WO1996036413A1

WO1996036413A1 - Method and apparatus for the treatment of fluids

Info

Publication number: WO1996036413A1
Application number: PCT/SK1996/000008
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zuzana GREGOVÁ
Original assignee: Gregova Zuzana
Priority date: 1995-05-17
Filing date: 1996-05-17
Publication date: 1996-11-21
Also published as: AU5849596A

Abstract

The method and apparatus for the treatment of fluids, wherein air, gas, and particles of solids and liquids lighter and/or heavier than the fluid to be treated are exposed to centrifugal force, preferably in a vertical hydraulic column, and air, gas, particles of solids and liquids lighter than the fluid to be treated are trapped and discharged from the upper part of hydraulic column, and particles of substances and liquids heavier than the fluid to be treated are trapped and discharged from the lower part of the hydraulic column, and the inlet extends at the appropriate height into the hydraulic column, and the outlet is above the lower edge - the bottom, preferably in the proximity of the axis.

Description

Method and apparatus for the treatment of fluids

Field of technology

The present invention relates to a method and apparatusfor treating fluids, especially water of high hydrodynamic efficiency, with the possibility of physical, activating, ionic, electrochemical, and/or microoial treatment , including the removal of substances lighter and/or neavier than the fluid to be treated. Both a parallei and a series connections are possibla,

State of the art

The method of treating fluids for the sake of their cleaning makes use fo various oevices, including mechanical cleaners fitted with filters, and sedimentation tanks. The mechanical cleaning efficiency does not fully comply with the requirements, which necessitates to employ a physical treatmen t method which cons ists in exposing the fl uid to the magnetic, electric, electrostatic, and electromagnetic fielo s, with subsequent ionization or the treated fluid. As a result, fluid substances precipitate as sludge drifter in fluid, and negativel y affecting pumps, pipings, fittings, and in the case of drinking water, also human organism, Tnese negative effects can be eliminated by building treatment units in pipings following the physical treatment of fluids (CS paten t 277 077), This makes it possible to separate soluple com pounds in the form of sludge, solid particles, and neavier liquid from the fluid to be treated by centrifugal force.

The respective apparatus (CS author's cerzificates 266 048 and 266 049) consists of a cylindrical part, including a tangential inlet in its upper part. Under the inlet, there is a counter-directional cone and a ring, with a collecting unit and a oischarging outlet underneath. The physical treatment within the hydraulic circuit of the fluid is aer for med at the inlet.

The fluid ionization method is based on the principle of a galvanic cell consisting of at least two electrivall y conduct ive elements separated from one another and differing in their el ectr ocnemical potentials. Trie flui d around them is an ionized electrolyte conductively connecting the individual electrochemical elements which, apart from the assencial connection by means of the fluid to be treated, can be also conductuvely connected in a mechanical way tne ougn a reslstor - they can be connects to a power supply. The surface of electrocondutive elements, or at least of one of them is coated with insulation film. Apparatus tor fluid ionization treatment is continuous, with the linear stream of fluid between the tubular and the linear elements, with the latter being flush with the former. Tnese electrically conductive elements are inserted into a linear piping. Some designs include at least two tubular or linear elements arranged in series. These methods and apparatus are described and explained in detail in EP 0 498 058, 0 499 732, and 0 580 275.

A disadvantage of this method is that the treated water affects rust and scale in pipings. As a result, these inpurities circulate in pipings and exercise erosive effects upin fittings and apparatus. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a hydraulic system with a separator. In addition, the hydraulic system must be deaerated. Furthermore, the rest of partivles, and liquids lighter than the fluid to be treated must be eliminated by means of other devices. Two separate parts must be integrated in the hydraul ic system. Their dimensions, especially the separator height, exceed optimum values in terms of maximum poerating efficiency. Solids and liquids lighter than the treated fluid must be eliminated from the gydraulic system by employing auxiliary devices. Physical traatment unit designs are too complex, and produce physical smog. When they are installed in pipings containing scale, increased attention must be paid to supervising regular discharging the sludge from the hydraulic system.

