Methods and Systems for Capturing Particulates

Abstract

Provided herein are methods of capturing particulates. The methods may include contacting particulates in a gas stream with one or more acoustic waves. The one or more acoustic waves may include standing waves or waves of modulating frequency. The methods may include promoting agglomeration of particulates with an electrostatic force. Also provided herein are systems for capturing particulates.

Claims

1. A method of capturing particulates, the method comprising: providing a gas stream in a channel having a longitudinal axis, the gas stream having a velocity and comprising particulates; and contacting the particulates with one or more acoustic waves having an intensity and a modulating frequency to transport at least a portion of the particulates transversely to the longitudinal axis to a quiescent zone of the channel.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the channel comprises a first section hosting the gas stream, and a second section comprising a substantially stationary gas, wherein the at least a portion of the particulates transported to the quiescent zone are deposited in the second section of the channel.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 1 m to about 110 m.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 50 m.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 3 feet/second.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 2 feet/second.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more acoustic waves are generated by a first transducer and a spaced apart second transducer which are adjusted independently to provide the one or more acoustic waves.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more acoustic waves are further generated by a third transducer spaced apart from the first transducer and the second transducer, the third transducer being adjusted independently to provide the one or more acoustic waves.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 100 MHz.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 0.8 MHz to about 45 MHz.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the channel has a cross-sectional area of about 7 square inches to about 75 square inches.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the channel has a cross-sectional area of about 9 square inches to about 64 square inches.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting one or more of the gas stream velocity, the intensity, or the modulating frequency to transport the at least a portion of the particulates.

14. A method of capturing particulates, the method comprising: providing a gas stream in a channel having a longitudinal axis, the gas stream comprising particulates; contacting the particulates with one or more standing acoustic waves extending transverse to the longitudinal axis to immobilize at least a portion of the particulates; and contacting the at least a portion of the particulates with an electrostatic force to (i) transport the at least a portion of the particulates to a quiescent zone of the channel, (ii) promote agglomeration of the at least a portion of the particulates, or (iii) a combination thereof.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the channel comprises a first section hosting the gas stream, and a second section comprising a substantially stationary gas, wherein the at least a portion of the particulates transported to the quiescent zone are deposited in the second section.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the agglomeration of the at least a portion of the particulates forms agglomerates of particulates having a mass sufficient to prevent a force exerted on the agglomerates of particulates by the gas stream from exceeding a force of gravity.

17. A system for capturing particulates, the system comprising: a chemical apparatus; a gas stream channel having a longitudinal axis associated with the chemical apparatus; and two or more transducers associated with the gas stream channel; wherein the two or more transducers are configured to provide one or more acoustic waves in the gas stream channel, transversely to the longitudinal axis.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising an apparatus for providing an electrostatic force in the gas stream channel.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more acoustic waves comprise a standing acoustic wave.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 100 kHz to about 100 MHz.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 0.8 MHz to about 45 MHz.

22. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more acoustic waves comprise an acoustic wave of modulating frequency.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 100 MHz.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 0.8 MHz to about 45 MHz.

25. The system of claim 17, wherein the chemical apparatus comprises a hopper containing particulates, an extruder feed conveying blender, or a fluidized bed reactor.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the hopper containing particulates is an additive feed hopper.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein the fluidized bed reactor comprises a catalyst activator or a polymerization reactor.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the catalyst activator is a polymerization catalyst activator.

29. The system of claim 25, wherein the gas stream channel hosts a gas stream comprising one or more chemical additives initially disposed in the hopper.

30. The system of claim 25, wherein the gas stream channel hosts a gas stream comprising particulates entrained in a fluid of the fluidized bed reactor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following figures form part of the present specification, and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present disclosure. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these figures in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts one aspect of a system for collecting particulates.

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts one aspect of a system for collecting particulates, the system including a quiescent zone.

[0011] FIG. 3 depicts one aspect of a system for collecting particulates, the system including an apparatus for applying an electrostatic force.

[0012] While the inventions disclosed herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, only a few specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The figures and detailed descriptions of these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the breadth or scope of the inventive concepts or the appended claims in any manner. Rather, the figures and detailed written descriptions are provided to illustrate the inventive concepts to a person of ordinary skill in the art and to enable such person to make and use the inventive concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Provided herein are systems and methods for capturing particulates. As used herein, the phrase capturing particulates generally refers to influencing, in any manner, the movement of particulates, the position of particulates, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the methods include (i) providing a gas stream in a channel having a longitudinal axis, the gas stream having a velocity and including particulates; and (ii) contacting the particulates with one or more acoustic waves having an intensity and a modulating frequency to transport at least a portion of the particulates transversely to the longitudinal axis to a quiescent zone of the channel. In further aspects, the gas stream having a velocity flows substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel. In additional aspects, the channel includes a first section hosting the gas stream, and a second section including a substantially stationary gas, wherein the at least a portion of the particulates transported to the quiescent zone are deposited in the second section of the channel. As used herein, the phrase quiescent zone generally refers to an area at which a force exerted on a particulate is less than the force that would be exerted on the particulate at one or more adjacent areas.

