Process for treating water using catalysts balls in a treatment water activator (TWA) system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water treatment process utilizing Treatment Water Activator (TWA) technology for the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from various water sources The process employs catalyst balls composed of special materials that emit negatively charged ions when activated through hydraulic agitation, inter-ball collision, and mechanical attrition within a TWA treatment vessel. These ions break intramolecular hydrogen bonds in water molecules and disrupt π-bonds in organic compounds such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), COD, and BOD, converting them into neutral, non-reactive colloids. Simultaneously, the ions bind with and neutralize oppositely charged inorganic contaminants, including heavy metals, ammonia, phosphates, nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen (NH₄-N), halides, and other dissolved species, leading to their precipitation. The ion-treated water is then subjected to bio-flocculation using NSF 60 certified agents, followed by clarification and filtration to remove aggregated and precipitated impurities.

Description

PROCESS FOR TREATING WATER USING CATALYSTS BALLS IN A TREATMENT WATER ACTIVATOR (TWA) SYSTEMCOMPLETE DESCRIPTION:A) TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to water purification and treatment technology using Treatment Water Activator (TWA) technology for reducing organic and inorganic contaminants in various types of water. The invention more particularly relates to an eco-friendly and cost-effective system for the simultaneous reduction of Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Nitrate nitrogen, Ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), Phosphate, Silica, Arsenic, Cyanide, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), halides, and heavy metals, as well as colloidal and dissolved inorganic ions, from complex water matrices.B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Water from natural, industrial, and domestic sources contains a wide variety of pollutants, broadly categorized into organic and inorganic contaminants. Organic pollutants include Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) compounds arising from decaying plant matter, sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff. Inorganic contaminants include dissolved ions such as ammonia, phosphates, nitrates, heavy metals (e.g., lead, chromium, arsenic), halides (chloride, bromide, iodide), cyanide, and silica. These pollutants, individually and in combination, pose severe risks to public health and aquatic ecosystems.

[0003] Organic carbon compounds act as nutrients for microbial growth and contribute to biofilm formation in water systems. Their degradation in water consumes dissolved oxygen, leading to anaerobic conditions and deteriorated water quality. Inorganic contaminants, particularly heavy metals and halide ions, are toxic even at trace levels and tend to bioaccumulate in organisms. Many of these contaminants are also resistant to degradation and are not effectively removed by conventional methods.

[0004] Existing water treatment methods— such as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), adsorption, membrane filtration, ion exchange, and biological treatment— are generally effective only for specific pollutant classes. Their combined deployment results in complex treatment trains, high energy demands, extensive chemical usage, and increased capital and operational costs. These limitations are especially pronounced in decentralized or resourcelimited setings.

[0005] A further challenge lies in the removal of strongly bonded organic molecules, especially those stabilized by n-bonded or covalent interactions, as well as charged inorganic ions that remain dissolved and reactive in treated effluents. These contaminants often bypass conventional filtration and oxidation systems, requiring high-energy processes or targeted chemical interventions for removal.

[0006] In light of the above, there is a clear need for a water treatment solution that can simultaneously address both organic and inorganic pollutants in a single, integrated, and energy-efficient process. Such a solution must be scalable, modular, environmentally sustainable, and adaptable to a wide range of water sources— including groundwater, industrial effluent, lake water, sea water, pond water, river water, leachate, stormwater, drinking water, murky water, sewage, industrial wastewater, cow condensate, effluent treatment plant (ETP) water, common effluent treatment plant (CETP) water and agricultural runoff and agricultural runoff.

[0007] The present invention addresses these challenges through a novel process employing Treatment Water Activator (TWA) technology. The process uses catalyst balls inside a TWA treatment vessel, where controlled mechanical atrition and hydraulic turbulence generate negatively charged ions. These ions serve multiple purposes: they fragment organic molecules by breaking hydrogen and n-bonds such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Kje Ida h I Nitrogen (TKN), and they neutralize and precipitate oppositely charged inorganic contaminants, including heavy metals (e.g., lead, chromium, arsenic), nutrients, halides (chloride, bromide, iodide), and toxic ions as cyanide, ammonia, phosphates, nitrates, and silica.

