Methods and systems for water treatment using improved oxidation technology

Abstract

A method for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology is disclosed. The method includes generating reactive oxygen species and receiving water and the generated reactive oxygen species into a catalytic reactor for treating the water. A system for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology is also disclosed. The system includes a supply of water, an oxidation chamber for generating reactive oxygen species, and a catalytic reactor operably coupled to the supply of water and the oxidation chamber for receiving the water and the generated reactive oxygen species and treating the water. Additionally, the system includes a dissolved air flotation device coupled to the supply of water for pre-treating the supplied water using dissolved air flotation technology.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to water treatment, and more specifically to a method for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology. The present disclosure also relates to a system for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology. [Background technology]

[0002] Over the past decades, population growth has led to an increase in water consumption. While water resources remain constant, there is a need to recycle and reuse the water currently in the water cycle. Water currently in the water cycle is contaminated with contaminants such as human waste, industrial waste, food waste, oil, soap, chemicals, dissolved gases, microbial load, and other contaminants such as VOCs, NH3, H2S, SO2, and NO2. x etc., which make the water difficult to consume by humans, animals and aquatic biota. Thus, water requires treatment to remove the contaminants therefrom and to convert it into reusable water for various purposes.

[0003] Traditionally, there are many types of water treatment methods that can be classified as physical, biological or chemical processes. To be more efficient, a combination of such methods can be applied. Physical treatment is the separation of solids from water, for example by filtration, such as sieve drums or sand collectors. Biological wastewater treatment relies on bacteria, nematodes, or other small organisms to break down organic waste, such as carbon-containing materials, into harmless or volatile compounds. Biological treatment is usually divided into aerobic and anaerobic processes. "Aerobic" refers to the process in which oxygen is present, while "anaerobic" refers to the state of biological processes in an oxygen-free environment. Typically, biological treatment uses microorganisms to feed on the organic waste, with special attention to pH and aeration to maintain the activity of the microorganisms and the efficiency of the process. There are several chemical wastewater treatment processes, such as chemical precipitation, ion exchange, neutralization, adsorption, and disinfection (using chlorination / dichlorination, ozone, ultraviolet light, etc.). The high cost of chemical additives and the environmental concerns of disposing of large amounts of chemical sludge make this treatment process inefficient and ineffective.

[0004] In recent years, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been used for wastewater treatment. Typically, AOPs use hydroxyl radicals to remove organic pollutants in wastewater and convert the pollutants into water, carbon dioxide, and stable inorganic compounds such as salts that undergo mineralization. The advantages of AOPs over other conventional methods are their rapid reaction, the small footprint required thanks to the oxidative power of hydroxyl radicals, the ability to remove many different pollutants in one reactor tank, for example, to reduce some heavy metals, and act as disinfection, especially when used with UV disinfection, with little or no sludge generation as with biological or other conventional chemical processes. Due to several advantages as mentioned above, AOPs have become increasingly accepted for wastewater treatment. However, conventional AOPs are limited by major factors, namely high investment costs and high operating costs, as well as the need to consider the removal of hydroxyl residues after the treatment process. Thus, conventional AOPs are difficult to apply industrially on a large scale.

[0005] Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings associated with conventional water treatment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure seeks to provide a method for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology. The present disclosure also seeks to provide a system for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problems of water treatment. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that at least partially overcomes the problems encountered in the prior art and provides an efficient, stable, environmentally friendly, energy saving and cost-effective water treatment process.

[0007] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology, comprising: generating reactive oxygen species; and receiving the water and the generated reactive oxygen species into a catalytic reactor for treating the water; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0008] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology, comprising: A water supply; an oxidation chamber for generating reactive oxygen species; a catalytic reactor operably coupled to the water supply and the oxidation chamber for receiving the water and the generated reactive oxygen species and treating the water; The present invention provides a system comprising:

[0009] The embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, allowing for efficient treatment of water by eliminating organic and inorganic materials, toxins and other dissolved impurities from the water. In this regard, the water is subjected to separately generated active oxygen species to make the reaction more efficient. Furthermore, the reaction between the water and the active oxygen species occurs in the presence of a catalyst arranged as a packed bed catalyst. Advantageously, the packed bed catalyst eliminates the need to filter and recycle the catalyst during water treatment, thereby reducing operating costs.

[0010] Further aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following drawings and detailed description of illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

[0011] It will be understood that features of the present disclosure can be combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] The above summary, as well as the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, exemplary configurations of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. The disclosure is not limited, however, to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, similar elements are designated with the same numerals. Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a catalytic reactor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] In the accompanying drawings, underlined numbers are used to represent the item over which the underlined number is located or to which it is adjacent. Non-underlined numbers relate to the item identified by the line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is not underlined and has an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify the general item to which the arrow is pointing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and how they may be practiced. Although several aspects of practicing the present disclosure are disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments are possible for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure.