[0014] In some aspects, the systems for capturing particulates include a chemical apparatus; a gas stream channel having a longitudinal axis associated with the chemical apparatus; and two or more transducers associated with the gas stream channel; wherein the two or more transducers are configured to provide one or more acoustic waves in the gas stream channel, transversely to the longitudinal axis. In additional aspects, the system also includes an apparatus for providing an electrostatic force in the gas stream channel.

[0015] The chemical apparatus generally may include any equipment for storing and/or transporting a material, performing a chemical reaction or process, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the chemical apparatus includes a hopper containing particulates, an extruder feed conveying blender, a calcination vessel for catalysts, or a fluidized bed reactor.

[0016] The hopper containing particulates may be an additive feed hopper. The hopper may be configured to be refilled manually. The hopper may include one or more vents routed to a dust collection system, such as a vent filter. One or more of the systems provided herein may be associated with the one or more vents of the hopper. The systems provided herein may replace or supplement a dust collection system.

[0017] In some aspects, the extruder feed conveying blender includes one or more vents routed to a dust collection system, such as a vent filter.

[0018] Generally, the one or more vents of the chemical apparatus may have a largest dimension of about 3 inches to about 10 inches, or about 3 inches to about 8 inches. In some aspects, the one or more vents have a cross-sectional area of about 7 square inches to about 75 square inches, or about 9 square inches to about 64 square inches.

[0019] In some aspects, the chemical apparatus includes a vent filter. The vent filter may be configured to remove particulates less than 2 microns in diameter.

[0020] In some aspects, the fluidized bed reactor includes a catalyst activator or a polymerization reactor. The catalyst activator may be a polymerization catalyst activator. An example of a fluidized bed reactor is provided at U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,797, which is incorporated by reference.

[0021] In some aspects, the gas stream channel hosts a gas stream including one or more chemical additives initially disposed in the hopper. In further aspects, the gas stream channel hosts a gas stream that includes particulates entrained in a fluid of the fluidized bed reactor.

[0022] An aspect of a system for collecting particulates is depicted at FIG. 1. The system 100 depicted at FIG. 1 includes a chemical apparatus 110 and a gas stream channel 120 associated with the chemical apparatus 110 in which gas flow is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gas stream channel 120. A first transducer 130 and a second transducer 140 are associated with the gas stream channel 120. The first transducer 130 and the second transducer 140 provide one or more acoustic waves 150 in the gas stream channel 120. The one or more acoustic waves 150 may include a standing wave or waves of modulating frequency.

[0023] An aspect of a system for collecting particulates is depicted at FIG. 2. The system 200 depicted at FIG. 2 includes a chemical apparatus 210 and a gas stream channel 220 associated with the chemical apparatus 210. The gas stream channel 220 includes a first section 221 hosting a gas stream from the chemical apparatus 210, and a second section 222 that includes substantially stationary gas. The gas stream includes particulates 223 that are transported by the gas stream (Arrow A). A first transducer 230 and a second transducer 240 are associated with the gas stream channel 220. The first transducer 230 and the second transducer 240 provide one or more acoustic waves 250 in the gas stream channel 220. The one or more acoustic waves 250 of the aspect depicted at FIG. 2 have an intensity and a modulating frequency effective to transport the particulates 223 (Arrow B) to a quiescent zone 260 of the gas stream channel 220. At least a portion of the particulates 223 are then deposited in the second section 222, and returned (Arrow C) to the chemical apparatus 210.

[0024] An aspect of a system for collecting particulates is provided at FIG. 3. The system 300 includes a chemical apparatus 310 and a gas stream channel 320 associated with the chemical apparatus 310. The gas stream channel 320 hosts a gas stream having a direction that carries particulates 321 (Arrow A) from the chemical apparatus 310. A first transducer 330 and a second transducer 340 are associated with the gas stream channel 320. Also associated with the gas stream channel 320 is an apparatus 360 for applying an electrostatic force to the particulates 321 in the gas stream channel 321. The first transducer 330 and the second transducer 340 provide one or more standing acoustic waves 350 in the gas stream channel 320 that entrap at least a portion of the particulates 321 that contact the one or more standing acoustic waves 350. The electrostatic force applied by the apparatus 360 promotes the formulation of particulate agglomerates 322. The particulate agglomerates 322 may travel downward (Arrow B) in the gas stream channel 320 when they attain a particular mass.

[0025] Generally, the methods and systems provided herein may be used for capturing any particulates that may be influenced, in any manner, by the waves and/or forces disclosed herein. The particulates generally may have any size that permits the particulates to be influenced, in any manner, by the waves and/or forces disclosed herein. As used herein, the term particulates refers to any material in the form of particles. The particulates generally may be of uniform or non-uniform size. The particulates generally may be of uniform or non-uniform shape. For example, the particulates may be substantially spherical, non-spherical, or include both non-spherical and substantially spherical particulates.

