TW201311572A - An apparatus and method for one step removal of contaminents from an aqueous system - Google Patents

Abstract

In one embodiment, this invention relates to an apparatus configured for removing contaminants from an influent fluid stream comprising: an inlet and effluent outlet; a flow path through which the fluid stream passes extending from the inlet to the outlet; the flow path is comprised of a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber; the first, second, and third chambers are coaxial; and a mixing device disposed in the first chamber of the apparatus for urging the influent fluid stream along the flow path. In another embodiment, this invention further relates to a method for removing contaminants from an influent fluid stream comprising: providing an apparatus configured for treating an influent fluid stream comprising an inlet and an outlet; providing an influent fluid stream containing contaminants to the inlet; generating and extracting suspended coagulants and precipitates from the fluid stream; extracting the clarified fluid stream from the apparatus.

Description

Apparatus and method for removing contaminants in a single step from an aqueous system

The present invention relates to the removal of contaminants from aqueous systems.

Most of the effluent produced by industrial and urban processes needs to be treated by a water treatment facility before returning to the environment. The construction and operation of such facilities is often expensive. In addition, facility failures can severely impact ongoing operations both economically and in terms of operational continuity.

Electrocoagulation and effluent clarification processes for wastewater treatment are well known. However, to date, devices used to implement such processes, such as the apparatus of Figure 9, require expensive maintenance and investment to ensure proper operation. In addition, some of the devices known to date are less efficient in design, affecting the overall operation of the plant and plant and requiring cumbersome maintenance procedures. One example of the cumbersome maintenance required is that the prior art device utilizing the electrode plate set (such as the device shown in Figure 9) should periodically replace the fouling electrode plate. This soil may be in the form of a scale or gelatinous film.

Additionally, prior art devices (such as the devices shown in Figure 9) must be periodically deactivated to manually remove precipitates from the bottom of the electrocoagulation reactor. The precipitated solids in the electrocoagulator must be removed from the water to reuse or discharge the treated water. The removal of solids from the water in prior art devices involves a lengthy process of settling devices (to remove large particles) and filtration devices (to remove fine particles). Filtration devices are prone to fouling due to deposits, which necessitates frequent cleaning of the filtration device to maintain good performance.

Therefore, there is a need for lower maintenance requirements and simplified process for removing contaminants. device.

In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus configured to remove contaminants from an influent fluid stream includes an inlet and an effluent outlet; an outer cylinder having a cylindrical top section and a frustoconical lower portion a segment; an intermediate cylinder disposed in the outer cylinder; an inner cylinder disposed in the intermediate cylinder, the inner cylinder configured as a cathode; the outer cylinder, the intermediate cylinder, and the inner cylinder being concentric and coaxial; a flow path through which the fluid flow extends from the inlet to the outlet; the flow path includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber; the first chamber is defined by the inner diameter of the inner cylinder and the second chamber is internally The outer diameter of the cylinder and the inner diameter of the intermediate cylinder are defined, the third chamber being defined by the inner diameter of the outer cylinder and the outer diameter of the intermediate cylinder; at least one sacrificial electrode axially oriented in the inner cylinder and used as An anode; a DC power source configured to provide a potential to the inner cylinder and the at least one sacrificial electrode, thereby generating an electrolysis chamber in the first chamber; and a mixing device disposed in the inner cylinder of the device for use along the flow path Pushing influent fluid flow.

In another aspect of the apparatus configured to remove contaminants from the influent fluid stream, the first chamber in the flow path is configured to form suspended condensate and precipitate in the fluid stream, in the flow path The second chamber is configured to grow suspended condensate and precipitate in the fluid stream, and the third chamber is configured to cause the condensate and precipitate to exit the fluid stream.

In another aspect of the apparatus configured to remove contaminants from the influent fluid stream, the flow path has a first direction abrupt transition at the transition between the first chamber and the second chamber, the flow path being second Transition between the room and the third room There is a mutation in the second direction.

In another aspect of the apparatus configured to remove contaminants from the influent fluid stream, the contaminant removed from the feed stream comprises one of cerium oxide, hardness metal or heavy metal or More.

In another aspect of the apparatus configured to remove contaminants from the influent fluid stream, the sacrificial electrode comprises at least one of Fe, Mg, Al, Zn, or alloys thereof.

In another aspect of the apparatus configured to remove contaminants from the influent fluid stream, the inner cylinder comprises a conductive material.

In another aspect of the apparatus configured to remove contaminants from the influent fluid stream, the at least one sacrificial electrode is cleaned by fluid flow traveling through the first chamber in an axial direction.

In another aspect of the apparatus configured to remove contaminants from the influent fluid stream, the flow path is coiled from a central portion of the apparatus to an outer portion of the apparatus.

