ADVANCED LIGHT CATALYSIS REACTOR FOR DISINFECTING AND REGENERING WATER

Abstract

ADVANCED LIGHT CATALYSIS REACTOR FOR DISINFECTING AND REGENERING WATER The invention relates to an advanced light catalysis (ALC) reactor (1) for disinfecting and regenerating water, comprising: a reaction chamber including a water inlet and a water outlet and designed to receive a continuous flow of water; an electrochemical reactor located inside the reaction chamber and comprising a plurality of alternating laminar electrodes connected to a current source; and a first ultraviolet light source located on a first side of the electrochemical reactor and facing the lateral outer surface of the first outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor, the first ultraviolet light source comprising a plurality of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes located such that they illuminate the lateral outer surface of the first outermost electrode.Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1A.

Description

Title of the invention: ADVANCED LIGHT CATALYSIS REACTOR FOR DISINFECTING AND REGENERING WATER TECHNOLOGY SECTOR

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of water regeneration and, more particularly, to an advanced light catalysis (ALC) reactor for disinfecting and regenerating water. The solution described herein has multiple applications such as, for example, the regeneration of water from continuous pasteurization, washing, and scalding processes in the food industry; sterilization and / or cooling processes carried out in autoclaves in the food industry; chilled water in industrial processes; drinking water; wastewater regeneration; etc. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Advanced light catalysis (ALC) is a technology based on advanced chemical degradation processes, capable of overcoming the limitations of conventional light catalysis systems by immobilizing the photocatalyst on a conductive substrate that also serves as an electrode. The electric current supplied to the conductive substrate increases the generation of free radicals and the degradation of organic matter. Compared to light catalysis, ALC increases the efficiency of the process and produces a greater number of hole-electron pairs, precursors to the generation of free radicals.

[0003] To date, existing ALC reactors are small-scale or laboratory reactors that operate only with highly conductive liquids and are only capable of processing small volumes of liquids in a static manner (i.e., they do not operate with continuous flows of liquids to be treated). Furthermore, these state-of-the-art ALC reactors have a short service life because the photocatalyst degrades very rapidly, tending to deteriorate with use, particularly when the substrate is subjected to high current densities (current densities exceeding 150 A / m³). This significantly reduces the efficiency and effectiveness of ALC reactors and also entails increased maintenance and operating costs, making their application impractical for treating large quantities of moving liquids and / or liquids with low conductivities, such as drinking water, which require disinfection.

[0004] This is why all these state-of-the-art disinfection processes and systems have low efficiency ratios, limited scalability and very high maintenance and operating costs.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the state of the art for ALC reactors for disinfecting water that are compact, modular, capable of producing higher quality water without generating carcinogenic by-products, that exhibit high efficiency rates, consume less energy, can operate with continuous water flows, and can withstand high current densities to operate with water with salinities below 1 g / L. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to an advanced light catalysis (ALC) reactor for disinfecting and regenerating water, the reactor being characterized in that it comprises:

[0007] a reaction chamber comprising a water inlet and a water outlet and which is designed to receive a continuous flow of water which will be disinfected at a flow rate of 3 to 20 m3 / hour, preferably 5 to 10 m3 / hour, water having a minimum conductivity of 150 pS / cm, preferably between 150 and 350 pS / cm;

[0008] an electrochemical reactor located inside the reaction chamber, wherein the electrochemical reactor comprises a plurality of alternating laminar electrodes connected to a current source, wherein a lateral outer surface of a first outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor is coated with titanium dioxide deposited by means of a technique selected from a list including physical vapor deposition, SOL-GEL (solution-gel) deposition, thermal spray deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and atomic layer deposition, and the electrodes are designed to withstand current densities between 150 and 350 A / m3; and

[0009] a first ultraviolet light source located on a first side of the electrochemical reactor and facing the outer lateral surface of the first outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor, the first ultraviolet light source comprising a plurality of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes located such that they illuminate the outer lateral surface of the first outermost electrode;

