Photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device and water purification method using the same

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification technology, and particularly relates to a photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device and a water purification method using the device. The photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device comprises a water tank, a water inlet pipe and a steam collection device. The water tank has a purification cavity, and a light-transmitting sealing cover is arranged on the purification cavity. A partition plate is arranged in the purification cavity, and the purification cavity is divided into a photocatalytic chamber and a photothermal evaporation chamber by the partition plate. A photocatalyst coating is arranged in the photocatalytic chamber, and a light heating structure is arranged in the photothermal evaporation chamber. The partition plate has water-permeable holes and opening and closing parts. The water inlet pipe is in communication with the photocatalytic chamber, and the steam collection device is in communication with the photothermal evaporation chamber. The water purification method using the photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device mainly comprises three processes of precipitation, photocatalytic degradation and photothermal distillation. The photocatalytic degradation and the photothermal distillation are sequentially performed in two independent spaces, so that the water body for distillation is completely purified by photocatalytic degradation, and the water purification effect is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification technology, specifically relating to a photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device and a water purification method using the device. Background Technology

[0002] Water purification devices are widely used in domestic and industrial production. Common water purification equipment uses a filtration structure to filter or adsorb impurities in water. However, some impurities and solutes often remain in the filtered water. The filtration structure is generally a disposable filter cartridge, which requires operators to replace it with a new one in a timely manner, wasting manpower and filter cartridges. If the filtration structure is not replaced in time, dirt will accumulate on the surface of the filter, affecting the water purification efficiency and effect.

[0003] Compared to the aforementioned water purification methods, membrane separation water purification devices and photocatalytic water purification devices are more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and offer better purification results. Membrane separation water purification devices utilize the selective separation function of membranes to separate impurities from water. The membrane can perform separation at the molecular level, and this process is purely physical, requiring no phase changes or additives. However, membrane separation has higher investment and operating costs; for example, membrane bioreactors are expensive. Photocatalytic water purification devices utilize photothermal conversion materials to generate a photothermal effect with visible or ultraviolet light to decompose and degrade organic matter in wastewater, achieving water purification. Compared to membrane separation water purification devices, they are significantly less expensive.

[0004] Chinese utility model patent CN206266267U discloses a photocatalytic water purifier that uses microwaves and ultraviolet light combined with a photocatalyst adsorption filter to remove harmful components from water. The water undergoes three stages of filtration: a filter screen, a photocatalyst adsorption filter, and a filter cartridge. While this device improves water purification efficiency, its complex structure and the need for electricity for both microwave and ultraviolet lamps result in energy waste. Chinese utility model patent CN217103137U discloses an interfacial photocatalytic synergistic solar-driven water treatment device, comprising a photothermal evaporation chamber, a blower system, a water collection system, and a water circulation system. The photothermal evaporation chamber includes an acrylic water tank, an acrylic cover, and a photothermal catalytic layer. Continuous photocatalytic degradation and evaporation of wastewater occur simultaneously in the acrylic water tank. While this device utilizes solar energy instead of artificial light to purify wastewater, making it more environmentally friendly, the simultaneous photocatalytic degradation and evaporation cause some water that has not been completely photocatalytically degraded to evaporate. This water contains low-boiling-point, volatile organic compounds produced by microbial metabolism or artificially synthesized. These organic compounds are collected along with the water vapor, causing secondary pollution of the purified water. Both of the aforementioned utility model patents are located outside the water-holding container, requiring a large footprint. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device and a water purification method using the device, so as to improve the water purification effect.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve this technical problem is: a photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device, including a water tank, an inlet pipe and a steam collection device;

[0007] The water tank has a purification chamber, a light-transmitting and sealed cover is provided above the purification chamber, and a partition is provided inside the purification chamber in a vertical direction. The partition divides the purification chamber into a photocatalytic chamber and a photothermal evaporation chamber. The photocatalytic chamber is provided with a photocatalyst coating, and the photothermal evaporation chamber is provided with a photoheating structure. The partition has water-permeable holes and an opening and closing part for opening and closing the water-permeable holes.

