Flow through sonolytic reactor for waste treatment

Abstract

A flow through sonolytic reactor for treating water contaminants includes a body forming a chamber. The body has a first open end and a second open end defining a flow path from the first open end to the second open end. A first piezoelectric oscillator disposed on the body. At least a second piezo oscillator disposed on the body, spaced from the first piezo oscillator. The first piezo oscillator and the second piezo oscillator vibrating a fluid flowing through the chamber. A first end connector positioned within the first opening is configured to enable water contaminants to flow into the chamber. A second end connector positioned within the second opening is configured to enable water contaminants to flow from the chamber.

Description

[0001] FLOW THROUGH SONOLYTIC REACTOR FOR WASTE TREATMENT

[0002] [1] This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 73,666 filed April 3, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] [2] The present invention is directed to a structure for treating liquid and solid slurry waste and more particularly a flow through structure for treating by destroying water contaminants, including, but not limited to, per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PF AS”).

[0005] [3] As known in the art, PFAS is used for a wide range of consumer and industrial products, including firefighting foams. These foams have been used in numerous sites around the world in firefighting training areas, aqueous film forming foam storage areas, firefighting equipment areas, and emergency response sites among others.

[0006] [4] The release of PFAS containing foams through firefighting training, equipment testing, incident response, storage or spillage has resulted in soil and groundwater contamination. At the same time PFAS compounds are being regulated to increasingly lower concentrations and are extremely persistent and mobile in the environment requiring remediation. PFAS is a known pollutant with health ramifications.

[0007] [5] However, PFAS are extremely persistent and mobile in the environment. As result PFAS do not lend themselves to conventional remediation. Prior art remediation techniques utilize initial separation / concentration (waste minimization). The resulting sold / liquid waste is then either incinerated or disposed of in a landfill. However, effective destruction of PFAS requires incineration temperatures exceeding 1273 K, which is energy intensive, expensive, and unsuitable for most sites. It further suffers from the disadvantage that incineration may be incomplete, and even if successful results incinerator emissions of unhealthy byproducts. As a result, the United Sates department of defense has placed a temporary prohibition on incineration of PFAS materials.

[0008] [6] Accordingly, a structure and methodology to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art is desired.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [7] A flow through sonolytic reactor for treating PFAS includes a body forming a chamber. The body has a first open end and a second open end defining a flow path through the chamber from the first open end to the second open end. A first piezoelectric oscillator is disposed on the body. At least a second piezo oscillator is disposed on the body, spaced from the first piezo oscillator. The first piezo oscillator and the second piezo oscillator vibrating a fluid flowing through the chamber. A first end connector positioned within the first opening is configured to enable PFAS to flow into the chamber. A second end connector positioned within the second opening is configured to enable PFAS to flow from the chamber.

[0011] [8] In a further embodiment of the invention a first body is coupled to a second body to increase the flow path of the fluid being treated.

[0012] [9] In yet another embodiment of the invention , an inert gas, or non-inert gas, is injected into the chamber at the first end connector and exits at the second end connector.

[0013]

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the invention, an amendment, like persulfate or catalysts, by way of non-limiting example, is injected into the chamber to assist with the degradation of water contaminants in the chamber.

[0011] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a chilling unit is coupled along a flow path between a PF AS source and the first opening to chill the PFAS prior to entering the chamber.

[0014]

[0012] In still another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of cooling channels are disposed on the body along the flow path of the PFAS within the chamber.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]

[0013] The present disclosure will be better understood by reading the written description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout in which:

[0017]

[0014] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a sonolytic reactor constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0018]

[0015] Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 ;

[0019]

[0016] Fig. 3 i s a top perspective view of an end cap for the sonolyti c reactor constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0020]

[0017] Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of a mounting base for the sonolytic reactor constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0021]

[0018] Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of a connector for the sonolytic reactor constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0022]

[0019] Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of a sonolytic reactor constructed in a ganged configuration in accordance with the invention;

[0023]

[0020] Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a system utilizing the sonolytic reactor constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0024]

[0021] Fig. 8 is a perspective view a system utilizing multiple sonolytic reactors constructed in accordance with the invention; and