In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus configured to remove contaminants from an influent fluid stream includes: an inlet and an effluent outlet; a flow path through which the fluid flow extends from the inlet to the outlet; The flow path includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber; the first, second, and third chambers are coaxial; the flow path is coiled from a central portion of the device to an outer portion of the device; and the first chamber is configured to be electrolyzed And a mixing device disposed in the first chamber of the apparatus for propelling the influent fluid stream along the flow path; wherein the first chamber in the flow path is configured to form a suspended condensate and a precipitate in the fluid stream, The second chamber in the flow path is configured to suspend the condensate and sink in the fluid stream The deposit grows and the third chamber is configured to cause the condensate and precipitate to exit the fluid stream.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method for removing contaminants from an influent fluid stream includes providing a device configured to process an influent fluid stream and including an inlet and an outlet; The fluid stream is provided to the inlet; the suspended condensate and the precipitate are generated from the fluid stream and extracted; the clarified fluid stream is withdrawn from the apparatus.

In another aspect of the method for removing contaminants from a fluid stream of influent, the apparatus further comprises: an outer cylinder; an intermediate cylinder disposed in the outer cylinder; an inner cylinder disposed on In the intermediate cylinder and as a cathode; the outer cylinder, the intermediate cylinder and the inner cylinder are concentric and axially oriented; one or more sacrificial electrodes axially oriented in the inner cylinder and acting as an anode; a flow path comprising a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber; the first chamber is defined by the inner diameter of the inner cylinder, and the second chamber is defined by the outer diameter of the inner cylinder and the inner diameter of the intermediate cylinder, and the third chamber is defined by The inner diameter of the outer cylinder and the outer diameter of the intermediate cylinder are defined.

In another aspect of the method for removing contaminants from a fluid stream of influent, the step of generating suspended condensate and precipitate from the fluid stream and extracting comprises: providing DC power to the sacrificial electrode and the inner cylinder, This creates an electrolytic cell in the first chamber; pushing the fluid stream through the first chamber of the flow path to form suspended condensate and sediment in the fluid stream; pushing the fluid stream through the second chamber of the flow path to cause fluid flow The suspended condensate and the precipitate grow; and the fluid flow is forced through the third chamber of the flow path, the third chamber causing the condensate and the precipitate to exit the fluid stream.

In another aspect of the method for removing contaminants from a fluid stream of influent, the fluid stream flows through the first, second, and third chambers in an axial direction.

In another aspect of the method for removing contaminants from a fluid stream of influent, the fluid stream flows along the flow path in a substantially axial direction.

In another aspect of the method for removing contaminants from a fluid flow of influent, the flow path has a first direction abrupt transition at the transition between the first chamber and the second chamber, and the flow path is in the second chamber The transition between the third chambers has a second direction mutation.

In another aspect of the method for removing contaminants from a fluid stream of influent, the flow path is coiled from a central portion of the device to an outer portion of the device.

In another aspect of the method for removing contaminants from a fluid stream of influent, the sacrificial electrode is cleaned by a fluid stream traveling through the first chamber in a substantially axial direction.

In another aspect of the method for removing contaminants from a fluid stream of influent, the apparatus configured to process the influent fluid stream further includes a mixture disposed in the inner cylinder for propelling the fluid stream along the flow path Apparatus; adjusting the speed of the mixing device such that the condensate and the precipitate exit the fluid stream in the third chamber of the flow path.

In another aspect of the method for removing contaminants from a fluid stream of influent, the contaminant comprises one or more of cerium oxide, hard metal, or heavy metals.

In another aspect of the method for removing contaminants from a fluid stream of influent, the sacrificial electrode comprises one or more of Fe, Al, Mg, Zn, or alloys thereof; wherein the inner cylinder comprises a conductive material.

The advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention which It will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to other and different embodiments and the details of the invention may be modified in various aspects.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be understood from the following description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

It should be noted that all the figures are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. For the sake of clarity and convenience, the relative dimensions and proportions of the portions of the figures have been shown in the drawings as being enlarged or reduced in size. In different embodiments, the same reference numbers are used generally to refer to the corresponding or similar features. Therefore, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting.

Approximating language used throughout the specification and claims is intended to modify any quantitative representation, which can be changed in an appropriate manner without causing a basic functional change. Thus, a value modified by one or more terms (such as "about") is not limited to the precise value. In at least some cases, the approximate language may correspond to the accuracy of the instrument used to measure the value. Range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, and such ranges are identified and all sub-ranges described herein are included unless otherwise indicated by the context or language. Unless otherwise stated or indicated in the context of the specification, the reference to the <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt;

"Optional" or "as appropriate" means that the event or circumstance that may be subsequently described may or may not occur, or that material may be present or may not be subsequently identified, and The elaboration includes the occurrence of an event or circumstance or the presence of the material and the absence of an event or circumstance or the absence of the material.

As used herein, the terms "comprises, "comprising", "includes", "has,", or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, article, or device that comprises a plurality of elements is not necessarily limited to the elements and may include other elements not specifically listed or inherent in the process, method, article, or device.

