Anodic Oxidation Reactor for Concentrated Effluent Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for highly concentrated industrial effluents containing non-biodegradable organic compounds are costly, energy-inefficient, and produce undesirable by-products that hinder subsequent biological treatment, while conventional biological processes are inadequate for complete mineralization.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising anodic oxidation reactors with boron-doped diamond anodes and cathodes arranged as grids, coupled with a biological treatment reactor, enhances the degradation of non-biodegradable compounds into biodegradable by-products, reducing the formation of toxic chlorates and perchlorates, and optimizing mass transport for efficient treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If anodic oxidation is used to treat concentrated effluents, then degradation of non-biodegradable compounds is improved, but complete mineralization consumes excessive energy and renders subsequent biological treatment useless
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial oxidation instead of complete mineralization. The anodic oxidation process is controlled to perform only the necessary partial degradation of non-biodegradable compounds into biodegradable intermediates, stopping before complete mineralization. This partial action reduces energy consumption significantly while still achieving the goal of making compounds biodegradable for subsequent biological treatment.
2Productivity
If electrochemical processes are used for concentrated effluent treatment, then removal of organic load is improved, but cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electrochemical oxidation with subsequent biological treatment in a hybrid system. The electrochemical reactor performs partial degradation to convert non-biodegradable compounds into biodegradable intermediates, which are then completely mineralized by biological treatment. This combination leverages the strengths of both methods: electrochemical for rapid initial degradation and biological for complete mineralization at lower cost.
3Productivity
If anodic oxidation is applied to concentrated effluents, then degradation kinetics are improved, but formation of toxic by-products such as chlorates and perchlorates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the oxidation process to stop at intermediate biodegradable products rather than allowing complete oxidation that would form toxic chlorates and perchlorates. By limiting the extent of oxidation and using controlled electrochemical parameters, the process generates beneficial biodegradable intermediates while minimizing harmful by-products.
4Reliability
If membrane processes are used for concentrated effluent treatment, then water quality standards are met, but membrane clogging and lifetime problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary electrochemical oxidation to break down complex non-biodegradable organic compounds into simpler biodegradable intermediates before any membrane treatment or biological treatment. This preliminary action reduces the organic load and complexity of the effluent, preventing membrane clogging and extending membrane lifetime while still achieving water quality compliance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves cost-effective and energy-efficient treatment of concentrated effluents by increasing biodegradable by-product concentration, improving degradation kinetics, and minimizing the production of harmful by-products, making it suitable for subsequent biological treatment.
Implementation Method 1
anodic oxidation reactors with boron-doped diamond anodes and cathodes arranged as grids, enhances the degradation of non-biodegradable compounds into biodegradable by-products
Implementation Method 2
coupling of electrochemical degradation and biodegradation with an improved efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of treatment of waste, more specifically treatment of effluent highly concentrated in organic compounds. More particularly the invention relates to a system for a continuous treatment of a concentrated effluent comprising non-biodegradable initial organic compounds, and with a chemical oxygen demand of between 0.2 kg. m-3 and 50 kg. m-3, comprising, arranged fluidically in series : at least one anodic oxidation reactor comprising a set of a plurality of cathodes and of boron doped diamond anodes, said cathodes and anodes being grids with meshes and being successively arranged in alternation in said reactor ; at least one biological treatment reactor, which is located downstream of the at least one anodic oxidation reactor, configured to degrade continuously into inorganic products the biodegradable byproducts contained in the output of the upstream at least one anodic oxidation reactor flow.