[0022] Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a sonolytic reactor constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026]

[0023] Reference is now made to Figs, land 2 wherein a sonolytic reactor, generally indicated as 100, and constructed in accordance with the invention, is provided. Reactor 100 includes a hollow body 102 having a first open end 110 and a second, preferably opposed in a non-limiting embodiment, open end to provide a fluid flow path between open ends. Body 102 may be any shape that permits flow of fluid therethrough and is preferably tubular. Body 102 is fluid tight, in other words, fluid only flows between the open ends and not through the walls of body 102. In preferred non limiting embodiment body 102 is sonically conductive. Body 102 can be of any length or any sonically conductive material, but is preferably made from aluminum, and is from about six inches to two feet in length.

[0027]

[0024] A plurality of frequency generators 104a-104n are disposed about the body 102 and are arranged to induce a frequency within body 102; preferably at the high frequency end of the aural spectrum, such as from 600 kHz to 1000kHz. Each generator 104 includes a frame 106. A respective piezoelectric oscillator 108 is mounted to a respective frame 106. In a preferred non limiting embodiment piezoelectric oscillators 108a-108n are disposed equidistant from each other about body 102. In a non-limiting preferred embodiment, it is within the scope of the invention for piezoelectric oscillators to be embedded within body 102; without the need for frame 106.

[0028]

[0025] As seen a first end of body 102 has threads, preferably internal threads, 112. Although not shown the opposed end of body 102 is threaded. Another structure for connecting successive modules is the use of external clamps, such as a quick release round clamps, by way of non-limiting example.

[0026] Reference is now made to Fig. 3 in which an end cap generally indicated as 200 is provided. End cap 200 includes a base 202. A stopper 204, dimensioned for sealing an end of body 102, includes threads 206 for engaging threads 112, by way of example, within either end of body 102. Again, clamps may be used in place of threads in a non-limiting embodiment. A first opening 208 extends through end cap 200. A second opening 210 extends through end cap 210; each providing a fluid flow path from the interior of sonolytic reactor 100 to the exterior thereof.

[0029]

[0027] Reference is now made to Fig. 4 in which a mounting base generally indicated as 300 is provided. Mounting base 300 includes a base 302. A stopper 304, dimensioned for sealing an end of body 102, includes threads 310 for engaging threads within either end of body 102. In a non-limiting embodiment, a first opening 306 extends through mounting base 300. In a non-limiting embodiment, a second opening 308 extends through base 302; each providing a fluid flow path from the interior of sonolytic reactor 100 to the exterior thereof.

[0030]

[0028] During use end cap 200 is inserted in one end of body 102 and mounting base 300 is inserted in the opposed end of body 102. The respective threads 206 and 304 cooperate with threads 112 at the respective openings to substantially seal sonolytic reactor 100, but for the respective openings in each of end cap 200 and mounting base 300. Again, in a non-limiting embodiment, threads may be replaced by respective end caps.

[0031]

[0029] During use, in a preferred non limiting embodiment, fluid containing PF AS is input under pressure at the first opening 306 of base 300. The fluid flows through body 102 exiting at the first opening 210 of end cap 200 to exit body 102. While fluid is flowing within body 102, frequency generators 104a-l 04n are energized to create a high frequency sound projected to the interior of body 102 vibrating the fluid as it flows through body 102 to cause PF AS degradation in the fluid. The frequency is between 100 kHz to 1000 kHz, and preferably, in a non-limiting embodiment, between 600 kHz and 800kHz.

[0030] In a preferred non limiting embodiment, the longer the operating time of the frequency generators 104a-104n on the PF AS containing fluid, the better the results. One way to accomplish this is by increasing the flow path subject to the high frequency generators 104a-104n. In a preferred non limiting embodiment sonolytic reactors 100 may be coupled in series to increase the flow path.

[0032]

[0031] Reference is now made to Figs. 5 and 6 in which successive bodies 102 are connected to increase the flow path in accordance with the invention. Like numbers are utilized to indicate like structure throughout the figures. A first sonolytic reactor 100a is operatively coupled, preferably in end-to-end fashion, to a second sonolytic reactor 100b. Each of sonolytic reactors 100a, 100b includes a plurality of high frequency generators 104a-104n for projecting high frequency sound waves into respective sonolytic reactors 100a, 100b as the fluid to be treated flows therethrough.

