Water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device

Abstract

This invention provides a water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device, belonging to the field of photocatalytic equipment technology. It includes a main structure with an internal reaction chamber. The chamber has an inlet and an outlet at both ends, respectively, both communicating with the reaction chamber. An oxidant release membrane, a sulfonated polyethersulfone selective permeation membrane with a pore size <1 nm, is located at the outlet. The reaction chamber contains a catalyst support and a light source system. The catalyst support is made of porous ceramic and loaded with a g-C3N4 catalyst. The light source system includes an LED board fixed in the center of the catalyst support and surrounded by it. The LED board has a ring-shaped array of blue LED beads emitting light of a specific wavelength of 450-470 nm. An energy and control compartment is located inside one side wall of the main structure, housing a battery pack and a control unit board. This invention can significantly improve environmental benefits and treatment efficiency, and greatly enhance long-term operational stability and economic efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of photocatalytic equipment technology, and in particular to a water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device. Background Technology

[0002] Photocatalytic oxidation technology is an advanced oxidation process based on the generation of strong oxidizing free radicals (such as •OH, H2O2, etc.) by semiconductor materials under light irradiation. It is widely used in water treatment, especially for the removal of recalcitrant organic pollutants. Traditional photocatalytic reactors mostly use suspended catalyst systems, which have problems such as difficult catalyst recovery, easy agglomeration and deactivation, and low optical utilization. They are particularly unsuitable for complex aquatic environments such as oceans.

[0003] Existing underwater photocatalytic devices typically employ titanium alloy or stainless steel structures, which are costly and have limited corrosion resistance. Light source systems often use ultraviolet lamps or full-spectrum LEDs, resulting in low energy efficiency and poor matching with the catalyst's absorption spectrum. The release of oxidants lacks selectivity, easily leading to catalyst loss or secondary pollution. Furthermore, the high salinity, biofouling, and high pressure of the marine environment further limit the long-term stable operation of existing devices. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, a surface photocatalytic oxidant release device is provided. This invention primarily utilizes a porous ceramic-supported carbon nitride (g-C3N4) catalyst to achieve high specific surface area and visible light response. A ring-shaped blue LED array (450–470 nm) is employed to match the catalyst absorption peak, enhancing quantum efficiency. A sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) selective permeation membrane (pore size <1 nm) enables controlled release of oxidants (such as H2O2 and •OH) while blocking catalyst particles. An active water circulation system and corrosion-resistant materials enhance mass transfer efficiency and environmental adaptability. An integrated sensor and feedback control system dynamically adjusts the operating status based on water quality parameters, ensuring the oxidant release rate matches the pollutant concentration. The device can also be powered by solar energy from a buoy and can be deployed in various ways (fixed / floating) to adapt to different marine scenarios, providing a sustainable and low-maintenance solution for underwater pollution control. The technical means employed in this invention are as follows: A water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device includes: a main structure, the main structure having a reaction chamber inside, the main structure having an inlet and an outlet at both ends, the inlet and outlet being connected to the reaction chamber, and an oxidant release membrane at the outlet, the oxidant release membrane being a sulfonated polyether sulfone selective permeation membrane with a pore size <1nm; The reaction chamber is equipped with a catalyst carrier and a light source system. The catalyst carrier is made of porous ceramic and is fixed tightly against the inner wall of the reaction chamber. The catalyst carrier is loaded with g-C3N4 catalyst. The light source system includes an LED board. The LEDs are fixed in the middle of the catalyst carrier and surrounded by the catalyst carrier. The LED board is equipped with a ring array of blue LED beads, which emit light of a specific wavelength of 450-470nm. The main structure has an energy and control compartment inside one side wall, and the energy and control compartment contains a battery pack and a control unit board.

[0005] Furthermore, the main structure is a vertically elongated cylindrical shell structure made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene sheet through CNC machining and welding.

[0006] Furthermore, the outer surface of the main structure is coated with an epoxy resin and PEG-polyethylene wax antifouling coating.

[0007] Furthermore, the reaction chamber is cylindrical in shape.

[0008] Furthermore, the catalyst support is a porous cylinder or a honeycomb monolithic structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the exterior of the LED board is encapsulated with transparent epoxy resin.

[0010] Furthermore, the oxidant release membrane is in the form of a circular sheet.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a floating solar power platform, which includes solar panels that are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the main structure on the other side, and the solar panels are connected to the battery pack via waterproof cables.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. The water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device provided by this utility model can significantly improve environmental benefits and treatment efficiency: 1) Precise and controllable oxidant release with no secondary pollution: Utilizing a sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) selective permeation membrane (pore size <1nm) as the release terminal, it can precisely sieve small molecule oxidants (such as H2O2, •OH) while completely blocking catalyst particles, reaction intermediates, and large molecular pollutants in the water within the device. This fundamentally solves the core pain point of traditional suspended catalytic systems, which are prone to catalyst loss and may cause secondary pollution, achieving the green purification goal of "treating pollution without causing pollution."