[0015] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology, comprising: generating reactive oxygen species; and receiving the water and the generated reactive oxygen species into a catalytic reactor for treating the water; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0016] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology, comprising: A water supply; an oxidation chamber for generating reactive oxygen species; a catalytic reactor operably coupled to the water supply and the oxidation chamber for receiving the water and the generated reactive oxygen species and treating the water; The present invention provides a system comprising:

[0017] The present disclosure provides the above-mentioned method and the above-mentioned system for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology. The method uses a combination of operations to scrub water to increase the reusability of the water. In this regard, the method includes separately generating active oxygen species to treat the water, and then feeding the generated active oxygen species and water to a catalytic reactor having an oxidation catalyst and a reduction catalyst arranged as a packed bed catalyst. Advantageously, the packed bed catalyst increases the retention time and interactive contact between the water and the active oxygen species. Moreover, advantageously, the packed bed catalyst is not lost or washed away during the process, resulting in a longer catalyst life and better consistency of the reaction. Furthermore, the method includes diffusing the generated reactive oxygen species to the catalytic reactor via a diffuser to increase the retention time and interactive contact due to the increased surface area of ​​the micro- or nano-bubbles of the reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, the method includes subjecting the water to a series of dissolved air flotation devices, aerobic reactors, and additional hydrogen peroxide to effectively treat the water.

[0018] It is understood that the water may be supplied from a natural source or may be used water from various uses, e.g., domestic, industrial, commercial, agricultural uses, surface runoff, storm water, sewage seepage, etc. Typically, such water may contain contaminants, such as constituents of physical, chemical, and biological nature. Optionally, the physical contaminants may be present in the form of suspended solids, such as suspended matter, settleable matter, colloidal matter, etc. Optionally, the chemical contaminants may be lignocellulose, cellulose, proteins, fats, inorganic particulate matter in suspension, and soluble forms of sugars, fatty acids, alcohols, amino acids, etc. Optionally, the chemical constituents may include gases, i.e., sulfur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (HS), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other heavy metals, such as zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), phosphorus (P). Optionally, the biological contaminant can be a microorganism, such as a fungus, a bacterium (eg, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Clostridium, Micrococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, and Lactobacillus), a protozoa, or the like.

[0019] The term "water treatment" as used herein refers to a process of removing contaminants from water for subsequent consumption by humans, animals or plants. In other words, water treatment may also refer to a purification process that removes impurities from water, thereby making the water reusable. Typically, water treatment uses processes such as physical processes (such as sedimentation), biological processes, chemical processes, etc. Furthermore, water treatment processes may generate by-products such as sludge, biogas, color, etc. Typically, the treatment process is carried out in a dedicated space called a water treatment plant. It is understood that water treatment plants may vary according to the hardness of the water that requires treatment (or purification). In one example, a water treatment plant for treating municipal wastewater or sewage is called a sewage treatment plant. Similarly, there may be industrial wastewater treatment plants, agricultural water treatment plants, swimming pool water treatment plants, leachate treatment plants, etc. Beneficially, water treatment prevents water contaminants from being discharged into the environment.

[0020] The term "advanced oxidation technology" (or advanced oxidation process) as used herein refers to a chemical treatment technology that uses an advanced oxidation process to remove organic and / or inorganic compounds present in water, such as wastewater, by reaction with hydroxyl radicals (OH-) to produce clean water. Hydroxyl radicals can be generated from at least one of ozone (O3), oxygen, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence of at least one of UV light and a catalyst. In this regard, organic and inorganic compounds can be converted to simple and stable compounds, such as water, carbon dioxide, and salts, with little or no sludge production, thereby eliminating the need for further treatment (downstream treatment). Furthermore, advanced oxidation technology operates in three stages, namely, the formation of hydroxyl radicals, the initial attack of the hydroxyl radicals on target molecules to break down organic and inorganic compounds into fragments, and the subsequent attack of the hydroxyl radicals until the wastewater is finally mineralized. Advantageously, advanced oxidation technology can reduce the concentration of pollutants to parts per million (ppm) to parts per billion (ppb) levels, thereby significantly reducing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) in the wastewater. Advantageously, advanced oxidation technology completely reduces organic or inorganic compounds present in the water to water molecules (H2O) by hydroxyl radicals.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes generating reactive oxygen species. As used herein, the term "reactive oxygen species" refers to highly reactive chemicals formed from oxygen (O2). Typically, reactive oxygen species act via one-electron oxidation (radical ROS species) or two-electron oxidation (non-radical ROS species). ROS can be generated exogenously (e.g., stimulated by ultraviolet light, ionizing radiation, and pollutants) or endogenously (within organelles such as mitochondria, chloroplasts, and peroxisomes) by biochemical reactions. In one example, pollutants (such as methyl viologen) react to form peroxides or ozone; chemicals that promote the formation of superoxide (e.g., quinone herbicides, nitroaromatic herbicides, and bipyrimidiurium herbicides); chemicals that are metabolized to radicals (e.g., polyhalogenated alkanes, phenols, aminophenols); or chemicals that release iron and copper, which can promote the formation of hydroxyl radicals. Advantageously, the ROS are generated in a separate process prior to feeding water to the catalytic reactor to save operational costs and increase the efficiency of the process.

