Patent Application
20140027271
This invention relates to a method for treating liquid with electrocoagulation. More precisely, the present invention relates to a method, a system and an apparatus for treating colloidal solutions with electrocoagulation.
Nowadays water pollution is a significant issue and efforts are made to improve wastewater treatments. Water treatment processes commonly used are mainly based mechanical filtration and on bacterial activity. Many microorganisms belonging to five different classes (e.g. bacteria, virus, protozoa, fungi and helminth) are found in wastewater and wastewater process treatments. Disinfection processes are divided into two main groups, namely the physical and chemical processes (Metcalf and Eddy, 2003). The physical processes include: electromagnetic radiation, ultrasonic waves, heat, visible light and ultraviolet (UV), ionizing radiation (gamma and X), electron beam and electric current. Chemical methods use different compounds including: halogens and their derivatives (Cl2, Br2, I2, HOCl, OCl, ClO2, HOBr, HOI, etc.), oxygenated compounds and highly oxidizing (ozone, hydrogen peroxide, phenols, alcohols, percarbonates and persulfates, peracetic acid, potassium permanganate, etc.), dyes, quaternary ammonium compounds, acids and bases as well as enzymes. Some contaminants, like colloidal contaminants, are difficult to separate from liquid because of their electrical barrier.
Electrocoagulation was already proposed in the late 19th and early 20th century. The use of electrocoagulation with aluminum and iron was patented in 1909 in the United States (Stuart, 1947; Bonilla, 1947, Vik et al. 1984). Matteson et al. (1995) described an “electronic coagulator” in the 1940s, using aluminum anodes, and in 1956 a similar process in Great Britain using, in turn, iron anodes.
Coagulation is essentially to neutralize, or reduce, the electric charge of colloids and hence promote the aggregation of colloidal particles. To destabilize a suspension it is necessary that the attractive forces between particles are greater than the repulsive forces thereof. Attractive forces are mainly van der Waals forces, which act at a short distance thereof. In general, the total energy that controls the stability of the energy dispersion comprises attractive van der Waals energy of repulsion at short distance, the electrostatic energy and energy due to the steric effect of molecules solvent.
Coagulation can be done by chemical or electrical means. Alun, lime and/or polymers have been used as chemical coagulants. Chemical coagulation is becoming less popular today because of high costs associated with the chemical treatments of a significant volume of sludge and hazardous heavy metals such as metal hydroxides generated thereof in addition to the cost of chemical products needed for coagulation itself. Chemical coagulation has been used for decades.
Although the electrocoagulation mechanism resembles chemical coagulation, some differences benefit electrocoagulation. Indeed, electrocoagulated flocs differ from those generated by chemical coagulation. Flocs created with the electrocoagulation process tend to contain less bound water, are more resistant to shearing and are more easily filterable.
Flocs are created during the electrocoagulation water treatment with oxydo-reduction reactions. Currents of ions and charged particles, created by the electric field, increase the probability of collisions between ions and particles of opposite signs that migrate in opposite directions. This phenomenon allows the aggregation of suspended solids to form flocs.
The electrolytic reactions that take place at the electrodes are accompanied by production of micro bubbles of hydrogen (at the cathode) and oxygen (at the anode). These micro bubbles heading up will result in an upward movement of the flocs formed thereof that are recovered at the surface (this mechanism is named flotation).
The complexity of the mechanisms involved in the process of electrocoagulation in the treatment of water is not well scientifically elucidated (Yusuf et al., 2001). There are various features of the mechanism of the process and the geometry, or design, of the reactor in the literature. The different physico-chemical treatment, the shape of the reactor and the shape and size of electrodes affect the performance of the treatment (M. Bennajah, 2007). The wide variety of processing parameters reported in the literature and the lack of scientific data for efficient model processing and optimal processing conditions translate into a lack of development in this field. At this time, electrocoagulation is still problematic and therefore not popular (Holt et al. 2002, 2006).
