Anolyte Additive for Wastewater Electrocoagulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wastewater treatment processes are inefficient and costly, particularly in achieving water purification suitable for membrane filtration without relying on chemical additives and biological processes.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical water treatment process using anolyte as an additive, which eliminates the need for pH correction and reduces the dosage of coagulants and flocculants, thereby achieving effective nitrogen reduction and suitable water quality for membrane filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If biological processes of nitrification-denitrification are used for wastewater treatment, then nitrogen removal is achieved, but the process has large footprint, is difficult to control, and produces effluent quality not suitable for membrane filtration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces biological processes with electrochemical processes. Specifically, electrocoagulation and electroflocculation use electrical current to generate coagulants in-situ through electrode reactions, eliminating the need for biological nitrification-denitrification systems. This substitution reduces process complexity while maintaining nitrogen removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental treatment mechanism from biological to electrochemical. By adjusting electrical parameters (current density, treatment time) and chemical parameters (electrolyte composition, pH), the system achieves nitrogen removal through electrochemical reactions rather than biological processes, simplifying control while improving effluent quality for membrane filtration.
2Quantity of substance
If coagulation-flocculation process is used to remove pollutants, then about 60%-70% of Natural Organic Matter is removed, but additional processes like oxidation, filtration and sedimentation are necessary to complete treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges coagulation, flocculation, oxidation, and sedimentation into a single electrochemical process. The electrocoagulation-electrofloculation system simultaneously performs all these functions through electrode reactions and electrical fields, eliminating the need for separate oxidation and filtration steps while achieving complete pollutant removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical system performs multiple treatment functions simultaneously: coagulation (particle aggregation), flocculation (floc formation), oxidation (organic matter degradation), and sedimentation (solid-liquid separation). This multi-functionality increases productivity by completing treatment in one process rather than requiring multiple sequential steps.
3Quantity of substance
If electrochemical processes using coagulants are used for wastewater treatment, then effective treatment is achieved with pH between 5-8.5, but pH correction by adding acids or base is often obligatory, adding costs and risks
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical system self-regulates pH through electrode reactions. The anode and cathode generate H+ and OH- ions respectively during electrolysis, which automatically balance each other and maintain pH within the optimal 5-8.5 range without requiring external acid or base addition. This self-service capability eliminates pH correction operations and associated costs.
4Ease of operation
If coagulant and flocculant chemicals are used for flock forming, then pollutants are captured for easy liquid-solid separation, but the chemicals are often harmful and toxic representing risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical coagulants and flocculants with electrochemically generated substances. Coagulants are produced in-situ through anode reactions (e.g., metal electrode dissolution), and flocculation is achieved through electrical field effects and bubble attachment. This eliminates the need for external chemical additives, removing their associated toxicity and harmful effects while maintaining separation efficiency.
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 process achieves significant reductions in chemical dosages and energy consumption, resulting in water purification suitable for membrane filtration without the need for pH correction or biological treatment, making it economically viable for large-scale applications.
Implementation Method 1
anolyte oxidizes organic matter and microorganisms
Implementation Method 2
electrochemical water treatment process using anolyte
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for purification of wastewater. In particular, the present invention pertains to an improved process for purification of wastewater by employing anolyte as an additive.