[0022] Optionally, the reactive oxygen species is at least one of superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, hydroxyl ion, peroxyl radical, alkoxyl radical, hydroperoxyl radical, perhydroxyl radical, peroxide radical, hydrogen peroxide, and singlet oxygen. Optionally, ROS are primarily oxidizing agents that can oxidize other chemical elements by receiving electrons therefrom. Hydroxyl radicals are highly reactive and non-selective with organic compounds present in water. Optionally, the reactive oxygen species can also act as reducing agents depending on their oxidation state. In one example, hydrogen peroxide can act as both an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent. Superoxide anion (O2· - ) is produced by the one-electron reduction of molecular oxygen. In aqueous media, the uncharged hydroperoxyl radical (HOO·) can be formed by protonation of superoxide. The superoxide anion is used to provide a readily available source of oxygen and is a better reducing agent than an oxidizing agent. Hydrogen peroxide is a naphthalene compound that is capable of reacting with O2- is a closed-shell molecule resulting from the one-electron reduction of hydrogen peroxide, which then gives rise to the hydroxyl radical (OH · ), which undergoes reduction to produce water (or hydroxide OH-). Optionally, ROS can be generated using the Fenton reaction, which allows hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to generate free radicals when a catalyst is added or injected. Free radicals such as hydroxyl radicals can react with organic compounds around the injection point and affected area. Optionally, a strong oxidizing agent such as persulfate, which is activated as sulfate radical by ferrous iron, can be applied to modify bulky organic compounds present in the water. As used herein, the term "singlet oxygen" refers to the oxygen of the formula O=O( 1 Singlet oxygen is a strong oxidizing agent and is much more reactive towards organic compounds. In addition, peroxy radicals have a low oxidizing ability compared to hydroxyl radicals, but have a high diffusivity of reactant molecules in catalytic reactions. In addition, alkoxyl radicals have an intermediate reactivity between hydroxyl radicals and peroxy radicals. Typically, superoxide (O2· - ), hydroxyl (OH·), peroxyl (RO2·), alkoxyl (RO·), hydroperoxyl (HO2·), nitric oxide (NO·), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2·) are radical species. Typically, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorous acid (HOCl - ), ozone (O3), singlet oxygen ( 1 O2), Peroxynitrite (ONOO - ), alkyl peroxynitrite (ROONO), dinitrogen trioxide (N2O3), dinitrogen tetroxide (N2O4), nitrous acid (HNO2), nitronium anion (NO2 + ), nitroxyl anion (NO - ), nitrosyl cation (NO + ), and nitrile chloride (NO2Cl) are non-radical species.

[0023] The method further includes receiving the water and the generated active oxygen species into a catalytic reactor for treating the water. In this regard, the water is received from a water source, such as a reservoir pump station that pumps the water for water treatment. Optionally, alternatively, the water source may be a river, an underground tank, an open tank, a sewer system, an industrial wastewater source, or the like.

[0024] The term "catalytic reactor" as used herein refers to a process vessel used to carry out chemical reactions in the presence of a catalyst under appropriate process variables. In this regard, a catalytic reactor allows reactants to be in intimate contact with active sites on the catalyst for an appropriate time under appropriate process variables such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, and concentration of reactants. Furthermore, the rate of catalytic reactions is proportional to the amount of catalyst with which the reactants come into contact as well as the concentration of the reactants. Furthermore, for solid-phase catalysts and liquid-phase reactants (water and active oxygen species), the rate of catalytic reactions is proportional to the exposed area, the diffusion efficiency of the reactants, and the mixing efficiency of the reactants. Optionally, catalytic reactions may be carried out in multiple steps with different chemical reaction kinetics involving intermediates chemically bound to the catalyst. Optionally, catalytic reactions may be applied in parallel and / or sequentially to increase the capacity and cleanliness of the treated water. Optionally, the catalytic reactor is a packed-bed catalytic reactor containing at least one bed of catalyst.

[0025] Optionally, the catalytic reactor comprises: a light source providing light in the ultraviolet wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum; At least one oxidation catalyst selected from zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, vanadium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silica oxide, aluminum oxide, and lead oxide; a plurality of inlets for receiving water, generated reactive oxygen species, and additional hydrogen peroxide therein; an outlet for moving the treated water onward; Equipped with.

[0026] In this regard, optionally, the catalytic reactor uses a light source that provides therein light in the range of 10 to 400 nanometers (nm) (UV wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum). The light source may be arranged with the catalytic reactor to provide a uniform light distribution therein. Light in the above wavelength range, i.e., the ultraviolet wavelength range, allows for effective disinfection of water by killing undesirable microorganisms. In this regard, ultraviolet light, when combined with active oxygen species, may decompose the most recalcitrant compounds present in water. Optionally, the light may also act as a catalyst, thereby increasing the reaction rate in the catalytic reactor. Optionally, the light source may be a UV lamp. The UV lamp may be arranged at one or more locations in the catalytic reactor to achieve a high oxidation reaction rate between the pollutants and the active oxygen species at the liquid-gas interface.

[0027] The term "oxidation catalyst" as used herein refers to a catalyst that induces an oxidation reaction. In this regard, an oxidation catalyst allows for the transfer of oxygen atoms, hydrogen atoms, or electrons during a catalytic reaction. Advantageously, an oxidation catalyst converts harmful compounds such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and other hydrocarbons into non-toxic products such as carbon dioxide and water. Additionally, advantageously, the use of an oxidation catalyst increases the rate of oxidation (reducing the activation energy barrier) by adsorbing oxygen and harmful compounds (such as VOCs) onto its surface.