The singular forms "a", "an"

Referring to Figure 1, in an exploded embodiment illustrated in the present invention, contaminant removal apparatus 100 includes a concentric outer cylinder 115, an intermediate cylinder 110, and an inner cylinder 105. The outer cylinder 115 has a cylindrical upper portion 119 and a frustoconical lower portion 120 and has a discharge outlet 160 at its end. At least one effluent outlet 125 and an overflow outlet 155 are located near the top of the outer cylinder 115.

The contaminant removal apparatus 100 further includes a removable cover 150 positioned on top of the outer cylinder 115. One or more sacrificial electrodes 135 and a mixing device 140 having an axial flow impeller 146 are supported by the cover 150 and extend through the cover 150 into the inner cylinder 105. The mixing device 140 is rotated by the motor 145. The axial flow induced by the mixing device 140 through the inner cylinder 105 prevents the formation of fouling on the electrode 135.

Additionally, in some embodiments, at least one inlet conduit 130 extends through the cover 150. However, in other embodiments, at least one inlet conduit 130 Located at the bottom of the inner cylindrical frustoconical lower portion 120.

It is contemplated that in some embodiments, inner cylinder 105 comprises a conductive material including, but not limited to, iron or titanium or alloys thereof; intermediate cylinder 110 comprises a flexible material, such as plastic or metal; and outer cylinder 115 comprises metal or plastic , which includes but is not limited to PMMA. It is further contemplated that the sacrificial electrode comprises at least one of Fe, Mg, Al, Zn, or alloys thereof.

Turning to Figure 2, in an embodiment of the contaminant removal apparatus 100, the inner cylinder 105 is held in place by the inner cylindrical support 165 and the intermediate cylinder is held in place by the intermediate cylinder support 170. Additionally, the shaft of the mixing device 140 is held in place by the mixing device mount 175.

In addition, the first chamber 205 is defined by the inner diameter of the inner cylinder 105, the second chamber 210 is defined between the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 105 and the inner diameter of the intermediate cylinder 110, and the third chamber 215 is defined by the outer circle. The inner diameter of the barrel 115 and the outer diameter of the intermediate cylinder 110. In addition, the sacrificial electrode 135 and the inner cylinder 105 positioned in the inner cylinder 105 are connected to a DC power source 305, which creates an electrolytic cell in the inner cylinder 105.

It can be seen that the sacrificial electrode 135 is supported by the cover 150. Thus, the costly sacrificial electrode 135 can be easily exchanged using a non-consumable sacrificial electrode by lifting the spent sacrificial electrode 135 away from the inner cylinder 105 through the cover 150 and replacing the spent sacrificial electrode 135 with the unspent sacrificial electrode 135. .

In practice, the influent fluid stream containing contaminants (eg, one or more of cerium oxide, hard or heavy metals) is provided to the inlet 130 while the motor 145 rotates the mixing device 140, generated by the mixing device 140 The axial force causes the fluid flow to flow through the first chamber 205. In the first chamber 205, at Metal ions (e.g., Fe, Al, Mg, and/or Zn) are dissolved from the anode sacrificial electrode 135 when the power is supplied from the DC power source 305.

In the presence of the respective electrode material, one or more of the following reactions occur at the sacrificial electrode 135: Fe -> Fe ²⁺ + 2e ^-

Mg -> Mg ²⁺ +2e ^-

Al -> Al ³⁺ +3e ^-

Zn -> Zn ²⁺ +2e ^-

The following reaction occurs at the inner cylinder 105: 2H ₂ O+2e ^- -> 2OH ^- +H ₂

Forming Fe ³⁺ , Al ³⁺ , Mg ²⁺ , Zn ²⁺ and its metal hydroxyl ions and metal hydroxide species (eg Fe(OH) ₃ , Al(OH) ₃ , Mg(OH) in the inner cylinder 105 And one or more of ₂ and Zn(OH) ₂ ) and used as a coagulant. Contaminants in the fluid interact with the formed coagulant in the first chamber 205 to form a precipitate and condensate 190. The axial force then carries the fluid stream and deposits and condensate 190 from the first chamber 205 into the second chamber 210 where the size of the sediment and condensate 190 continues to increase. A portion of the sediment and condensate 190 can fall to the bottom of the outer conduit frustoconical lower portion 120 if it cannot remain suspended in the fluid stream. The axial force moves a fluid stream containing a smaller amount of precipitate and condensate 190 from the second chamber 210 into the third chamber 215. In the third chamber 215, the precipitate and condensate 190 reach a size that they no longer remain suspended in the fluid stream and fall to the bottom of the frustoconical lower portion 120, while the clarified fluid exits the effluent outlet 125. An overflow discharge port 155 is provided in the event that the effluent outlet 125 becomes blocked. The sediment and condensate 190 are removed from the bottom of the frustoconical lower portion 120 via the discharge outlet 160.

In one embodiment of the contaminant removal apparatus 100, the impeller 146 is rotated at about 1-500 RPM, preferably about 100-400 RPM, and most preferably about 200-300 RPM. In an embodiment, the impeller 146 has about 2-6 blades, preferably about 3-5 blades, and optimally about 4 blades. However, it is expected that those skilled in the art will be able to select other values.