[0026] In some aspects, the particulates have an average particulate size of about 1 m to about 110 m, about 1 m to about 105 m, about 2 m to about 105 m, about 2 m to about 100 m, about 2 m to about 90 m, about 2 m to about 80 m, about 2 m to about 70 m, about 2 m to about 60 m, about 2 m to about 50 m, about 2 m to about 40 m, about 2 m to about 30 m, about 2 m to about 20 m, about 2 m to about 10 m, about 5 m to about 105 m, about 5 m to about 100 m, about 5 m to about 90 m, about 5 m to about 80 m, about 5 m to about 70 m, about 5 m to about 60 m, about 5 m to about 50 m, about 5 m to about 40 nm, about 5 m to about 30 m, about 5 m to about 20 m, about 5 m to about 10 m. As used herein, the phrase average particulate size generally refers to the average largest dimension of a sample of particulates. For example, when the particulates include substantially spherical particulates, the average largest dimension is the average diameter of the particulates.

[0027] Generally, the methods and systems provided herein may be used for capturing any particulates of any material or combination of materials. In some aspects, the particulates include a phosphite processing stabilizer. In additional aspects, the particulates include IRGAFOX 168 hydrolytically stable phosphite processing stabilizer (CIBA, USA). In further aspects, the particulates include an antioxidant stabilizer. In still further aspects, the particulates include IRGANOX 1010 phenolic antioxidant stabilizer (BASF, USA). The particulates may include polyethylene fines. The particulates may include catalyst fines.

[0028] The particulates may be in motion when subjected to the systems and methods provided herein. The motion may be provided by any force, such as a gas stream. In some aspects, the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 15 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 14 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 13 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 12 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 11 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 10 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 9 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 8 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 7 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 6 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 5 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 4 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 3 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 2 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 15 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 14 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 13 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 12 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 11 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 10 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 9 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 8 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 7 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 6 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 5 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 4 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 3 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 2 feet/second, about 0.5 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 0.75 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 1 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 2 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 3 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 4 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 5 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 6 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 7 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 8 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 9 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 10 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 11 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, about 12 feet/second to about 16 feet/second, or about 13 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0029] The gas stream generally may be hosted by a channel. The channel may be associated with an apparatus, such as a chemical apparatus. The phrase chemical apparatus, as used herein, generally refers to any device or vessel for performing a chemical reaction or process. The channel generally may be of any size and shape, such as, for example, any cross-sectional shape, that permits the particulates to be influenced by one or more forces as provided herein. The channel generally may have a longitudinal axis, and a gas stream may generally move in the direction of the longitudinal axis. For example, the gas stream may flow substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. In some aspects, the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 3 square inches to about 75 square inches, about 3 square inches to about 70 square inches, about 3 square inches to about 65 square inches, about 3 square inches to about 64 square inches, about 3 square inches to about 60 square inches, about 3 square inches to about 55 square inches, about 3 square inches to about 50 square inches, about 3 square inches to about 45 square inches, about 3 square inches to about 75 square inches, about 4 square inches to about 75 square inches, about 5 square inches to about 75 square inches, about 6 square inches to about 75 square inches, about 7 square inches to about 75 square inches, about 8 square inches to about 75 square inches, about 9 square inches to about 75 square inches, about 3 square inches to about 74 square inches, about 4 square inches to about 74 square inches, about 4 square inches to about 73 square inches, about 5 square inches to about 71 square inches, about 6 square inches to about 69 square inches, about 7 square inches to about 68 square inches, about 8 square inches to about 67 square inches, about 9 square inches to about 65 square inches, or about 9 square inches to about 64 square inches.

[0030] The acoustic waves of the methods and systems herein generally may be produced by any one or more devices. In some aspects, the one or more acoustic waves are generated by a first transducer and a second transducer. The first transducer and the second transducer may be spaced apart from each other. The distance between the first transducer and the second transducer may be adjusted to change one or more characteristics of an acoustic wave. In further aspects, the first transducer and the second transducer are adjusted independently to provide the one or more acoustic waves. In additional aspects, the one or more acoustic waves are further generated by a third transducer spaced apart from the first transducer and the second transducer. The third transducer may be adjusted independently.

[0031] Generally, the one or more acoustic waves may be generated by any known technique or device, and have any known features, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,743,361, 4,948,497, 7,743,361, 7,634,937, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0036173, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] In some aspects, the one or more acoustic waves are standing waves. The standing waves may include multi-dimensional standing waves. In some aspects, the multi-dimensional standing wave includes an acoustic radiation force having an axial force component and a lateral force component that are the same order of magnitude.

[0033] In some aspects, the one or more acoustic waves are waves of modulating frequency.

