An electrocoagulation cell

Abstract

An electrocoagulation cell (10) has a reaction chamber (11) in which are assembled a first set of electrodes (12) interleaved with a second set of electrodes (13). Each set of electrodes (12, 13) is connected together by a separate tie-bar (19), which passes through each electrode (12', 13', respectively), and an electrically conductive bush (not shown), positioned between the electrodes (12', 13') in each set. Each electrically conductive bush is covered by a polypropylene shield (18). The sets of electrodes (12, 13) are further supported on two pedestals (37) and a non-conductive support rod (20). Separation of the electrodes (12', 13') within the reaction chamber (11) is maintained by four nylon nuts (not shown) and bolts (not shown), which pass through each electrode (13'). The first set of electrodes (12) is connected at each end (41) of the tie- bar (19) to one pole of a power supply through electrical connectors (25) and the second set of electrodes (13) is connected at each end of the tie- bar (19) to the other pole of the power supply through electrical connectors (25). Due to the arrangement of the tie-bars (19) and the electrically conductive bushes (16) the necessity of connecting each electrode (12', 13'') directly to the power supply is obviated and leads to a saving of space and a close packing of the electrodes (12', 13') within the reaction chamber (11). This results in a good ratio between the surface area of the electrodes (12', 13') and a volume of liquid passing through the reaction chamber (11) in use, resulting in an efficient electrocoagulation process.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an electrocoagulation cell, in particular, the present invention relates to an electrocoagulation cell used in industrial processes such as waste liquid treatment. Background technique [0002] Electrocoagulation is an electrolytic treatment method used to separate and remove a wide variety of contaminants including metals, solids, pathogens and other undesirable substances from solutions. Typically, an electrocoagulation cell contains electrodes and an electrolyte to be processed. The treatment process can be performed in various ways depending on the nature of the electrolyte. [0003] US Patent No. 6,139,710 discloses an electrocoagulation cell in which a plurality of substantially parallel electrodes are mounted in the flow path of a solution to be electrolyzed. Electrodes are unipolar (anode or cathode) and bipolar (anode and cathode). Both electrode surfaces of a bipolar electrode react with an electrolytic sol...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

As with the electrocoagulation cell of U.S. Patent No. 6,139,710, the wire connections are rather space consuming, thus limiting the number of electrodes that can be accommodated in the cell

The electrical contact to the anode is apparently via a spring which would result in a poor electrical contact and therefore adversely affect the efficiency of the unit

[0015] The use of the electrocoagulation cell described above for industrial purposes is hampered by its aforementioned limitations

Furthermore, the maximum current that can be applied to these units is about 300 amps, and this limitation adversely affects the amount of liquid that can be effectively processed in a given period

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