WO2015103554A2 - Appareils et procédés d'électrocoagulation - Google Patents

Appareils et procédés d'électrocoagulation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015103554A2
WO2015103554A2 PCT/US2015/010186 US2015010186W WO2015103554A2 WO 2015103554 A2 WO2015103554 A2 WO 2015103554A2 US 2015010186 W US2015010186 W US 2015010186W WO 2015103554 A2 WO2015103554 A2 WO 2015103554A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tank
anodes
electrode
fluid
electrodes
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Application number
PCT/US2015/010186
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English (en)
Other versions
WO2015103554A3 (fr
Inventor
Kevin E. Collier
Original Assignee
Consolidated International, Llc
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Consolidated International, Llc filed Critical Consolidated International, Llc
Publication of WO2015103554A2 publication Critical patent/WO2015103554A2/fr
Publication of WO2015103554A3 publication Critical patent/WO2015103554A3/fr

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/463—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrocoagulation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/46104—Devices therefor; Their operating or servicing
    • C02F1/46109—Electrodes
    • C02F2001/46123—Movable electrodes

Definitions

  • Figures 7C-7D are section views of alternative configurations of the electrocoagulation apparatus.
  • the second fraction 64 travels from the separation tank 60 to the electrocoagulation apparatus 70, which further processes the second fraction 64 of the fluid.
  • Second fraction 64 is used synonymously with inlet fluid 64 in this document.
  • the processed fluid 74 travels from the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 to vacuum clarifiers 80 and 82. Portions of the fluid exit the vacuum clarifiers 80 and 82 to a first filter 90, a second filter 94, and a third filter 98 for further processing.
  • the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 includes a tank 100 that receives inlet fluid 64 and is configured to release outlet fluid 74
  • a first power supply 200 and a second power supply 202 are electrically coupled to portions of the tank 100 to supply electrical current to various components of the electrocoagulation apparatus 70.
  • a drive member such as motor 204 is coupled with and configured to drive the tank 100 in a rotational direction.
  • a pump 112 is positioned downstream of the tank 100 and generates negative pressure inside of the tank 100.
  • negative pressure refers to: an internal pressure of the tank 100 that is less than an internal pressure of a portion of the system 10 upstream of the tank 100; an internal pressure inside of the tank 100 that is less than an external pressure outside of the tank 100; and/or an internal pressure of the tank 100 that is less than atmospheric pressure.
  • the negative pressure generated by the pump 112 pulls fluid through the tank 100.
  • the pump 112 is configured to control the flow rate of fluid through the tank 100. For example, the pump 112 may increase the negative pressure to increase flow rate, or decrease the negative pressure to decrease the flow rate.
  • the pump 112 is a component of the electrocoagulation apparatus 70.
  • the pump 112 may be included as a discrete component in the system 10 of Figure 1, or as part of one or both of the vacuum clarifiers 80, 82.
  • systems may include multiple pumps or pumps may be omitted.
  • a second port 104 is positioned upstream of the tank 100 and configured to permit a sacrificial material to be added to the inlet fluid 64.
  • the second port 104 may include an airlock device that permits the passage of the sacrificial material into the inlet fluid 64 while minimizing the change of pressure to the inlet fluid 64, the tank 100, and/or other portions of the system.
  • the airlock device may facilitate the addition of sacrificial material without affecting the negative pressure generated by the pump 112.
  • the airlock device may include a chamber with two valves in series that are not opened simultaneously in order to eliminate or minimize any impact on system pressure.
  • the sacrificial material may be a conductive or semi-conductive substance capable of ionization inside of the tank 100 during operation of apparatus 70.
  • the sacrificial material may include metals (such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), iron (Fe) or other metals), metalloids, nonmetals (such as graphite (C) or other nonmetal forms), alloys (such as steel or other alloys), or any suitable combination thereof.
  • the sacrificial electrode material may be a fragmented solid and the fragments of the solid may be sized and shaped to permit the fragments to travel through the second port 104 and with the inlet fluid 64 into the tank 100.
  • the sacrificial material may be fragmented scrap metal divided into portions small enough to travel with the inlet fluid 64 into the tank 100 and to form a bed of sacrificial material in the bottom of the tank 100.