In one embodiment of the contaminant removal apparatus 100, the ratio of the diameter of the impeller 146 to the inner diameter of the outer cylinder upper section 119 is between about 0.2 and about 0.4. Additionally, the ratio of the inner diameter of the intermediate cylinder 110 to the diameter of the impeller 146 is between about 1.0 and 2.0. Additionally, the ratio of the gap between the impeller 146 and the lower frustoconical portion 120 of the outer cylinder to the inner diameter of the outer cylinder upper section 119 is between about 0.2 and about 0.4. Additionally, there is a gap between the mixing device impeller 146 and the inner diameter of the inner cylinder 105 that is between about 1-10 mm. However, it is expected that those skilled in the art will be able to select different ratios and gap values.

In the embodiment in which the hydrofoil impeller 146 is used, the gap between the impeller 146 and the lower frustoconical section 120 of the outer cylinder is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the outer cylinder upper section 119 divided by four. In the embodiment using the slanted blade turbine wheel 146, the vertical distance between the impeller 146 and the lower frustoconical section 120 of the outer cylinder is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the outer cylinder upper section 119 divided by three.

In another embodiment, the inner diameter of the inner cylinder 105 or the intermediate cylinder 110 is determined. Then, the other of the inner cylinder 105 or the intermediate cylinder 110 is measured using the formula πr ₁ ² = π ( r ₂ ² - r ₁ ² ), where r ₁ is the inner diameter of the inner cylinder 105 and the middle of the r ₂ system The inner diameter of the cylinder 110. After measuring r ₁ and r ₂ , by first using Stokes Law Calculating the settling velocity of the contaminant particles in the influent feed stream to determine the inner diameter r ₃ of the outer cylinder upper section 119; wherein the V _s is the settling velocity of the particles (in m/s, if ρ _p > ρ _f , then vertically downward, if ρ _p <ρ _f , then vertically upward; g is the gravitational acceleration (expressed in m/s ² , eg 9.8 m / s ² ); ρ _{p -} based mass density (in kg / m) ³ denotes, for example, 2.08×10 ³ kg/m ³ for Fe(OH) ₃ ; mass density of ρ _f- based fluid (expressed in kg/m ³ , for example 1000 kg/m for H ₂ O) ³ ); and the dynamic viscosity of the μ-system fluid (expressed as Pa s) (for example, 1 × 10 ^-3 Pa s for H ₂ O); and the radius of the r-type pollutant particles (expressed in μm, for example, for Fe) (OH) ₃ is 10 μm). After calculating V _s, determine the flow rate within the third chamber 215 (expressed in m ³ / s). The cross-sectional area of the third chamber 215 is then determined by dividing the flow rate (expressed in m ³ /s) by the settling velocity of the particles (expressed in m/s). The r ₃ value is calculated by setting the area of the third chamber 215 equal to π ( r ₃ ² - r ₂ ² ). Table 1 below shows the calculation results for r ₁ , r ₂ and r ₃ of precipitated Fe(OH) ³ particles having a radius of 10 μm according to the method set forth above.

In an exemplary embodiment of the contaminant removal apparatus 100, the outer cylinder upper section 119 has an inner diameter of about 25 cm, the cover 150 has a diameter of about 35 cm, and the intermediate cylinder 110 has an inner diameter of about 15 cm. And the inner cylinder 105 has an inner diameter of about 10 cm. In addition, the outer cylinder upper section 119 has a height of about 52 cm, the outer cylinder lower frustoconical section 120 (excluding the discharge outlet 160) has a height of about 11.5 cm, and the intermediate cylinder 110 has a height of about 50 cm. Cm, and the height of the inner cylinder 105 is about 40.2 cm. The bottom of the intermediate cylinder 110 is located about 2 cm above the transition between the outer cylindrical upper section 119 and the outer cylindrical lower frustoconical section 120. In addition, the inner cylinder 105 protrudes from the bottom of the intermediate cylinder 110 by about 8 cm. Additionally, the maximum flow rate through this embodiment of the contaminant removal device 100 is about 0.5 liters/min.

In another exemplary embodiment of the contaminant removal apparatus 100, the outer cylinder upper section 119 has an inner diameter of about 32 inches, the intermediate cylinder 110 has an inner diameter of about 17 inches, and the inner cylinder 105 The inner diameter is approximately 11 inches. The outer cylinder upper section 119 has a height of about 50 inches. The 4-bladed impeller 146 has a diameter of approximately 10 inches and rotates at approximately 200 RPM. In this embodiment, the fluid resides in the inner cylinder 105 and the intermediate cylinder 110 for about 50 minutes. The rate of rise of the fluid in the third chamber 215 is about 0.25 gpm. In addition, the effluent from the effluent outlet 125 contains about 5 ppm suspended solids and is from the discharge outlet. Waste of 160 contains approximately 40,000 ppm suspended solids. In some embodiments, some of the liquid exiting the discharge outlet 160 is reintroduced into the contaminant removal device 100 as an influent via the inlet 130.