The existence of an electric current in a body of water implicitly requires Faraday reactions surrounding the electrodes. The formation of chemical gradients depends on the electrolysis magnitude. The consequences of chemical reactions become more pronounced and significant in the prolonged application of electrokinetic. The effects include electrolysis of water with the simultaneous development of pH gradients and the transfer of electrolytic dissolution of the anode producing metal ions (Fe3+, Al3+, Mg2+, etc.) or cations of the electrolyte from the anode to the cathode. Chemical reactions can, in ion exchange or precipitation, form new mineral phases for cleaning water for instance.
At the cathode, the main reaction is:
4H2O+4e−→2H2+4OH− (Equation 1)
The increase in hydroxyl ions can increase the precipitation of metal hydroxide. The pH of the cathode's region is basic. The following equations describe the chemical reactions at the anode:
2H2O→O2+4H++4e− (Equation 2)
If the anode is made of magnesium:
Mg→Mg2++2e− (Equation 3)
Legacy electrocoagulation systems are associated with several issues. One of the issues is related to gas accumulation that damages the recipient. Other issues can include a wrong alignment and distance between the electrodes, the use of wrong electrode materials, a wrong electrode geometry, the thickness of the electrodes is not proper and the amount of energy used is not suited for the treatment of a specific fluid. Also, legacy electrocoagulation systems are not convenient for commercial or industrial uses.
Therefore, there exists a need in the art for an improved method, system and apparatus for treating a liquid over the existing art. There is a need in the art for such a method, system and apparatus for treating a liquid that can be easily installed, economically manufactured and operated. And there is a very perceptible need for an improved method, system and apparatus for treating wastewater over the existing art.
The present invention alleviates one or more of the drawbacks of the background art by addressing one or more of the existing needs in the art.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of treating liquid, especially, but not limited to, water, with electrocoagulation, using magnesium or other materials, in an agitated environment, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for destabilizing colloidal solutions using turbulent fluid to overcome the energetic barrier of the colloidal solution, facilitate colloid agglomeration and facilitate solid-fluid separation, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for treating industrial wastewater, food processing wastewater, and other types of fluids containing colloids, so as to reduce the concentration of ammonia nitrogen, ortho-phosphate, chemical oxidation demand (COD) and BODS, as well as FOGs, TSS, and heavy metals, using electrocoagulation in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for treating liquid with electrocoagulation that agglomerate colloidal solutions in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method of treating liquid with electrocoagulation that uses anodes made of a magnesium-based alloy in the liquid in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for treating liquid with electrocoagulation that provides severe electrolytic conditions capable of attacking organic molecules responsible of soluble DCO, inter alia, phenols in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides an apparatus for treating liquid with electrocoagulation provided with a modular electrocoagulation apparatus that can be easily installed and/or replaced in a process in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides an apparatus for treating liquid with electrocoagulation that uses an electrocoagulation module including an anode module and a cathode module in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides an apparatus for treating liquid with electrocoagulation provided with a modular anode that can be easily replaced, like a cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides an apparatus for treating liquid with electrocoagulation that uses a movable anode adapted to add kinetic energy in the liquid to treat in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides an apparatus for treating liquid with electrocoagulation that uses an anode module including of a plurality of anodic materials in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides an apparatus for treating liquid with electrocoagulation that uses an anode module including of a plurality of anodes equally disposed thereabout in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides an apparatus for treating liquid with electrocoagulation that uses an anode module including a plurality of anodes geometrically disposed thereabout in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method of treating liquid with electrocoagulation that uses an anode module made of a plurality of replaceable anodes adapted to react and agglomerate different types of contaminants in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method of treating liquid with electrocoagulation that uses an anode module including a plurality of anodes having various geometrical section like, but not limited to, semi-cylindrical, cylindrical, frustoconical, square, round, triangular, . . . to react in various fashion with cathode to agglomerate different types of contaminants, each anode being adapted to be consumable or inert, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method of electro destruction and weakening of refractory molecules responsible for soluble COD. Electro destruction is an oxidation process assisted with the action of electric current that weakens refractory molecules that are then easier to destroy. Generally, they are attacked by the action of oxidizing agents that can be added (adding hydrogen peroxide or percarbonate) or generated in situ by the action of electric current on acids such as sulphuric acid or simply water (production of free radicals and persulfates) in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method of electro destruction and reduction of toxic molecules such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and ethylene glycol, with or without chemical assistance in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides an electrocoagulation module functioning on the principle of a sacrificial anode (Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, etc.), subjected to the application of a potential difference between the anode and a cathode. The cathode can either be made of steel or other metal identical to the anode depending of the fluid parameters and under the application of a potential difference that causes an agglomeration of particles in the fluid around the released ion. The particles formed thereof are evacuated with the flow of fluid in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method of electro-synthesis and preparation of calco-magnesio hydroxyled and fluorided apatite Ca10-xMgx(PO4)6F2, Ca10-xMgx(PO4)6OHOH2. Apatites are a family of isomorphs compounds of fluorapatite: Ca10(PO4)6F2.