[0008] Following ion treatment, the system incorporates bio-flocculation using NSF 60 certified agents, lamella clarification, and filtration, facilitating the removal of suspended solids and precipitates. The result is a comprehensive, low-chemical, low-energy treatmentprocess capable of reducing TOC, COD, BOD, and a broad spectrum of dissolved inorganic pollutants— making the system especially suitable for both centralized and decentralized water treatment applications.C) OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel, cost-effective, and energy-efficient process for treating water using Treatment Water Activator (TWA) technology, capable of simultaneously reducing Total Organic Carbon (TOC), COD, BOD, and a broad spectrum of inorganic contaminants such as heavy metals, halides, ammonia, phosphates, cyanide, arsenic, and silica.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to employ specially engineered catalyst balls, referred to as TWA catalyst balls, which are activated through inter-ball collision, mechanical agitation, and hydraulic turbulence within a treatment vessel to emit negatively charged ions.

[0011] Yet another object of the invention is to utilize the emitted negatively charged ions for breaking strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds and n-bonds in organic compounds, thereby converting complex pollutants into neutral colloids or inert species that are more easily removed through flocculation and filtration.

[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to enable the neutralization of charged inorganic ions such as ammonium, phosphates, halides (chloride, bromide, iodide), cyanide, arsenic, silica and toxic heavy metals by facilitating ion-pairing reactions with the emitted negatively charged ions from the catalyst surface.

[0013] Yet another object of the invention is to enable the generation of ultra-small reactive water clusters by disrupting the hydrogen bonding structure of H2O molecules, increasing their oxidative activity and enabling enhanced reactivity with both organic and inorganic contaminants.

[0014] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a unified treatment sequence that comprises TWA-based ion treatment, bio-flocculation using NSF 60 certified agents, clarification (e.g., using a lamella clarifier), and final filtration, to ensure comprehensive removal of suspended solids, dissolved ions, and complex contaminants.

[0015] Yet another object of the invention is to provide dual operational modes: a standard single-pass treatment mode for lightly polluted water and a recirculatory treatment loop for water with high contaminant loads, including secondary TWA treatment and repeated flocculation and clarification.

[0016] Yet another object of the invention is to offer a modular and scalable water treatment solution that is adaptable for both decentralized rural or peri-urban systems and large-scale industrial and municipal installations.

[0017] Yet another object of the invention is to facilitate the treatment of diverse and complex water sources— including groundwater, industrial effluent, lake water, sea water, pond water, river water, leachate, stormwater, drinking water, murky water, sewage, industrial wastewater, cow condensate, effluent treatment plant (ETP) water, common effluent treatment plant (CETP) water and agricultural runoff— by employing ion-neutralization, oxidative, and physical separation mechanisms within a single system architecture.

[0018] Yet another object of the invention is to minimize chemical and energy requirements by relying primarily on catalytic ion emission and low-dose bio-flocculants, thereby enhancing sustainability and reducing operational costs for long-term deployment.

[0019] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an environmentally sustainable water purification process that ensures effective contaminant removal without generating hazardous sludge or secondary pollutants.D) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a water treatment process utilizing proprietary Treatment Water Activator (TWA) technology for the efficient reduction of both organic and inorganic contaminants in a wide range of water sources, including sewage, industrial effluents, process water, cow condensate, and groundwater. The process utilizes catalyst balls that emit negatively charged ions upon activation. These ions facilitate bond disruption in organic compounds, neutralize ionic pollutants, and promote their subsequent separation through flocculation and clarification.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water stream is introduced into a TWA treatment vessel containing catalyst balls composed of special ions emiting materials. Upon agitation by hydraulic turbulence and inter-ball collision— optionally supported by mechanical rotation wherein the catalyst balls emit negatively charged ions due to surface atrition.