[0034] In some aspects, the frequency of the standing waves is selected from one or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 100 MHz, about 100 kHz to about 90 MHz, about 100 kHz to about 80 MHz, about 100 kHz to about 70 MHz, about 100 kHz to about 60 MHz, about 100 kHz to about 50 MHz, about 100 kHz to about 45 MHz, about 200 kHz to about 45 MHz, about 300 kHz to about 45 MHz, about 400 kHz to about 45 MHz, about 500 kHz to about 45 MHz, about 600 kHz to about 45 MHz, about 700 kHz to about 45 MHz, or about 800 kHz to about 45 MHz. In additional aspects, the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 100 MHz, about 100 kHz to about 90 MHz, about 100 kHz to about 80 MHz, about 100 kHz to about 70 MHz, about 100 kHz to about 60 MHz, about 100 kHz to about 50 MHz, about 100 kHz to about 45 MHz, about 200 kHz to about 45 MHz, about 300 kHz to about 45 MHz, about 400 kHz to about 45 MHz, about 500 kHz to about 45 MHz, about 600 kHz to about 45 MHz, about 700 kHz to about 45 MHz, or about 800 kHz to about 45 MHz. Not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that, in general, a greater frequency may be selected as the average particulate size decreases in order to increase the likelihood and/or efficiency of influencing the particulates. As used herein, the unit kHz indicates 10.sup.3 Hz (i.e., 1 kHz is equal to 1,000 Hz); and the unit MHz refers to 10.sup.6 Hz (i.e., 1 MHz is equal to 1,000,000 Hz).

[0035] In some aspects, the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 105 m, and a modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 100 MHz.

[0036] In some aspects, the methods provided herein include adjusting one or more of the gas stream velocity, the intensity, and/or the modulating frequency to transport the at least a portion of the particulates. In further aspects, methods provided herein include adjusting the gas stream velocity to transport the at least a portion of the particulates. In additional aspects, the methods provided herein include adjusting the gas stream velocity, and the intensity to transport the at least a portion of the particulates. In still further aspects, the methods provided herein include adjusting the gas stream velocity, and the modulating frequency to transport the at least a portion of the particulates. In still further aspects, the methods provided herein include adjusting the gas stream velocity, the intensity, and the modulating frequency to transport the at least a portion of the particulates. In other aspects, the methods provided herein include adjusting the intensity to transport the at least a portion of the particulates. The methods provided herein may include adjusting the modulating frequency to transport the at least a portion of the particulates. The methods provided herein may include adjusting the intensity and the modulating frequency to transport the at least a portion of the particulates.

[0037] While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate disclosure of various aspects, Applicant in no way disclaims these technical aspects, and it is contemplated that the present disclosure may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

[0038] The present disclosure may address one or more of the problems and deficiencies of known methods and processes. However, it is contemplated that various aspects may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the present disclosure should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein.

[0039] In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge, or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

[0040] Regarding claim transitional terms or phrases, the transitional term comprising, which is synonymous with including, containing, or characterized by is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps. The transitional phrase consisting of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional phrase consisting essentially of limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. A consisting essentially of claim occupies a middle ground between closed claims that are written in a consisting of format and fully open claims that are drafted in a comprising format. Absent an indication to the contrary, when describing a compound or composition consisting essentially of is not to be construed as comprising, but is intended to describe the recited component that includes materials which do not significantly alter composition or method to which the term is applied. When a claim includes different features and/or feature classes (for example, a method step, and/or product features, among other possibilities), the transitional terms comprising, consisting essentially of, and consisting of, apply only to the feature class to which is utilized and it is possible to have different transitional terms or phrases utilized with different features within a claim. While compositions and methods are described in terms of comprising various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also consist essentially of or consist of the various components or steps.

[0041] The articles a and an may be employed in connection with various elements and components of compositions, processes or structures described herein. This is merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the compositions, processes or structures. Such a description includes one or at least one of the elements or components. Moreover, as used herein, the singular articles also include a description of a plurality of elements or components, unless it is apparent from a specific context that the plural is excluded.

[0042] Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0043] The terms configured for use or adapted for use and similar language is used herein to reflect that the particular recited structure or procedure is used in a system or process as disclosed herein.

[0044] The term about means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is about or approximate whether or not expressly stated to be such. The term about also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term about, the claims include equivalents to the quantities. The term about may mean within 10% of the reported numerical value, or within 5% of the reported numerical value, or within 2% of the reported numerical value.

[0045] As used herein, the terms comprises, comprising, includes, including, has, having, contains or containing, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a composition, a mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, or refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0046] Various numerical ranges may be disclosed herein. When Applicant discloses or claims a range of any type, Applicant's intent is to disclose or claim individually each possible number that such a range could reasonably encompass, including end points of the range as well as any sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges encompassed therein, unless otherwise specified. Moreover, all numerical end points of ranges disclosed herein are approximate. As a representative example, Applicant discloses, in some aspects, that the gas stream has a velocity of about 11 feet/second to about 16 feet/second. This range should be interpreted as encompassing pressures of about 11 feet/second and about 16 feet/second, and further encompasses about each of 12 feet/second, 13 feet/second, 14 feet/second, and 15 feet/second, including any ranges and sub-ranges between any of these values.