  • a third port 106 positioned downstream of the tank 100 is configured to facilitate removal of a portion of the outlet fluid 74.
  • the third port 106 may permit samples of the outlet fluid 74 to be evaluated and/or analyzed, and may be configured to permit fractions of the outlet fluid 74 to be removed from the outlet fluid 74 incrementally or continuously.
  • FIGS 3A-3B illustrate perspective views of one non-limiting embodiment of the electrocoagulation apparatus 70.
  • the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 extends between a first end 120 and a second end 122.
  • An inlet assembly 130 is positioned at the first end 120 and configured to permit fluid to enter the tank 100.
  • An outlet assembly 140 (see for example Figure 3B) is positioned at the second end 122 and configured to permit fluid to exit the tank 100.
  • the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 is supported by a support assembly 170.
  • the support assembly 170 includes support members 156, 166 that are configured to be positioned on a surface underlying the electrocoagulation apparatus 70.
  • An inlet support member 150 is coupled to the support member 156 and configured to support the inlet assembly 130.
  • An outlet support member 160 is coupled to the support member 166 and configured to support the outlet assembly 140.
  • the tank 100 is suspended above a portion of the support assembly 170.
  • the support assembly 170 includes conductor support members 154 coupled to the support member 156 and conductor support members 164 coupled to the support member 166.
  • the support assembly 170 includes power supply support members 172 configured to support the power supplies 200 and 202 (see for example Figure 3 A).
  • the motor 204 is coupled to the support assembly 170 and configured to drive the tank 100 in a rotational direction, as will be described in further detail below.
  • An electronic assembly 206 is coupled to the support assembly 170 and is configured to operate the electrocoagulation apparatus 70.
  • the electronic assembly 206 may control the power supplies 200, 202, the motor 204, the pump 112 of Figure 2, and/or other aspects of the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 or the system 10.
  • the electronic assembly 206 may include a user interface displaying information regarding the operation of the electrocoagulation apparatus 70, and/or receiving user input.
  • the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 includes a plurality of panels 174 at least partially covering portions of the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 as shown in Figure 3A where only some the panels 174 are labeled for the sake of clarity.
  • the panels 174 are coupled to various components of the apparatus 70, including the support assembly 170. Where necessary, the panels 174 include openings for components of apparatus 70 such as the motor 204 and the inlet assembly 130. A number of the panels 174 are configured to be selectively opened and closed to facilitate access to portions of the electrocoagulation apparatus 70.
  • the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 may include configurations with any suitable support assemblies or panels, or the support assembly and/or panels may be partially or entirely omitted.
  • the outlet assembly 140 includes an outlet seal
  • the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 is configured to permit the tank 100 to rotate around an axis 108.
  • the axis 108 corresponds to a central longitudinal axis of the tank 100 and is concentric with the inlet conduit 132 and the outlet conduit 142.
  • the axis 108 about which the tank 100 rotates may not correspond to the central longitudinal axis of the tank 100.
  • the tank 100 may rotate about an axis that is parallel to and offset from the central longitudinal axis of the tank 100.
  • the tank 100 may rotate about an axis that is transverse to the central longitudinal axis of the tank 100.
  • the second conductor member 222 rotates along with the tank 100 while the first conductor members 220 remain stationary.
  • the configuration of the first and second conductor members 220, 222 facilitates transmission of an electrical current between first and second conductor members 220, 222 as the tank 100 rotates.
  • the first conductor members 220 contact the second conductor member 222 thereby permitting electricity to be conducted.
  • the first conductor members 220 include contacting conductive brushes that interface with the second conductor member 222 that includes an annular conductive panel, although other suitable configurations are contemplated.
  • the second conductor member 222 may be semi-circular or a portion of a circular or angular shape to permit the first conductor members 220 to contact the second conductor member 222 only in some rotational positions.
  • the second conductor member 222 may be angled with respect to the first conductor members 220 such that the first conductor members 220 contact the second conductor member 222 only in some rotational positions.
  • the first conductor members 220 may be positioned to selectively contact the second conductor member 222 to transmit electrical current to electrodes positioned in some rotational positions inside of the tank 100, as will be described in further detail below.