The present invention provides a method for electro-synthesis apatites using a synthetic chemical that is a reacted solution containing Mg2+ and Ca2+ with a solution containing the PO43−. The method is a synthesis in which the electrolysis process injects Mg2+ through the application of electric current in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a combination of electrocoagulation and mechanical agitation of the anodes for better performance. Agitation of the anode can be made in a circular fashion by rotating or reciprocating motion and can also be done inside or outside the electrocoagulation module in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method for dephosphating industrial wastewater, municipal wastewater and food processing wastewater by formation of Mg3(PO4)2 complex in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus providing a pre-thickened industrial liquid sludge, municipal liquid sludge, and food processing liquid sludge with 1% initial dryness to more than 8% final dryness without adding polymer therein. Raw sludges have a dry content of 1-2% and should be pre-thickened with polymers before being dehydrated. The addition of polymers increases the amount of sludge and makes them viscous. A pre-thickening with electrocoagulation-electro flotation would decrease or eliminate the amount of polymer to be added in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for applying an electric current to procure bacterial reduction that can be achieve as follows: disintegration of cell wall (that causes osmotic lysis); membrane permeability modification; modification of intercellular constituents; nucleic acids alteration; protein synthesis interference; abnormal redox processes induction; and enzyme activity inhibition in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a kit comprising an anode module, a cathode module adapted to be operatively secured to the anode module, and a quick-loading anodes replacement cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a method of treating a colloidal fluid to remove contaminants contained therein, the method comprising injecting the colloidal fluid containing contaminants in an electrolytic system including an electrocoagulation module comprising an anode; and a cathode, the anode and the cathode being adapted to be electrically connected to perform electrolysis of the fluid; providing an electric current, between the anode and the cathode, to form electro-coagulated contaminants flocs in the fluid; and for the formed flocs to be separated from the fluid and ultimately extracted from the system.
The present invention provides a modular electrolysis system for treating fluid for removing colloid contaminants contained therein, the modular electrolysis system comprising an electrocoagulation module including an inlet and an outlet, the electrocoagulation module being adapted to include a removable and quick-loading anodes cartridge therein and a cylindrical cathode module for performing electrolysis of the fluid in the electrocoagulation module in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.
The present invention provides a quick-loading electrode cartridge suitable for replacing electrodes in an electrocoagulation reactor. More precisely, the present invention attempts to provide a solution for replacement of electrode cartridge in electrocoagulation systems and devices which have a specially designed quick-loading electrode cartridge.
An electrolysis kit for treating a fluid to remove colloid contaminants contained therein, the kit comprising an electrolytic module; an anode module adapted to be operatively inserted in the electrolytic module; and at least one anode adapted to be assembled to the anode module, the anode material being defined to produce one electrolytic process selected from electrocoagulation and/or electro-floatation.