[0047] Applicant reserves the right to proviso out or exclude any individual members of any such group, including any sub-ranges or combinations of sub-ranges within the group, that can be claimed according to a range or in any similar manner, if for any reason Applicants choose to claim less than the full measure of the disclosure, for example, to account for a reference that Applicants can be unaware of at the time of the filing of the application. Further, Applicants reserve the right to proviso out or exclude any individual elements of a claimed genus or subgenus, if for any reason Applicants choose to claim less than the full measure of the disclosure, for example, to account for a reference that Applicants can be unaware of at the time of the filing of the application.

ASPECTS

[0048] Non-limiting aspects of the methods and systems provided herein include the following:

[0049] Aspect 1A method of capturing particulates, the method including (i) providing a gas stream in a channel having a longitudinal axis, the gas stream having a velocity and including particulates; and (ii) contacting the particulates with one or more acoustic waves having an intensity and a modulating frequency to transport at least a portion of the particulates transversely to the longitudinal axis to a quiescent zone of the channel.

[0050] Aspect 2The method of aspect 1, wherein the gas stream having a velocity flows substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel.

[0051] Aspect 3The method of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the channel includes a first section hosting the gas stream, and a second section including a substantially stationary gas, wherein the at least a portion of the particulates transported to the quiescent zone are deposited in the second section of the channel.

[0052] Aspect 4The method of any one of aspects 1-3, further including separating the particulates from the gas stream.

[0053] Aspect 5The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 1 m to about 110 m.

[0054] Aspect 6The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 1 m to about 105 m.

[0055] Aspect 7The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 105 m.

[0056] Aspect 8The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 100 m.

[0057] Aspect 9The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 90 m.

[0058] Aspect 10The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 80 m.

[0059] Aspect 11The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 70 m.

[0060] Aspect 12The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 60 m.

[0061] Aspect 13The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 50 m.

[0062] Aspect 14The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 40 m.

[0063] Aspect 15The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 30 m.

[0064] Aspect 16The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 20 m.

[0065] Aspect 17The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 10 m.

[0066] Aspect 18The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 105 m.

[0067] Aspect 19The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 100 m.

[0068] Aspect 20The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 90 m.

[0069] Aspect 21The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 80 m.

[0070] Aspect 22The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 70 m.

[0071] Aspect 23The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 60 m.

[0072] Aspect 24The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 50 m.

[0073] Aspect 25The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 40 m.

[0074] Aspect 26The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 30 m.

[0075] Aspect 27The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 20 m.

[0076] Aspect 28The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 10 m.

[0077] Aspect 29The method of any one of aspects 1-28, wherein the particulates include a phosphite processing stabilizer.

[0078] Aspect 30The method of any one of aspects 1-29, wherein the particulates include IRGAFOX 168 hydrolytically stable phosphite processing stabilizer (CIBA, USA).

[0079] Aspect 31The method of any one of aspects 1-30, wherein the particulates include an antioxidant stabilizer.

[0080] Aspect 32The method of any one of aspects 1-31, wherein the particulates include IRGANOX 1010 phenolic antioxidant stabilizer (BASF, USA).

[0081] Aspect 33The method of any one of aspects 1-32, wherein the particulates include polyethylene fines, catalyst fines, or a combination thereof.

[0082] Aspect 34The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0083] Aspect 35The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 15 feet/second.

[0084] Aspect 36The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 14 feet/second.

[0085] Aspect 37The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 13 feet/second.

[0086] Aspect 38The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 12 feet/second.

[0087] Aspect 39The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 11 feet/second.

[0088] Aspect 40The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 10 feet/second.

[0089] Aspect 41The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 9 feet/second.

[0090] Aspect 42The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 8 feet/second.

[0091] Aspect 43The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 7 feet/second.

[0092] Aspect 44The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 6 feet/second.

[0093] Aspect 45The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 5 feet/second.

[0094] Aspect 46The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 4 feet/second.

[0095] Aspect 47The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 3 feet/second.

[0096] Aspect 48The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 2 feet/second.

[0097] Aspect 49The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0098] Aspect 50The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 15 feet/second.

[0099] Aspect 51The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 14 feet/second.

[0100] Aspect 52The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 13 feet/second.

[0101] Aspect 53The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 12 feet/second.

[0102] Aspect 54The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 11 feet/second.

[0103] Aspect 55The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 10 feet/second.

[0104] Aspect 56The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 9 feet/second.

[0105] Aspect 57The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 8 feet/second.

[0106] Aspect 58The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 7 feet/second.

[0107] Aspect 59The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 6 feet/second.

[0108] Aspect 60The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 5 feet/second.

[0109] Aspect 61The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 4 feet/second.

[0110] Aspect 62The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 3 feet/second.

[0111] Aspect 63The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 2 feet/second.