[0028] Optionally, at least one oxidation catalyst is arranged as a packed bed catalyst. As used herein, the term "packed bed catalyst" refers to a catalyst used in a packed bed reactor. Typically, a packed bed catalyst is a solid catalyst particle used to catalyze a liquid-gas reaction in a catalytic reactor. Furthermore, the reaction occurs on the surface of the packed bed catalyst. Advantageously, a packed bed catalyst allows a higher conversion of reactant molecules per catalyst weight than other catalytic reactors. Optionally, water may be pumped to the top of the catalytic reactor and flow downward through the packed bed, or vice versa (preferred embodiment of the present disclosure). Optionally, the generated active oxygen species and water may be pumped from the bottom of the catalytic reactor and passed through at least one oxidation catalyst arranged as a packed bed catalyst in the catalytic reactor to allow oxidation of organics contained in the water. Furthermore, the conversion may depend on the amount of the packed bed catalyst rather than the volume of the catalytic reactor. In particular, the packed bed catalyst may be formed using a packing material manufactured using materials such as ceramic, metal or glass. It is understood that the at least one oxidation catalyst is arranged as a packed bed catalyst to increase hydraulic residence time and interactive contact.

[0029] Optionally, the catalytic reactor further comprises at least one reduction catalyst selected from at least one of zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, vanadium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silica oxide, aluminum oxide, lead oxide, barium oxide, lithium oxide, calcium oxide, potassium oxide, magnesium oxide, and sodium oxide. As used herein, the term "reduction catalyst" refers to a catalyst that causes a reduction reaction. In this regard, the reduction catalyst is a catalyst that is capable of reducing nitrogen oxides (NO x ) to non-toxic products such as nitrogen (N2). Additionally, at least one reduction catalyst is used in the catalytic reactor to reduce NO3 -(nitrate ions) to nitrogen. In one embodiment, the catalytic reactor may only include at least one oxidation catalyst and may not include a catalyst for the reduction reaction. However, in various embodiments, the catalytic reactor may include both an oxidation catalyst and a reduction catalyst. Beneficially, having both at least one oxidation catalyst and at least one reduction catalyst in the catalytic reactor promotes the decomposition of harmful compounds into non-toxic compounds, primarily water and carbon dioxide (CO2).

[0030] Optionally, the at least one reduction catalyst is arranged as a packed bed catalyst. Optionally, the packed bed catalyst including the at least one reduction catalyst may form a structured packing in the catalytic reactor. Optionally, the packed bed catalyst is porous so that the reaction occurs within the pores, which may help improve the reaction rate.

[0031] Further, the catalytic reactor includes multiple inlets for receiving water, the generated active oxygen species, and additional hydrogen peroxide therein. Optionally, the water, the generated active oxygen species, and additional hydrogen peroxide may be injected in a batch or continuous or pulsed manner, etc. Optionally, the multiple inlets may be designed to increase the contact time and mixing of the concentrations of reactants in the catalytic reactor. Optionally, the multiple inlets may be designed based on the contact flow pattern (such as simultaneous countercurrent and crosscurrent) of the water and the generated ROS in the catalytic reactor.

[0032] In one embodiment, the water and the generated active oxygen species are admitted at a sufficient rate to a catalytic reactor that includes an oxidation catalyst, a reduction catalyst, and UV light. In this regard, optionally, the generated active oxygen species are diffused into the catalytic reactor through an inlet implemented as a diffuser. Typically, the diffuser is applied to generate micro- and nano-bubbles to increase the hydraulic residence time in the catalytic reactor and the interaction contact between the water, the generated active oxygen species, and the catalyst. Optionally, the diffuser can be used to uniformly distribute the flow of the liquid-gas mixture in all directions within the catalytic reactor.

[0033] It is understood that the generated active oxygen species may not provide a sufficient amount of hydroxyl radicals to treat water, for example, water with a high dissolved content. In this regard, an additional dose or a direct dose of hydrogen peroxide from an external source of hydrogen peroxide may be supplied to the catalytic reactor through one or more of the at least one inlet. Optionally, the external source of hydrogen peroxide may be available in liquid form in several concentrations. It is understood that the additional dose or the direct dose of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is supplied to the catalytic reactor only when the COD of the water is very high. If the COD is not high, the H2O2 generated in the oxidation chamber and supplied to the catalytic chamber is sufficient to treat the water in the catalytic reactor. Beneficially, using the generated H2O2 in the catalytic reactor without supplying additional H2O2 from outside helps to save the cost of the entire process, thereby increasing the cost efficiency of the entire method. Furthermore, optionally, H2O2 is not supplied to the catalytic reactor through a diffuser.

[0034] Additionally, the catalytic reactor includes an outlet for moving the treated water onward. Optionally, the outlet may be connected to other process equipment in the water treatment process, such as additional treatment cycles (described below), or may be connected directly to an end user.