The present invention also provides a quick-loading electrode replacement cartridge that may suitably be inserted into the body of the reactor and be replaced whenever sacrificial anodes, have been almost completely consumed. For instance, when the anodes are close to being used up (less than 10% of mass remaining) as indicated by a special feature programmed in the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and transmitted to the Human Machine Interface (HMI), thereby alerting the operator to replace the spent cartridge with a fresh one. This feature simplifies and speeds up this particular maintenance operation that must be performed periodically on most electrocoagulation reactor. This novel quick-load electrode cartridge allows substantial reduction in operational expenses and maintenance requirements associated with the electrocoagulation reactor, thus making it more competitive on the market and attractive to a broader client base.
The present invention, due to continuous monitoring of the remaining mass of the anodes displayed on the HMI, allows the operators to anticipate and plan the timing of the replacement of the quick-loading anodes cartridges. Such a feature also helps to alleviate the burden of the maintenance requirements.
The special design of the present quick-loading electrodes cartridge offers an ease of disassembly and assembly of the quick-loading electrodes cartridge. An important aspect of the present configuration is the proper alignment of the electrodes with respect to the cathode(s) Likewise, the present system and method require substantially water-tight, structural support and strength to ensure the smooth operation of the electrocoagulation reactor.
The quick-loading electrodes cartridges are generally pre-assembled electrodes designed to smoothly slide down within the reactor when inserted from the top of the reactor during the electrodes replacement operation. The quick-loading electrodes cartridge is preferably guided along the walls down to the bottom of the reactor. As such the quick-loading electrodes cartridge may generally be slid down into the reactor with ease and rapidity. The lowering of the quick-loading electrodes cartridge into the reactor is generally guided all the way down, preferably on guiding tracks. Once fully inserted, the lower guiding disk preferably locks the cartridge into position.
In order to replace the quick-loading electrodes cartridges, the operator is only required to unscrew the fasteners securing the cover plate located at the top of the reactor in order to remove the consumed cartridge. The operator then proceeds with the insertion of a new quick-loading electrodes cartridge into the reactor. The operator then replaces the cover plate on top of the quick-loading electrodes cartridge.
Other objects and further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
Additional and/or alternative advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, disclose preferred embodiments of the invention.
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:
a), b) and c) is a schematic illustration of an anode module in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
a), b) and c) is a schematic illustration of an anode module in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention;
An exemplary electrocoagulation module 10 is illustrated in
Still referring to
The electrocoagulation module 10 further includes body portions 50, 54 that can optionally include insulating material to prevent heat transfer with the environment. Conversely, the electrocoagulation module 10 might be equipped with heating/cooling elements 58 to keep the electrocoagulation apparatus 10 at a predetermined operating temperature. The upper body 54 of an embodiment can be made of an insulating material preventing heat transfer between the inside of the electrocoagulation module 10 and the outside of the electrocoagulation module 10. The lower body 50 of the embodiment illustrated in
Still referring to the embodiment of
The anode module 14 can be made of soluble or inert materials. The cathode module 18 can be made of steel, aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass or other materials that can be of the same nature as the anode module 14 material or having an electrolytic potential close to the electrolytic potential of the anode 16. The cathode module 18 of the present embodiment has a hollowed cylindrical shape, fabricated of sheet material, and can be equipped with an optional lower frustoconical portion (not illustrated in
The size and the available active surface area of the cathode module 18 can be adapted to various conditions without departing from the scope of the present invention. The surface ratio of the cathode/anode can be identical or vary to about 1.5. The cathode module 18 of other embodiments can alternatively be oval or conical; its diameter expending upward or downward. The electrocoagulation module 10 can include therein an optional fluid agitator module 66 adapted to apply kinetic energy to the fluid contained in the electrocoagulation module 10 by moving or vibrating the fluid in the electrocoagulation module 10 as it is illustrated in the embodiment depicted in