[0112] Aspect 64The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0113] Aspect 65The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0114] Aspect 66The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 1 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0115] Aspect 67The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 2 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0116] Aspect 68The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 3 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0117] Aspect 69The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 4 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0118] Aspect 70The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 5 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0119] Aspect 71The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 6 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0120] Aspect 72The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 7 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0121] Aspect 73The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 8 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0122] Aspect 74The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 9 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0123] Aspect 75The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 10 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0124] Aspect 76The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 11 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0125] Aspect 77The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 12 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0126] Aspect 78The method of any one of aspects 1-33, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 13 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0127] Aspect 79The method of any one of aspects 1-78, wherein the one or more acoustic waves are generated by a first transducer and a spaced apart second transducer.

[0128] Aspect 80The method of aspect 79, wherein the first transducer and the second transducer are adjusted independently to provide the one or more acoustic waves.

[0129] Aspect 81The method of aspect 79 or 80, wherein the one or more acoustic waves are further generated by a third transducer spaced apart from the first transducer and the second transducer.

[0130] Aspect 82The method of aspect 81, wherein the third transducer is adjusted independently.

[0131] Aspect 83The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 100 MHz.

[0132] Aspect 84The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 90 MHz.

[0133] Aspect 85The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 80 MHz.

[0134] Aspect 86The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 70 MHz.

[0135] Aspect 87The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 60 MHz.

[0136] Aspect 88The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 50 MHz.

[0137] Aspect 89The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0138] Aspect 90The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 200 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0139] Aspect 91The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 300 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0140] Aspect 92The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 400 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0141] Aspect 93The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 500 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0142] Aspect 94The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 600 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0143] Aspect 95The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 700 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0144] Aspect 96The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 800 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0145] Aspect 97The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 3 square inches to about 75 square inches.

[0146] Aspect 98The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 3 square inches to about 70 square inches.

[0147] Aspect 99The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 3 square inches to about 65 square inches.

[0148] Aspect 100The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 3 square inches to about 64 square inches.

[0149] Aspect 101The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 3 square inches to about 60 square inches.

[0150] Aspect 102The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 3 square inches to about 55 square inches.

[0151] Aspect 103The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 3 square inches to about 50 square inches.

[0152] Aspect 104The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 3 square inches to about 45 square inches.

[0153] Aspect 105The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 3 square inches to about 75 square inches.

[0154] Aspect 106The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 4 square inches to about 75 square inches.

[0155] Aspect 107The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 5 square inches to about 75 square inches.

[0156] Aspect 108The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 6 square inches to about 75 square inches.

[0157] Aspect 109The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 7 square inches to about 75 square inches.

[0158] Aspect 110The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 8 square inches to about 75 square inches.

[0159] Aspect 111The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 9 square inches to about 75 square inches.

[0160] Aspect 112The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 3 square inches to about 74 square inches.

[0161] Aspect 113The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 4 square inches to about 74 square inches.

[0162] Aspect 114The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 4 square inches to about 73 square inches.

[0163] Aspect 115The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 5 square inches to about 71 square inches.

[0164] Aspect 116The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 6 square inches to about 69 square inches.

[0165] Aspect 117The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 7 square inches to about 68 square inches.

[0166] Aspect 118The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 8 square inches to about 67 square inches.

[0167] Aspect 119The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 9 square inches to about 65 square inches.

[0168] Aspect 120The method of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the channel having a longitudinal axis has a cross-sectional area of about 9 square inches to about 64 square inches.

[0169] Aspect 121The method of any one of aspects 1-120, further including adjusting one or more of the gas stream velocity, the intensity, and/or the modulating frequency to transport the at least a portion of the particulates.

[0170] Aspect 122The method of any one of aspects 1-120, further including adjusting the gas stream velocity to transport the at least a portion of the particulates.

[0171] Aspect 123The method of any one of aspects 1-120, further including adjusting the gas stream velocity, and the intensity to transport the at least a portion of the particulates.

[0172] Aspect 124The method of any one of aspects 1-120, further including adjusting the gas stream velocity, and the modulating frequency to transport the at least a portion of the particulates.

[0173] Aspect 125The method of any one of aspects 1-120, further including adjusting the gas stream velocity, the intensity, and the modulating frequency to transport the at least a portion of the particulates.

[0174] Aspect 126The method of any one of aspects 1-120, further including adjusting the intensity to transport the at least a portion of the particulates.

[0175] Aspect 127The method of any one of aspects 1-120, further including adjusting the modulating frequency to transport the at least a portion of the particulates.

[0176] Aspect 128The method of any one of aspects 1-120, further including adjusting the intensity and the modulating frequency to transport the at least a portion of the particulates.

[0177] Aspect 129A method of capturing particulates, the method including providing a gas stream in a channel having a longitudinal axis, the gas stream including particulates; contacting the particulates with one or more standing acoustic waves extending transverse to the longitudinal axis to immobilize at least a portion of the particulates; and contacting the at least a portion of the particulates with an electrostatic force to (i) transport the at least a portion of the particulates to a quiescent zone of the channel, (ii) promote agglomeration of the at least a portion of the particulates, or (iii) a combination thereof.

