Agglomeration of solid microparticles floating on the surface and in the bulk of salted water under nanosecond spark discharges

A. E. Dubinov^{1, 2, 3} - K. A. Maximov⁴

¹ Russian Federal Nuclear Center, All-Russia Scientific and Research Institute of Experimental Physics, 37 Mira ave., Sarov, Nizhny Novgorod region, 607188, Russia }
² Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, National Research Nuclear University, 31 Kashirsk Highway, Moscow, 115409, Russia }
³ Sarov State Institute of Physics and Technology, 6 Dukhova str., Sarov, Nizhni Novgorod region, 607186, Russia }
⁴ Tomsk National Research Polytechnic University, Tomsk 634050, Russia

Abstract
Properties of a periodic sequence of pulsed nanosecond spark discharges between the metal electrode and the surface of salted water contaminated with solid dielectric microparticles are studied. Salted water acts as an electrolyte and red ground pepper as microparticles. It is demonstrated that microparticles floating in salted water (on the surface and in the bulk) can be efficiently attracted and collected into compact agglomerates in the presence of electrical discharges. The agglomerates have the shape of flat disks, from which jets grow downwards. The lifetime of the jets is several minutes and they can form coils. The agglomeration of microparticles observed can be used, for example, for water decontamination. Figs 7, Refs 26.