[0033]

[0032] A connector 400 operatively couples first sonolytic reactor 100a to second sonolytic reactor 100b. Connector 400 includes a base platform 406 with a first threaded (or clamp) coupler 402 extending from base 406 in a first direction. A second threaded (or clamp) coupler 404 extends from base 406 in a second opposed direction from first threaded coupler 402. An opening 408 extends through the length of platform 406 and has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of each of sonolytic reactors 100a, 100b.

[0034]

[0033] Once sonolytic reactors 100a, 100b are coupled to each other by connector 400, mounting base 300 is secured to sonolytic reactor 100b by way of non-limiting example. End cap 200 is affixed to sonolytic reactor 100a in effect forming an extended treatment flow path into mounting base 300 through sonolytic reactor 100a and 100b and through end cap 200.

[0035]

[0034] The influent to the sonolytic reactors may be pre-treated using different technologies, such as chemical oxidation, including but not limited to heat-activated persulfate, ball milling, catalytic treatment, ion-exchange, GAC, etc. to either remove / degrade PFAS or other matrix components thereby assisting with sonolytic degradation of PFAS in the sonolytic reactor.

[0036]

[0035] Reference is now made to Fig. 7 wherein a system, generally indicated as 1000, for destroying PFAS utilizing a plurality of operatively coupled sonolytic reactor 100 is provided. Like numerals are used to describe like structure. A source 500 of PFAS contaminated water such as aqueous film (“AFFF”) forming foams provides PFAS contaminated liquids, preferably as a continuous source, to a sonolytic reactor 1500, formed in a preferred, non-limiting example from multiple sonolytic reactors lOOa-lOOe arranged in series; capped at respective ends by a mounting base 300 and end cap 200. As discussed below sonolytic reactor 1500 includes a plurality of high frequency generators 104a-104n disposed thereabout.

[0037]

[0036] In a non-limiting preferred embodiment, the fluid is chilled along the fluid flow path by a chiller 1600. Preferably chiller 1600 is in fluid communication downstream of source 500, and upstream of sonolytic reactor 1500.

[0038]

[0037] A pump 1800 is disposed along the fluid flow path between fluid source 500 and first inlet 306 (Fig. 4) of a base 300 of sonolytic reactor 100a of sonolytic reactor 1500. As discussed below, fluid to be treated, with or without amendment, enters first inlet 306 under pressure and flows through respective sonolytic reactors, 100a-l OOe where it is subj ect to high frequency agitation. The treated fluid flows through end cap 200 through first opening 210. It should be noted that fluid may proceed through reactor 1500 under the influence of gravity, removing or reducing the need for pump 1800.

[0039]

[0038] A Noble gas, such as Argon, in a preferred non limiting embodiment, may be input to the sonolytic reactor at second opening 308 and flow through the sonolytic reactor, out through second opening 208 of end cap 200. Introduction of the noble gas conducts heat from the reaction within the sonolytic reactor which increases degradation of the PFAS within the fluid.

[0039] The treated fluid may then be collected in a collection tank or drum 800 either for reuse, or may be input to another treatment technology or returned to fluid source 500 for further treatment.

[0040]

[0040] A control panel 700 is operatively coupled to high frequency generators 104a-104n for controlling the vibration frequency thereof. It should be noted that in a preferred non limiting embodiment, each of high frequency generators 104a-104n can be operated independently of the others. In this way any and all of the high frequency generators 104a-104n can operate at a different frequency than the others during operation. Frequencies can be differentiated as a position about body 102, so that a group of adjacent high frequency generators can operate at one frequency while other groups about body 102 can operate at different frequencies. In this way a destructive wave pattern within sonolytic reactor 1500 can be changed in accordance with the invention.