[0013] 2) High photocatalytic efficiency and energy utilization: By precisely matching the absorption spectrum of the ring-shaped blue LED array (450-470nm) with that of the supported g-C3N4 catalyst, the efficiency of photon capture and utilization is greatly improved, avoiding the energy waste associated with using full-spectrum or ultraviolet light sources. The porous ceramic catalyst support provides a huge specific surface area, fully exposing the active sites of the catalyst and allowing for more thorough contact with pollutants, thereby significantly increasing the yield and release of oxidant per unit time.

[0014] 2. The water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device provided by this utility model can significantly improve long-term operational stability and economy: 1) Superior antifouling and corrosion resistance, extending maintenance cycles: The main structure of the device is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and the outer surface of the main structure is coated with epoxy resin and PEG-polyethylene wax antifouling coating, which together form a protective system that is resistant to seawater corrosion and effectively inhibits the attachment of marine organisms. This enables the device to operate stably for a long time in harsh marine environments, significantly reducing the frequency and maintenance costs of performance degradation, downtime for cleaning or component replacement caused by biofouling or corrosion.

[0015] 2) Catalyst immobilization, long lifespan, and reusability: g-C3N4 is firmly loaded onto a porous ceramic catalyst support via in-situ thermal polymerization, solving the problems of easy agglomeration, easy loss, and difficult recovery of powdered catalysts. The catalyst exhibits stable activity and a long service life, eliminating the need for frequent additions and replacements, significantly reducing operating material and labor costs.

[0016] Based on the above reasons, this utility model can be widely promoted in the fields of water treatment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a rear view of the present invention.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Main structure; 2. Catalyst support; 3. Light source system; 4. Solar panel; 5. Oxidant release membrane. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0022] This invention aims to solve several key technical bottlenecks faced by existing underwater photocatalytic oxidation technology in practical applications, including: easy deactivation and difficult recovery of catalysts, low light energy utilization efficiency, uncontrollable release of oxidant, poor adaptability to marine environments, and high system energy consumption and operation and maintenance costs.

[0023] This invention addresses the aforementioned technical problems by providing a highly efficient, stable, intelligent underwater photocatalytic oxidant release device suitable for marine environments. It is a novel semi-permeable membrane selective underwater photocatalytic oxidant release device that achieves catalyst immobilization, efficient utilization of light energy, controllable release of oxidant, long-term anti-fouling of the system, and low-power intelligent operation.

[0024] The water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device of this utility model has a main body in the shape of a vertical elongated cylinder, including: main structure 1.

[0025] Main Structure 1: A vertically elongated cylindrical shell structure, made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) sheets processed by CNC machining and welding. This material possesses extremely high wear resistance, impact resistance, and seawater corrosion resistance. The outer surface of Main Structure 1 is coated with an epoxy resin and PEG-polyethylene wax antifouling coating.

[0026] One side wall of the main structure 1 houses an energy and control compartment, which contains a battery pack (using an existing structural design) and a control unit board (a Renesas Electronics RX140 series microcontroller). The control unit board is electrically connected to an external control system (the existing control system). The central part of the main structure 1 is the reaction chamber, which is cylindrical and serves as the core area for the photocatalytic reaction.

[0027] Internal structure of the reaction chamber: Catalyst support 2: A porous cylindrical or honeycomb monolithic structure made of porous ceramic. The outer diameter of catalyst support 2 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the reaction chamber. Catalyst support 2 is tightly fitted and fixed to the inner wall of the reaction chamber.

[0028] Light source system 3: Employs a ring-shaped array of blue LED beads. This ring-shaped LED board is fixed in the center of the catalyst carrier 2 and surrounded by the catalyst carrier 2, ensuring that the light can be evenly irradiated onto the surface of the catalyst carrier 2. The exterior of the LED board is encapsulated with transparent epoxy resin to achieve waterproofing and pressure balance.

[0029] Oxidant release membrane 5: Sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) selective permeation membrane is processed into a circular sheet and mechanically sealed at the outlet at the end of the reaction chamber, serving as the sole channel for the release of oxidant from the device.

[0030] Floating solar power platform: includes solar panel 4, which is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the main structure 1 on the other side, and is connected to the battery pack via a waterproof cable. The solar panel 4 can be a relatively thin and flexible panel.

[0031] When in use, this device can be secured with ropes in near-shore waters. Furthermore, the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material (low overall material density) used in the main structure 1 allows the entire device to float on the water surface. The solar panel 4 and the energy and control compartment are distributed on both sides of the main structure 1. The weight of the portion of the main structure 1 containing the energy and control compartment is greater than the weight of the portion containing the solar panel 4; therefore, the solar panel 4 can float on the water and will not sink.

