CPC Definition - Subclass B03C

Last Updated Version: 2023.02
MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS (separating isotopes B01D 59/00; combinations of magnetic or electrostatic separation with separation of solids by other means B03B, B07B)
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Magnetic separation
  • Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapour, e.g. air, by electrostatic effect
  • Separating dispersed particles from liquids by electrostatic effect
  • Separating solids from solids by electrostatic effect
  • Separation by high-voltage electrical fields
Relationships with other classification places

B01D is the general subclass for separation. This subclass, B03C, covers magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, as well as separation by high-voltage electric fields. However, separation of isotopes by high-voltage electric fields or by magnetic or electrostatic separation is covered by main group B01D 59/00.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Separating isotopes

B01D 59/00

Combinations of magnetic or electrostatic separation with separation of solids by other means

B03B, B07B

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Filters making use of electricity or magnetism

B01D 35/06

Separating sheets from piles

B65H 3/00

Magnets or magnet coils per se

H01F

Magnetic separation
Definition statement

This place covers:

Separation of particles out of a fluid or a stream of particles using magnetic effects.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Separation, e.g. filters in general

B01D

Processes for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia or centrifugal forces

B01D 45/00, B01D 45/12

Combinations of cyclones with filters, for separating particles from gases or vapours

B01D 50/00

Processes for separation of gases or vapours or for recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases by centrifugal force

B01D 53/24

Flotation; Differential sedimentation

B03D

Devices for separating or removing fatty or oily substances or similar floating material from water, waste water or sewage

C02F 1/40

Device in sewers for separating liquid or solid substances from sewage

E03F 5/14

Chemical analysis of biological material

G01N 33/50

Measuring, investigating or testing electric or magnetic properties of materials

G01R

Materials for magnets or magnetic bodies

H01F 1/00

Special rules of classification

The following Indexing Codes are used:

  • Magnetic separation of gases from gases, e.g. oxygen from air, is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/16.
  • Magnetic separation of particles suspended in a liquid is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/18.
  • Magnetic separation of particles that are in a solid form is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/20.
  • Magnetic separation characterised by magnetic field, special shape or generation is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/22.
  • Magnetic separation characterised by parts that are easily removable for cleaning purposes is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/28.
  • Magnetic separation used in or with vehicles is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/30.
{High gradient magnetic separation}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Any type of magnetic separation method that uses a high gradient magnetic field, which is directly acting on the substance being seperated.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Magnetic separation device that uses a high gradient magnetic field acting directly on the substance being separated

B03C 1/025

High gradient magnetic separation acting on the medium

B03C 1/32

Pretreatment specially adapted for magnetic separation
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Magnets or magnetic bodies characterised by the magnetic materials therefor; Selection of materials for their magnetic properties

H01F 1/00

Magnetic liquids

H01F 1/44

by addition of magnetic adjuvants
Definition statement

This place covers:

Any type of magnetic adjuvants not having an advanced chemical reaction with the particles to be separated.

by chemical treatment imparting magnetic properties to the material to be separated, e.g. roasting, reduction, oxidation
Definition statement

This place covers:

Any type of magnetic adjuvants having a chemical reaction with the particles to be separated.

High gradient magnetic separators
Definition statement

This place covers:

Magnetic separation devices that use high gradient magnetic fields.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Magnetic separation methods that use high gradient magnetic fields

B03C 1/002

with circulating matrix or matrix elements
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Matrix elements

B03C 1/034

{superconductive}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Any detail about the construction of the superconductive coil.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Superconductive coils for open gradient separators

B03C 1/0355

characterised by the matrix elements
Definition statement

This place covers:

Any detail about the construction of the magnetic matrix of the matrix cleaning system.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

High gradient separators having (circulating) matrix elements

B03C 1/029

using superconductive coils
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Details about the construction of the superconductive coil

B03C 1/0337

with cylindrical material carriers (B03C 1/247 takes precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Magnetic separation in which either (a) the material to be separated or (b) the separated material is moved with cylindrical means.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

With material carried by travelling fields obtained by a rotating drum

B03C 1/247

obtained by a rotating magnetic drum
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Devices whereby the material to be separated or the separated material is moved with cylindrical means

B03C 1/10

with free falling material (B03C 1/035 takes precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Open gradient magnetic separators, i.e. separators in which the gap is unobstructed, characterised by the configuration of the gap

B03C 1/035

Magnetic plugs and dipsticks
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices or methods for separating particles contained in a liquid.