[0008] The water inlet pipe is connected to the photocatalytic chamber, and the steam collection device is connected to the photothermal evaporation chamber.

[0009] Furthermore, the light-transmitting sealing cover is made of anti-reflective plexiglass, and sunlight passing through the light-transmitting sealing cover completely covers the photocatalytic chamber and the photothermal evaporation chamber.

[0010] Furthermore, the opening and closing part is an opening and closing valve structure installed on the partition plate.

[0011] Furthermore, the photocatalyst coating is a black titanium dioxide coating.

[0012] Furthermore, the photothermal heating structure includes a floating plate with a black coating on its upper surface and supporting foam on its outer periphery; there is a gap between the outer periphery of the floating plate and the side wall of the photothermal evaporation chamber.

[0013] Furthermore, the black coating is a black titanium dioxide coating.

[0014] Furthermore, the floating plate is made of aluminum.

[0015] Furthermore, a buoyancy mechanism is provided above the outer periphery of the water tank; in use, the buoyancy mechanism drives the entire water tank to float on the surface of the sewage pool under the action of water buoyancy.

[0016] Furthermore, a filter screen is installed inside the water inlet pipe.

[0017] A water purification method, employing any one of the above-described photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification devices, includes the following steps:

[0018] S1. The photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device is floated on the water surface in the sewage tank; the sewage in the sewage tank is allowed to settle.

[0019] S2. Start the photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device. The water in the sewage tank enters the photocatalytic chamber through the inlet pipe. Sunlight shines through the light-transmitting sealed cover onto the photocatalyst coating. The photocatalyst coating performs preliminary purification on the water under the sunlight.

[0020] S3. Adjust the opening and closing part to connect the photocatalytic chamber and the photothermal evaporation chamber through the water permeable hole. After the water in the photocatalytic chamber is initially purified, it flows into the photothermal evaporation chamber through the water permeable hole. Then, adjust the opening and closing part to separate the photocatalytic chamber and the photothermal evaporation chamber from each other.

[0021] S4. Sunlight shines through the light-transmitting sealing cover onto the photothermal heating structure, which heats the water in the photothermal evaporation chamber. The water in the photothermal evaporation chamber evaporates to produce water vapor, which enters the steam collection device and condenses inside to obtain purified water.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: it provides a photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device, which enables wastewater to undergo preliminary purification in the photocatalytic chamber by setting a photocatalytic chamber and a photocatalyst coating, and then distills the water after the preliminary purification in the photocatalytic chamber by setting a photothermal evaporation chamber and a photoheating structure. By setting mutually cooperating water permeable holes and opening and closing parts, the isolation / connection state between the photocatalytic chamber and the photothermal evaporation chamber is switched, so that the photocatalytic degradation water purification and the photoevaporation water purification are carried out in two independent spaces, ensuring that the wastewater in this device completes two-stage purification of photocatalytic purification and distillation purification using sunlight, thereby improving the water purification effect. By using a black titanium dioxide coating for the photocatalyst, the light utilization efficiency of the coating is improved, the ambient temperature inside the photocatalytic chamber is increased, and the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of wastewater inside the chamber is enhanced. Supporting foam is installed around the float plate, ensuring it remains afloat on the water surface of the photothermal evaporation chamber, thus improving solar energy utilization and distillation efficiency. The black titanium dioxide coating on the upper surface of the float plate allows the water inside the evaporation chamber to undergo secondary photocatalytic degradation and distillation purification simultaneously, further improving the water purification effect. A buoyancy mechanism is installed above the outer surface of the water tank, allowing the entire tank to float on the surface of the wastewater pool under buoyancy, saving space. A filter screen is installed inside the inlet pipe to prevent large solid impurities in the wastewater from entering the photocatalytic chamber, improving water purification efficiency and effectiveness.