  • either one or both of the power supplies 200, 202 may be electrically coupled to fourth conductor members 230 by wires (not illustrated for the sake of clarity).
  • the fourth conductor members 230 may be electrically coupled to a fifth conductor member 232 that is coupled to the tank 100 by coupling members 162 (only some of which are labeled for the sake of clarity).
  • the coupling members 162 are bolts, although any suitable coupling or fastener is contemplated.
  • the coupling members 162 include electrically insulating portions that partially or entirely inhibit electrical current from the fifth conductor member 232 to transfer to the tank 100 through the coupling members 162.
  • the fifth conductor member 232 rotates along with the tank 100 while the fourth conductor members 230 remain stationary.
  • the configuration of the fourth and fifth conductor members 230, 232 permit electrical current or power to be conducted from the power supplies 200, 202 to the fifth conductor member 232 via the fourth conductor members 230 as the tank 100 rotates.
  • the fourth conductor members 230 contact the fifth conductor member 232 thereby permitting electricity to be conducted.
  • the fourth conductor members 230 include contacting conductive brushes that interface with the fifth conductor member 232 that includes an annular conductive panel, although other suitable configurations are contemplated.
  • the fourth conductor members 230 contact the fifth conductor member 232 in all rotational positions of the tank 100.
  • the fourth conductor members 230 and the fifth conductor member 232 may be configured to selectively contact one another depending on the rotational position of the tank 100. In such configurations, electricity may be permitted to travel from the power supplies 200, 202 to the fifth conductor member 232 (and to the sixth conductive members 234a-d) only in some rotational positions of the tank 100.
  • the fifth conductor member 232 may be an annular panel with openings or slots such that the fourth conductor members 230 contact the fifth conductor member 232 only in some rotational positions.
  • the fifth conductor member 232 may be semi- circular or a portion of a circular or angular shape to permit the fourth conductor members 230 to contact the fifth conductor member 232 only in some rotational positions.
  • the fifth conductor member 232 may be angled with respect to the fourth conductor members 230 such that the fourth conductor members 230 contact the fifth conductor member 232 only in some rotational positions.
  • the fourth conductor members 230 may be positioned to selectively contact the fifth conductor member 232 to transmit electrical current to electrodes positioned in some rotational positions inside of the tank 100, as will be described in further detail below.
  • electrical current may be selectively controlled depending on the rotational position of the tank 100 by an electronic assembly such as a logic controller, electronic timing assembly, or other suitable electronic component.
  • an electronic assembly such as a logic controller, electronic timing assembly, or other suitable electronic component.
  • the third conductor member 224 extends through the first tank end member 114 and is coupled to an electrode 226 which, in one or more forms, serves as a cathode and is positioned inside of the tank 100.
  • the electrode 226 is positioned in the center of the tank 100 along the axis 108, although other configurations are contemplated.
  • the third conductor member 224 includes a portion spaced apart from the first tank end member 114 that extends radially toward the axis 108. The spaced apart configuration of the third conductor member 224 permits fluid to enter the tank the tank 100 via the inlet conduit 132 without being blocked by the third conductor member 224.
  • the electrode 226 is supported by electrode support members 228 extending radially and coupled to the wall of the tank 100.
  • the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 includes electrodes 238a, 238b, 238c and 238d which, in one or more forms, serve as anodes and are positioned inside of the tank 100.
  • each of the electrodes 238a-d is electrically coupled to a corresponding one of the conductor members 234a-d via one of the coupling members 236.
  • a first end of each of the electrodes 238a-d is supported relative to the wall of the tank 100 by an electrode support member 239 and a second end of each of the electrodes 238a-d is supported by a corresponding coupling member 236.
  • the electrode support members 239 include electrically insulating portions that partially or entirely inhibit electrical current from transferring from the electrodes 238a-d to the walls of the tank 100.
  • electrodes 238a-d move along a movement or rotation path that extends about electrode 226 when the tank 100 is rotated.
  • the tank 100 may remain stationary and that apparatus is configured to facilitate movement of electrodes 238a-d along the same or a similar rotation path independent of any movement of the tank 100.
  • the electrodes may be formed of conductive or semi-conductive substance capable of conducting electricity to fluid 240 and material 242 inside of the tank 100.
