A device for handling a fluid includes a corona discharge device and an
electric power supply. The corona discharge device includes at least one
corona discharge electrode and at least one collector electrode
positioned proximate each other so as to provide a total inter-electrode
capacitance within a predetermined range. The electric power supply is
connected to supply an electric power signal to said corona discharge and
collector electrodes so as to cause a corona current to flow between the
corona discharge and collector electrodes. An amplitude of an alternating
component of the voltage of the electric power signal generated is no
greater than one-tenth that of an amplitude of a constant component of
the voltage of the electric power signal. The alternating component of
the voltage is of such amplitude and frequency that a ratio of an
amplitude of the alternating component of the highest harmonic of the
voltage divided by an amplitude of the constant component of said voltage
being considerably less than that of a ratio of an amplitude of the
highest harmonic of the alternating component of the corona current
divided by an amplitude of the constant component of the corona current,
i.e., (V.sub.ac/V.sub.dc).ltoreq.(I.sub.ac/I.sub.dc).