[0023] A water purification method is provided, which employs any of the aforementioned photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification devices. This water purification method mainly includes three processes: sedimentation, photocatalytic degradation, and photothermal distillation. This water purification method allows photocatalytic degradation and photothermal distillation to be carried out sequentially in two independent spaces, ensuring that the distilled water is completely purified by photocatalytic degradation, thereby improving the water purification effect. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device in this invention;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top-view structural diagram;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the section line AA;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device located in a wastewater tank.

[0028] Reference numerals: 1-Water tank; 11-Transparent sealing cover; 12-Baffle; 121-Water permeable hole; 122-Opening and closing part; 2-Water inlet pipe; 3-Steam collection device; 4-Photocatalytic chamber; 41-Photocatalyst coating; 5-Photothermal evaporation chamber; 51-Photothermal heating structure; 511-Floating plate; 512-Supporting foam; 513-Black coating; 6-Floating mechanism; 7-Sewage tank. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] As attached Figure 1-4 As shown, a photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device includes a water tank 1, an inlet pipe 2, and a steam collection device 3. The water tank 1 has a purification chamber, and a light-transmitting sealing cover 11 is provided above the purification chamber. A partition 12 arranged vertically is provided inside the purification chamber, and the partition 12 divides the purification chamber into a photocatalytic chamber 4 and a photothermal evaporation chamber 5. A photocatalyst coating 41 is provided inside the photocatalytic chamber 4, and a photothermal evaporation chamber 5 is provided inside the photothermal evaporation chamber 5. The partition 12 has water permeable holes 121 and opening and closing parts 122 for opening and closing the water permeable holes 121. The inlet pipe 2 is connected to the photocatalytic chamber 4, and the steam collection device 3 is connected to the photothermal evaporation chamber 5.

[0031] The water tank 1 integrates the entire device, and the purification chamber provides purification space for wastewater. The light-transmitting sealing cover 11 allows sunlight to shine onto the photocatalyst coating 41 in the photocatalytic chamber 4 and the photothermal evaporation chamber 5's photoheating structure 51. The photocatalytic chamber 4 contains untreated wastewater and provides initial purification space. The photothermal evaporation chamber 5 contains water that has undergone initial purification within the photocatalytic chamber 4 and provides heating and evaporation space for the water. A partition 12 separates the photocatalytic chamber 4 and the photothermal evaporation chamber 5, and the partition 12 is arranged vertically. A water-permeable hole 121 connects the photocatalytic chamber 4 and the photothermal evaporation chamber 5, and an opening / closing part 122 controls the opening and closing of the water-permeable hole 121, thereby controlling the connection between the photocatalytic chamber 4 and the photothermal evaporation chamber 5. The photocatalyst coating 41 generates high-intensity active free radicals under sunlight to oxidize and decompose organic and inorganic pollutants in the water, thus initially purifying the water. The photoheating structure 51 heats the water in the photothermal evaporation chamber 5 and causes it to evaporate. The inlet pipe 2 is used to guide sewage into the photocatalytic chamber 4, and the steam collection device 3 is used to collect and contain the water vapor evaporated in the photothermal evaporation chamber 5, and condense the water vapor to obtain purified water. This device enables sewage to undergo preliminary purification in the photocatalytic chamber 4 by setting up the photocatalytic chamber 4 and the photocatalyst coating 41. The water that has undergone preliminary purification in the photocatalytic chamber 4 is then distilled by setting up the photothermal evaporation chamber 5 and the photothermal heating structure 51. The isolation / connection state between the photocatalytic chamber 4 and the photothermal evaporation chamber 5 is switched by setting up mutually cooperating water permeable holes 121 and opening and closing parts 122, so that the photocatalytic degradation water and the photoevaporation water are carried out in two independent spaces, ensuring that the sewage in this device completes two-stage purification of photocatalytic purification and distillation purification using sunlight, thereby improving the water purification effect.