  • one or more of the electrodes 226, 238a-d is formed of copper or aluminum.
  • the material of one or more of the electrodes 226, 238a-d may be selected to decrease or eliminate electrochemical corrosion.
  • the material of one or more of the electrodes 226, 238a-d may be selected to decrease or eliminate abrasive wear as the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 operates.
  • the outlet assembly 140 includes an outlet conduit member 1 10 extending through the second tank end member 116 along the axis 108.
  • the outlet conduit member 1 10 is substantially L-shaped or J-shaped, although other configurations are contemplated.
  • the outlet conduit member 110 is configured not to move when the tank 100 rotates, as will be discussed in further detail below. In such configurations, the outlet conduit member 110 permits matter at an upper portion of the tank 100 to exit via the outlet conduit 142.
  • a fluid 240 passes through the inlet conduit 132 into the tank 100.
  • the fluid 240 then undergoes electrocoagulation and exits the tank 100 via the outlet conduit member 110 extending through the second tank end member 116.
  • the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 may be used in connection with a variety of different fluids.
  • the fluid 240 may include oil, water, solids, and/or dissolved gas.
  • components of the fluid 240 may travel to different portions of the tank 100 based on various properties of the components. These properties include, for example, viscosity, density, phase, velocity, miscibility, solubility and particle diameter. Certain components of the fluid 240, such as solid material, may tend to travel downward through the tank 100. Other components of the fluid 240, such as gases, may tend to travel upward through the tank 100. In some circumstances, positioning of various components of the fluid 240 inside the tank 100 may be primarily driven by differences in density of components of the fluid 240.
  • sacrificial material 242 may be immersed in the fluid 240 and positioned towards a lower portion of the tank 100 such that a bed of the sacrificial material is formed.
  • Gases 244 may be positioned inside of the tank 100 towards an upper portion of the tank 100 opposite the lower portion.
  • the outlet conduit member 1 10 is configured to permit portions of the fluid 240 and/or portions of the gases 244 positioned toward the upper portion of the tank 100 to exit the tank 100.
  • the sacrificial material 242 may be a conductive or semi-conductive substance capable of ionization inside of the tank 100.
  • the material 242 may include metals (such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), iron (Fe), or other metals), metalloids, nonmetals (such as graphite (C) or other nonmetal forms), alloys (such as steel or other alloys), or any suitable combination thereof.
  • the sacrificial material 242 may be a fragmented solid and the fragments of the solid may be sized and shaped to permit the fragments to travel through the inlet conduit 132 into the tank 100.
  • the sacrificial material 242 may be fragmented scrap metal divided into portions small enough to travel through the inlet conduit 132 into the tank 100.
  • the fluid 240 may include an electrolyte such as an ion-conducting polymer containing free ions which are the carriers of electric current in the electrolyte.
  • the sacrificial material 242 may be added via the second port 104 positioned upstream of the tank 100 as described above with respect to Figure 2.
  • the sacrificial material 242 may travel through the inlet conduit 132 and may settle towards the lower portion of the tank 100 as a result of density differences between the material 242 and the fluid 240.
  • the material 242 may be added via the access panel 124, the access panel 126, and/or the port 128.
  • the tank 100 rotates as the fluid 240 enters the tank 100 via the inlet assembly 130 and exits via the outlet assembly 140. Electricity is directed through portions of the material 242 and/or the fluid 240 to process the fluid.
  • Figures 7A-7D illustrate section views of the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 with exemplary electrical configurations.
  • the tank 100 is configured to rotate in a counter clockwise direction about the electrode 226, although it is contemplated that the tank 100 may rotate in a clockwise direction.
  • the electrodes 238a-d and corresponding sixth conductor members 234a-d rotate along with the tank 100.
  • the rotational movement of the tank 100 moves electrodes 238a-d through the sacrificial material and causes the sacrificial material 242 at the bottom of the tank 100 to move, for example, in a tumbling motion.
  • portions of the sacrificial material 242 may abrasively interact with one another to keep the sacrificial material 242 free of contaminant build-up and/or mineral deposits amongst other things.
