. The gases and particu ! ates tiquefied or entrapped in water require a temperature drop to be thus liquefied or entrapped, and this temperature drop is achieved by passing through the mesh is at (2°) degrees Celsius.

Main pipe 14 is constructed from metat or plastic depending on its location. For external ue it can be constructed from copper or metal. If exposed to the element$ insulation may be required to maintain the temperature of the liquid therein. For internal use it can be constructed of copper, or other metallid or-plastic hosing. If internal use exposes the pipe to heat or temperatures above (6°) five degrees Celsius it also requires insulation to maintain the temperature of the liquid. The pipe carries the chilled water to water spray heads 32.

A fresh air fan 25 ! pumps fresh air into exhaust chamber 30 thus providing a layer of ambient outside air above the cooled water spray. Being usually warmer, this creates a warm air pocket above the cold water spray heads 32 hence creating a situation similar to that in nature which causes smog to develop. Fresh air pipe 26 carries the fresh air suppiy from fresh air fan 25 to main exhaust chamber 30.

1

Exhaust pipe 27 is connected to the upper part 30 of the main body to exhaust outlet 29 where n outlet exhaust fan 28 draws the mixture from exhaust chamber 30 to outlet 29. Exhaust fan 28 may not always be needed.

In main exhaust chamber 30 there is a mixture of fresh air supplied by <BR> <BR> <BR> the fresh air fan 25 and a fine mist of water. The fine mist of cold water assis<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> to entrap or liquefy any remaining gases that may have passed through the alloy mesh filter 23 and operates as a warm pocket of air entrapping the cold air and cold water. This fixture is separated in this chamber with the heavier colder water content dropping under gravity and the warmer fresh air being drawn upwards to outlet an 28 and out via exhaust outlet 29.

The main fitter unit body 31 can be constructed of stainless steel ; or metal with a synthetic liner, or plastic to render it non-porous. Insulation materials such as fibreglass or similar products can be applied to the exterior of the filter so that the internal temperature remains stable and is not influenced by outside conditions.

Water spray heads 32 spray a fine spray of water at 2° Degrees Celsius from refrigeration unit 22 through pipe 24 onto alloy mesh 23. The capacity of heads 32 defends on the size of filtration system 10 and the water quantity requirements, The fumes from solid or fossil fuel burning are released into reaction chamber 33 and may vary in temperature depending on the application.

When released into this chamber they rise upwards and contact the water that is dropping downwards through the alloy mesh filter 23 and their temperature drops dramatically. Gashes such as carbon monoxide, ash and other particulates are entrapped in the water. Other gases such as carbon dioxide & sulfur dioxide require temperature drop, and as they work their way up mesh filter 23 their temperature is reduced and they too are liquefied or entrapped in water, returning back downwards through the reaction chamber 33 to the water dump tank 14.

Hatches 34 and q5 cover the two chambers of water dump tank 14 to facilitate servicing and clamp joints 36 to 39 are provided to facilitate servicing of inlet pipe 12, lower buddy 13 and reaction chamber 33, outiet fan unit 28,

and the upper body portion 30 including the upper part of the alloy mesh filter 23 and the water spray heads 32.

The pollutant conttol system 4û for use in an automobile illustrated in FIG 2 operates on the same principats and in the same way as that described above. It is of course a tore compact unit designed for confined spaces such as automobiles witl| the size of the unit varying in accordance with the size of the automobile, trpck, bus or prime mover. A brief description now follows.

Water jets 41 spray a mist of water over alloy mesh 42 at a temperature of 2° degrees Celsius. The water comes from water reservoir 47, through refrigeration system 50 via water supply pipe 51 from the water pump 48. Alloy mesh 42 is portioned 2/3 of the way up the main body of this unit.

Fan unit 43 draws turner released from the main motor and operates as a control device and extractor, preventing fume build up and through this preventing the return of humes back to the engine, eliminating the blockage of exhaust systems.

Main inlet pipe 44 leads from the engine or muffler. It enters the main body of the filter at the 10wer part about 2/3 of the way down, at a 450 degree angle preventing the enty of water. Reaction chamber 45 is similar to that described above.