[0035] Optionally, the reactive oxygen species are generated by oxidation of ozone produced from a supply of gas comprising oxygen (O2) in the presence of at least one oxidation catalyst and light; The light is in the ultraviolet wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum. the at least one oxidation catalyst is at least one of zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, vanadium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silica oxide, aluminum oxide, lead oxide; a first combination of at least one oxidation catalyst and light oxidizing ozone to form reactive oxygen species; A second combination of at least one oxidation catalyst and light oxidizes the ozone in the presence of a hydrogen (H)-containing substance to form hydrogen peroxide.

[0036] Ozone is an inorganic molecule with the chemical formula O3. In nature, ozone is formed from dioxygen (O2) by the action of ultraviolet (UV) light and electrical discharges in the Earth's atmosphere. Ozone is typically a light blue gas with a distinctive pungent odor and is much less stable than the diatomic allotrope O2. Ozone oxidation allows the ozone molecule to lose electrons or break down into simpler entities such as oxygen atoms and hydroxyl radicals, generating an even higher oxidation potential than ozone, which is useful for water treatment. Beneficially, the increased number of OH-radicals initiates an advanced oxidation process, whereby dissolved pollutants are oxidized by both ozone (directly) and OH-radicals (indirectly). Furthermore, the high oxidation potential allows the oxygen molecule to react with a variety of organic and inorganic compounds present in water that cannot be easily oxidized by other chemicals.

[0037] Further, the oxidation of ozone occurs in the oxidation chamber. Optionally, the oxidation chamber may be a hermetically sealed chamber having an inlet for feeding a gas containing ozone (O3) (or a gas containing oxygen atoms (O)) into the oxidation chamber from its supply. In addition to the input for feeding ozone or a gas containing oxygen atoms, the oxidation chamber comprises at least one oxidation catalyst, a light source for feeding light in the ultraviolet wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum, and an outlet for feeding reactive oxygen species forward. Optionally, a high voltage source may be used to convert the gas containing oxygen (O2) into ozone (O3) and a gas containing oxygen atoms (O). Optionally, the high voltage source may be communicatively coupled at one end to an inlet for feeding the gas containing ozone and / or oxygen atoms into the oxidation chamber, and at another end to another inlet for feeding the gas containing oxygen (O2) from its supply. In this regard, the separate inlet supplies a gas containing oxygen (O2) to a high voltage source for converting it to ozone, and a gas containing oxygen atoms that is fed to an oxidation chamber for the generation of active oxygen species. Advantageously, after generating the active oxygen species in the oxidation chamber, feeding it further onwards, for example into a catalytic reactor, helps reduce the cost of the process.

[0038] It is understood that the at least one oxidation catalyst of the oxidation chamber is similar to the at least one oxidation catalyst of the catalytic reactor described above. In the oxidation chamber, the at least one oxidation catalyst, together with light, causes the oxidation of oxygen atoms or molecules to generate active oxygen species. The light is typically in the ultraviolet wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum ranging from 10 to 400 nm. Alternatively, optionally, ROS can be rapidly generated by radiolysis of substances containing hydrogen (H) by ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays) or by UV light irradiation of H2O2. Optionally, the at least one oxidation catalyst, such as zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, vanadium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silica oxide, aluminum oxide, lead oxide, etc., has different effects on gases containing oxygen atoms (O), preferably ozone (O3), to generate active oxygen species.

[0039] The first combination of at least one oxidation catalyst and light oxidizes ozone to form reactive oxygen species, such as singlet oxygen. Additionally, other reactive oxygen species are formed as ozonide radical anions (O -3), superoxide anion, etc. Optionally, the first combination of at least one oxidation catalyst may include ZnO and TiO2 supports on clay. The second combination of at least one oxidation catalyst and light oxidizes ozone in the presence of a substance containing hydrogen (H) to form hydrogen peroxide and other active oxygen species. Optionally, the second combination of at least one oxidation catalyst may include an iron oxide support on clay, UV light, and a substance containing hydrogen in a feed gas containing oxygen atoms, preferably ozone (O3), and hydrogen peroxide is produced. Advantageously, the hydrogen peroxide produced is then introduced into the catalytic reactor, and no additional hydrogen peroxide is provided from an external source, thereby saving costs when the COD of the water is low. It is understood that the active oxygen species produced from the oxidation reaction by the second combination of at least one oxidation catalyst, such as an iron oxide support on clay, is not as high as the active oxygen species produced from the oxidation reaction by the first combination of at least one oxidation catalyst, such as ZnO and TiO2.

[0040] Optionally, the water is pretreated prior to receiving the water in the catalytic reactor, where the water is pretreated using dissolved air flotation or filtration techniques. As used herein, the term "pretreatment" refers to pretreatment prior to catalytic processing of the water in the catalytic reactor. In this regard, the water is pretreated to reduce the levels of toxic metal ions, disease-causing microorganisms, organic and inorganic compounds in the form of sludge therein.