  • the tumbling of the material 242 may abrasively interact with the electrodes 238a-d and/or the interior of the tank 100 which may also keep the electrodes 238a-d and/or the interior of the tank 100 free of contaminant build-up and/or mineral deposits amongst other things.
  • a coating may protect the walls of the tank 100, and/or portions of the interior of the tank 100 from abrasion and/or deterioration. When present, the coating may be, for example, an epoxy or polyurea coating.
  • the electrode 226 positioned in the center of the tank 100 and the electrodes 238a-d positioned toward the walls of the tank 100 are electrically coupled to the power supplies 200, 202 via the conductor members 220, 222, 224, 228, 230, 232, 234a-d, and the coupling members 236.
  • the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 may be configured such that the electrodes 225 and 238a-d include a positive charge, a negative charge, or substantially no charge at a given moment.
  • a positive charge is represented by a plus sign (+)
  • a negative charge is represented by negative sign (-)
  • a non-activated electrode is represented by zero (0).
  • the charge may depend on the rotational position of the tank 100.
  • the electrical charge of the electrodes 225 and 238a-d may be controlled electronically, for example, by the electronic assembly 206, or by the configuration of the conductor members 220, 222, 224, 228, 230, 232, 234a-d, as discussed above.
  • the electrical charge of the electrodes 225 and 238a-d may be continuous or incremental.
  • any one or more of the electrodes 226 and 238a-d may be continuously positively charged by electrical current (+), continuously negatively charged by electrical current (-), or substantially not charged or activated (0).
  • the electrical charge of one or more of the electrodes 225 and 238a-d may depend on the rotational position of the tank 100.
  • the electrode 226 is negatively charged and two of the electrodes 238b and 238c that are in contact with the material 242 are positively charged.
  • the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 may be configured such that two of the electrodes 238a-d are selectively activated in certain rotational positions of the tank 100.
  • the electrodes 238a-d may be selectively activated such that the electrodes 238b and 238c in contact with the material 242 have a positive charge (+), as illustrated.
  • the electrodes 238b and 238c may lose contact with the material 242 and may be deactivated (0), and the electrodes 238a and 238d may be activated in certain rotational positions or when in contact with the material 242.
  • the electrodes 238a-d may be selectively activated when each is positioned in a rotational position towards the bottom of the tank 100, such as electrodes 238b and 238c, such that power is provided to an electrode at a rotational position where the electrode approaches or is in contact with the material 242.
  • the electrode 226 is negatively charged (- ), and one of the electrodes 238b that is in contact with the material 242 is positively charged (+).
  • the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 may be configured such that one of the electrodes 238a-d is selectively activated in certain rotational positions of the tank 100.
  • the electrodes 238a-d may be selectively activated such that one electrode 238b in contact with the material 242 has a positive charge (+), as illustrated.
  • the electrode 238b may lose contact with the material 242 and may be deactivated (0), and the electrodes 238a, 238c and 238d may be activated in certain rotational positions where they are near or in contact with the material 242.
  • the electrodes 238a-d may be selectively activated when each is positioned in a rotational position towards the bottom of the tank 100, such as in the position of electrode 238b, as illustrated.
  • FIGs 7C and 7D represent operation of alternative configurations of the apparatus 70. More particularly, in these forms the apparatus is configured to provide different charges to the electrodes 238a-d. As illustrated for example in Figure 7C, the electrode 226 is not activated, two of the electrodes 238b and 238c that are in contact with the material 242 are positively charged (+), and two of the electrodes 238a and 238d are negatively charged (-). As illustrated, the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 may be configured such that all of the electrodes 238a-d are selectively activated in certain rotational positions of the tank 100, and electrode 226 is not activated in any rotational positions.
  • the electrodes 238a-d may be selectively activated such that the electrodes 238b and 238c in contact with the material 242 have a positive charge (+), and electrodes 238a and 238d are negatively charged (-), as illustrated. As the tank 100 continues to rotate, the charge of the electrodes 238b and 238c may change from positive (+) to negative (-) depending on the rotational position of the tank 100.
  • the charge of the electrodes 238b and 238c may change from positive (+) to negative (-) as the electrodes 238b and 238c lose contact with the material 242, and the charge of the electrodes 238a and 238d may change from negative (-) to positive (+) as the electrodes 238a and 238d contact the material 242 in certain rotational positions.