Another disadvantage consists in insufficient hydrodynamic treatment efficiency, which is compensated for by increased performance of physical, activating, electrochemical, and other sources,

Principle of invention

The above mentioned shortcomings are eliminated by the method and apparatus designed for the treatment of fluids, wherein air, gas, particles of solids, and liquids lighter or heavier than the treated fluid are exposed to centrifugal force in an advantageous vertical hydraulic column, alternatively with a variable cross-section; while air, gas, and particles of solids and liquids lighter tnan the treated fluid are trapped and drained from the upper part of fluid rotating in the hydraulic column, particles of solids and liquids heavier than the fluid to be treated are trapped and drained from the upper part of the hydraulic column; the fluid outlet is advantageously positioned above the bottom, on the axis, or near the axis. Rotation and the resulting centrifugal force of the created fluid in tne first embodiment are generated in a horizontal inlet cavity with an eccentric inlet extending into the hydraulic column; the inlet is coaxial with the hydraulic column diameter tangent, and ends in the axis or its proximity in the form of a perpendicular section with regard to the cavity, or obliquely, so that one side features an acute angle and the other side an obtuse angle. The. resulting trea ted fluid flaw in the hydraulic column is helical at least in one part. A second embodiment of fluid rotation with the resulting centrifugal force is based on the principle tnat the inlet cavity is coaxial with the hydraulic column axis, or is eccentrically placed, i.e. it is parallel to the axis, and is provided with at least one hydraulic column inlet relative to the hydraulic column axis. The resulting treated fluid flow is turbulent, and helical at. least in one part. Multiple lines of flow may be obtained in the hydraulic: column helix by means of multiple inlets. Another, i.e. the third embodiment, of fluid rotation and of resulting centrifugal force is based on a turbulent element placed in the inlet cavity, the latter being coaxial with or parallel to the hydraulic column. The resulting flow in the hydraulic column rotates round its axis. Such a fluid, treated hydrodynamically, may be simultaneously exposed to physical and/or activating effects which affect at least one of its elements, notably Si (ion-creating silicon dioxide, silicic acid, various modifications and kinds of natural and synthetic silica). Another embodiment allows for treating the fluid by ionization and/or electrochemically, with the possibility to modify water chemistry. It is possible to start, with the electrochemical treatment which is then followed by ionization. Ions of an arbitrary element, such as magnesium, zinc, silver, gold, etc., may be added to the fluid by means of at least one electrically conductive element of the above mentioned chemical elements, or an alloy, or a compound containing such an element. This can be implemented by connecting an electrically conductive ionic element to a positive electrode, or to a positive ionization electrode, or directly to an adjustable power supply. In the case of connecting to an electrically conductive. positive element - an electrode, another application is possible - an embodiment with various electrochemical potentials of at least two electrically conductive elements - electrodes. The apparatus allows for add ing into tne hydraul ic col umn of rotat ing fl uid an activated substance for trie sake of increasing the activating effect, or tne substance may be fed to the treated fluid. in addition, any form of fil tration-sorptive and/or coaguiation-floccuiating agent may be added or fed to the apparatus. Air, gas, etc., may be supplied to the upper section of the hydraulic column through the central part of at least one rotary centripetal rectifier; heavier solids, liquids, etc. are led into the lower section of the hydraulic column along the circumference of at least one rotary centripetal rectifier. Centripetal rectifiers may be of two types - either planar and/or spatial. the present apparatus comprises a vertical rotary cylinder - a casing, including an upper and a lower collecting sections, with a central section lying therebetween; an inlet extends into the upper section at a specific heiαht above, the upper edge, and an outlet similarly extends. into the lower section, preferably to the axis or its proximity. The upper collecting section contains at least one αrain hole, and the lower collecting section contains at least one kludge discharge hole. Alternatively, the vertical rotary casing is fitted with at least one rotary centripetal rectifier at the interface between the upper collecting ana the central sections. The same applies to the interface between the lower collecting and the central sections. The vertical rotary casing inner side features at least partly positive and/or negative surface articulation (projections or grooves). In addition, it is provided with a helical separator whose outlet is situated under the upper level of the centr ipetal rectifier in the lower part. Similar effects may be achieved by using a separator in the form of an arbitrarily oriented groove with an outlet into the lower part of the hydraulic column. At least one rotary centripetal rectifier in a rotary casing section may be provided with filter, fiitration-sorptive, or similar material in the flow direction, including the connection to the outlet hole and/or outlet cavity. The physical and/or activating element protrudes into the roterv casing. The drain hole and the lower sludge discharge hole are fitted with opening and closing elements, either manual or automatic ones. The inlet and/or outlet is fitted with a rectifying control element. The physical and/or activating element is helix-shaped. Similarly, electrically conductive elements of the alternative emnodimerit are arranged helically. The rotary casing outer side contains at least one heat insulation, preferably also including a heat-refiecting layer in the form of metal foil. The inner side ot the rotary casing may function as a cooling cavity in the form of helix connected to cooling medium. The same effect is obcained by Designing a cavity in the separator; here, the inlet and the outlet are placed outside the hydraulic column. This design is advantageous in the case of activat iny aimed at preserving immobilized enzymes.