Turning to FIG. 3, in an embodiment of the contaminant removal apparatus 100, the feed pump 325 provides an influent fluid stream from the wastewater reservoir 320 to an inlet 130 located at the bottom of the apparatus 100. The contents of the wastewater reservoir 320 are contemplated to include one or more of the following: cooling tower makeup water, cooling tower effluent, industrial wastewater, well water, and concentrates from the membrane system. After being inside the device 100, the contaminants present in the fluid stream and the metal ions, OH, and metal hydroxyl groups released from the electrochemical reaction (which occurs at the sacrificial electrode 135 and the inner cylinder 105 when powered by the DC power source 305) The ions interact and form precipitates and condensates. The precipitate and condensate are removed from the fluid stream by clarification and collected at the bottom of the apparatus 100. The clarified fluid stream exits the apparatus 100 via the effluent outlet 125 and is directed into the effluent tank 310. The sediment and condensate are removed from the apparatus 100 via the discharge outlet 160 by the bleed pump 330 and delivered to the bleed tank 335. With the effluent outlet 125 becoming clogged, the clarified fluid stream exits the apparatus 100 via the overflow outlet 155 and travels to the overflow tank 315.

4 illustrates the flow path of fluid flow within the apparatus 100 of FIG. In the illustrated embodiment of apparatus 100, the fluid flow delivered via inlet 130 is advanced axially upward from the bottom of first chamber 205 to the top by mixing device 140 that rotates in a clockwise direction. In the first chamber 205, contaminants within the fluid stream precipitate and condense and begin to grow. After reaching the top of the first chamber 205, the fluid flow changes direction and flows axially from the top of the second chamber 210. Move to the bottom of the second chamber 210. As it travels through the second chamber 210, the size of the precipitate and condensate continues to increase. After exiting the bottom of the second chamber 210, the fluid again changes direction and flows axially from the bottom of the third chamber 215 to the top of the third chamber 215. In the third chamber 215, the precipitate and condensate reach a size that they no longer remain suspended in the fluid stream and fall to the bottom of the frustoconical lower portion 120 while exiting the effluent outlet 125 via the clarified fluid stream.

Turning to FIG. 5, in an embodiment of the contaminant removal apparatus 100, the feed pump 325 provides an influent fluid stream from the wastewater reservoir 320 to an inlet 130 located in the lid 150 of the apparatus 100. After being inside the device 100, the contaminants present in the fluid stream and the metal ions, OH, and metal hydroxyl groups released from the electrochemical reaction (which occurs at the sacrificial electrode 135 and the inner cylinder 105 when powered by the DC power source 305) The ions interact and form precipitates and condensates. The precipitate and condensate are removed from the fluid stream by clarification and collected at the bottom of the apparatus 100. The clarified fluid stream exits the apparatus 100 via the effluent outlet 125 and is directed into the effluent tank 310. The sediment and condensate are removed from the apparatus 100 via the discharge outlet 160 by the bleed pump 330 and delivered to the bleed tank 335. With the effluent outlet 125 becoming clogged, the clarified fluid stream exits the apparatus 100 via the overflow outlet 155 and travels to the overflow tank 315.

In some embodiments of apparatus 100, condensate and precipitate are continuously removed from apparatus 100 via bleed outlet 330 via vent outlet 160. However, in other embodiments of apparatus 100, valve 161 is present at discharge outlet 160. The valve 161 remains closed until the settled solid accumulates to a predetermined extent at the bottom of the frustoconical lower portion 120, at which point the valve 161 is opened and the bleeder is activated. The pump 330 removes deposits and condensate from the bottom of the frustoconical lower portion 120. When valve 161 is used to accumulate a predetermined degree to precipitate and condense solids prior to removal, this results in a very high level of solid waste removed from discharge outlet 160, which reduces the volume of waste and recovers more water.

In some embodiments of apparatus 100 in Figures 3 and 5, the output of bleed pump 330 is combined with the output of overflow outlet 155. Additionally, in embodiments in which the apparatus 100 is used in a cooling tower application, one or both of the cooling tower bleeds and the output of the bleed pump 330 and the output of the overflow outlet 155 may be combined. Cooling tower recirculating water may be provided to the inlet 130 as an influent fluid stream and the clarified fluid stream exiting the effluent outlet 125 may be returned to the cooling tower.

6 depicts the flow path of fluid flow within the apparatus 100 of FIG. In the illustrated embodiment of apparatus 100, the fluid flow delivered via inlet 130 is advanced axially downward from the top of first chamber 205 to the bottom by mixing device 140 that rotates in a counterclockwise direction. In the first chamber 205, contaminants within the fluid stream precipitate and condense and begin to grow. After reaching the bottom of the first chamber 205, the fluid flow changes direction and flows axially from the bottom of the second chamber 210 to the top of the second chamber 210. As it travels through the second chamber 210, the size of the precipitate and condensate continues to increase. Upon exiting the top of the second chamber 210, the fluid flow again changes direction and flows axially from the top of the third chamber 215 to the bottom of the third chamber 215. In the third chamber 215, the precipitate and condensate reach a size that they no longer remain suspended in the fluid stream and fall to the bottom of the frustoconical lower portion 120, while the clarified fluid exits the effluent outlet 125.