[0032] Water tank 1 is a barrel-shaped structure with an opening at the top. Its upper and lower cross-sections can be the same or different. The outer contour of its radial cross-section can be circular, rectangular, regular polygonal, or other irregular shapes. The internal purification chamber can have various structural forms, such as a cylindrical structure, a spherical structure, a frustum structure, or a prism structure. Water tank 1 is cylindrical, which minimizes the surface area for the same volume, reducing material costs. Furthermore, the cylindrical shape provides structural stability and prevents deformation under pressure. Water tank 1 can be made of steel, glass, plastic, or ceramic, etc.

[0033] The light-transmitting sealing cover 11 can be one or more. The material of the light-transmitting sealing cover 11 can be transparent glass, acrylic, or ceramic, etc. Preferably, the material of the light-transmitting sealing cover 11 is anti-reflective acrylic glass. Sunlight passing through the light-transmitting sealing cover 11 completely covers the photocatalytic chamber 4 and the photothermal evaporation chamber 5, reducing sunlight reflection, improving light utilization efficiency, and helping to increase the temperature inside the photocatalytic chamber 4 and the photothermal evaporation chamber 5, thereby improving the photocatalytic decomposition and purification efficiency and the distillation purification efficiency. Anti-reflective glass, also known as low-reflection glass or non-reflective glass, is obtained by frosting high-quality glass on one or both sides and then polishing it. Compared with ordinary glass, it has a lower reflectance, with a light reflectivity of less than 3% and a light transmittance of over 80%, exhibiting high light transmittance at short distances and slow reflection at long distances.

[0034] The partition 12 can be a flat or curved plate structure. It can be an integrally formed structure with the housing 1, or it can be bonded to the housing 1 using waterproof sealant or similar adhesive. The water permeable hole 121 can be located at the top or bottom of the partition 12. There can be one or multiple water permeable holes 121. The opening and closing part 122 can have various structural forms, such as an opening and closing valve, or a partition structure that moves vertically or horizontally. Preferably, the opening and closing part 122 is an opening and closing valve structure installed on the partition 12, providing good isolation and sealing, and facilitating installation and maintenance.

[0035] The photocatalytic chamber 4 and the photothermal evaporation chamber 5 have various structural forms, such as frustum structures, spherical structures, or other columnar structures. Their volumes and shapes can be the same or different. The photocatalyst coating 41 is generally disposed on the bottom or side wall of the photocatalytic chamber 4. The photocatalyst coating 41 can be a titanium dioxide coating, a zinc oxide nano-coating, or a molybdenum sulfide coating, etc. Preferably, the photocatalyst coating 41 is a titanium dioxide coating. Titanium dioxide photocatalyst coatings have good stability, are non-toxic, do not produce secondary pollution, and are more long-lasting. Since the photocatalytic reaction efficiency is positively correlated with the reaction environment temperature, as a further preferred option, the photocatalyst coating 41 is a black titanium dioxide coating, which is more conducive to absorbing sunlight, improving the light utilization efficiency of the coating, increasing the ambient temperature inside the photocatalytic chamber 4, and improving the photocatalytic purification efficiency of wastewater inside the photocatalytic chamber 4.