The advantage of the present method and apparatus for the treatment of fluids consists in a versatile design and a high hydrodynamic efriciency, which makes it possible to eliminate solids and liquids ncavier tlian the treated fluid., and air, gas, and other solids lighter than the fluid to be treated, beparation efficiency may be increased by combininy the method with the physical, the Activating, the chemical, and the biological treatment techniques. The apparatus may be connected in seriea or in perallel, this resulting in multiple possible combinations facilitating the interaction of individual techniques in treating fluids, especially water. Profound hydrodynamic treatment reduces demands on physical, activating, and electrochemical sources, which contributes to reducing physical smog and its effects upon animate organism.

Figures

Figure 1

A general design ot the apρaraιtus for the treatment of fluids.

Figure 2

A specific configuration of the apparatus for the treatment of fluids, including a turbulent element in the inlet and outlet cavities, and with a centripetal position of the inlet and the outlet.

Figure 3

The apparatus of Figure 2, however, with eccentric inlet and outlet positions.

Figure 4

Another embodiment of the apparatus, for trie treatment of fluids based on the present invention, inciud.rig a vertical inlet cavity eccentrically positioned relative to the rotary casing axis, and an eccentrically positioned outlet relative both to the inlet cavity and the rotary casing axis.

Figure 5

An apparatus for the treatment of fiuios oased on the present invention, including a vertical centripetal inlet cavity and two eccentric inlets. The dotted line indicates the variable cross-section rotary casing.

Figure 6

The configuration of a planar rotary centripetal rectifier in the apparatus.

Figure 7

The configuration of spatial rotary centripetal rectifiers, including rectifying control elements in tne inlet and the outlet cavities.

Figure 8

An apparatus for the treatment of fluids, including spatial rotary rectifiers; the lower part of the rotary casing is provided with two rectifiers with a barrier, and the working space of the rectifiers is interconnected with the outlet cavity.

Figure 9

The configuration of the circumferential control element.

Figure 10

Interconnections between the drain holes ana the opening and closing elements.

Figure 11

A diagram of activating material location.

Figure 12

The configuration of electrically conductive elements and their interconnection - either directly, via a resistor, or via a power supply.

Figure 13

The connection of opening and closing elements to servo-units, and their connection to the programming unit.

Figure 14

The connection of an electrically conductive positive element, including insulation, to the ionic, elements direct connection to the fluid to be treated.

Figure 15

The inlet cavity, including four inlet holes; an alternative embodiment is indicated by the sotteg line. Figure 16

A vertically oriented separators the lower rotary centripetal rectifier is provided with a filter and/or filtration-sorptive layer (barrier).

Figure 17

An alternative helically-shaped embodiment of the separator.

Figure 18

An integral embodiment of the separator, including an inner cavity designed for an electrically conductive element or cooling medium.

Figure 19

The main embodiment of rotary centripetal rectifiers whose working space is connected with the outlet caivity and the lower collecting section.

Figure 20

Another specific configuration of tne rotary continuous centripetal rectifier consisting of a set of bars; its working space is continuous.

Figure 21

A-A section of Figure 20.

Figure 22

A positive and a negative articulations of at least part of the rotary casing interior. Examples of invention embodiments

The apparatus for the treatment of fluids consists of a closed vertical rotary casing 1 with an upper collecting section 4 and a lower collecting section 5 , and a central section 2. An inlet 3 extends into the space between the upper collecting section 4 and the central section 2; similarly, an outlet 6 extends to the axis or near the axis of the space between the central section 2 and the lower collecting section 5.