[0022] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the emited ions disrupt hydrogen bonding and n-bonds in Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Total Kjelda h I Nitrogen (TKN) and other stable organic compounds, breaking them down into smaller, non-reactive neutral colloids. This reaction reduces the solubility and bonding potential of the organic contaminants, enabling their subsequent removal.

[0023] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, in addition to organic compounds, the negatively charged ions target various dissolved and ionic inorganic contaminants including halides (Cl-, Br“, I"), ammonia (NH4+), phosphates (PO43“), heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, chromium), arsenic, silica, and cyanide. These ions are either neutralized or destabilized through ionic pairing or electron donation, making them amenable to precipitation.

[0024] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, high-speed rotation of the TWA vessel is optionally used to enhance the activation of the catalyst balls via centrifugal and / or centripetal forces, increasing the rate of ion emission and improving contact efficiency between the water stream and the catalytic surfaces.

[0025] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the negatively charged ion spheres that form around the catalyst balls serve as electrostatic atractants for oppositely charged contaminants, facilitating the simultaneous removal of both TOC and ionic pollutants in a single treatment stage.

[0026] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the breakdown products and destabilized contaminants are subsequently aggregated through the introduction of NSF 60 certified bio-flocculants, which promote the formation of large, setleable flocs from fine particulates and neutral colloids.

[0027] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the flocculated water is passed through a clarifier such as a lamella clarifier for rapid sedimentation of flocs. The clarified water is then passed through a filtration unit to remove remaining particulates, yielding a treated water stream that complies with quality standards.

[0028] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, for water sources with high contaminant loads or requiring higher purity levels, a polishing loop is provided. In this configuration, partially treated water is recirculated through an additional TWA treatment stage and clarifier, enabling enhanced contaminant reduction.

[0029] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the TWA-based treatment process is modular and scalable, making it adaptable for a variety of applications including centralized municipal plants, decentralized rural systems, and on-site industrial setups. The system architecture allows seamless integration into existing infrastructure or as a standalone unit.

[0030] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the process significantly reduces dependence on conventional treatment methods involving chemicals, high-pressure pumps, electrical blowers, or ozone generators, thereby lowering energy consumption, minimizing maintenance, and reducing operational costs. This renders the invention environmentally sustainable and commercially viable for widespread deployment. E) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

[0031] Fig. 1 is a flowchart of the multi-stage water treatment process utilizing a TWA catalyst vessel containing catalyst balls and rotating ion-generating compounds. Raw water is introduced in primary settling tank, where gravity-assisted sedimentation removes suspended solids. This partially treated water is then pumped within the TWA vessel, where negatively charged ions and energized ion spheres neutralize Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) and various other inorganic impurities such as ammonium, phosphates, halides (chloride, bromide, iodide), cyanide, arsenic, silica and toxic heavy metals.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a flowchart of the same process as of Fig. 1 for high concentration of pollutants with reintroduction of secondary settling tank and twa catalyst tank after primary lamella clarifier.F) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

[0033] The present invention provides a high-efficiency, multi-mechanism water purification process centered around a proprietary Treatment Water Activator (TWA) technology, specifically designed for the simultaneous reduction of Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), dissolved ionic contaminants, and inorganic pollutants such as ammonium, phosphates, halides (chloride, bromide, iodide), cyanide, arsenic, silica and toxic heavy metals from a wide variety of water sources including municipal sewage, industrial effluents, process water, dairy condensates, and complex wastewater streams.

[0034] The process begins with the inflow of untreated or partially treated water into a TWA catalyst vessel. This vessel contains catalyst balls composed of specially ion-emiting materials. Upon mechanical agitation, hydraulic movement, or induced rotation, these balls undergo surface atrition and mutual collision, releasing negatively charged ions from their surface into the surrounding water.

[0035] These emited ions interact first with water molecules, breaking intramolecular hydrogen bonds and converting the water into ultra-small, reactive clusters. This activated water matrix significantly enhances interaction with both organic compounds and inorganic ionic species, including metal ions, halides, and phosphates.