  • the electrodes 238a-d may be selectively activated such that the electrode 238b in contact with the material 242 has a positive charge (+), and electrode 238d is negatively charged (-), as illustrated.
  • the charge of the electrodes 238a-d may change from activated to non-activated depending on the rotational position of the tank 100.
  • the charge of the electrodes 238b and 238c may be deactivated as the electrodes 238a-d lose contact with the material 242 or activated as the electrodes 238a-d gain contact with the material 242.
  • the electrodes 226, 234a-d When the electrodes 226, 234a-d are activated, electrical current flows between the electrodes 226, 234a-d through the fluid 240 and the material 242. Electrical current running through the fluid 240 and the material 242 contributes to processing the fluid 240 by changing the characteristics of the fluid 240.
  • the electrodes 226, 234a-d When the electrodes 226, 234a-d are activated, electricity flows through the material 242 which begins to electrochemically corrode due to oxidation.
  • the material of the positively charged electrodes may be selected to prevent electrochemically corrosion such that only the material 242 is corroded.
  • the negatively charged electrodes are subjected to passivation and do not electrochemically corrode.
  • the electronic assembly 206 may be configured to control the charge and current density through the electrodes 226, 238a-d and/or analyze the current in the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 to control the operation of the electrocoagulation apparatus 70.
  • electrochemical reactions may occur within the tank 100.
  • seeding may be caused by anode reduction of ions that become new centers for larger, stable, insoluble complexes that precipitate as complex ions.
  • Emulsion breaking may be occur as oxygen and hydrogen ions that bond into receptor sites of oil molecules create water-insoluble complexes thereby separating water from other components such as emulsion, hydrocarbons, and others.
  • Halogen complexing may occur as ions bind themselves to chlorines in a chlorinated hydrocarbon molecules resulting in insoluble complexes separating water from other components.
  • Electrocoagulating the fluid 240 may facilitate fractions of the fluid 240 to be separated.
  • the fluid 240 may include fractions of emulsion, hydrocarbons, refractory organics, suspended solids, ions, colloids and/or heavy metals and electrocoagulation may facilitate separate of such fractions.
  • Certain components of the fluid 240 may be held in solution by electrical charges. Applying an electrical charge to the fluid 240 may change the particle surface charge of components of the fluid 240, permitting components of the fluid 240 to form an agglomeration. Adding charged ions to the fluid 240 may destabilize certain components of the fluid 240, thereby permitting the components to agglomerate,
  • Directing electrical current through the material 242 may drive chemical reactions on the surface of the particles of the material 242, such as electrolysis reactions.
  • the voltage that is needed to drive electrolysis is called the decomposition potential.
  • the decomposition potential depends on characteristics of the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 such as the properties of the material 242, the properties of the fluid 240, among other properties.
  • the electronic assembly 206 may be configured to control the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 to operate at a suitable voltage.
  • the material 242 may be selected depending on desired operating characteristics of the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 such as, for example, the decomposition potential.
  • the material of the electrodes 226, 234a-d may be selected to decrease or eliminate decomposition by electrolysis.
  • Directing electrical current through the material 242 may produce ions with a positive charge in the fluid 240. These ions may be attracted to the fine negatively charged particles of components of the fluid 240. As a result, repelling forces between components of the fluid 240 may be broken and the dispersed components may combine into larger separable aggregates. The resulting agglomerations of the components may increase in size until they are no longer stable in the fluid 240. Once destabilized, the positively charged ions react with negatively charged particles in the fluid 240 resulting in fractions that approach a more stable state within the fluid 240, which may be referred to as "floe.” In some circumstances, gases formed by electrolysis form very fine bubbles that associate with the coagulated components and buoy them upwards by flotation. Because the floe is stable it can be more easily separated from the fluid 240 by separation techniques. The ions remove components by facilitating chemical reactions and/or facilitating precipitation of components of the fluid 240.
  • components of the fluid 240 may begin separating into fractions.
  • a water fraction more predominantly including water may form within the fluid 240.
  • a coagulated fraction may tend to travel upward in the tank 100 through the fluid 240.
  • the coagulated fraction may travel up through the fluid 240 and out of the tank 100 via the outlet conduit member 110.