The inlet 3 is connected with trie inlet cavity 30 which is available in various embodiments , In one emoodiment, it is oriented horizontally to the eccentr ic inlet 3 relative to the vertical rotary casing 1. In another embodiment, the inlet cavity 30 incorporates a turbulent element 31, and is coaxial with or parallel to the vertical rotary casing 1 axis. In still another embodiment, the inlet cavity 30 is coaxial with the vertical rotary casing 1 axis, and at least one of its inlets 3 is eccentric, nowever, preferaply, all inlets 3 are eccentric, their cross-section being a circle or a slot. In another embodiment, the inlet cavity 30 is parallel (eccentric) to the vertical rotary casing 1 axis, and .its inlet 3 is coaxial and/or eccentric relative to the inlet cavity 30 (Figures 4 and 5). The vertical rotary casing 1 in an alternative embodiment features a variable cross-section serving to control the flow rate (Figure 5), or it may be realised as a polygon. The upper collecting section 4 is provided with a drain hole 41 connected to the upper opening and closing element 9. The lower collecting section 5 is provided with a sludge discharge hole 51 connected to the lower opening and closing element 91. The upper and the lower opening and closing elements 9 and 91 may be an integral part of the vertical rotar y casing 1, including the drain hole 41 and the sludge discharge hole 51. At the interface between the upper collecting section 4 and the central section 2 there is at least one upper rotary centripetal rectifier 40, mcluding a central inlet 42. At the interface between the lower collecting section 5 and the central section 2 there is a lower centripetal rectifier 50, including a circumferential inlet leading to the lower collecting section 5, and its work.ng space is connected to the outlet cavity 60 and/or the lower collecting section 5. The embodiments of rotary centripetal rectifiers 40 and 50 are planar (Figure 6), spatial (F igures 7 and 8) and also continuous (Figures 20 and 21). It is advantageous if the spatial (continuous) embodiments of rotarv centripetal rectifiers 40 and 50 are component parts of circular, elliptical, parabolic, hyperbolic, and other, similarly continuously round spatial surfaces . A physical and/or activating element 7 extends into the rotary casing 1 and/or into the inlet and the outlet cavities 30 and 60, which element 7 is connected to the power supply 11. In another embodiment, at least one electrically conductive element 10 and/or 20 extends into the rotary casing 1 and/or into the inlet and the outlet cavities 30 and 60, respectively. Similarly, in another embodiment, an electrically conductive ionic element. 80 (electrode) extends into the vertical rotary casing 1 and/or into the inlet and the. outlet cavities 30 and 60, respectively, which element. 80 is in direct contact to the fluid to be treated. The electrically conductive elements 10 and 20 are , or at least one of them is, provided with non-conductive insulation material (Figure 12), which elements are provided with direct connection 1020, discharge connection 10R20, or are connected to the power supply, either a DC or an AC power supply (Figures .2 and 14). It is advantageous if the power supply is controllable. The electrically conductive elements 10 and 20 can be used without insulation, too. The lower collecting section 4 and/or the working space of the lower rotary centripetal rectifier is provided with a vertical continuous or discontinuous barrier 52. It is advantageous if the rotary casing 1 in the working space of the lower centripetal rectifier 50 (Figure 11) is provided with a filter layer, or a filtration-sorptive layer 17 and/or activating material 12 (container). The activating material may be supplied directly with the fluid to be treated. It is advantageous if the activating material is ionised silicon dioxicte SiO₂, silicic acid, a modification or a kind of natural and synthetic silica. By means of the ionic element 80 (electrode) placed in the apparatus and connected to an independent power supply, or to the positive electrically conductive element 10 or 20, ions of an arbitrarily selected element, such as magnesium, zinc, silver, gold, of an appropriate ionic potential, may be fed into the fluid to be treated. The ionic element 80 should be of the purest possible chemical element, of an alloy, or a compound containing such an element. In view of the ionic treatment it is advantageous if a part of the rotary casing 1, the inlet cavity 30, or the outlet cavity 60 ar e made of insulation material, such as plastic, technical glass, ceramics, etc. The rotary casing 1 inner side is provided with a separator 15 leading into the lower collecting section 5 under the level of the rotary centripetal rectifier 50. An alternative embodiment of the separator 15 is helical (Figure 17), and protrudes into the working space, or extends into the rotary casing 1. An alternative embodiment of the separator 15, notably the helically shaped one, is provided with an integrated cavity 16 in its body, serving either as cooling medium, or embodying at least one electrically conductive element 10 or 20. It is advantageous if the electncally conductive positive element 10 or 20 of different electrochemical potentials is connected to the eiectrically conductive ionic element 80. Another positive embodiment of the continuous centripetal rectifier 50 and 40 (Figures 20 and 21) comprises a set of bars oriented towards the rotary casing 1 centre or its proximity, which set of bars can be made of various materials of different electrochemical potentials, possibly including insuiat ing .material on their surface. The rotary casing 1 inner side is at least partly provided with protruding, or into the wall extending, articulation 19. The rotary casing 1 contains a dynamic element 22 shaped as a continuous net, and a similar function is fulfilled by the continuous centripetal rectifier 50 or 40, including oars or continuous holes. In the attendance-free em bodiment, the upper opening and closing element 9 and the lower opening and closing element 91 are connected to a servo-unit 13 and 14, respectively, connected to an opening and closing programming unit 12. In one of the specific embodiments, the upper opening and closing element. 9 has the form of an automatic deaerating float valve, l n order to improve tne efficiency of cooling which influences the discharge or impurities, the rotary casing 1 inner side is provided with a separate helical cooling cavity 17. In an alternative embodiment, the outlet cavity 60 is provided with a turbulent element 61 . Itis advantageous if the turbulence flow direction is different from that in the rotarv casing 1. The inlet 3 and/or the outlet 6 are provided with a partially permeable membrane 19, e.g. an ion-exchange membrane which is selectively cation-permeable. The permeable membrane 19 is replaced by or completed with a filter. The container 8 in an alternative embodiment and/or the filtratxon-sorptive layer 17 contain metal particles whose electrochemical potential is lower than that of metals in the fluid to be treated, which metal should be eliminated from the fluid to be treated, The container 8, or the filtration-sorptive layer 17 , contains crystalline substance, preferably tourmaline granulate. lt is advantageous if the rotary casing 1 allows tor handling the filler, or filtratlon-sorptlve layer 17, ana the container 8 - the rotary casing 1 is dismantleatale.