[0010] where the electrochemical reactor defines a first reaction volume in which, when the advanced light catalysis reactor is in operation, electrolytic oxidation is implemented and the first ultraviolet light source and the outer lateral surface of the first outermost electrode define a second reaction volume in which, when the advanced light catalysis reactor is operating, heterogeneous light catalysis is implemented.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment, the electrochemical reactor is connected to a first adjustable power source to modulate the generation of oxidants in the first reaction volume and where the first ultraviolet light source is connected to a second adjustable power source to modulate the generation of free radicals in the second reaction volume.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, the advanced light catalysis reactor comprises a second ultraviolet light source located on a second side of the electrochemical reactor, the second side being opposite the first side of the electrochemical reactor, the second ultraviolet light source comprising a second plurality of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes positioned such that they illuminate a lateral outer surface of the second outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor, wherein the second outermost electrode is located opposite the first outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor and the lateral outer surface of the second outermost electrode is coated with titanium dioxide deposited by means of a technique selected from a list which includes physical vapor deposition, SOL-GEL deposition, thermal spray deposition,chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition, wherein the second ultraviolet light source and the outer lateral surface of the second outermost electrode define a third reaction volume in which, when the advanced light catalysis reactor is in operation, heterogeneous light catalysis is implemented.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the second ultraviolet light source is connected to the second adjustable power source or to a third adjustable power source, other than the second adjustable power source, to modulate the generation of free radicals in the third reaction volume.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the plurality of alternating laminar electrodes are flat electrodes, preferably rectangular in shape, placed parallel to each other, or are circular electrodes, preferably cylindrical in shape, placed coaxially.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, the alternating laminar electrodes extend substantially along the longitudinal and radial axes of the reaction chamber.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the advanced light catalysis reactor includes an injector placed on the lower part of the reaction chamber and which is designed to inject oxygen into the second reaction volume, preferably into the second and third reaction volumes.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the ultraviolet light-emitting diodes of the ultraviolet light sources are ultraviolet-A light-emitting diodes or a combination of ultraviolet-A light-emitting diodes and ultraviolet-C light-emitting diodes.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, titanium dioxide contains anatase in a percentage of between 60 and 75 by weight and rutile in a percentage of 25 to 40 by weight, in which, preferably, it comprises 70% anatase and 30% rutile by weight.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the advanced light catalysis reactor includes a heat sink coupled externally to the reaction chamber and in correspondence with the ultraviolet light source, the heat sink being designed to dissipate the heat generated by the plurality of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, the ultraviolet light sources are designed to emit ultraviolet light with wavelengths in a range from 240 to 380 nm and preferably with a wavelength of 370 nm.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment, the first outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor is an anode and the second outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor is a cathode, or vice versa, and the electrochemical reactor is designed to operate in reverse polarity.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment, the advanced light catalysis reactor includes an electrochemical reactor cleaning system, the cleaning system comprising a set of scrapers designed to move along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber and to scrape an outer surface of the anodes and cathodes, thereby removing limescale deposits.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, the advanced light catalysis reactor includes a filtering and protection sheet made of methacrylate with special treatment for UV passage, or of glass selected between borosilicate and quartz, between each of the ultraviolet light sources and the outer surface of the corresponding outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment, the titanium dioxide which coats the first and second outermost electrodes of the electrochemical reactor is titanium dioxide deposited by physical vapor phase deposition.

[0025] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an advanced light catalysis (ALC) reactor for water regeneration. The ALC reactor combines electrochemistry and photocatalytic techniques in the same reaction chamber, such that the disinfection capacity of these technologies is applied simultaneously to the water flow circulating in the ALC reactor. The combination of technologies also exhibits synergies that increase the total disinfection power of the ALC reactor by up to 75% compared to using any one of these technologies in isolation. This increase in the disinfection rate by the ALC reactor described here is measured in terms of reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).

[0026] One of the great advantages of this new ALC reactor is that it allows detailed adjustment of each of the applied techniques, thus making it easy to adapt them to different types of water.

[0027] The different power sources that can be used to supply energy to each of the technologies allow for a choice between greater use of electrolytic chemistry for a greater generation of long-lasting oxidants or the catalytic stage, which allows for a greater generation of free radicals and, therefore, greater degradation of organic matter. This makes the ALC reactor more versatile, capable of processing a wider range of water types and being more efficient.

[0028] The water to be regenerated may be wastewater from industrial or domestic uses. For example, this water may be cooling water from cooling towers used in certain industrial processes or water used to wash fruits, vegetables or other food products in industrial processes.