[0036] Simultaneously, the electron-rich ions act upon TOC molecules, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) molecules targeting n-bonds and other stable covalent structures, causing fragmentation and neutralization of the organic compounds into smaller, non-reactive colloids. These colloids no longer remain dissolved or chemically bonded in the water and can be easily removed in subsequent treatment steps.

[0037] The negatively charged ions further interact with inorganic ionic contaminants, including ammonia, phosphates, nitrates, sulfates, and heavy metals like arsenic, chromium (III and VI), lead, mercury, cadmium, silica and cyanides. These contaminants are neutralized, precipitated, or transformed into non-reactive forms. In the case of halide ions (e.g., Cl", Br“,I ), the donated electrons help these ions achieve stable electron configurations, preventing the downstream formation of harmful halogenated organics.

[0038] A rotating or vibrating chamber within the TWA catalyst vessel enhances collision dynamics, increasing ion generation and distribution efficiency. The rotation itself does not produce ions but significantly improves the interaction between the catalyst balls and the water flow.

[0039] The process has shown efficacy across diverse contamination profiles and water matrices, reliably reducing levels of TOC, TKN, COD, BOD, and a wide spectrum of dissolved ionic species. The system provides a chemical-light alternative to conventional methods like advanced oxidation, reverse osmosis, or chemical coagulation.

[0040] After catalytic treatment, the water enters a bio-flocculation stage, where NSF 60-certified natural flocculants are added. These bio-flocculants agglomerate the neutralized colloids and precipitated ions into larger flocs, suitable for rapid separation.

[0041] The flocculated water then passes through a lamella clarifier, where sedimentation occurs under gravity, and further through filtration units— such as sand, multimedia, or membrane filters— to remove remaining particulates, achieving high levels of purification.

[0042] In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the TWA process is implemented via two modular flows depending on the pollutant load:a. Process 1 - For Water with Low Pollutant Loadi. Raw water is introduced into a primary settling tank, where gravity-assisted sedimentation removes suspended solids.ii. The partially clarified water is then pumped into the TWA catalyst vessel for ionization treatment.iii. The water, upon exposure to catalyst balls, undergoes TWA-based activation, leading to organic and inorganic contaminant breakdown.iv. The catalytically treated water is optionally recirculated to the primary settling tank for enhanced sedimentation of destabilized species.v. Bio-flocculants are dosed into the treated stream to aggregate fine impurities into flocs.vi. The water flows into a lamella clarifier equipped with a rapid mixer, facilitating floc formation and settling.vii. Final filtration removes any residual matter, and the treated water is stored in a clean water tank for discharge or reuse.b. Process 2 - For Water with High Pollutant Loadi. Steps i-v of Process 1 are followed initially.ii. The post-flocculated water is routed to a primary clarifier for initial settling of heavy load contaminants.iii. Partially clarified water then enters a secondary settling tank for extended sedimentation. iv. The clarified water is recirculated into the TWA catalyst vessel for a second catalytic treatment cycle.v. The double-treated water returns to the secondary settling tank.vi. A second dose of bio-flocculants is added, and the water is passed through a secondary clarifier.vii. A second filtration stage, optimized for high impurity load, is employed.viii. The final treated water is stored or discharged based on application-specific quality needs.

[0043] This dual-stage modular configuration ensures high efficiency and adaptability for high TOC or industrial wastewater applications, such as dairy effluents, metal-plating discharge, or contaminated groundwater.

[0044] An optional polishing stage can be implemented, involving recirculation through additional TWA catalyst units and clarifiers to achieve ultra-low TOC or heavy metal levels.

[0045] The entire system is scalable and modular, capable of deployment in centralized utilities, decentralized village clusters, industrial plants, or mobile containerized units for emergency or remote usage.

[0046] The TWA process is energy-efficient and chemical-light requiring minimal use of blowers, pumps, and hazardous reagents. It also avoids generation of hazardous sludge, reducing disposal complexity and operational costs.

[0047] By combining catalyst ionization, molecular fragmentation, electrochemical neutralization, and bio-flocculation, the invention delivers broad-spectrum purification in a compact and integrated platform.