[0041] Optionally, dissolved air flotation technology is used to pre-treat the water. As used herein, the term "dissolved air flotation technology", abbreviated as DAF, refers to a water treatment process that dissolves air in water under high pressure and then releases the supplied air to a dissolved air flotation device at atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the supplied air forms small bubbles (macrobubbles or microbubbles) that attach to suspended matter present in the water and suspend the suspended matter to the water surface. DAF technology is typically used to remove suspended solids, fats, oils, grease and insoluble organic matter from water, such as wastewater or water with varying COD / BOD / TOC. Typically, water flows through a pipe in a flotation tank, which is designed to supply chemicals, such as coagulants, to the water stream to break its emulsion. Furthermore, multiple ports are installed throughout the pipe to sample the water at a series of positions and add chemicals as needed. DAF includes a pump to dissolve air in the supplied water to allow maximum attachment to the particles. Micro (or macro) air bubbles attached to lighter particles cause them to rise to the surface while the heavier suspended particles settle onto the discharge cone. Treated water leaves the DAF while suspended waste particles are skimmed from the top into a sludge collector. Optionally, dissolved air flotation technology creates air bubbles within the system, thereby increasing the surface contact of the air bubbles with the organic and inorganic compounds in the water. Additionally, the air bubbles allow the organic and inorganic compounds to form an emulsion or scum that floats to the surface of the water and is then separated from the water surface.

[0042] Optionally, the dissolved air flotation technology is a nano dissolved air flotation technology. As used herein, the term "nano dissolved air flotation technology" refers to a dissolved air flotation technology that uses nano-sized air bubbles to treat water. Typically, the nanobubbles may be less than 5000 nanometers (nm) in size. The nanobubbles may also be formed using any gas that is fed into the water. Optionally, the nanobubbles may be less than 1000 nm, less than 500 nm, less than 100 nm, for example. Beneficially, depending on the size of the bubbles, the nano dissolved air flotation technology exhibits properties that improve physical, chemical, and biological processes. In this regard, the nano dissolved air flotation technology increases the surface contact of the nanobubbles with the water, thereby increasing the biological activity of biological enzymes to remove toxins and inhibit algae growth. Additionally, the nanobubbles reduce the size of the dissolved air flotation equipment, thereby reducing design and operating costs.

[0043] The method further includes subjecting the treated water to at least one of an additional dissolved air flotation device and an aerobic reactor to produce purified water. It is understood that the additional dissolved air flotation device is similar to the dissolved air flotation device described above. The additional dissolved air flotation device improves the quality of the water, i.e., improves the treated water from the catalytic reactor by further processing it for use by humans, animals and plants. The term "aerobic reactor" as used herein refers to a configuration for carrying out a chemical (or biochemical) process in the presence of oxygen, where oxygen serves as the terminal electron acceptor. Typically, the aerobic reactor consists of an agitator, baffles, spargers and jackets to provide different physiological conditions required for the chemical (or biochemical) process. Optionally, the aerobic reactor can be used in biological water treatment to allow assimilation of organic matter and dissolved nutrients in the treated water and remove (or limit) soluble components from the treated water. In particular, the oxygen present acts as an electron acceptor in oxidizing organic matter, resulting in high energy yield and significant production of sludge due to the rapid growth of bacteria under aerobic conditions. Furthermore, the aerobic reactor consists of a disinfection process to remove or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms or any other living microorganisms to ensure that the treated water is clean, odorless, and can be reused. Optionally, the above chemical process may be governed by several factors such as temperature, enzymes, pH, major and micronutrients, gas-to-liquid mass transfer, and trace elements in the water. Optionally, a minimum critical concentration of dissolved oxygen may be maintained in the substrate to keep the microorganisms active. Optionally, the aerobic reactor may be a simply designed open lagoon or oxidation pond, a mechanically stirred tank reactor, a fixed bed reactor, etc. The treated water received from the catalytic reactor is then passed through the aerobic reactor for further processing to produce clean water. Optionally, the aerobic reactors may be arranged in series or parallel to produce clean water. Moreover, aerobic reactors may be applied in series to obtain the minimum COD value. Moreover, aerobic reactors may be applied in parallel to increase the amount of clean water obtained after the water treatment process.

[0044] The term "clean water" as used herein refers to treated water obtained as an end product after completion of a water treatment process. In this regard, the treated water is clean and may have a reduction in BOD of about 60 to 80%, achieving a BOD of less than 20 mg / l. Additionally, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) is an estimate of the oxygen consumed by water as a result of bacterial action. Optionally, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the clean water is reduced sufficiently to make the contaminated water suitable for reuse. Optionally, the clean water may have a COD of less than 120 mg / l. Additionally, the clean water has reduced suspended solids and a level of bacteria and other pathogens reduced by about 90 to 99%. Optionally, the clean water may be high quality clean water. High quality clean water may have no or low bacteria and low contamination of all inorganic and organic substances such that it can be used for domestic and industrial consumption (such as food production).

[0045] In one embodiment, the method and system for water treatment using the improved advanced oxidation technology can be used in applications with less toxins and soluble materials in the water. Furthermore, the method can be used in swimming water treatment processes, fruit or vegetable toxicity destruction, water reservoirs, etc. Furthermore, the method can be applied to applications that require high quality water. It is understood that the source of water for such applications has significantly lower COD / BOD / TOC in the water. Thus, the above applications may not require pre-treatment or post-treatment steps using DAF, aerobic treatment steps, or any other additional steps apart from the catalytic treatment of the water.