[0029] The ALC reactor comprises a reaction chamber, which also includes a water inlet and a water outlet, designed to receive the continuous flow of water to be disinfected. The water entering the reaction chamber has a conductivity between 150 and 10,000 pS / cm. The ALC reactor is designed to treat continuous water flows with flow rates between 3 and 20 m³ / hour, preferably between 5 and 10 m³ / hour. The ALC reactor also comprises an electrochemical reactor located inside the reaction chamber. This electrochemical reactor consists of a plurality of alternating laminar electrodes (anodes and cathodes) connected to a power supply that can be adjusted to regulate the current supplied and thus control the amount of oxidants generated according to the application.The ALC reactor is designed so that at least one of the outermost laminar electrodes of the plurality of alternating laminar electrodes is an anode or cathode whose outer surface is coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2). The TiO2 is pre-deposited by a technique chosen from a list that includes physical vapor deposition (PVD), sol-gel deposition, thermal spray deposition, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and atomic layer deposition (ALD). Preferably, the TiO2 is deposited by PVD. TiO2 has high chemical stability, low toxicity, high efficiency, low cost, and high resistance to chemical corrosion and photocorrosion. When TiO2 reacts with UVA light from the facing diodes, it generates a large quantity of reactive species, such as hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. others, which allows for a high level of degradation of organic matter. The reactor electrodes are designed to withstand current densities between 150 and 350 A / m3.

[0030] By using one of the techniques mentioned above (PVD, SOL-GEL deposition, thermal spray deposition, CVD, and ALD) to deposit TiO2 on the outer surface of the outermost electrodes, a bond is created between the TiO2 and the stronger electrode substrate material, and a greater quantity of TiO2 can be deposited. The strong bond created between TiO2 and the substrate 1) reduces the degradation of TiO2 over time, extending the service life of the ALC reactor and reducing operating and maintenance costs; and 2) allows the outermost electrodes to withstand higher current densities, for example, between 150 and 350 A / m³, which enables the ALC reactor to operate with waters having low conductivities, for example, between 150 and 350 pS / cm (although it can also operate with waters having higher conductivities). All of this contributes to increasing the efficiency of the advanced light catalysis process.

[0031] The electrodes of the electrochemical reactor can be titanium plates or sheets. More specifically, the anodes can be coated with a mixture of metal oxides (MMOs) such as ruthenium, iridium, ruthenium dioxide, iridium dioxide, gallium, tungsten, palladium, platinum, gallium oxide, manganese oxide, tungsten oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, or a combination thereof, among many other materials. Ruthenium dioxide and iridium dioxide exhibit good corrosion resistance, and their combination promotes the generation of chlorine and stabilized hypochlorous acid, which has a high biocidal rate. Alternatively, the anodes could be coated with boron-doped diamond (BDD) instead of MMOs.BDD exhibits high reactivity in degrading organic compounds, provides an inert surface with low adsorption properties, and offers high corrosion resistance. In some embodiments, it may have a combination of MMO-coated anodes and BDD. Generally, the cathodes are not coated. More specifically, the outer surface of the outermost electrodes of the electrochemical reactor, which can be either anodes or cathodes, may have an outer frame coated with an MMO layer and a central portion coated with TiO2. The MMO frame enhances the transmission of electrical current to the center of the plate where the TiO2 has been deposited, ensuring adequate distribution of the electrical charge across the entire outer surface of the outermost electrodes, thus contributing to extending the service life of the ALC reactor.

[0032] The ALC reactor contains a first UV light source located on the side of the ALC reactor and facing the outer lateral surface of the first outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor, which contains TiO2. The first UV light source comprises a plurality of UVA light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned to illuminate the outer lateral surface of the first outermost electrode. In this way, the TiO2 is activated by the UVA light source, inducing the generation of electron-hole pairs and oxidizing agents (mainly hydroxyl radicals and superoxides) and the photocatalytic decomposition of the organic compounds exposed to it.This UVA light is connected to a power supply with adjustable intensity, separate from the one connected to the electrolytic oxidation electrodes. This allows for independent modulation and control of free radical generation relative to oxidant generation in the electrochemical stage. This differentiation is advantageous in the treatment due to the versatility of the water used and the reactor's high efficiency. Preferably, the first UVA light source is a UV light source and may incorporate a combination of UV-A and UV-C LEDs, thus increasing the reactor's germicidal spectrum. The photocatalytic effect is enhanced because the electric current flows through the outermost electrode coated with TiO2.This electric current flowing through the TiO2-coated electrode increases the quantum efficiency of the photocatalytic process, minimizes electron-hole pair recombination, and increases the amount of hydroxyl radicals generated and the rate of decomposition of organic matter in water.

[0033] The electrochemical reactor defines a first reaction volume in the reaction chamber where electrolytic oxidation takes place. When the ALC reactor is operating, a flow of water circulates through the reactor chamber, and an adjustable external electrical potential difference (voltage) is applied to the electrodes. This results in the degradation of organic matter and, more importantly, the formation of reactive species in the water. Specifically, free chlorine (Cl2), oxygen (O2), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and ozone (O3) are generated in the water, which are long-lasting disinfectants with medium oxidizing potential. Although these oxidizing agents remain in the water for hours, their disinfecting power is not very high compared to other oxidizing agents.The power setting at this stage, which is preferably independent of the power setting of the light catalysis, allows control and adjustment of the generation of these oxidants, maximizing the versatility and efficiency of the reactor, which is unique and differentiating.