[0041]

[0041] During processing by a respective sonolytic reactor 100, Localized Super Critical Conditions, Pyrolysis of compounds at the Interface, generation of Radical, and Hydrated Electrons is achieved. This can be achieved by numerous micro-nano scale transient cavitation caused in the bulk liquid by high frequency acoustic irradiation of the liquid. Acoustic pressure applied to the liquid causes fluctuation in the liquid density resulting in nucleation of voids / cavities which continue to grow and eventually collapse as they cannot sustain the local high pressures created by the interplay of inertial forces at the cavity- bulk interface opposing the acoustically driven expansion and compression of the cavity. The kinetic energy of the cavity and the surface energy generated at the interface of the cavity and compressible liquid is converted into extreme pressure, temperature, shockwave, and chemical energy during the implosion of the cavity. The hydrophilic PFAS headgroups align to the bulk liquid while the hydrophobic fluorocarbon chain aligns to the vapor phase inside the cavity. Acoustically induced extreme environments generate localized supercritical conditions and highly reactive radicals, including solvated electrons. The combination of these extreme conditions pyrolyze the headgroup from the fluorocarbon chain, which is further broken down to aqueous fluoride, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide over various cavitation events. This process is applied by the invention to PF AS compounds.

[0042]

[0042] Reference is now made to Fig. 9 in which a sonolytic reactor 2000 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is provided. The primary difference in sonolytic reactor 2000 being that the cooling structure and vibration structure are disposed within the walls of the body. Sonolytic reactor 2000 includes a number of panels 2004a -2004n attached in side-by-side fashion to form a hollow cylinder defining a fluid flow path. It is well within the scope of the invention to form sonolytic reactor 2000 as a unitary pipe structure; no panels.

[0043]

[0043] Using panel 2004a as an exemplary panel for ease of description, a high frequency generator 2006a is disposed within panel 2004a. High frequency generator 2006a is a piezoelectric resonator in a preferred non limiting embodiment. A cooling structure in the form of a pipe 2008a is disposed between adjacent panels 2004 and preferably between adjacent piezoelectric generators 2006. Fluid, preferably water, flows within pipes 2008a-2008n to prevent overheating of sonolytic resonator 200. In a preferred non limiting embodiment, sonolytic reactor 2000 is a dodecahedron.

[0044]

[0044] During use sonolytic resonator 2000 is capped at each end and fluids flow therethrough for treatment as described above. In a preferred non limiting embodiment, High frequency generator 2006 operates at a frequency between 600 kHz and 800 kHz.

[0045]

[0045] In operation, as discussed above, to increase the treatment path, and in turn, the treatment period, sonolytic reactors 100 may be coupled in series to increase the flow path. However, it is also well within the scope of the invention to couple a series of sonolytic reactors, as discussed above, coupled in parallel as well as series. Reference is now made to Fig. 8, in which a system for treating fluids is provided. Like numbers are utilized for like structure, the primary difference being the serial placement of sonolytic reactors in a flow path.

[0046] A system 8000 of sonolytic reactors 1500a-1500n are disposed in series. A source 500 of PFAS contaminated water, such as aqueous fdm forming foams, provides PFAS contaminated liquids, preferably as a continuous source, to a first sonolytic reactor 1500a. Pump 1800 is disposed along the fluid flow path between fluid source 500 and first sonolytic converter 1500a to input the contaminated fluid under pressure. As discussed above, pump 1800 inputs the contaminated water to a first inlet of a base 300 (not shown) of sonolytic reactor 1500a. As discussed above, fluid to be treated enters first inlet 306 under pressure and flows through sonolytic reactor 1500 where it is subject to high frequency agitation. The treated fluid flows though end cap 200a through first opening 210 into a pipe 8002a fluidly coupling sonolytic reactor 1500a to a base of second sonolytic reactor 1500b for further treatment as described above. A pipe 8002b fluidly couples sonolytic reactor 1500b to a base of a third sonolytic reactor 1500c for further treatment as described above. A pipe 8002c fluidly couples sonolytic reactor 1500c to a base of a fourth sonolytic reactor 1500d for further treatment as described above. A pipe 8002d fluidly couples sonolytic reactor 1500d to a base of a fifth sonolytic reactor 1500e for further treatment as described above. A pipe 8002e fluidly couples sonolytic reactor 1500e to a base of a sixth sonolytic reactor 1500f for further treatment as described above. A pipe 8002f fluidly couples sonolytic reactor 1500f to a base of a seventh sonolytic reactor 1500g for further treatment as described above. A pipe 8002g fluidly couples sonolytic reactor 1500g to a base of an eight sonolytic reactor 1500h for further treatment as described above. A pipe 8002h fluidly couples sonolytic reactor 1500h to a base of an nth sonolytic reactor 1500n for further treatment as described above.