As mentioned above, the movement of the fluid increases the kinetic energy contained therein to destabilize the colloidal solution. This can be achieved by turbulently injecting the fluid in the electrolytic module (the speed and tangential injection of the fluid are possible ways to create turbulences in the fluid). The electrocoagulation module 10 embodied in
The electrocoagulation module 10 of
Moving now to
As best seen in
Referring to
The upper body 54 of the electrocoagulation module 10 embodied in
The cathode module 18 can include one or many anodes 16, as it can be appreciated in the embodiment of
An anode module 14 can accommodate a plurality of anodes 16 as embodied in
a) through 8c) referred above illustrate a general anode module 14 embodiment where two opposed anodes holders 100 provided with a plurality of anode-receiving portions 104 adapted to receive therein an anode's extremity. The two opposed anodes holders 100 are held together by a junction member 106 to form a unitary structure. The junction member 106, to retain the anodes 16 in their respective and opposed anodes holders 100, provides a longitudinal tension. The opposed anodes holders 100 can be disassembled from the junction member to insert the anodes 16 in their respective opposed anode-receiving portions 104. Plastic or other non-conductive materials can be used to manufacture the junction member 106 to prevent electric current to be conducted by the junction member 106 between the anodes holders 100. The non-conductive junction member 106 is unlikely to interfere in the electrolysis process that is occurring only with the anodes 16 in relation with the cathode module 18. An optional conductor, like an electrically conductive wire 108, can be integrated into the junction member 106 to electrically connect the two opposed anodes holders 100 to ensure proper current distribution within the anodes 16 in an embodiment of the invention.
Alternatively, the opposed anodes holders 100 could be made of a non-conductive material in another embodiment. In the later embodiment the conductive wire 108, or any other electrically conductive element would electrically connect the anodes 16. A conductive junction member 106 can be used in embodiments using non-conductive anodes holders 100. The conductive junction member 106 could be used as another cathode providing an electrolytic surface to the anodes 16 on the opposite side of the cathode module 18 to perform a more even electrolysis of the anodes 16.
The anode module 14 having a plurality of anodes 16 thereof can be embodied like the anode module 14 illustrated in
a) through
The particularity of the anode module 14 of the illustrated embodiment is that it is designed like a multi-headed anode module 14 with anodes 16 thereon. A different number of anodes 16 and the position of the anodes 16 on the anode module 14 illustrated herein can vary to adjust to the fluid to be treated without departing from the scope of the present invention. The position of the anodes 16 in respect with the cathode module 18 is optionally ensured by insulating supports (not illustrated) in order to avoid uneven wear of the anodes 16. The cathode module's 18 surface area may be larger than the combined surface areas of the anodes 16 to improve electrolytic performance. The cathode 18 surface area might be equal or smaller than the surface area of the anodes 16 by making a reduction of the cathodes' 18 surface area. The design of the cathode module 18 and the anodes 16 included in the anode module 14 depends, inter alia, of the amount of contaminants contained in the fluid and the flow of fluid to be electrocoagulated.
The cathode module 14, or the body 30, includes at least two electrocoagulation module connectors 74 serving as fluid inlets and outlets. The electrocoagulation module connectors 74 can be associated with optional filters 114 adapted to filter particles of filterable sizes as it is illustrated in
The aforementioned electrocoagulation module 10 herein refers to uses consumable electrodes to electrocoagulate colloidal solutions. The same electrocoagulation module 10 can accommodate non-consumable electrodes, passive electrodes (i.e. non-conductive electrode), therein to be transformed into an electroflotation module 12. The electroflotation module 12 produces microbubbles in the fluid therein that helps lifting the particles in the fluid. The electrocoagulation module 10 and the electroflotation module 12 can be used separately or in combination in a process. Moreover, electrocoagulation and electroflotation can be obtained in a single reactor by combining consumable and inert anodes 16. The present description used above a single electrocoagulation module 10 for explanation purposes. The text below refers to a process using either a single electrocoagulation module 10 as illustrated in
Turning now to
The fluid can be transferred from an electrocoagulation module 10, or an electroflotation module 12, to a decantation module 150 in at least another embodiment as it is illustrated in
Finally,
A cylindrical centrifugal decanter (not illustrated) of an embodiment of the invention can rotate at about 300 RPM. Such a centrifugal decanter could be provided with internal radial fins secured to a rotatable vertical motor-driven shaft to apply desirable movement to the fluid in the decanter.