[0034] Concurrently, the first UV light source and the outer lateral face of the outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor define a second reaction volume within the reaction chamber, in which heterogeneous light catalysis occurs during the operation of the ALC reactor. Preferably, the first and second reaction volumes are located parallel to each other in the reaction chamber so that the flow is divided for the two disinfection treatments. Furthermore, the power setting applied at this stage allows for the control and modulation of free radical generation, the primary drivers of organic matter degradation. This power setting is preferably independent of the power setting of the electrochemical stage, allowing the system's output to be controlled according to the requirements of the water being treated.

[0035] To achieve this, advanced light catalysis, which combines electrochemistry and light catalysis, results in an improved sanitation process. On the one hand, electrochemistry degrades the organic matter present in the water and generates long-lasting disinfectant oxidizing agents with a medium disinfecting power (Cl2, O2, H2O2, and O3, among others). On the other hand, the UVA light source excites the TiO2 so that the heterogeneous light catalysis process occurs. This generates short-lived superoxide and hydroxyl radicals with very high disinfecting power and decomposes the organic matter. The passage of electric current through the outermost electrodes, whose external surface is coated with TiO2, reduces the recombination rate of electron-hole pairs, thereby increasing the generation of hydroxyl radicals.In addition, advanced light catalysis is capable of breaking down and oxidizing a wider spectrum of microorganisms such as mycobacteria, bacillus, legionella, pseudomonas, sphingomonas and other chlorine-resistant bacteria, making the ALC reactor more versatile.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the ALC reactor includes a second UV light source located on a second side of the electrochemical reactor, the second side being located opposite the first side of the electrochemical reactor and having the same construction and functional characteristics as the first UV light source. This second UV light source and the corresponding outer lateral face of the outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor define a third reaction volume within the reaction chamber, in which heterogeneous light catalysis also occurs during the operation of the ALC reactor. By incorporating this third reaction volume, the disinfecting power of the ALC reactor is increased since a larger volume of water can be subjected to a heterogeneous light catalysis process.The use of an ALC reactor with only the second reaction volume or containing both the second and third reaction volumes will depend on the degree of disinfection. necessary for the application in particular, increasing the water regeneration capacity.

[0037] In some embodiments, the plurality of alternating laminar electrodes are planar, preferably rectangular, and parallel to each other. Alternatively, the plurality of electrodes may also be circular, preferably cylindrical, and coaxially arranged.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the alternating laminar electrodes extend substantially along the longitudinal and radial or transverse axes of the reaction chamber. In this way, the space occupied by the electrodes is maximized, and also the efficiency of the electrochemical process.

[0039] In some embodiments, the ALC reactor includes one or a set of injectors located at the bottom of the reaction chamber. These injectors are designed to inject oxygen into the second reaction volume. When there is a third reaction volume, the injectors can also inject oxygen into the third reaction volume. Preferably, to promote the generation of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, the injectors will be configured to inject oxygen such that the oxygen concentration in the second and third reaction volumes is between 1 and 5 g / L.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the ALC reactor includes a pre-chamber located between the water inlet and the reactor chamber, and a post-chamber located between the reaction chamber and the water outlet. The pre-chamber is designed to divide and distribute the water flow so that it enters homogeneously into the first, second, and third reaction volumes. The post-chamber is designed to mix, homogenize, and direct the water coming from the first, second, and third reaction volumes toward the water outlet.

[0041] In some embodiments, the UV light sources may comprise a combination of UV-A lights with UV-C LED lights to enhance and extend the germicidal action of the ALC reactor. UV-A LED lights, which emit radiation waves between 315 and 400 nm, have a greater disinfecting power because UV-A light promotes the heterogeneous light catalysis process. UV-C LED lights, which emit radiation waves between 100 and 280 nm, have a greater germicidal power because they promote photooxidation. Preferably, the UV-A LED lamps will be chosen to operate with wavelengths from 340 to 387 nm. The intensity of the light emitted by the UV LED lamps can be modified by connecting them to an adjustable power supply so that the photocatalytic reactions, and thus the generation of free radicals, can also be controlled.The two light sources can be connected to the same power source or to different power sources.

[0042] In some embodiments, the TiO2 contains between 60 and 75% anatase and 40 to 25% rutile by weight. Preferably, the TiO2 comprises 70% anatase and 30% rutile. Anatase and rutile are two molecular species (forms) of TiO2, which modifies the geometric shape of the molecule.