Industrial applicability

The apparatus can be intearated in closecl and open hydraulic systems, notably with wayer , which systems require prevention of scale formation, or scale removal. Especially advantageous is the combination with physical, activating, and mainly ionising treatments. The apparatuy may also be applιed to water treatment in sewage disposal and service water treatment plants. The embodiment compr ising an electrically conductive ionic element alloes for enriching the fluid to be treated, notably drinking water, with trace elements important for animate organisms and plants. If the electrically conductive element is made tn metal with olygodynamic effects, it is possible to prevent the propagation of undesirable organisms, or to eliminate them. If the apparatus comprises a filtration-sorptive layer, including ion-exchangers, silicates, zeoiltes, feldspar, activated carbon, etc., the apparatus eliminates nitrates, tensides, and radioactive and heav. elements from water.

All apparatus technologies and embodiments have been tested in laboratory and, partly, in industrial conditions. The tests proved positive technological effects, including - reduced surface tension

- better growth of plants - increased ιon-exchanging capacity of cation-exchange columns

- acquisition of metals from water

- water clarification

The interaction of physical effects and subsequent activating effects prevented the formation of incrustations, in pipings with highly mineralised and geothermal water.

Another application facilitates mixing of colours for dyeing of textiles. In addition, textiles are soft thanks to the application.

Furthermore, the applicant expects easy mixing of syrup and colouring agents m producing soft drinks, which extends their consumption period thanks to enzyme immobilisation.

Claims

1. The method and apparatus for the treatment of fluids, wherein air, gas, and particles of solids and liquids lighter and/or heavier than the fluid to be treated are exposed to centrifugal force, preferably in a vertical hydraulic column, and air, gas, particles of solids and liquids lighter than the fluid to be treated are trapped and discharged from the upper part of the hydraulic column, arid particles of substances and liquids heavier than the fund to be treated are trapped and discharged from the lower part of the hydraulic column, and the inlet extends at the appropriate height into the hydraulic column, and the outlet is above the lower edge - the bottom, preferably in the proximity of the axis.