[0046] The present disclosure also relates to such a system. The various embodiments and variants disclosed above apply mutatis mutandis to the system.

[0047] It is understood that the catalytic reactor is operatively coupled to a water supply and an oxidation chamber for receiving the water and the generated active oxygen species and treating the water. It is understood that the water and the generated active oxygen species are received into the catalytic reactor in batches or continuously.

[0048] Optionally, the system further comprises a dissolved air flotation or filtration device coupled to the supply of water for pre-treating the supplied water.

[0049] Optionally, the dissolved air flotation technique is a nano dissolved air flotation technique.

[0050] Optionally, the oxidation chamber generates reactive oxygen species by oxidation of ozone generated from a supply of gas comprising oxygen (O2) in the presence of at least one oxidation catalyst and light, the oxidation chamber comprising: an inlet for supplying a gas containing atomic oxygen (O), preferably ozone (O3), into the oxidation chamber; a light source providing light in the ultraviolet wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum; at least one oxidation catalyst selected from at least one of zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, vanadium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silica oxide, aluminum oxide, and lead oxide; a first combination of at least one oxidation catalyst and light oxidizing ozone to form reactive oxygen species; a second combination of at least one oxidation catalyst and light oxidizes ozone in the presence of a substance comprising hydrogen (H) to form hydrogen peroxide; An outlet for supplying reactive oxygen species forward Equipped with.

[0051] Optionally, the catalytic reactor comprises: a light source providing light in the ultraviolet wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum; at least one oxidation catalyst arranged as a packed bed catalyst; a plurality of inlets for receiving water, generated reactive oxygen species, and additional hydrogen peroxide therein; an outlet for moving the treated water onward; Equipped with.

[0052] Optionally, the at least one oxidation catalyst is selected from at least one of zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, vanadium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silica oxide, aluminum oxide, lead oxide.

[0053] Optionally, the catalytic reactor further comprises at least one reduction catalyst selected from at least one of zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, vanadium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silica oxide, aluminum oxide, lead oxide, barium oxide, lithium oxide, calcium oxide, potassium oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium oxide.

[0054] Optionally, the at least one reduction catalyst is arranged as a packed bed catalyst.

[0055] Optionally, the inlet for receiving the generated reactive oxygen species is implemented as a diffuser, which diffuses the received generated reactive oxygen species into the catalytic reactor.

[0056] Optionally, the system further comprises at least one of an additional dissolved air flotation unit and an aerobic reactor to treat the treated water to produce purified water.

[0057] Detailed Description of the Drawings 1, a flow chart 100 is shown illustrating steps of a method for treating water using an improved advanced oxidation technique, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 102, reactive oxygen species are generated. In step 104, water and the generated reactive oxygen species are received in a catalytic reactor for treating the water. Further, in step 102, in the presence of an oxidation catalyst and light, hydrogen peroxide is also generated in addition to other reactive oxygen species.

[0058] Steps 102 and 104 are merely examples, and other alternatives may be provided in which one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different order without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a system 200 for water treatment using advanced oxidation technology is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 200 comprises a water supply 202 for supplying water and an oxidation chamber 204 for generating active oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide. The system 200 comprises a catalytic reactor 206 operably coupled to the water supply 202 and the oxidation chamber 204 for receiving the water and the generated active oxygen species and treating the water. Additionally, the system 200 comprises a dissolved air flotation device (or filtration device) 208 coupled to the water supply 202 for pre-treating the supplied water. The system 200 includes multiple inlets, e.g., inlet 210, to the catalytic reactor 206 for supplying water, the generated active oxygen species, and other inputs (such as additional hydrogen peroxide) to the catalytic reactor 206. The system 200 further comprises at least one of an additional dissolved air flotation device 212 and an aerobic reactor 214 for treating the treated water to generate purified water.

[0060] As shown, the oxidation chamber 204 generates reactive oxygen species by oxidation of ozone generated from a supply of gas containing oxygen (O2) in the presence of at least one oxidation catalyst, such as at least one first set of oxidation catalysts 216 and at least one second set of oxidation catalysts 218, and light. Additionally, the oxidation chamber 204 includes an inlet 220 for supplying a gas containing oxygen atoms (O), preferably ozone (O3), into the oxidation chamber 204, a light source 222 for supplying light in the ultraviolet wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum, at least one oxidation catalyst, such as at least one first set of oxidation catalysts 216 and at least one second set of oxidation catalysts 218, and an outlet 210 for supplying the reactive oxygen species forward. It is understood that the supply of gas containing oxygen (O2) is initially supplied to a high voltage source 226 via another inlet 224 as shown. As shown, the inlet 220 is separate from the other inlet 224. In particular, high voltage source 226 may be used to convert a gas containing oxygen (O2) into ozone (O3). In this regard, high voltage source 226 may be communicatively coupled at separate ends thereof to inlet 220 and inlet 224. Optionally, inlet 224 may be used to supply O2 to high voltage source 226, where it is converted to ozone and then passed to oxidation chamber 204 via inlet 220.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of a catalytic reactor 300 is shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the catalytic reactor 300 comprises at least one light source 302 for providing light in the ultraviolet wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum and at least one oxidation catalyst 304 arranged as a packed bed catalyst. Furthermore, the catalytic reactor further comprises at least one reduction catalyst 306 arranged as a packed bed catalyst. Furthermore, the catalytic reactor 300 comprises multiple inlets, e.g., inlet 308, for receiving water, generated active oxygen species, and additional hydrogen peroxide therein. It is understood that the multiple inlets, such as inlet 308, are implemented as diffusers 310 for feeding (by diffusing) the generated active oxygen species to the catalytic reactor 300. Furthermore, the catalytic reactor 300 comprises an outlet 312 for moving the treated water forward.