Special rules of classification

The following Indexing Codes are used:

  • Magnetic separation for particles suspended in a liquid is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/18.
  • Magnetic separation for use in medical applications is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/26.
Combinations with other devices, not otherwise provided for
Definition statement

This place covers:

Typically used when the magnetic separation is part of a bigger process. However, documents should not be classified here when no (sufficient) details of the magnetic separation are disclosed

acting on the medium containing the substance being separated, e.g. magneto-gravimetric-, magnetohydrostatic-, or magnetohydrodynamic separation
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Sink-float separation using heavy liquids or suspensions

B03B 5/30

Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapour, e.g. air, by electrostatic effect
Definition statement

This place covers:

Methods or devices using an electrostatic effect for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours, e.g. devices that use electrostatic effects for filtering air.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Exhaust or silencing apparatus for machines or engines having means for removing solid constituents of exhaust, using electric or electrostatic separators

F01N 3/01

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Domestic cleaning implements actuated by electrostatic attraction; Devices for cleaning same

A47L 13/40

Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases (e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols) by electrostatic effects or by high-voltage electric fields

B01D 53/323

Cleaning by electrostatic means

B08B 6/00

Electric elements specially adapted for carrying off electrostatic charges from vehicles

B60R 16/06

Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods

C02F 1/46

Electrostatic machines

H02N

Carrying-off electrostatic charges in general

H05F

Special rules of classification

When the electrostatic effect is not used for separating, it should not be classified here.

The following Indexing Codes are used:

  • Electrostatic separation including cleaning of the device by burning trapped particles is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/12.
  • Electrostatic separation for gas that is moved electro-kinetically is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/14.
  • Electrostatic separation including measuring or calculating of parameters or efficiency is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/24.
  • Electrostatic separation for use in medical applications is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/26.
  • Electrostatic separation for use in or with vehicles is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/30.
  • Electrostatic separation including checking the quality of the result or the well-functioning of the device is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/32.
Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Separating

Dimensional modifications of particle-liquid distributions, e.g. particle immobilisation, caging, translational or rotational motion

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following abbreviations are often used:

ESP

electrostatic precipitator

DEP

di-electrophoresis

nDEP or pDEP

negative di-electrophoresis or positive di-electrophoresis

Prefiltering; Flow controlling
Definition statement

This place covers:

Mechanical filtering or flow control before the actual ESP filter.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Combinations of electrostatic separators, e.g. in parallel or in series, stacked separators, dry-wet separator combinations

B03C 3/025

Mechanical filtering combined with the ESP filter

B03C 3/155

Controlling flow of gases or vapour in the ESP filter

B03C 3/36

Addition of water; Heat exchange, e.g. by condensation
Definition statement

This place covers:

Adding water for the purpose of changing the characteristics of the gas mixture to be treated.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Wet-type ESP

B03C 3/16

Liquid electrodes

B03C 3/53

Cleaning the electrodes by washing

B03C 3/74

Combinations of electrostatic separation with other processes, not otherwise provided for
Definition statement

This place covers:

Typically used when the electrostatic separation is part of a bigger process. However, documents should not be classified here when no (sufficient) details of the electrostatic separation are disclosed

Post-treatment of gases
Definition statement

This place covers:

Mechanical filtering or flow control after the actual ESP filter.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Combinations of electrostatic separators, e.g. in parallel or in series, stacked separators, dry-wet separator combinations

B03C 3/025

Mechanical filtering combined with the ESP filter

B03C 3/155

Plant or installations having external electricity supply
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrode constructions

B03C 3/40

characterised by presence of stationary tube electrodes
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices wherein a bundle of tube electrodes is used.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrode constructions

B03C 3/40

Constructional details of tubular collecting electrodes

B03C 3/49

characterised by presence of stationary flat electrodes arranged with their flat surfaces at right angles to the gas stream
Definition statement

This place covers:

Any device where the gas stream is forced to change direction to flow between the flat electrodes or where the gas stream is passing through the electrodes e.g. grid-electrodes

characterised by the additional use of mechanical effects, e.g. gravity (B03C 3/32 takes precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Transportable units, e.g. for cleaning room air

B03C 3/32

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Separating particles from gases by gravity