[0178] Aspect 130The method of aspect 129, wherein the channel includes a first section hosting the gas stream, and a second section comprising a substantially stationary gas, wherein the at least a portion of the particulates transported to the quiescent zone are deposited in the second section.

[0179] Aspect 131The method of aspect 129 or 130, wherein the agglomeration of the at least a portion of the particulates forms agglomerates of particulates having a mass sufficient to prevent a force exerted on the agglomerates of particulates by the gas stream from exceeding a force of gravity.

[0180] Aspect 132The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 1 m to about 110 m.

[0181] Aspect 133The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 1 m to about 105 m.

[0182] Aspect 134The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 105 m.

[0183] Aspect 135The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 100 m.

[0184] Aspect 136The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 90 m.

[0185] Aspect 137The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 80 m.

[0186] Aspect 138The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 70 m.

[0187] Aspect 139The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 60 m.

[0188] Aspect 140The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 50 m.

[0189] Aspect 141The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 40 m.

[0190] Aspect 142The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 30 m.

[0191] Aspect 143The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 20 m.

[0192] Aspect 144The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 2 m to about 10 m.

[0193] Aspect 145The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 105 m.

[0194] Aspect 146The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 100 m.

[0195] Aspect 147The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 90 m.

[0196] Aspect 148The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 80 m.

[0197] Aspect 149The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 70 m.

[0198] Aspect 150The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 60 m.

[0199] Aspect 151The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 50 m.

[0200] Aspect 152The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 40 m.

[0201] Aspect 153The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 30 m.

[0202] Aspect 154The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 20 m.

[0203] Aspect 155The method of any one of aspects 129-131, wherein the particulates have an average particulate size of about 5 m to about 10 m.

[0204] Aspect 156The method of any one of aspects 129-155, wherein the particulates include a phosphite processing stabilizer.

[0205] Aspect 157The method of any one of aspects 129-156, wherein the particulates include IRGAFOX 168 hydrolytically stable phosphite processing stabilizer (CIBA, USA).

[0206] Aspect 158The method of any one of aspects 129-157, wherein the particulates include an antioxidant stabilizer.

[0207] Aspect 159The method of any one of aspects 129-158, wherein the particulates include IRGANOX 1010 phenolic antioxidant stabilizer (BASF, USA).

[0208] Aspect 160The method of any one of aspects 129-159, wherein the particulates include polyethylene fines, catalyst fines, or a combination thereof.

[0209] Aspect 161The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0210] Aspect 162The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 15 feet/second.

[0211] Aspect 163The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 14 feet/second.

[0212] Aspect 164The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 13 feet/second.

[0213] Aspect 165The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 12 feet/second.

[0214] Aspect 166The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 11 feet/second.

[0215] Aspect 167The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 10 feet/second.

[0216] Aspect 168The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 9 feet/second.

[0217] Aspect 169The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 8 feet/second.

[0218] Aspect 170The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 7 feet/second.

[0219] Aspect 171The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 6 feet/second.

[0220] Aspect 172The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 5 feet/second.

[0221] Aspect 173The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 4 feet/second.

[0222] Aspect 174The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 3 feet/second.

[0223] Aspect 175The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 2 feet/second.

[0224] Aspect 176The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0225] Aspect 177The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 15 feet/second.

[0226] Aspect 178The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 14 feet/second.

[0227] Aspect 179The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 13 feet/second.

[0228] Aspect 180The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 12 feet/second.

[0229] Aspect 181The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 11 feet/second.

[0230] Aspect 182The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 10 feet/second.

[0231] Aspect 183The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 9 feet/second.

[0232] Aspect 184The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 8 feet/second.

[0233] Aspect 185The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 7 feet/second.

[0234] Aspect 186The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 6 feet/second.

[0235] Aspect 187The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 5 feet/second.

[0236] Aspect 188The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 4 feet/second.

[0237] Aspect 189The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 3 feet/second.

[0238] Aspect 190The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 2 feet/second.

[0239] Aspect 191The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.5 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0240] Aspect 192The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 0.75 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0241] Aspect 193The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 1 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0242] Aspect 194The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 2 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0243] Aspect 195The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 3 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0244] Aspect 196The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 4 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0245] Aspect 197The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 5 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0246] Aspect 198The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 6 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0247] Aspect 199The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 7 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0248] Aspect 200The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 8 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0249] Aspect 201The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 9 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0250] Aspect 202The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 10 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0251] Aspect 203The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 11 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0252] Aspect 204The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 12 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0253] Aspect 205The method of any one of aspects 129-160, wherein the gas stream has a velocity of about 13 feet/second to about 16 feet/second.

[0254] Aspect 206The method of any one of aspects 129-205, wherein the one or more standing acoustic waves are generated by a first transducer and a spaced apart second transducer.