  • a sediment fraction may tend to travel downward in the tank 100 through the fluid 240.
  • the sediment fraction may collect at the bottom of the tank 100 and may be removed, for example, through the access panel 126.
  • Gasses may collect at the top of the tank 100 and may be removed, for example, through the access panel 126 or the port 128. In another example, gasses may exit the tank 100 through the outlet conduit member 110.
  • contaminants may build up on the surface of the material 242.
  • the contaminants may be removed from the surface of the material 242 by the abrasive interaction of the portions of the material 242 as the material 242 tumbles.
  • the contaminants may be removed from the surface of the material 242 and travel away from the surface of the material 242 through the fluid 240.
  • the contaminants may exit the tank 100 via the outlet conduit member 110 or may gather on the bottom of the tank 100 and may be removed, for example, via the access panel 126 or the port 128.
  • additional material 242 may be added to the tank 100 via the inlet assembly 130, the access panels 124, 126, or the port 128.
  • semi-circular electrodes 338a, 338b, 338c, 338d are positioned adjacent to the walls of the tank 100.
  • the electrodes 338a, 338b, 338c, 338d may be included as an alternative to one or more of the electrodes 238a-d, or in addition to the electrodes 238a-d.
  • the electrode 226 is negatively charged (-)
  • one of the electrodes 338b that is in contact with the material 242 is positively charged (+).
  • the electrocoagulation apparatus 70 may be configured such that one of the electrodes 338a-d is selectively activated in certain rotational positions of the tank 100.
  • the electrodes 338a-d may be selectively activated such that the electrode 338b in contact with the material 242 has a positive charge (+), as illustrated.
  • the electrode 338b may lose contact with the material 242 and may be deactivated (0), and the electrodes 338a, 338c and 338d may be activated in certain rotational positions or when in contact with the material 242.
  • the electrodes 338a-d may be selectively activated when each is positioned in a rotational position towards the bottom of the tank 100, such as in the position of electrode 338b, as illustrated.
  • an electrocoagulation apparatus includes a tank defining a chamber; one or more cathodes positioned in the chamber; and a plurality of spaced apart anodes movable along a rotational path extending about the one or more cathodes.
  • the anodes are selectively powerable when moved to different positions along the rotational path.
  • movement of the anodes along the rotational path results in selective coupling of one or more of the anodes to one or more conductor members configured to provide power to the anodes.
  • the one or more conductor members are configured to provide power to the anodes from a power supply.
  • the apparatus further includes a support assembly engaged with opposite ends of the tank.
  • the apparatus further includes a drive member configured to rotate the tank relative to the support assembly.
  • rotation of the tank relative to the support assembly results in movement of the anodes along the rotational path.
  • the one or more cathodes are suspended in the chamber and the anodes are positioned proximate to a sidewall of the tank defining the chamber.
  • the apparatus further comprises a plurality of conductor members extending outside the chamber along the tank, and the conductor members are coupled with and extend between the anodes and a conductive plate positioned adjacent to an end of the tank.
  • the conductive plate is segmented into a number of electrically isolated portions corresponding to the number of anodes and a respective anode is coupled to each of the portions.
  • the one or more cathodes are coupled with a conductive plate positioned adjacent to an end of the tank.
  • the apparatus includes a bed of sacrificial conductive material positioned in the chamber, and the bed is defined by a plurality of pieces of the conductive material. In one aspect of this form, movement of the anodes along the rotational path results in movement of the anodes through the bed of sacrificial material.
  • a kit in another embodiment, includes an electrocoagulation apparatus including a tank defining a chamber; one or more cathodes positioned in the chamber; and a plurality of spaced apart anodes movable along a rotational path extending about the one or more cathodes, and instructions for adding a plurality of pieces of sacrificial conductive material to the chamber.
  • a method for using an electrocoagulation apparatus including a tank defining a chamber; one or more cathodes positioned in the chamber; and a plurality of spaced apart anodes movable along a rotational path extending about the one or more cathodes includes: adding a number of pieces of sacrificial conductive material to the chamber of the tank; and moving the anodes along the rotational path.
  • moving the anodes includes positioning respective ones of the anodes in and out of contact with the sacrificial conductive material.