B01D 45/02

Centrifugal forces
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Separating particles from gases by centrifuges

B01D 45/12

Centrifuges in general

B04B

Selective separation of solid materials carried by, or dispersed in, gas currents using centrifugal force

B07B 7/08

Filtration
Definition statement

This place covers:

Mechanical filtering combined with the actual ESP filter.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Mechanical filtering before the actual ESP filter

B03C 3/011

Mechanical filtering after the actual ESP filter

B03C 3/019

Combinations of electrostatic separators, e.g. in parallel or in series, stacked separators, dry-wet separator combinations

B03C 3/025

wet type
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices where the added liquid (e.g. water) is not completely absorbed by the treated gas.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Adding water for the purpose of changing the characteristics of the gas mixture to be treated

B03C 3/014

Liquid, or liquid-film, electrodes

B03C 3/53

Cleaning the electrodes, e.g. by washing

B03C 3/74

Transportable units, e.g. for cleaning room air
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Room air-conditioners having an electrostatic separating stage

F24F

Controlling flow of gases or vapour
Definition statement

This place covers:

Flow control in the actual ESP filter.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Flow control before the ESP filter

B03C 3/011

Flow control after the ESP filter

B03C 3/019

Combinations of electrostatic separators, e.g. in parallel or in series, stacked separators, dry-wet separator combinations

B03C 3/025

Mechanical dry-type filtering, e.g. combined with the ESP filter

B03C 3/155

{located before the filter}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The flow control is located at the entrance of the ESP

{located after the filter}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The flow control is located at the exit of the ESP

Particle charging or ionising stations, e.g. using electric discharge, radioactive radiation or flames
Definition statement

This place covers:

Particle charging or ionising stations in which particles are electrostatically charged for the purpose of separating them, e.g. using electric discharge, radioactive radiation or flames.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrode constructions

B03C 3/40

Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air by ionisation

A61L 9/22

Air-conditioning systems applying an electrostatic field

F24F 8/192

Apparatus for generating ions to be introduced into non-enclosed gases

H01T 23/00

Ionising gases

H05H

Electrode constructions
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrode-carrying means

B03C 3/86

Ionising-electrodes
Special rules of classification

Indexing Symbols B03C 2201/04B03C 2201/10 have to be given in order to describe the type of electrode.

The following indexing symbols are used:

  • Ionising electrode wires are classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/04.
  • Ionising electrode needles are classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/06.
  • Ionising electrode rods are classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/08.
  • Ionising electrodes including multiple serrated ends or parts are classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/10.
{specially adapted for heat exchange with the gas stream (B03C 3/53 takes precedence)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Liquid, or liquid-film, electrodes

B03C 3/53

flat, e.g. plates, discs, gratings
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

ESP having stationary flat electrodes arranged with their flat surfaces parallel to the gas stream

B03C 3/08

ESP having stationary flat electrodes arranged with their flat surfaces at right angles to the gas stream

B03C 3/09

tubular {(B03C 3/455 takes precedence)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The details of the electrodes themselves

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Collecting electrodes specially adapted for heat exchange with the gas stream

B03C 3/455

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Any type of device where a bundle of tube electrodes is used

B03C 3/06

Liquid, or liquid-film, electrodes
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Wet-type ESP

B03C 3/16

Cleaning the electrodes, e.g. by washing

B03C 3/74

Control systems therefor {(electricity supply or control systems for cleaning the electrodes B03C 3/746, B03C 3/763)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Details about the electrical power supply of the ESP, except the emergency control aspects.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Electricity supply or control systems for cleaning the electrodes

B03C 3/746, B03C 3/763

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Emergency control systems

B03C 3/72

Power supply for an electrostatic spraying apparatus

B05B 5/0531, B05B 5/10

insulating in electric separators (B03C 3/53 takes precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Liquid, or liquid-film, electrodes

B03C 3/53

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Use of special materials other than liquids for collecting electrodes

B03C 3/60

Protective coatings of housings

B03C 3/84

Electrode-carrying means

B03C 3/86

Emergency control systems
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Emergency protective circuit arrangements in general

H02H

Cleaning the electrodes
Special rules of classification

This subclass does not only cover the cleaning of the electrodes, but also covers all details about cleaning the interior of the ESP.