[0036] The photothermal heating structure 51 can take various forms, such as an electric heating device driven by solar panels, a black coating, or a black film. Compared to other structures, the black coating or film structure is simpler for absorbing heat and heating water. The black coating or film can be attached to the side and bottom walls of the photothermal evaporation chamber 5, but sunlight shining on it is obstructed by the treated water inside, affecting the heating effect. Preferably, the photothermal heating structure 51 includes a float 511 with a black titanium dioxide coating 513 on its upper surface and a supporting foam 512 around its outer periphery. A gap exists between the outer periphery of the float 511 and the side wall of the photothermal evaporation chamber 5. The supporting foam 512 keeps the float 511 afloat on the water surface of the photothermal evaporation chamber 5. Sunlight shines on the black coating 513, heating the float 511, which then transfers heat to the water in the photothermal evaporation chamber 5, promoting evaporation. The heating structure is always located at the water surface of the photothermal evaporation chamber 5, avoiding obstruction of solar energy absorption by the black coating 513 by the water, thereby improving solar energy utilization and water evaporation efficiency. The float 511 is made of a thermally conductive material, such as a copper plate, aluminum plate, or zinc plate. As a further preferred option, the black coating 513 is a black titanium dioxide coating, allowing the water in the photothermal evaporation chamber 5 to undergo secondary photocatalytic degradation and distillation purification simultaneously, further improving the water purification effect. As an even more preferred option, the float 511 is made of aluminum, which has excellent thermal conductivity and is relatively inexpensive. The gap between the outer circumference of the float 511 and the side wall of the photothermal evaporation chamber 5 should allow for the float 511 to move up and down with the water surface. Simultaneously, this gap also allows for upward evaporation of the water. The single-sided gap between the float 511 and the side wall of the photothermal evaporation chamber 5 is generally 1cm-3cm.

[0037] The device of this invention, located outside the sewage tank, undoubtedly increases the floor space required. Preferably, a buoyancy mechanism 6 is provided above the outer periphery of the water tank 1. In use, the buoyancy mechanism 6, under the buoyancy of the water, causes the entire water tank 1 to float on the surface of the sewage tank 7, saving floor space. The buoyancy mechanism 6 can have various structural forms, such as an inflatable ring, an air bladder, or a foam ring plate. Preferably, a filter screen is provided inside the water inlet pipe 2 to prevent large solid impurities in the sewage from entering the photocatalytic chamber 4, thereby improving water purification efficiency and effect.

[0038] A water purification method, employing any of the above-mentioned photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification devices, includes the following steps:

[0039] S1. The photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device is floated on the water surface in the sewage tank 7, and the sewage in the sewage tank 7 is allowed to settle.

[0040] S2. Start the photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device. The water in the sewage tank 7 enters the photocatalytic chamber 4 through the water inlet pipe 2. Sunlight shines through the light-transmitting sealing cover 11 onto the photocatalyst coating 41. The photocatalyst coating 41 performs preliminary purification of the water under the sunlight.

[0041] S3. Adjust the opening and closing part 122 to connect the photocatalytic chamber 4 and the photothermal evaporation chamber 5 through the water permeable hole 121. After the water in the photocatalytic chamber 4 is initially purified, it flows into the photothermal evaporation chamber 5 through the water permeable hole 121. Then, adjust the opening and closing part 122 to separate the photocatalytic chamber 4 and the photothermal evaporation chamber 5 from each other.

[0042] S4. Sunlight shines through the light-transmitting sealing cover 11 onto the light-heating structure 51, which heats the water in the photothermal evaporation chamber 5. The water in the photothermal evaporation chamber 5 evaporates due to the heat, producing water vapor. The water vapor enters the steam collection device 3 and condenses inside to obtain purified water.

[0043] This water purification method mainly includes three processes: sedimentation, photocatalytic degradation, and photothermal distillation. The method ensures that photocatalytic degradation and photothermal distillation are carried out sequentially in two independent spaces, guaranteeing that the water undergoes complete photocatalytic degradation during distillation and improving the purification effect. Wastewater is allowed to settle in wastewater tank 7 to remove water-insoluble impurities. The inlet of inlet pipe 2 is located above the sediment in wastewater tank 7 but does not contact it. The settled wastewater enters photocatalytic chamber 4 for catalytic degradation to complete preliminary purification. The pre-purified water then enters photothermal evaporation chamber 5 for distillation to obtain water vapor. The water vapor finally enters steam collection device 3 and condenses to obtain the final purified water.