[0043] In some embodiments, the ALC reactor may include a heat sink or an external ventilation system coupled to the reaction chamber corresponding to the UV light source. Positioning these elements to dissipate the heat generated by each of the UV light sources in the ALC reactor helps extend the operational life of the LEDs. The forced ventilation system may consist of a set of fans directed towards the external part of the ALC reactor to reduce the heat emitted by the UV light sources. Alternatively, the heat sink may comprise a set of parallel longitudinal dissipation fins extending along the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber.

[0044] In some embodiments, the ALC reactor includes a cleaning system for the electrochemical reactor. The cleaning system may include a set of scrapers adapted to move along the longitudinal axis of the reactor chamber. They are configured to scrape and remove limescale from the external surface of the electrodes.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor is an anode and the second outermost electrode is a cathode, or vice versa. Furthermore, it is designed to operate with reversed polarity. This helps to remove calcium carbonate scale deposited on the cathodes, thereby improving reactor performance.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the ALC reactor has a filtering and protective sheet, which may be made of borosilicate or quartz, between each of the UV light sources and the outer surface of the corresponding outermost electrode. The glass sheets filter the radiation emitted by the UV light sources, allowing only the wavelengths most suitable for TiO2 activation to pass through. By using these glass sheets, the transmission of the appropriate wavelengths is increased by up to 10 to 15% without interfering with the TiO2. This sheet may also be made of methacrylate with a special treatment for UV light transmission. Preferably, the sheet is translucent or transparent.

[0047] In some embodiments, the ALC reactor contains a first energy source designed to power and modulate the electrochemical reactor and a second energy source to power and modulate the UV light sources. The power supplied by each of the energy sources can be modulated so that the The electrochemical and light catalysis processes can be adjusted according to the specific characteristics of the water disinfection process in order to promote the generation of long-lasting oxidants or the process of degradation of organic matter and the reduction of COD. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] To supplement the description and facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a series of drawings is provided. These drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate an example of the invention, which should not be interpreted as a restriction of the scope of the invention, but simply as an example of how to implement the invention.

[0049] The drawings include the following figures:

[0050] [Fig. 1 A] represents a perspective view of the ALC reactor, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] [Fig. IB] shows another perspective view of the ALC reactor of [Fig. 1 A].

[0052] [Fig.1C] shows a top view of the ALC reactor of Figures IA to B.

[0053] [Fig.1D] shows two different side views and a front view of the electrochemical reactor of the ALC reactor of Figures IA to C, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] [Fig.1E] shows a cross-section of the ALC reactor of Figures IA to C along line AA.

[0055] [Fig. 1F] shows a cross-sectional view of the ALC reactor of figures 1A to C along line BB.

[0056] [Fig.1G] shows an exploded view of the ALC reactor in Figures IA to C.

[0057] [Fig.1H] shows the same exploded view of [Fig.1G] from another angle.

[0058] [Fig. 2A] shows an exploded view of an ALC reactor which includes two sources of UV light, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] [Fig.2B] shows a top view of the ALC reactor of [Fig.2A].

[0060] [Fig. 2C] shows a cross-sectional view of the ALC reactor of Figures 2A to B along line CC.

[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0062] Figures IA and IB show respective perspective views of reactor ALC 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that reactor ALC 1 shown in Figures IA to H may include additional components and that some of these components described herein may be removed and / or modified without departing from the framework given as an example of reactor ALC 1. Furthermore, the implementation of reactor ALC 1 is not limited to said example.

[0063] The ALC reactor 1 comprises a rectangular prism-shaped housing 2 which contains the electrochemical reactor (not shown in this figure, see [Fig. 1D]). The housing 2 delimits the reaction chamber of the ALC reactor 1. The upper wall 3 of the housing 2 has a circular through-hole 4 which can serve as an inlet or outlet for the water flow from the ALC reactor 1. There is another circular through-hole in the lower wall (not shown in this figure) of the housing 2 which can also serve as an inlet or outlet for the water flow from the ALC reactor 1. The two circular through-holes, located on opposite sides of the housing 2, define the path of the water flow throughout the reaction chamber. The UV light source (not shown in this figure, see [Fig. 1D])lH]) can be a sheet to which the plurality of UV LED lights are coupled and can be coupled, preferably with screws and washers, to the inner surface of the side wall 7. .