  • the method further includes selectively powering on the anodes at a time when the anodes are approaching or in contact with the sacrificial conductive material and powering off the anodes at a time when the anodes are leaving or out of contact with the sacrificial material.
  • a process for operating an electrocoagulation apparatus including a tank and a plurality of electrodes, includes adding a number of individual pieces of sacrificial material into the tank to create a bed of the sacrificial material; and moving at least one of the electrodes through the bed of sacrificial material.
  • the process further includes providing power to the at least one electrode.
  • the process further includes selectively powering on and off the at least one electrode.
  • the process further includes injecting a fluid into the tank through an inlet and releasing the fluid from the tank through an outlet.
  • moving the at least one electrode includes rotating the tank relative to the inlet and outlet.
  • an electrocoagulation apparatus in still another embodiment, includes a tank defining an internal chamber for receiving a fluid and a plurality of electrodes positioned in the tank. At least one of the electrodes is movable along a movement path and is selectively powerable depending on the position of the at least one electrode along the movement path.
  • the apparatus further includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and the at least one electrode is movable relative to the fluid inlet and fluid outlet.
  • the at least one electrode is coupled to the tank and the tank is rotatable relative to the fluid inlet and fluid outlet.
  • the at least one electrode is selectively usable as an anode or a cathode depending on the position of the at least one electrode along the movement path.
  • the at least one electrode is an anode and a second one of the electrodes is a cathode suspended in the internal chamber of the tank.
  • the tank and the at least one electrode are positioned relative to one another to provide an arrangement where a bed defined by a number of pieces of sacrificial material is positionable in the tank in selective contact with the at least one electrode as the at least one electrode is moved along the movement path.
  • the at least one electrode is movable through the bed when the bed is present as the at least one electrode is moved along the movement path.
  • the tank and the at least one electrode are positioned relative to one another to provide an arrangement where a bed defined by a number of pieces of sacrificial material is positionable in the tank in selective contact with the at least one electrode as the at least one electrode is moved along the movement path.
  • the at least one electrode is movable through the bed when the bed is present as the at least one electrode is moved along the movement path.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des appareils, des dispositifs et des procédés se rapportant à la coagulation d'un fluide. Dans un mode de réalisation non limitatif, un appareil d'électrocoagulation comprend un réservoir définissant une chambre, une ou plusieurs cathodes positionnées dans la chambre, et une pluralité d'anodes espacées mobiles le long d'un trajet de rotation s'étendant autour d'une ou plusieurs cathodes. L'invention concerne également des modes de réalisation, des formes, des caractéristiques et des aspects supplémentaires ou altermatifs.
PCT/US2015/010186 2014-01-03 2015-01-05 Appareils et procédés d'électrocoagulation WO2015103554A2 (fr)

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US61/923,502 2014-01-03

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107631375A (zh) * 2017-11-09 2018-01-26 江苏森蝶环保科技有限公司 一种运用量子级电凝并技术对空气进行净化的装置
CN117865293A (zh) * 2024-03-13 2024-04-12 四川发展环境科学技术研究院有限公司 一种电解气浮装置

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7211185B2 (en) * 1998-02-27 2007-05-01 Scott Wade Powell Method and apparatus for electrocoagulation of liquids
US8048279B2 (en) * 1998-02-27 2011-11-01 Scott Wade Powell Method and apparatus for electrocoagulation of liquids
US20040079650A1 (en) * 1998-11-23 2004-04-29 Morkovsky Paul E. Electrocoagulation reactor
US6902678B2 (en) * 2002-09-30 2005-06-07 Gary A. Tipton Bilge water reclamation system and process
US7682492B2 (en) * 2003-04-02 2010-03-23 New Earth Systems, Inc. Electrocoagulation system
EP2667955A4 (fr) * 2011-01-24 2016-11-23 E2Metrix Inc Électrocoagulation pour le traitement de liquides

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107631375A (zh) * 2017-11-09 2018-01-26 江苏森蝶环保科技有限公司 一种运用量子级电凝并技术对空气进行净化的装置
CN117865293A (zh) * 2024-03-13 2024-04-12 四川发展环境科学技术研究院有限公司 一种电解气浮装置

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