[0048] The invention ensures simultaneous removal of both organic pollutants (TOC, BOD, COD) and inorganic ions (ammonia, phosphates, heavy metals, halides), making it a robust alternative to conventional treatment technologies.

[0049] This detailed description illustrates the working of the Treatment Water Activator (TWA) process. However, modifications, equivalents, and functional variations that adhere to the core principles and fall within the scope of the claims are also considered part of the invention.Dated this 21stday of January, 2025 / / REEPAL BIPIN JOSHI / / REEPAL BIPIN JOSHI

Claims

aim:

1. A process for treating water using catalyst balls in a Treatment Water Activator (TWA) system, comprising the step of:introducing contaminated water into a TWA treatment vessel containing catalyst balls; characterized in that:the TWA catalyst balls are composed of ion-emiting materials such as customized nano-porous ceramics or mineral blends and are activated through mechanical atrition, inter-ball collision, and hydraulic turbulence within the TWA vessel, thereby emiting negatively charged ions;the emited ions break intramolecular hydrogen bonds of water molecules and disrupt n-bonds in organic compounds including Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), leading to the formation of ultra-small reactive water clusters and the transformation of organic contaminants into neutral, non-reactive colloids;the emited ions also interact with oppositely charged inorganic pollutants including heavy metals, ammonia ions, phosphates, arsenic, silica, cyanide, halide ions, and other inorganic species, leading to their neutralization and precipitation;and wherein the treated water is subjected to bio-flocculation using NSF 60 certified bio-flocculants, followed by clarification and filtration to remove the neutralized and precipitated organic and inorganic particles.

2. The process for treating water using catalyst balls in a Treatment Water Activator (TWA) system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catalyst balls composed of special materials such as customized nano-porous ceramics or mineral blends selected for ion-emission capacity under mechanical atrition.

3. The process for treating water using catalyst balls in a Treatment Water Activator (TWA) system as claimed in claim 1, wherein mechanical atrition is induced by hydraulic agitation, rotational motion, or flow-induced turbulence at a velocity range between 1.8 m / s to 2.0 m / s within the TWA vessel.

4. The process for treating water using catalyst balls in a Treatment Water Activator (TWA) system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the organic contaminants include TotalOrganic Carbon (TOC), Total Kje Ida h I Nitrogen (TKN), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and the inorganic contaminants include, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, phosphate, silica, arsenic, cyanide, trivalent and hexavalent chromium and halide ions selected from chloride, bromide, and iodide.

5. The process for treating water using catalyst balls in a Treatment Water Activator (TWA) system as claimed in claim 1, wherein:for water with low pollutant concentration, the process comprises:pre-settling in a primary settling tank,treatment through the TWA vessel,bio-flocculation,clarification using a lamella clarifier, andfine filtration and discharge;and for water with high pollutant concentration, the process comprises additional steps of:secondary settling,re-treatment through the TWA catalyst vessel,second-stage bio-flocculation, clarification, and filtration.

6. A water treatment system for performing the TWA process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising:a TWA catalyst vessel containing ion-emiting catalyst balls;a means for generating hydraulic flow, agitation, or rotation within the vessel to induce atrition-based ion emission;a primary and optionally a secondary setling tank;a bio-flocculant dosing unit;a lamella clarifier; andat least one downstream filtration unit for final removal of suspended and precipitated organic and inorganic solids.

7. The process for treating water using catalyst balls in a Treatment Water Activator (TWA) system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the TWA technology is applicable for treating various water types including, but not limited to, domestic wastewater, sewage water, dairy condensate, industrial effluent, groundwater, lake water, pond water, river water, stormwater, leachate, sea water, and water from effluent treatment plants (ETP) or common effluent treatment plants (CETP).

8. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the treated water exhibits a reduction in total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, hardness, COD, BOD, TOC, heavy metal concentration, and nutrient loads, making it suitable for potable use, industrial reuse, or safe environmental discharge.Dated this 21stday of January, 2025 / / REEPAL BIPIN JOSHI / / REEPAL BIPIN JOSHI

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