The embodiment illustrated in
A third decanter 150 embodiment is illustrated in
According to other embodiments, now referring to
According to another embodiment, now referring to
Now referring to
According to an embodiment to the present invention, the electrolysis reactor typically comprises two locations for high temperature switches 250. The two high temperature switches 250, one at the top and one at the bottom of the reactor 252, are generally used to prevent overheating of the electrolysis reactors 252 in no-flow or in low-flow conditions. Also part of the interior of an electrolysis reactor is a flow dispersion chamber 202. The flow dispersion chamber 202 is generally located above the inlet port at the bottom of the reactor 252.
The novel quick-loading electrode cartridge may be designed for a variety of electrocoagulation module such as the single layer semi-cylindrical anode 204 electrocoagulation module (SAEM) or the double layer semi-cylindrical anode 204a, 204b electrocoagulation module (DAEM). Both the SAEM and the DAEM comprise anode 204 and cathodes 206 arranges in a substantially concentric manner.
In the SAEM embodiment, now referring to
In the DAEM embodiment, now referring to
In both the SAEM and the DAEM embodiments, now referring to
An important aspect of the present invention is the ability of both the SAEM and DAEM embodiment to use the polarity reversal feature of the systems. However, the DAEM has a configuration that is particularly suitable for such a use. For instance, in using the polarity reversal, each set of three semi-cylindrical anodes 204a, 204b would alternatively function as a cathode while the other sets of electrode act as anodes. The polarity reversal is generally favored in order to control the consumption of anodes. As such, the consumption of the anodes 204, which is generally the sacrificial electrode, may be optimized over time, and distributed more evenly between the two sets of electrodes 204, 206. In addition, the recirculation of the fluid allow a uniform consumption of the anodes 204.
In this particular configuration of the electrodes, the anodes may reversibly be transformed into cathodes. Although this operation could be manually actuated, it is preferably automatically controlled by a PLC and a set of electrical switches located in the control panel of the system.
As such, a controlled reversal of polarity may generally be applied to compensate for the consumption of the anodes over time in order to maintain a relatively stable surface ratio between the anodes and the cathode(s). The preferred surface ratio for the present embodiment would generally approximate 1. As such, the operator will use the device in order to favor the consumption of the anodes 204 to obtain a surface ratio between the electrodes of approximately 1.
Likewise, the cathode may function as an anode for a determined amount of time, and then be reversed to acting as a cathode again, as the anode/cathode surface ratio has been re-established.
Now referring to
A summation of all the gap areas 205, 207 or reactive areas 220, 222 yields the cross-sectional area of passage that is used to determine the flow rate required to establish a transition or turbulent flow regime inside the reactor. The gaps for the SAEM embodiment are shown in
Now referring to
Similarly, insuring that the gap 205, 207 or spacing between the anodes 204 and cathode(s) 206 is kept as small as possible allows the electrocoagulation treatment to be performed using fluids of relatively low conductivity compared to other electrocoagulation reactors available on the market. Furthermore, the configuration and shape of the electrodes 204, 206 enables a relatively lower electrical consumption for the electrocoagulation process as it maximises the achievable conductivity within the reactor 252. Indeed, the smaller the gap 205, 207 or spacing between the anodes 204 and the cathode(s) 206, the smaller the distance that needs to be travelled across the fluid by the electrons to migrate from an anode to a cathode, thus the smaller the resistance for the electrocoagulation process.
Now referring to
Now referring to
Still referring to
In both the SAEM and the DAEM embodiments the cathodes 206 and the anodes 204 are fitted properly to ensure a water-tight design, which is critical for the wiring section that connects these electrodes to the DC power supply. The ‘pure’ cathodes 206 are cylindrical in shape and they are located at the inner and outer layers of the concentric arrangement of the SAEM embodiment.