Figures 7a-8b show laboratory results for a series of tests using equipment 100 The influent fluid stream supplied to the inlet 130 removes ceria, hard (e.g., Ca), and heavy metals (e.g., Cu). The figures compare the amount of contaminants Ca, Si, and Cu present in the influent feed stream to the inlet 130 and the amount of clarification fluid exiting the effluent outlet 125.

The influent feed stream of Figures 7a-b includes CaCl ₂ , NaCl, CuSO ₄ and Na ₂ SiO ₃ . There are 480 ppm Ca ²⁺ , 133 ppm Si and 20 ppm Cu ²⁺ in the influent feed stream. Figure 7a illustrates the percentage of contaminants removed by the apparatus 100 from the influent feed stream. Figure 7b illustrates the concentration of Si, Ca, and Cu in the clarified fluid exiting the effluent outlet 125. There is no alkalinity in the influent feed stream of Figures 7a-b.

Table 2 below shows the raw data of Figures 7a-b. This table shows the amount of Ca, Si, and Cu present in the clarified fluid exiting the effluent outlet 125. As can be seen in the table below and in Figures 7a-b, the device 100 successfully removes the following substances present in the influent feed stream provided to the inlet 130 by the current supplied by the DC power source 305: About 58% and 85% of cerium oxide, between about 44% and 90% of copper, and between about 10% and 17% of calcium.

The influent feed stream of Figures 8a-b includes CaCl ₂ , NaCl, CuSO ₄ , Na ₂ SiO ₃ and NaHCO ₃ . There are 480 ppm Ca ²⁺ , 133 ppm Si and 20 ppm Cu ²⁺ in the influent feed stream. The influent feed stream further includes a basicity in the form of 1200 ppm CaCO ₃ and 732 ppm HCO ₃ .

Figure 8a illustrates the percentage of contaminants removed by the apparatus 100 from the influent feed stream. Figure 8b illustrates the concentration of Si, Ca, and Cu in the clarified fluid exiting the effluent outlet 125.

Table 3 below shows the raw data of Figures 8a-b. This table shows the amount of Ca, Si, and Cu present in the clarified fluid exiting the effluent outlet 125. As can be seen in the table below and in Figures 8a-b, the device 100 successfully removes the following substances present in the influent feed stream provided to the inlet 130 by the current supplied by the DC power source 305: About 57% and 60% of cerium oxide, between about 36% and 51% of copper, and between about 36% and 38% of calcium.

It can be seen that when comparing Figures 7a-b and Table 1 with Figures 8a-b and Table 2, the removal efficiency of the hard material is increased in the presence of alkalinity. However, the removal efficiency of cerium oxide and heavy metals increases when a large amount of alkalinity does not exist. This is due to the fact that when a large amount of HCO ₃ ^- is present in the influent feed water, the following reaction occurs: OH ^- + HCO ₃ ^- -> CO ₃ ^- + H ₂ O. It can be seen that in a laboratory test using a Fe sacrificial electrode, HCO ₃ ^- consumes some of the OH ^- generated during the electrochemical process and reduces the coagulation effect of Fe(OH) ₃ .

During the collection of the data contained in Tables 2 and 3 above, the fluid between the intermediate cylinder 110 and the outer cylinder 115 is extremely clear and free of large particles and small particles. Therefore, the fluid leaving the effluent outlet 125 does not require additional filtration. Traditionally, the effluent leaving the prior art electrocoagulation unit still contains significant concentrations of contaminants and must be further processed, for example, by directing the effluent into a larger settling zone and/or sand filtration apparatus. Thus, device 100 is capable of precipitating contaminants without other processing equipment and separating solids from fluid streams flowing through apparatus 100. Thus, because the fluid exiting the effluent outlet 125 does not require additional filtration, the contaminant removal device 100 eliminates the need for additional processing equipment that removes larger and smaller particles that require additional floor space.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a method for removing contaminants from an influent fluid stream, comprising providing an apparatus 100 configured to process an influent fluid stream, the inlet 130 and an effluent outlet 125; An influent fluid stream containing contaminants is provided to the inlet 130; the suspended condensate and precipitate are generated from the fluid stream and extracted; and the clarified fluid stream is withdrawn from the apparatus 100 at the effluent outlet 125.

The apparatus 100 configured to process an influent fluid stream further includes an outer cylinder 115, an intermediate cylinder 110 (disposed in the outer cylinder 115), and an inner cylinder 105 (disposed in the intermediate cylinder 110). The inner cylinder 105 is configured as a cathode. The outer cylinder 115, the intermediate cylinder 110 and the inner cylinder 105 are concentric and axially oriented. One or more sacrificial electrodes 135 are axially oriented in the inner cylinder 105 and function as an anode.