[0064] Two electrical contacts 5 are located on another of the side walls 6 of the housing 2. These electrical contacts 5 are connected respectively to the anodes and cathodes of the electrochemical reactor. The two electrical contacts 5 are also designed to connect respectively to the positive and negative terminals of a power source (not shown) such that the electric current flowing through the anodes and cathodes promotes electrolytic oxidation. The side wall 7, which has the UV light source (not shown in this figure) coupled to its inner face, is coupled to the housing 2 by means of washers and screws, or any other coupling mechanism, so that it is removable. The side wall 7 has two electrical connectors 8 located on the lower part of the reaction chamber that supply electricity to the UV light source.The side panel 6 can also be coupled to the housing 2, using screws and washers or any other fastening mechanism, so that it can be removed.

[0065] As can be seen in [Fig.1B], the rest of the side walls of the housing 2 are flat and form an integral part of the housing 2 (unlike the side wall 7 which is coupling and removable).

[0066] Fig. 1C shows a top view of the ALC reactor 1 of Figures IA to B, 1. The electrochemical reactor 9 can be observed through the circular orifice 4 passing through the housing 2.

[0067] Figure [1D] shows two different side views and a front view of the electrochemical reactor 9 of the ALC reactor 1 in Figures IA to C. The electrical connectors 5 are connected to their respective plates 10 (the front view does not include the plates 10), which, in parallel, are connected to the anodes and cathodes of the electrochemical reactor 9. The electrochemical reactor 9 may have fastening elements to correctly position the electrodes 11 of the electrochemical reactor 9 and also to maintain adequate separation between the electrodes 11. In this In a particular embodiment, the outer surface of the outermost electrode 12 of the electrochemical reactor 9 is coated with TiO2, while the outer surface of the opposite outermost electrode 13 does not contain TiO2. The outer surface of the outermost electrode 12 of the electrochemical reactor 9 is shown with a frame of deposited MMO 12a and a central area 12b coated with TiO2 deposited by physical vapor deposition.

[0068] Fig. 1E represents a cross-sectional view of reactor ALC 1 of Figures IA to C along line AA. This figure represents the two circular through-holes 4, 14 through which the water flow can enter and exit the reaction chamber 25, which is delimited by the shape and geometry of the housing 2. This embodiment also shows the pre-chamber 16 which is designed to receive and distribute the water from the water inlet 14 to the first 17a and the second 17b reaction volume and the post-chamber 15, which is intended to receive the water flow from the first 17a and second 17b reaction volumes and to mix it and direct it to the water outlet 4. The pre-chamber 16 and the water inlet 14 can act as post-chamber 15 and water outlet 4, respectively), and vice versa.

[0069] Figure 1F shows a cross-sectional view of the ALC reactor 1 of Figures 1A-C along line BB. This figure shows, on the one hand, the first reaction volume 17a, which is delimited by the space occupied by the electrochemical reactor 9, formed by the electrodes 11, which are located parallel to each other. On the other hand, it shows the second reaction volume 17b, which is delimited by the external surface of the outermost electrode 12 of the electrochemical reactor 9 and the UV light source 18, and more specifically, by the filter and protective sheet 21, which can be made of methacrylate with special treatment for UV transmission, or of glass (for example, borosilicate or quartz) 21, which is coupled with screws and washers to the inner face of the side wall 7 and to the outermost electrode 12.The UV light source 18 has an array of UV LEDs 19, preferably UV-A LEDs or a combination of UV-A and UV-C LEDs, distributed throughout the UV light source 18 to homogeneously illuminate the outer surface of the outermost electrode 12 of the electrochemical reactor 9 to activate the TiO2 deposited thereon.

[0070] In this particular embodiment, with the electrochemical reactor 9 centered within the reaction volume 25 defined by the housing 2, the side wall 20 located on one side of the housing 2 and opposite the UV light source 18 has been designed to be thicker so as to come into direct contact with the electrochemical reactor 9. In this way, the entire water flow circulates between the electrodes 11 of the electrochemical reactor 9 (first reaction volume 17a) or between the outer surface of The outermost electrode 12 of the electrochemical reactor 9 and the UV light source 18 (second reaction volume 17b) are shown. This figure also shows the filter and protection sheet 21, which filters the wavelengths emitted by the UV light source 18, allowing those that activate TiO2 to pass through. It also isolates the UV light source 18 (which incorporates the UV LEDs 19 and the associated electronics and circuits) from the reaction chamber 25 through which the water flows. The side wall 7, which has the UV light source 18 coupled on its inner surface to the filter and protection sheet 21, creates a sub-chamber 22 where the UV light source 18 is confined and isolated from the fluid flowing in the reaction chamber 25.