[0044] The above describes specific embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen from the implementation process, the present invention provides a photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device. By setting a photocatalytic chamber and a photocatalyst coating, wastewater undergoes preliminary purification within the photocatalytic chamber. By setting a photothermal evaporation chamber and a photoheating structure, the water after preliminary purification within the photocatalytic chamber is distilled for further purification. By setting mutually cooperating permeable holes and opening / closing parts, the isolation / connection state between the photocatalytic chamber and the photothermal evaporation chamber is switched, allowing photocatalytic degradation and photoevaporation purification to occur separately in two independent spaces. This ensures that wastewater undergoes two-stage purification—photocatalytic purification and distillation purification—using sunlight in this device, improving the water purification effect. A water purification method is also provided, employing any of the above-mentioned photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification devices. This method mainly includes three processes: sedimentation, photocatalytic degradation, and photoheating distillation. This method allows photocatalytic degradation and photoheating distillation to occur sequentially in two independent spaces, ensuring that the water undergoing distillation purification has been completely purified by photocatalytic degradation, thus improving the water purification effect.

Claims

1. A photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device, comprising a water tank (1), an inlet pipe (2), and a steam collection device (3); characterized in that: The water tank (1) has a purification chamber, and a light-transmitting sealing cover (11) is provided above the purification chamber. A partition (12) arranged in the vertical direction is provided inside the purification chamber, and the partition (12) divides the purification chamber into a photocatalytic chamber (4) and a photothermal evaporation chamber (5). A photocatalyst coating (41) is provided inside the photocatalytic chamber (4), and a photothermal evaporation chamber (5) is provided inside the photothermal evaporation chamber (5). The partition (12) has a water-permeable hole (121) and an opening and closing part (122) for opening and closing the water-permeable hole (121). The water inlet pipe (2) is connected to the photocatalytic chamber (4), and the steam collection device (3) is connected to the photothermal evaporation chamber (5); a filter screen is provided inside the water inlet pipe (2); The light-transmitting sealing cover (11) is made of anti-reflective organic glass, and sunlight passing through the light-transmitting sealing cover (11) completely covers the photocatalytic chamber (4) and the photothermal evaporation chamber (5). The photothermal structure (51) includes a floating plate (511), the upper surface of which is provided with a black coating (513), and the outer periphery of which is provided with supporting foam (512); there is a gap between the outer periphery of the floating plate (511) and the side wall of the photothermal evaporation chamber (5); A buoyancy mechanism (6) is provided above the outer periphery of the water tank (1); when in use, the buoyancy mechanism (6) drives the entire water tank (1) to float on the water surface in the sewage pool (7) under the action of water buoyancy.

2. The photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening and closing part (122) is an opening and closing valve structure installed on the partition (12).

3. The photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photocatalyst coating (41) is a black titanium dioxide coating.

4. The photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The black coating (513) is a black titanium dioxide coating.

5. The photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The floating plate (511) is an aluminum plate.

6. A water purification method, characterized in that, The photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device according to any one of claims 1-5 includes the following steps: S1. The photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device is floated on the water surface in the sewage tank (7); the sewage in the sewage tank (7) is allowed to settle. S2. Start the photothermal and photocatalytic synergistic water purification device. The water in the sewage tank (7) enters the photocatalytic chamber (4) through the water inlet pipe (2). Sunlight shines through the light-transmitting sealing cover (11) onto the photocatalyst coating (41). The photocatalyst coating (41) purifies the water under the irradiation of sunlight. S3. Adjust the opening and closing part (122) to connect the photocatalytic chamber (4) and the photothermal evaporation chamber (5) through the water permeable hole (121). After the water in the photocatalytic chamber (4) is initially purified, it flows into the photothermal evaporation chamber (5) through the water permeable hole (121). Then, adjust the opening and closing part (122) to separate the photocatalytic chamber (4) and the photothermal evaporation chamber (5) from each other. S4. Sunlight shines through the light-transmitting sealing cover (11) onto the light-heating structure (51), and the light-heating structure (51) heats the water in the photothermal evaporation chamber (5). The water in the photothermal evaporation chamber (5) evaporates due to the heat and produces water vapor. The water vapor enters the steam collection device (3) and condenses inside it to obtain purified water.

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