Abstract:
Electrodeionization apparatus having a novel polarity reversal protocol designed to provide continuous, high-quality product fluid is described. The protocol involves substitution of a recirculating fluid stream established in an ion-concentrating compartment by a fluid stream having a lower ionic concentration, while maintaining fluid flow through an adjacent ion-depleting compartment. A method and protocol for modifying the ionic makeup of compartment ion exchange material and fluids are also provided. A flow reversal protocol is also provided, during which high-quality fluid product is recovered from the inventive apparatus. The polarity reversal protocol and flow reversal protocol may each be effected separately, or the flow reversal may be introduced into the sequence of the polarity reversal protocol. The inventive electrodeionization apparatus is arranged in a novel cell pair grouping configuration and oriented such that fluid flow through an ion-concentrating compartment is in a substantially upward direction, facilitating efficient removal of gas generated in the ion-concentrating compartment.
Abstract:
A halogen generator produces a halogen sanitizing agent to sanitize water in a spa or other water feature. A coaxial wall fitting desirably couples the halogen generator to the water feature. The halogen generator desirably includes a bipolar electrolytic cell in which a center electrode plate rotates between stationary anode and cathode plates. The bipolar electrode includes a plurality of vanes which motivate water flow between the anode and the cathode. The vanes on the rotating electrode also produce a flow of water through the generator. In this manner, the bipolar electrode functions as a impeller to pump water through the halogen generator. The vanes are positioned between the electrode and cathode, and are sufficiently spaced from the cathode to inhibit scale formation on the cathode. The vanes, however, generally do not contact the cathode when rotating. The rotational direction of the electrode relative to the cathode may be reversed periodically and/or the gap spacing between electrode and the cathode may be decreased periodically to enhance removal of scale.
Abstract:
The object of the invention is to provide a flow-through, electric, double-layer capacitor providing for a high, steady rate of removal of ionic substances and amenable to commercial scale application and a method of treating fluids using the flow-through electric double-layer capacitor. The invention is a planar, flow-through, electric, double-layer capacitor comprising a separator (1) consisting in an electrically-insulating, porous, flow-through sheet, activated carbon layers (2, 2), each comprising a high specific surface area activated carbon as a main component, collectors (3, 3) disposed externally of the active carbon layers (2, 2), and retaining plates (4, 4) disposed externally of the collectors (3, 3). A fluid containing ionic substances is treated by passing the fluid through the planar, flow-through, electric, double-layer capacitor and repeating, in alternate cycles, application of a direct current constant voltage to collectors (3, 3) and short-circuiting or reversal of connection between collectors (3, 3).
Abstract:
The invention relates to a process and an installation for the destruction of organic solutes, particularly complexing agents, present in an aqueous solution such as a radioactive effluent.According to this process, the aqueous solution undergoes electrolysis in a cell (1) comprising a working electrode (5.sub.1, 5.sub.2, etc.) by applying to said electrode an adequate potential for destroying the solutes by electrolytic oxidation and periodic modification takes place to the potential applied or to the passage direction of the current passing through the cell so as to periodically carry out a regeneration of the working electrode.The solutes can be organic acids such as formic acid, dihydroxymalonic acid or oxalic acid.
Abstract:
In a batch type electrolyzed water producing method, a first run of electrolysis is carried out, and electrolyzed water is discharged. Thereafter, before a next run of electrolysis is carried out, the polarity of a DC power source connected to the electrode plates is reversed. Thus, the electrode plate which has served as a cathode plate in the last run of electrolysis is converted into an anode plate and therefore, deposits accumulated on the electrode plate are ionized and dissolved into the subject water.
Abstract:
A water decontamination method and apparatus uses a series of pulsed electrical arcs across electrodes placed within a water stream which passes through a decontamination module. Sufficient energy is delivered by a pulse power unit to the electrodes whereby lethal ultraviolet radiation and mechanical shock waves are created by the arcs within the decontamination module. A plurality of modules can be operated in parallel or in series to vary the capacity of the apparatus.
Abstract:
A process for removing cyanide from liquid waste by electrolysis is disclosed. The method includes combining waste water and NaCl to an electrolyser cell, the cell having positive and negative electrode plates. The NaCl concentration in the cell is maintained at about 180 g/l. HCl and NaOH are added to maintain the pH at about 10.5. The liquids are agitated, and a current is applied to the electrode plates. The cyanide is decomposed, and the heavy metals are separated out. The waste gasses are sent through a purifying tower where CO.sub.2 and N.sub.2 are released. A decyanation apparatus comprising an electrolyser and a gas purifier is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A pressurized gas chlorinator is constructed in the form of a two-compartment pressurized container. The lower container is filled with a media liquid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl). A pair of electrodes are located in the lower container beneath the surface of the media liquid, with one of the electrodes located at or near the bottom of the container and the other electrode located at or just below the top surface of the media liquid. Electric current is applied to the electrodes to cause a breakdown of the HCl into Hydrogen and Chlorine gas. A floor member is spaced a short distance above the surface of the media liquid in the lower compartment, and has an opening in it. This floor member comprises the bottom of the upper compartment; and gas is passed upwardly through the opening in the floor member into the upper compartment. Side walls surround the opening, and transport liquid (typically, water) flows into and out of the upper compartment around the side walls to absorb the gases, which are under pressure in the upper portion of the upper container. When the gas pressure drops, some of the transport liquid is permitted to pass over the top of the side walls to drop through the opening in the floor member to replenish the media liquid, which is constantly being depleted by means of the electrolysis action. This prevents excess gases from being present in either the lower chamber or the upper chamber.
Abstract:
A water treatment device which is of simple construction and operation, and which can provide sufficient oxidant gas to disinfect drinking water for about 3,000 people. The device includes an electrolysis unit, a water flow circuit with constant water flow and a venturi which aspirates the oxidant gas produced by the electrolysis unit. A timer turns the electrolysis unit on and off to maintain oxidant gas levels substantial constant in the water supply and a valve is provided which is operated by a timer unit to replace water in the anode compartment of the electrolysis unit. When the electrolysis unit is shut-off for maintenance, the venturi is used to aspirate liquid from the electrolysis unit, thus avoiding operator contact with caustic chemicals to the extent possible.
Abstract:
Liquid is clarified by passing it between spaced plates of a stack including two interleaved sets of plates, one set being connected to one direct current lead and the other set being connected to the other direct current lead. The liquid may flow through the spaces between the plates in a single direction in parallel paths or may flow in a serpentine path. Impurities removed from the liquid adhere to the plates and may be purged from the plates periodically by reversing the direction of flow of current between the plates. Impurities sloughed off the plates are trapped in a filter in the cell outlet.