2. The method and apparatus for trie treatment of fluids as claimed in claim 1, wherein said centrifugal force is generated by at least one eccentric inlet of the horizontal inlet cavity, which inlet is perpendicular or oblique, and said inlet approaches 90° ±10° relative to the hydraulic column axis, with resulting turbulent flow of the fluid to be treated, at least in the helical part.

3. The method and apparatus for the treatment of fluids as claimed in claim 1, wherein said centrifugal force is generated by at least one centripetal or eccentric inlet with a turbulent element in the iniet cavity perpendicular to the hydraulic column face, with said resulting turbulent flow of the fluid to be treated, and with rotation round the flow axis.

4. The method and apparatus for trie treatment of fluids as claimed in claim 1, wherein said centrifugal force isgenerated by at least one said eccentric inlet approaching

90° +10° relative to the hydraulic column axis, the inlet cavity of which column ends in the axis or outside the axis, and is identical with said axis or parallel to said axis.

5. The method and apparatus for the treatment of fluids as claimed in claims 1 through 4, wherein said fluid is simultaneously treated by a physical and/or an activating techniques affecting at least one of fluid's elements.

6. The method and apparatus for the treatment of fluids as claimed in claims 1 through 4, wherein said fluid is simultaneously treated by ionization and/or electrochemically.

7 . The method and apparatus for the treatment of fluids as claimed in claims 1 through 4, wnerean said fluid is simultaneously treated electrochemical 1. and/or by ionization.

8. The method and apparatus for me treatment of fluids as claimed in claims 1 through 4, wherein ions of an arbitrary element are fed into said fluid.

9. The method and apparatus for the treatment of fluids as claimed in claims 1 through 4, wherein any form of activated substance, preferably silicon dioxide in tne form of silica and its natural and synthetic silicates and/or filtration-sorptive and/or coagulation-flocculating agent, is added or fed into the rotating fluid to be treated.

10. The method and apparatus for the treatment of fluids as claimed in claims 1 through 9, wherein air, gas, particles of solids and liquids lighter than the fluid to be treated are trapped and drained in the upper part of said hydraulic column, with the inlet positioned near the axis, and wherein particles of solids and liquids heavier than the fluid to be treated are trapped and drained in the lower part of said hydraulic column, with the inlet designed circυmferentlally.

11. Apparatus for the treatment of fluids as claimed in claims 1 through 10, said apparatus comprising a vertical rotary casing (1), including an upper collecting section (4) and a lower collecting section (5), with a central section

(2) between said collecting sections? an iniet (3) extends at a specific height into the upper' part of said rotary casing

(1), and an outlet (6) similarly extends into the lower part of said rotary casing (1) along the axis or in its proximity, and said upper collecting section (4) is provided with at least one drain hole (41), and said lower collecting section

(5) is provided with a sludge discharge hole (51).

12. Apparatus for the treatment of fluids as claimed in claim 11, wherein said vertical rotary casing 11. is provided with at least one upper rotary centripetal rectifier (40) at the. interface of said upper collecting section (4) and said central section, and with at least one lower rotary centripetal rectifier (50) at the interface of said lower collecting section (5) and said central section (2).

13. Apparatus for the treatment of fluids as claimed in claims 11 and 12, wherein the inner side of said vertical rotary casing (1) is provided with articulation (19) and a separator (15) whose outlet leads under said centripetal recti fler (50).

14. Apparatus for the treatment ot fiuids as claimed in claims 11 through 13, wherein said vertical rotaty casing (1) is provided with a cooling coil (17) , and said lower rotary centripetal rectifier (50) in the lower part of said rotary casing (1) is connected to filter material, filtration-sorptive material, or activating material, and the space ot said lower rotary centripetal rectitier (50) is connected to said outlet hole (6) and/or nutlet cavity (60).

15. Apparatus for the treatment oi fluids as claimed in claims 11 though 14, wherein a physical and/or an activating element (7) extends to said rotary casing (1).

16. Apparatus for the treatment of fluids as claimed in claims 11 through 15, wherein at least one electrically conductive element (10), (20), or an ionic element (30) extends into said rotary casing (1) or into the inlet cavity (30) or outlet cavity (60).