[0255] Aspect 207The method of aspect 206, wherein the first transducer and the second transducer are adjusted independently to provide the one or more standing acoustic waves.

[0256] Aspect 208The method of aspect 206 or 207, wherein the one or more standing acoustic waves are further generated by a third transducer spaced apart from the first transducer and the second transducer.

[0257] Aspect 209The method of aspect 208, wherein the third transducer is adjusted independently.

[0258] Aspect 210A system for capturing particulates, the system including a chemical apparatus; a gas stream channel having a longitudinal axis associated with the chemical apparatus; and a two or more transducers associated with the gas stream channel; wherein the two or more transducers are configured to provide one or more acoustic waves in the gas stream channel, transversely to the longitudinal axis.

[0259] Aspect 211The system of aspect 210, further including an apparatus for providing an electrostatic force in the gas stream channel.

[0260] Aspect 212The system of aspect 210 or 211, wherein the one or more acoustic waves includes a standing acoustic wave.

[0261] Aspect 213The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 100 kHz to about 100 MHz.

[0262] Aspect 214The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 100 kHz to about 90 MHz.

[0263] Aspect 215The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 100 kHz to about 80 MHz.

[0264] Aspect 216The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 100 kHz to about 70 MHz.

[0265] Aspect 217The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 100 kHz to about 60 MHz.

[0266] Aspect 218The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 100 kHz to about 50 MHz.

[0267] Aspect 219The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 100 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0268] Aspect 220The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 200 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0269] Aspect 221The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 300 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0270] Aspect 222The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 400 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0271] Aspect 223The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 500 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0272] Aspect 224The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 600 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0273] Aspect 225The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 700 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0274] Aspect 226The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the standing acoustic wave has a frequency of about 800 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0275] Aspect 227The system of any one of aspects 210-212, wherein the one or more acoustic waves comprises an acoustic wave of modulating frequency.

[0276] Aspect 228The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 100 MHz.

[0277] Aspect 229The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 90 MHz.

[0278] Aspect 230The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 80 MHz.

[0279] Aspect 231The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 70 MHz.

[0280] Aspect 232The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 60 MHz.

[0281] Aspect 233The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 50 MHz.

[0282] Aspect 234The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 100 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0283] Aspect 235The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 200 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0284] Aspect 236The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 300 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0285] Aspect 237The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 400 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0286] Aspect 238The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 500 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0287] Aspect 239The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 600 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0288] Aspect 240The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 700 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0289] Aspect 241The system of any one of aspects 227, wherein the modulating frequency is selected from two or more frequencies of about 800 kHz to about 45 MHz.

[0290] Aspect 242The system of any one of aspects 129-241, wherein the chemical apparatus includes a hopper containing particulates, an extruder feed conveying blender, or a fluidized bed reactor.

[0291] Aspect 243The system of any one of aspects 210-241, wherein the chemical apparatus includes a hopper containing particulates.

[0292] Aspect 244The system of any one of aspects 210-241, wherein the chemical apparatus includes an extruder feed conveying blender.

[0293] Aspect 245The system of any one of aspects 210-241, wherein the chemical apparatus includes a fluidized bed reactor.

[0294] Aspect 246The system of aspect 242 or 243, wherein the hopper containing particulates is an additive feed hopper.

[0295] Aspect 247The system of any one of aspects 242, 243, or 246, wherein the hopper is configured to be refilled manually.

[0296] Aspect 248The system of any one of aspects 242, 243, 246, or 247, wherein the hopper includes one or more vents routed to a dust collection system.

[0297] Aspect 249The system of aspect 242 or 244, wherein the conveying blender includes one or more vents routed to a dust collection system.

[0298] Aspect 250The system of aspect 248 or 249, wherein each vent has a largest dimension of about 3 to about 10, or about 3 to about 8.

[0299] Aspect 251The system of aspect 248 or 249, wherein each vent has a cross-sectional area of about 7 square inches to about 75 square inches.

[0300] Aspect 252The system of aspect 248 or 249, wherein each vent has a cross-sectional area of about 9 square inches to about 64 square inches.

[0301] Aspect 253The system of any one of aspects 210-252, wherein the chemical apparatus includes a vent filter.

[0302] Aspect 254The system of aspect 253, wherein the vent filter is configured to remove particulates less than 2 microns in diameter.

[0303] Aspect 255The system of aspect 243 or 245, wherein the fluidized bed reactor comprises a catalyst activator or a polymerization reactor.

[0304] Aspect 256The system of aspect 255, wherein the catalyst activator is a polymerization catalyst activator.

[0305] Aspect 257The system of any one of aspects 210-256, wherein the gas stream channel hosts a gas stream comprising one or more chemical additives initially disposed in the hopper.

[0306] Aspect 258The system of any one of aspects 210-256, wherein the gas stream channel hosts a gas stream comprising particulates entrained in a fluid of the fluidized bed reactor.