Apparatus 100 further includes a flow path. The flow path includes a first chamber 205, a second chamber 210, and a third chamber 215. The first chamber 205 is defined by the inner diameter of the inner cylinder 105, the second chamber 210 is defined between the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 105 and the inner diameter of the intermediate cylinder 110, and the third chamber 215 is defined by the outer cylinder 115. The inner diameter is between the outer diameter of the intermediate cylinder 110.

The step of generating a suspended condensate and precipitate from the fluid stream and extracting includes: supplying DC power to the sacrificial electrode 135 and the inner cylinder 105, thereby generating an electrolytic cell in the first chamber 205; pushing the fluid flow through the flow path The first chamber 205 forms a suspended condensate and a precipitate in the fluid stream; pushing the fluid stream through the second chamber 210 of the flow path to grow suspended condensate and sediment in the fluid stream; and pushing the fluid stream through the flow The third chamber 215 of the path, the third chamber 215 causes the condensate and precipitate to exit the fluid stream into the frustoconical lower portion 120 of the outer cylinder 115. As the flow rate of the fluid stream through the third chamber 215 is slower and the size of the condensate and precipitate increases, the condensate and precipitate exit the fluid stream in the third chamber 215.

In addition, one or more fluid flows through the first chamber 205, the second chamber 210, and the third chamber 215 in the axial direction due to fluid flow in the axial direction through the first chamber 205 Sacrificial electrode.

As can be seen in particular in Figures 4 and 6, the fluid flow flows along the flow path in a substantially axial direction. However, the fluid flow has a first direction abrupt transition at the transition between the first chamber 205 and the second chamber 210 and a second direction abrupt transition at the transition between the second chamber 210 and the third chamber 215. In addition, the flow path itself folds back after the first and second directions are abrupt. Additionally, the flow path is coiled axially from the central portion of the device 100 to the outer portion of the device 100.

In some embodiments of the apparatus 100, the speed of the mixing device 140 disposed in the inner cylinder 105 for propelling the fluid flow along the flow path is adjusted to obtain a contribution in the third chamber 215 that causes the sediment and condensate to exit The flow rate of the fluid flow.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that many alternatives, combinations, modifications and variations are Therefore, the preferred embodiments of the invention as described above are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention encompasses not only the above-described embodiments but also all of the scope of the appended claims.

The written description uses examples (including the best mode) to exemplify the invention, and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated process. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the claims, and may include other examples that are known to those skilled in the art. If such other examples do not have structural elements that differ from the literal language of the scope of the claims, or if they contain equivalent structural elements that are insubstantially different from the word language of the scope of the claims, they are intended to be Within the scope of these patent applications.

100‧‧‧Contaminant removal equipment

105‧‧‧Internal cylinder

110‧‧‧ intermediate cylinder

115‧‧‧External cylinder

119‧‧‧Cylinder upper part

120‧‧‧Frustrated conical lower part

125‧‧‧Exudate exports

130‧‧‧ catheter

135‧‧‧ Sacrificial electrode

140‧‧‧Mixed device

145‧‧ ‧motor

146‧‧‧ axial flow impeller

150‧‧‧Removable cover

155‧‧‧ overflow outlet

160‧‧‧Discharge exit

161‧‧‧ valve

165‧‧‧Internal cylinder support

170‧‧‧Intermediate cylinder support

175‧‧‧Mixed device support

190‧‧‧Sediment and condensate

205‧‧‧ first room

210‧‧‧Second room

215‧‧‧ third room

305‧‧‧DC power supply

310‧‧‧ effluent tank

315‧‧‧ overflow tank

320‧‧‧ Wastewater storage

325‧‧‧feeding pump

330‧‧‧Discharge pump

335‧‧‧Release tank

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 3 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 3 shows the flow of fluid within the apparatus; Figure 5 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of the flow of fluid within the apparatus of Figure 5; and Figure 7a illustrates influent removal of contamination from equipment constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7b illustrates the concentration of contaminants in the clarified effluent from a device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8a illustrates influent removal of contamination from a device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The efficiency of the material; Figure 8b illustrates the concentration of contaminants in the clarified effluent from a device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 illustrates a prior art electrocoagulation device utilizing an electrode plate set.

100‧‧‧Contaminant removal equipment

105‧‧‧Internal cylinder

110‧‧‧ intermediate cylinder

115‧‧‧External cylinder

119‧‧‧Cylinder upper part

120‧‧‧Frustrated conical lower part

125‧‧‧Exudate exports

130‧‧‧ catheter

135‧‧‧ Sacrificial electrode

140‧‧‧Mixed device

145‧‧ ‧motor

146‧‧‧ axial flow impeller

150‧‧‧Removable cover

155‧‧‧ overflow outlet

160‧‧‧Discharge exit

Claims (20)