Water top up valve 46 is a screw type cap that allows the top up of liquid into the water reservoir 46 where liquid is stored after dropping from water jets 41 through allby mesh 42, through reaction chamber 45 and liquid filtration unit 49. Water is drawn from storage unit 46 by water pump 48 through cooling system 60 and to water jets 41 completing the cycle.

Water pump 48 can be powered by a rotating part of the engine such as the fan belt section ot such to eliminate the need for a self contained motor. Such a drive will provide a variable output in line with operational requirements.

Liquid filtration unit 49 consists of three portions described above ie a sand filtration portion, a charcoal filtration portion and a polyurethane filtration portion. Unit 49 can be removed and replaced at times of vehicle service.

In-line chiller refrigkration unit 50 cools the water down to 2 degrees Celsius. Water supply pipe 51 carries water from water reservoir 47 through pump 48 through refrigeration unit 50 to water jets 41. Pipe 51 is constructed of Copper or other such metals. Where the pipe is exposed to heat it can be insulated to prevent the temperature of the liquid being raised. The diameter of the pipe depends on water flow requirements. An outlet exhaust pipe 52 releases gases that may ! have passed through the filtration system.

A reservoir releas valve 53 located at the base of reservoir 47 allows drainage of polluted water from the reservoir and recharging with fresh water.

As with other servicing this can be effected at the time of vehicle service.

A second mesh filter 54 is located at the commencement of exhaust i pipe 52 and prevents excess water spray scaping through the pipe. Wing valves 55 are located in the gas inlet and outlet pipes 44,52 and 54 and allow air one-way intake. Pipe 56 introduces an ambient temperature to the area above the water jets trapping the colder temperature beiow.

The polluant control system 60 for domestic purposes as illustrated in FIG 3 operates on the same principals and in the same way as that described above in relation to FIG$ 1 and 2. A brief description now follows.

Filter 61 is the same in principal as the anti-pollutant emission filtration system described above and has a main body or chamber with internal spray jets, alloy mesh filter, dump tank, clean water tank and basically all the components in the main'filtration system.

Fan unit 62 draws fumes through exhaust pipe 65 from the main fuel combustion heater 63 positioned in the basement for example of house or building 64and prevents fume build up and the return of fumes to the heater, thus eliminating blockage of the exhaust system. Drainage pipe 66 leads from filtration unit 61 to dump tank 67 which stores polluted water which is filtered through filter 68 into clean water tank 69. Pump 70 then recirculates the clean water along pipe 72 through cooler 71 to the sprays in filter 61.

Most air pollution derives from the human activities in burning fossil fuels such as natural ga$, coal and oil. to power domestic and industrial processes and motor vehicles. Harmful chemicals in the atmosphere include carbon monoxide, carboy dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and minute

solid particles-includsnt lead from gasoline, additives called particulates and VOCs. The system of the present invention permits a dramatic reduction in the quantity of these gases and particulates being released into the atmosphere.

Many methods of reducing or eliminating dangerous gases and polluants emitted to ihe atmosphere have been developed. So-called scrubbers and scrubbing methods are used to reduce the quality and quantity of polluants released into the atmosphere. Most of these scrubbing methods reduce or change the polluant structure, or encourage chemical reaction to create less damaging cdmpounds released into the atmosphere. The present invention permits the entrapment and/or liquefaction of gases or particulates released through the burning process of solid or fossil fuels. Once entrapped, the waste products from'this system can be removed and dispensed of safely.

As such, the present invention has a number of advantages and can be used in Industry to reduce and in cases, eiiminate the polluants emitted into the atmosphere by chirmneystacks, or exhaust systems. It can be also used with some commercial waste disposal furnaces to reduce and in cases eliminate the pollutants emitted into the atmosphere. It can also be used in domestic situations to reduce and in cases eliminate the pollutants released by the burning of fossil Or solid fuels Finally, it can be used to reduce and in some cases eliminate the polluants released by automobiles when burning fossil fuels.

It will of course be realised that whilst the above has been given by way of an illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations hereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. ,. BOY----. Jsy IEXS'ESDE-MARK A'n'OHNES