[0071] Figure 1G shows an exploded view of the ALC reactor 1 of Figures IA to C and 1E to F. The side wall 6 includes two openings 23 through which the connectors 5 pass. To assemble the ALC reactor 1, first, the electrochemical reactor 9 is inserted into the reaction chamber 25, then the filter and protection sheet 21 and the side wall 7 are coupled and fixed to the housing. The side wall opposite the wall 6 includes at least one oxygen injector 24 located opposite the lower part of the second reaction chamber 17b. This injector 24 can be coupled to a pressurized oxygen source from which oxygen can be introduced into said second reaction chamber 17b. To prevent water leaks, the ALC reactor 1 may also include sealing gaskets located between the casing 2 and the filter and protection sheet 21.

[0072] Figure [1H] shows the same exploded view of the ALC reactor 1 of Figure [1G] from another angle. This figure illustrates the UV light source 18 coupled, for example, with screws, to the inner surface of the side wall 7. The UV light source 18 comprises a plurality of 19 UV LEDs, preferably UV-A LEDs or a combination of UV-A and UV-C LEDs, evenly distributed over the surface of the UV light source 18 in a laminar shape. This figure also represents the subchamber 22 where the UV light source 18 is confined and isolated from the water flows of the reaction chamber 25.

[0073] Figure 2A illustrates an exploded view of the ALC 30 reactor, which includes two UV light sources 18, 26, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ALC 30 reactor is the same as the ALC 1 reactor in Figures IA to 1H; therefore, the same numbering has been retained for the same elements as those shown in Figures IA to 1H, but comprising a second UV light source 26 with its corresponding plurality of UV-A LED lights 27, a filter and protective sheet 21, a sub-chamber 28, and a side wall 7. While the ALC 1 reactor in Figures IA to 1H defines a first reaction volume 17a corresponding to the space occupied by the electrochemical reactor 9 and a second reaction volume 17b defined by the space existing between the electrochemical reactor 9 and the first UV light source 18, more particularly, between the outer surface of the outermost electrode 12 of the electrochemical reactor 9 and its corresponding filter and protection sheet 21, the ALC reactor 30 also defines a third reaction volume 17c (see [Fig.2C]) defined by the space existing between the electrochemical reactor 9 and the second UV light source 26, more particularly, between the outer surface of the outermost electrode 13 of the electrochemical reactor 9 and its corresponding filter and protection sheet 21. The side wall located on the opposite side to the wall 6 includes at least one oxygen injector 24 located in correspondence with the lower part of the second reaction chamber 17b and the third reaction chamber 17c.These injectors 24 can be coupled to a pressurized oxygen source from which oxygen can be introduced into the second and third reaction chambers 17b and 17c.

[0074] Fig. 2B represents a top view of the ALC 30 reactor of Fig. 2A.

[0075] Figure 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the ALC 30 reactor. Figures 2A to B along line CC. The first reaction volume 17a, where electrochemistry occurs, and the second and third reaction volumes 17b and 17c, where light catalysis is implemented, are shown. In this embodiment, there are one or two oxygen injectors (not shown in this figure) for each of the second and third reaction volumes 17b and 17c.

[0076] Although not shown in Figures 1 or 2, the ALC reactor 1, 30 can incorporate a mechanical cleaning system for the electrochemical reactor 9. This cleaning system can include a set of scrapers designed to move along the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber 25 to scrape the external surface of the electrodes 11 and thus remove limescale deposits from the electrodes 11. These scrapers can be activated periodically by an electric motor located outside the reaction chamber 25.

Claims

1. Demands Advanced light catalysis reactor (1, 30), ALC, for disinfecting and regenerating water, reactor (1, 30) being characterized in that it comprises: a reaction chamber (25) comprising a water inlet (14) and a water outlet (15) and which is designed to receive a continuous flow of water which will be disinfected at a flow rate of 3 to 20 m3 / hour, preferably 5 to 10 m3 / hour, water having a minimum conductivity of 150 pS / cm, preferably between 150 and 350 pS / cm;an electrochemical reactor (9) located inside the reaction chamber (25), wherein the electrochemical reactor (9) comprises a plurality of alternating laminar electrodes (11) connected to a current source, wherein a lateral outer surface of a first outermost electrode (12) of the electrochemical reactor (9) is coated with titanium dioxide deposited by means of a technique selected from a list including physical vapor deposition, solution-gel deposition, SOL-GEL, thermal spray deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and atomic layer deposition, and the electrodes (11) are designed to withstand current densities between 150 and 350 A / m3; and; a first ultraviolet light source (18) located on a first side of the electrochemical reactor (9) and facing the outer lateral surface of the first outermost electrode (12) of the electrochemical reactor (9), the first ultraviolet light source (18) comprising a plurality of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (19) situated such that they illuminate the outer lateral surface of the first outermost electrode (12); where the electrochemical reactor (9) defines a first reaction volume (17a) in which, when the advanced light catalysis reactor (1) is in operation, electrolytic oxidation is carried out and the first ultraviolet light source (18) and the outer lateral surface of the first outermost electrode (12) define a second reaction volume (17b) in which, when the advanced light catalysis reactor (1) is operating, heterogeneous light catalysis is carried out.