[0046]

[0047] The treated fluid of nth sonolytic reactor 1500n is then output through a pipe 8002n to a treated water collector 800. The fluid may be recycled to source 500, but it has now been treated n times. As can be seen in a Fig. 8, in a preferred non limiting embodiment each of the n sonolytic reactors 1500 is oriented vertically. Again, operation is under the control of control panel 700. It should be noted that dependent on the geography of the location, sonolytic reactors 1500 may be laid out in a single row, or grouped in sets of 2-n, groups of three being shown in Fig. 8.

[0047]

[0048] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and in the construction set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0048]

[0049] This system (figure 8) can be mounted in a mobile trailer and transported to different sites allowing it to be mobile or deployed as a central treatment facility in a region where the waste is brought to be treated and disposed of.

[0049]

[0050] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A flow through sonolytic reactor for treating water contaminants comprises: a body forming a chamber, the body having a first open end and a second open end defining a flow path through the chamber from the first open end to the second open end; a first frequency generator disposed on the body along the flow path; at least a second frequency generator disposed on the body along the flow path, spaced from the first frequency generator so that a fluid flowing along the flow path passes between the first frequency generator and the second frequency generator, the first frequency generator and the second frequency generator vibrating a fluid flowing through the chamber; and a first end connector positioned within the first opening configured to enable water contaminants to flow into the chamber.

2. The flow through sonolytic converter of claim 1, wherein the water contaminant is PFAS.

3. The flow through sonolytic converter of claim 1, further comprising a second end connector disposed within the second opening and configured to enable water contaminants to flow from the chamber.

4. The flow through sonolytic converter of claim 1, wherein the first frequency generator vibrates the fluid at a first frequency, and the at least second frequency generator vibrates the fluid at the first frequency.

5. The flow through sonolytic converter of claim 1, wherein the first frequency generator vibrates the fluid at a first frequency, and the at least second frequency generator vibrates the fluid at a second frequency.

6. The flow through sonolytic converter of claim 1 , wherein the chamber comprises a first panel and at least a second panel, the first frequency generator being disposed within the first panel, the at least second frequency generator being disposed within the at least second panel.

7. The flow through sonolytic converter of claim 6, further comprising a first cooling channel disposed within the first panel and at least a second cooling channel within the at least second panel.

8. The flow through sonolytic converter of claim 1, further comprising a second body forming a second body chamber in fluid communication with the first body chamber, the second body chamber having: a first open end and a second open end defining a flow path through the second chamber from the first open end to the second open end; a first frequency generator disposed on the body along the flow path; at least a second frequency generator disposed on the body along the flow path, spaced from the first frequency generator so that a fluid flowing along the flow path passes between the first frequency generator and the second frequency generator, the first frequency generator and the second frequency generator vibrating a fluid flowing through the second body chamber.

9. The flow through sonolytic converter of claim 8, further comprising a second end connector disposed within the second opening of the second body chamber and configured to enable water contaminants to flow form the second body chamber.

10. The flow through sonolytic converter of claim 8, wherein the body chamber is operatively coupled to the second body chamber; forming a flow path form the first open end of the body chamber to the second open end of second body chamber.11 . The flow through sonolytic converter of claim 8, further comprising a second end connector disposed within the second opening of the second body chamber and configured to enable water contaminants to flow from the second chamber.

12. The flow through sonolytic converter of claim 8, wherein the a first open end of the second body chamber is coupled to the second open end of the chamber.

13. The flow through sonolytic converter of claim 1, wherein the water contaminant is pre-treated using one of chemical oxidation, heat-activated persulfate, ball milling, catalytic treatment, and ion-exchange.

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