Now referring to
In the DAEM embodiment, now referring to
The surface ratio between anodes 204 and cathodes 206 can be optimized to obtain the best possible treatment efficiency. As such, the operator should operate the present system in a way that will attempt to have a surface ratio of 1. Understandably, in the DAEM, the surface of the inner electrode is smaller than the surface of the outer electrode. In this kind of situation, the operator should preferably use the outer electrode until a surface ratio of approximately 1 is obtained. Then, the polarity reversal may be used to interchange the polarity of the electrode as to maintain a surface ratio of approximately 1. The geometry of both the SAEM and the DAEM embodiments was selected amongst other possible geometries because it has the ability to be housed within the volume of a cylindrical shape reactor 252 in accordance with the principle of the present invention.
In addition, the semi-cylindrical shape of the electrode 204, 206 was found to be cheaper to ship in large shipments as compared with similar shipment of cylindrical electrodes. As such, a large quantity of semi-cylindrical electrodes 204, 206 would result in a more efficient shipment in a sea freight cargo due to the relatively larger quantity of electrodes 204, 206 that may be contained in an equivalent volume since the volume of air trapped at the center of the cylindrical anode is substantially diminished. Contrary to cylindrical electrodes, semi-cylindrical electrodes 204 can be easily stacked on top of one another, thus minimizing the volume required for transportation and consequently optimising transportation cost. Another advantage of the semi-cylindrical geometry is that it facilitates handling (for example, the semi-cylindrical electrodes may weigh 3 to 5 kg a piece) by the operator since an individual weight of 3 or 5 kg is much easier to handle and to work with compared to an overall weight of 9 kg in the case of the quick-loading anodes cartridge for SAEM embodiment or 24 kg in the case of the quick-loading anodes cartridge for DAEM embodiment. This improvement in the shape of the electrode enhances the efficiency in the transportation of the electrodes. As such, the system could be provided to the users with additional cartridges. Upon consumption of the electrode, the user could simply remove the cartridge and replace is with the additional one. Subsequently, the user would replace the electrodes from the removed cartridge. As a result, the consumed electrodes would be replaced by new electrode while keeping the other component of the cartridge. Alternatively, the user could send the removed cartridge to a local provider which would replace the electrode from the cartridge. This allows a quick replacement of the cartridge and a very small down time of the system. The system thus only requires the replacement of the electrodes. Consequently, because the only portion of the cartridge which requires replenishment is the electrode, the transportation efficiency of this electrode is a very important factor in the efficiency of the system.
It is also shown how the lower guiding disk 216 is fitted at the bottom of the quick-loading anodes cartridge 260, which is generally designed to substantially fit onto the base portion of the reactor. The base portion of the reactor where the quick-loading anodes cartridge 260 generally sits is preferably located above the flow dispersion chamber.
Now referring to
Still referring to
Furthermore, using the lifting attachment member 275 typically allows the cartridge 260 to be handled by a hook chained to a hoist, which can be used when the overall weight of the cartridge 260 exceeds a comfortable lifting weight for the operator or as per Occupational Health Safety & Environment (OHS&E) Procedures.
Electrical connections from the DC power supply to the electrical distribution rings (one for the cathode(s) 241 and one for the anodes 240) are made at the top of the crown 214, through a pair of circular holes 212 that are drilled into the water-tight crown 214 (
Securing the quick-connect DC power cables, i.e. one red cable and one black cable, officially completes the anodes replacement operation, which can easily be done within 2 min for the SAEM embodiment.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments and elements, but, to the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications, combinations of features, equivalent arrangements, and equivalent elements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the dimensions of features of various components that may appear on the drawings are not meant to be limiting, and the size of the components therein can vary from the size that may be portrayed in the figures herein. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of the invention, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
The present patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/310,106 entitled ELECTROCOAGULATION FOR TREATING LIQUIDS, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13310106 | Dec 2011 | US |
| Child | 14041942 | US |