2. Advanced light catalysis reactor (1,30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrochemical reactor (9) is connected to a first adjustable power source to modulate the generation of oxidants in the first reaction volume (17a) and where the first ultraviolet light source (18) is connected to a second adjustable power source to modulate the generation of free radicals in the second reaction volume (17b).

3. An advanced light catalysis reactor (1, 30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a second ultraviolet light source (26) located on a second side of the electrochemical reactor (9), the second side being opposite the first side of the electrochemical reactor (9), the second ultraviolet light source (26) comprising a second plurality of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (27) positioned such that they illuminate a lateral outer surface of the second outermost electrode (13) of the electrochemical reactor (9), wherein the second outermost electrode is located opposite the first outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor (9) and the lateral outer surface of the second outermost electrode (13) is coated with titanium dioxide deposited by means of a technique selected from a list which includes physical vapor deposition, SOL-GEL deposition,thermal spray deposition, chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition, wherein the second ultraviolet light source (26) and the outer lateral surface of the second outermost electrode (13) define a third reaction volume (17c) in which, when the advanced light catalysis reactor is in operation, heterogeneous light catalysis is implemented.

4. Advanced light catalysis reactor (1, 30) according to claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, characterized in that the second ultraviolet light source (26) is connected to the second adjustable power source or to a third adjustable power source, other than the second adjustable power source, to modulate the generation of free radicals in the third reaction volume (17c).

5. Advanced light catalysis reactor (1, 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the plurality of alternating laminar shaped electrodes (11) are planar electrodes, preferably rectangular in shape, placed parallel to each other, or are circular shaped electrodes, preferably cylindrical in shape, placed coaxially.

6. Advanced light catalysis reactor (1, 30), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the alternating laminar shaped electrodes (11) extend substantially along the longitudinal and radial axes of the reaction chamber (25).

7. Advanced light catalysis reactor (1,30) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises an injector (24) placed on the lower part of the reaction chamber (25) and which is designed to inject oxygen into the second reaction volume (17b), preferably into the second and third reaction volumes (17b, 17c).

8. Advanced light catalysis reactor (1,30) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (19, 27) of the ultraviolet light sources (18, 26) are ultraviolet-A light-emitting diodes or a combination of ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-C light-emitting diodes.

9. Advanced light catalysis reactor (1,30) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the titanium dioxide contains anatase in a percentage of between 60 and 75 by weight and rutile in a percentage of 25 to 40 by weight, in which, preferably, it comprises 70% anatase and 30% rutile by weight.

10. Advanced light catalysis reactor (1,30) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a heat sink coupled externally to the reaction chamber and in correspondence with the ultraviolet light source (18, 26), the heat sink being designed to dissipate the heat generated by the plurality of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (19, 27).

11. Advanced light catalysis reactor (1, 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the ultraviolet light sources (18, 26) are designed to emit an ultraviolet light with wavelengths in the range of 240 to 380 nm and preferably with a wavelength of 370 nm.

12. Advanced light catalysis reactor (1, 30) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor (9) is an anode and the second outermost electrode of the electrochemical reactor (9) is a cathode, or vice versa, and the electrochemical reactor (9) is designed to operate in reverse polarity.

13. Advanced light catalysis reactor (1,30) according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises an electrochemical reactor cleaning system (9), the cleaning system comprising a set of scrapers designed to move along a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber (25) and to scrape an outer surface of the anodes and cathodes, thereby removing limescale deposits.

14. Advanced light catalysis reactor (1,30) according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 13 depending on claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a filtering and protection sheet made of methacrylate with special treatment for UV passage, or of glass selected between borosilicate and quartz (21) between each of the ultraviolet light sources (18, 26) and the outer surface of the corresponding outermost electrode (12, 13) of the electrochemical reactor (9).

15. Advanced light catalysis reactor (1,30) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the titanium dioxide which coats the first and second outermost electrodes (12,13) ​​of the electrochemical reactor (9) is titanium dioxide deposited by physical vapor deposition.

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