An apparatus configured to remove contaminants from an influent fluid stream, comprising: an inlet and an effluent outlet; an outer cylinder having a cylindrical top section and a frustoconical lower section; a barrel disposed in the outer cylinder; an inner cylinder disposed in the intermediate cylinder, the inner cylinder being configured as a cathode; the outer cylinder, the intermediate cylinder, and the inner cylinder being concentric and coaxial a flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet through the flow path; the flow path including a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber; the first chamber being defined by an inner diameter of the inner cylinder The second chamber is defined by an outer diameter of the inner cylinder and an inner diameter of the intermediate cylinder, the third chamber being defined by an inner diameter of the outer cylinder and an outer diameter of the intermediate cylinder; at least one sacrifice An electrode axially oriented in the inner cylinder and functioning as an anode; a DC power source configured to provide a potential to the inner cylinder and the at least one sacrificial electrode, thereby creating an electrolysis chamber in the first chamber; And a mixing device disposed within the interior of the device Pushing the fluid flow stream flows into the flow path along the barrel for. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first chamber of the flow path is configured to form a suspended condensate and a precipitate in the fluid stream, the flow path The second chamber in the bore is configured to grow the suspended condensate and precipitate in the fluid stream, the third chamber being configured to cause the condensate and the precipitate to exit the fluid stream. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the flow path has a first direction transition at a transition between the first chamber and the second chamber, the flow path being at a transition between the second chamber and the third chamber Has a second direction mutation. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the contaminants removed from the feed stream comprise one or more of cerium oxide, hardness metal or heavy metals. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the sacrificial electrode comprises at least one of Fe, Mg, Al, Zn, or an alloy thereof. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the inner cylinder comprises a conductive material. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one sacrificial electrode is cleaned by the fluid flow traveling through the first chamber in the axial direction. The device of claim 7, wherein the flow path is coiled from a central portion of the device to an outer portion of the device. An apparatus configured to remove contaminants from an influent fluid stream, comprising: an inlet and an effluent outlet; a flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet through the flow path; the flow path comprising a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber; the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber are coaxial; the flow path is coiled from a central portion of the apparatus to an outer portion of the apparatus; the first chamber Configuration as an electrolysis chamber; and a mixing device disposed in the first chamber of the apparatus for propelling the influent fluid stream along the flow path; wherein the first chamber of the flow path is configured to form a suspended condensate in the fluid stream And a precipitate, the second chamber in the flow path configured to grow the suspended condensate and precipitate in the fluid stream, the third chamber being configured to cause the condensate and the precipitate The object leaves the fluid stream. A method for removing contaminants from an influent fluid stream, comprising: providing an apparatus configured to process an influent fluid stream, the apparatus including an inlet and an outlet; and providing an influent fluid stream containing the contaminant to The inlet; the suspended condensate and the precipitate are generated from the fluid stream and extracted; the clarified fluid stream is withdrawn from the apparatus. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, configured to process an influent fluid stream, further comprising: an outer cylinder; an intermediate cylinder disposed in the outer cylinder; an inner cylinder disposed in the intermediate circle In the barrel and as a cathode; the outer cylinder, the intermediate cylinder and the inner cylinder are concentric and axially oriented; one or more sacrificial electrodes axially oriented in the inner cylinder and serving as an anode; a flow path The first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber are included; the first chamber is defined by an inner diameter of the inner cylinder, and the second chamber is The outer diameter of the inner cylinder and the inner diameter of the intermediate cylinder are defined by the inner diameter of the outer cylinder and the outer diameter of the intermediate cylinder. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of generating a suspended condensate and a precipitate from the fluid stream and extracting comprises: supplying DC power to the sacrificial electrode and the inner cylinder, thereby generating electrolysis in the first chamber a chamber; propelling the fluid stream through the first chamber of the flow path to form a suspended condensate and a precipitate in the fluid stream; pushing the fluid stream through the second chamber of the flow path to cause the fluid stream to flow The suspended condensate and precipitate are grown; and the fluid stream is forced through the third chamber of the flow path, the third chamber causing the condensate and the precipitate to exit the fluid stream. The method of claim 12, wherein the fluid stream flows through the first, second, and third chambers in an axial direction. The method of claim 13, wherein the fluid stream flows along the flow path in a substantially axial direction. The method of claim 14, wherein the flow path has a first direction abrupt change at a transition between the first chamber and the second chamber, and the flow path transitions between the second chamber and the third chamber There is a mutation in the second direction. The method of claim 15, wherein the flow path is coiled from a central portion of the device to an outer portion of the device. The method of claim 16, wherein the sacrificial electrode is cleaned by the fluid flow traveling through the first chamber in a substantially axial direction. A configuration as claimed in claim 17 for processing an influent fluid stream And further comprising a mixing device disposed in the inner cylinder for urging the fluid flow along the flow path; adjusting a speed of the mixing device such that the condensate and the precipitate are in the flow path The fluid stream exits the third chamber. The method of claim 10, wherein the contaminants comprise one or more of cerium oxide, hardness metal or heavy metal. The method of claim 11, wherein the sacrificial electrode comprises one or more of Fe, Al, Mg, Zn, or alloys thereof; wherein the inner cylinder comprises a conductive material.