[0062] Modifications may be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims. The terms "including," "comprising," "incorporating," "have," "is," and the like, used to describe and claim the present disclosure, are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., to allow for the presence of items, components, or elements not expressly recited. References to the singular should also be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

1. 1. A method for water treatment using improved advanced oxidation technology, comprising: generating reactive oxygen species; and receiving the water and said generated reactive oxygen species into a catalytic reactor for treating the water; A method comprising:

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the water is pretreated prior to being received by the catalytic reactor, the water being pretreated using dissolved air flotation or filtration techniques.

3. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the dissolved air flotation technique is a nano dissolved air flotation technique.

4. The reactive oxygen species is converted to oxygen (O ２ ), produced by the oxidation of ozone produced from a gas supply containing the light is in the ultraviolet wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum; the at least one oxidation catalyst is at least one of zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, vanadium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silica oxide, aluminum oxide, lead oxide; a first combination of the at least one oxidation catalyst and the light oxidizing ozone to form the reactive oxygen species; 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second combination of the at least one oxidation catalyst and the light oxidizes ozone in the presence of a substance comprising hydrogen (H) to form hydrogen peroxide.

5. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the reactive oxygen species is at least one of a superoxide anion, a hydroxyl radical, a hydroxyl ion, a peroxyl radical, an alkoxyl radical, a hydroperoxyl radical, a perhydroxyl radical, a peroxide radical, hydrogen peroxide, and singlet oxygen.

6. The catalytic reactor comprises: a light source for providing light in the ultraviolet wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum; at least one oxidation catalyst selected from zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, vanadium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silica oxide, aluminum oxide, and lead oxide; a plurality of inlets for receiving therein the water, the generated reactive oxygen species, and additional hydrogen peroxide; an outlet for moving the treated water onward; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the at least one oxidation catalyst is arranged as a packed bed catalyst.

8. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the catalytic reactor further comprises at least one reduction catalyst selected from at least one of zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, vanadium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silica oxide, aluminum oxide, lead oxide, barium oxide, lithium oxide, calcium oxide, potassium oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium oxide.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the at least one reduction catalyst is arranged as a packed bed catalyst.

10. 10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising subjecting the treated water to at least one of an additional dissolved air flotation unit and an aerobic reactor to produce purified water.

11. 1. A system for water treatment using advanced oxidation technology, comprising: A water supply; an oxidation chamber for generating reactive oxygen species; a catalytic reactor operably coupled to the water supply and the oxidation chamber for receiving the water and the generated reactive oxygen species and treating the water; A system comprising:

12. 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a dissolved air flotation or filtration device coupled to said supply of water for pre-treating said supply of water.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the dissolved air flotation technology is a nano dissolved air flotation technology.

14. The oxidation chamber is configured to oxidize oxygen (O ２ oxidizing ozone produced from a gas supply comprising: Ozone (O ３ an inlet for supplying a gas containing a light source for providing light in the ultraviolet wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum; at least one oxidation catalyst selected from at least one of zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, vanadium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silica oxide, aluminum oxide, and lead oxide; a first combination of the at least one oxidation catalyst and the light oxidizing ozone to form the reactive oxygen species; an oxidation catalyst, wherein the second combination of the at least one oxidation catalyst and the light oxidizes ozone in the presence of a substance comprising hydrogen (H) to form hydrogen peroxide; an outlet for supplying the reactive oxygen species forward; The system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising:

15. The catalytic reactor comprises: a light source for providing light in the ultraviolet wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum; at least one oxidation catalyst arranged as a packed bed catalyst; a plurality of inlets for receiving therein the water, the generated reactive oxygen species, and additional hydrogen peroxide; an outlet for moving the treated water onward; The system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, comprising:

16. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one oxidation catalyst is selected from at least one of zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, vanadium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silica oxide, aluminum oxide, and lead oxide.

17. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the catalytic reactor further comprises at least one reduction catalyst selected from at least one of zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, tungsten oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, palladium oxide, platinum oxide, copper oxide, silver oxide, vanadium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, silica oxide, aluminum oxide, lead oxide, barium oxide, lithium oxide, calcium oxide, potassium oxide, magnesium oxide, and sodium oxide.

18. The system of claim 17 , wherein the at least one reduction catalyst is arranged as a packed bed catalyst.

19. 19. The system of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the inlet for receiving the generated reactive oxygen species is implemented as a diffuser, the diffuser diffusing the received generated reactive oxygen species into the catalytic reactor.

20. 20. The system of any one of claims 11 to 19, further comprising at least one of an additional dissolved air flotation unit and an aerobic reactor for treating the treated water to produce purified water.

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