The following indexing symbols are used:

  • Cleaning the device by burning of trapped particles is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/12.
  • Parts being easily removable for cleaning purposes is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/28.
  • Measuring or calculating parameters or efficiency are classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/24.
  • Checking the quality of the result or the well-functioning of the device is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/32.
{Electricity supply or control systems therefor}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Electricity supply or control systems of the ESP

B03C 3/68

{Electricity supply or control systems therefor}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Electricity supply or control systems of the ESP

B03C 3/68

by washing
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices using a liquid where the purpose of the liquid is to clean.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Wet-type ESP

B03C 3/16

Liquid, or liquid-film, electrodes

B03C 3/53

Housings
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrode-carrying means

B03C 3/86

Protective coatings
Definition statement

This place covers:

Coatings or special layers of the housing, not of the electrodes.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrode constructions

B03C 3/40

Electrode-carrying means (B03C 3/40 takes precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Details about the (mechanical) fixation of the electrodes (including the electrical isolators).

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Electrode constructions

B03C 3/40

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Use of special materials other than liquids for collecting electrodes

B03C 3/60

Protective coatings of housings

B03C 3/84

Cleaning-out collected particles
Definition statement

This place covers:

Any detail about the removal of particles that have already been removed from the electrodes and/or walls.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Cleaning of the electrodes

B03C 3/74

Separating dispersed particles from liquids by electrostatic effect ({flocculation or agglomeration of electric particles induced by electric field B01D 21/0009;} combined with centrifuges B04B 5/10)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Flocculation or agglomeration of electric particles induced by electric field

B01D 21/0009

Combined with centrifuges

B04B 5/10

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Separation, other than separation of solids, not fully covered by a single other group or subclass, (e.g. B03C) by electrophoresis

B01D 57/02

Microreactors

B01J 19/0093

Treatment of microorganisms and apparatus therefor

C12M 1/42, C12N 13/00, C12Q 1/24

Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electro-chemical, or magnetic means using electrophoresis

G01N 27/447

Analysis of biomaterial by electrical means

G01N 33/48707

Special rules of classification

The following indexing symbols are used:

  • Electrostatic separation including measuring or calculating parameters or efficiency, is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/24.
  • Electrostatic separation for use in medical applications, is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/26.
  • Electrostatic separation including checking of the quality of the result or the well-functioning of the device, is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/32.
Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following abbreviations are often used:

ESP

electrostatic precipitator

DEP

di-electrophoresis

nDEP or pDEP

negative di-electrophoresis or positive di-electrophoresis

{Dielectrophoresis, i.e. dielectric particles migrating towards the region of highest field strength (B03C 5/02 takes precedence; electrophoresis B01D 57/02)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Any method using di-electrophoresis for separating particles from a fluid. Separating fluids from fluids is in B03C 11/00

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Any device using di-electrophoresis for separating particles from a fluid.

B03C 5/022

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electrophoresis

B01D 57/02

Separators
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Dielectrophoresis, i.e. dielectric particles migrating towards the region of highest field strength for separating dispersed particles from liquids by electrostatic effect

B03C 5/005

Electrostatic separation not provided for in any single one of the other main groups of this subclass
Definition statement

This place covers:

Electrostatic separation not provided for in any single one of the other main groups of this subclass, e.g. other types of electrostatic separation, except for electrostatically separating liquids from liquids by high-voltage electrical fields.

References
References out of a residual place

Examples of places in relation to which this place is residual:

Magnetic separation

B03C 1/00

Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapour

B03C 3/00

Separating dispersed particles from liquids by electrostatic effect

B03C 5/00

Separating solids from solids by electrostatic effect

B03C 7/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Electro-statically separating liquids from liquids by high-voltage electrical fields, not provided for in other groups of this subclass

B03C 11/00

Separation by high-voltage electrical fields, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Definition statement

This place covers:

This group is used for electrostatically separating liquids from liquids by high-voltage electrical fields, not provided for in other groups of this subclass.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Separation of liquids with coalescers

B01D 17/045

Separation of liquids from each other by electricity

B01D 17/06

Filters i.e. particle separators or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours including coalescing means for the separation of liquid

B01D 46/003

Refining of hydrocarbons oils by electric or magnetic mean

C10G 32/02

Special rules of classification

The following Indexing Codes are used:

  • Electrostatically separating liquids from liquids, is classified with indexing symbol B03C 2201/02.