[0032] Transmission relationship and working principle: Start-up: When the control system is powered on, the LED light source is activated according to the preset program (existing program) or sensor feedback.

[0033] Water circulation: Utilizing tidal energy, the external water to be treated enters the reaction chamber through the inlet. The water flows through the porous ceramic catalyst support 2 fixed in the center and finally flows out from the outlet equipped with a SPES semi-permeable membrane.

[0034] Photocatalytic reaction: A blue LED array emits light of a specific wavelength of 450-470nm, which penetrates the water flow and irradiates the catalyst support 2 loaded with g-C3N4. The catalyst is excited and generates electron-hole pairs, which react with water molecules and dissolved oxygen to produce strong oxidants such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

[0035] Oxidant release: The generated small-molecule oxidant diffuses with the water flow to the SPES semi-permeable membrane at the end of the device. Because the membrane has a pore size of <1nm, it only allows small molecules such as H2O2 and •OH to pass through, while completely blocking catalyst particles, large molecular pollutants and microorganisms in the water inside the device, thereby achieving selective and clean release of the oxidant.

[0036] The specific usage process of this utility model: 1. Equipment Processing and Assembly: The main body of the device is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) sheet, which has good corrosion resistance and impact resistance. A porous ceramic catalyst carrier 2 is installed inside the reaction chamber, and its surface is firmly loaded with g-C3N4 catalyst through a thermal polymerization process. A blue LED array is arranged on the LED panel, and the exterior is encapsulated with epoxy resin for waterproofing. A sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) selective permeation membrane is installed at the outlet and sealed using a mechanical compression method.

[0037] 2. Offshore Deployment: Select an installation site approximately 20 meters from the sewage outlet and at a water depth of about 15 meters. Use an anchor chain system to secure the device to the water surface, ensuring a stable installation. A floating solar power platform is provided on the water surface, connected to a battery bank via waterproof cables to provide power to the device. A water quality sensor (model RY-W-CO2) can also be added as needed to monitor parameters such as oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in real time.

[0038] 3. Operation and Debugging: After the device is powered on, the control system starts operation according to the preset program. The initial setting of LED light intensity is 36W. The system automatically adjusts the operating parameters based on feedback from the ORP sensor: when the pollutant concentration is detected to increase, the light intensity is automatically increased to 60W to increase the oxidant production; when the water quality is good, the light intensity is reduced to 21W to enter the energy-saving operation mode.

[0039] 4. Maintenance and Management: The unit is designed for low-maintenance operation. Generally, a maintenance check is performed every 3 months: the membrane surface is simply rinsed by pulling it to the shore to remove trace amounts of deposits, which is sufficient to restore flux. A comprehensive overhaul is performed annually, including checking catalyst activity and replacing seals.

[0040] 5. Precautions: Avoid installation in areas with frequent shipping traffic and set up clear warning signs on the water surface. Regularly check the anchoring system and cable connections to ensure safe operation of the device. Adjust the light intensity control parameters appropriately according to the actual water quality to achieve the best treatment effect and energy balance.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device, characterized in that, include: The main structure (1) has a reaction chamber inside. The two ends of the main structure (1) are an inlet and an outlet, respectively. The inlet and outlet are connected to the reaction chamber. An oxidant release membrane (5) is provided at the outlet. The oxidant release membrane (5) is a sulfonated polyether sulfone selective permeation membrane with a pore size of <1nm. The reaction chamber is equipped with a catalyst carrier (2) and a light source system (3). The catalyst carrier (2) is made of porous ceramic and is fixed in close contact with the inner wall of the reaction chamber. The catalyst carrier (2) is loaded with g-C3N4 catalyst. The light source system (3) includes an LED plate, which is fixed in the middle of the catalyst carrier (2) and surrounded by the catalyst carrier (2). The LED plate is provided with a ring array of blue LED beads, which emit specific wavelength light of 450-470nm. The main structure (1) has an energy and control compartment inside one side wall, and a battery pack and a control unit board are fixed inside the energy and control compartment.

2. The water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main structure (1) is a vertical cylindrical shell structure made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene sheet processed by CNC and welded.

3. The water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the main structure (1) is coated with an epoxy resin and PEG-polyethylene wax antifouling coating.

4. The water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction chamber is cylindrical in shape.

5. The water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The catalyst support (2) is a porous cylinder or a honeycomb monolithic structure.

6. The water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The LED board is encapsulated with transparent epoxy resin.

7. The water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oxidant release membrane (5) is in the shape of a circular sheet.

8. The water surface photocatalytic oxidant release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a floating solar power platform, which includes a solar panel (4), which is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the other side of the main structure (1), and the solar panel (4) is connected to the battery pack through a waterproof cable.

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