Aquatic Water Remediation Control Using Mixed Halogen Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment methods using free chlorine and bromine in aquatic facilities are ineffective against chlorine-resistant pathogens like Cryptosporidium, lead to biofilm formation, and produce undesirable disinfection byproducts, posing health risks and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
An integrated process control system using a mixed halogen-based treatment with chlorine dioxide and free halogen, controlled by a programmable controller, which includes sensors for real-time monitoring and an accelerated side-stream generation method to maintain optimal concentrations of chlorine dioxide and free halogen, ensuring continuous treatment and minimizing byproduct formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If free chlorine and free bromine are used for water treatment, then bacteria counts are controlled, but chlorine-resistant pathogens like Cryptosporidium remain ineffective and disinfection byproducts are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces chlorine dioxide as a new chemical parameter (oxidizing agent) with different properties than traditional free chlorine/bromine. Chlorine dioxide operates at different oxidation potentials and pH ranges, enabling it to effectively inactivate Cryptosporidium and other chlorine-resistant pathogens without forming the same harmful disinfection byproducts as conventional halogens
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a composite treatment approach combining multiple halogen-based agents (free chlorine, free bromine, and chlorine dioxide) in a coordinated manner. This composite strategy leverages the strengths of each agent: free chlorine for general sanitation, free bromine for algae control, and chlorine dioxide for pathogen inactivation, achieving comprehensive protection while minimizing individual agent limitations
2Reliability
If free halogen concentration is increased to improve pathogen elimination, then disinfection efficacy improves, but formation of undesirable disinfection byproducts increases
Solution Approach 1:
Chlorine dioxide serves as an intermediary agent that achieves pathogen inactivation through a different chemical mechanism than traditional free halogens. It primarily acts through oxidation without the same halogenation reactions that produce trihalomethanes and other harmful byproducts, thus mediating between disinfection efficacy and byproduct formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameter from free halogen (Cl2, Br2) to chlorine dioxide (ClO2), which has different reactivity characteristics. This parameter change allows achieving the same or better pathogen elimination at lower concentrations and without forming the same class of disinfection byproducts, particularly trihalomethanes
3Reliability
If continuous treatment is implemented to eliminate waterborne pathogens, then infection prevention improves, but treatment cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated feedback control through sensors that continuously monitor water quality parameters (oxidation-reduction potential, pH, chlorine dioxide concentration) and automatically adjust chemical feed rates. This feedback mechanism maintains optimal treatment levels without manual intervention, enabling continuous treatment while managing system complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment system is designed to be self-regulating, where the chemical reactions and sensor feedback automatically maintain appropriate disinfectant levels. The system monitors its own performance and adjusts dosing accordingly, reducing the need for continuous operator attention and simplifying ongoing management of continuous treatment
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 effectively eliminates nearly 100% of waterborne pathogens, reduces halogen concentration, and minimizes disinfection byproducts, providing safe and cost-effective water treatment for aquatic facilities.
Implementation Method 1
Chlorine dioxide inactivates microbiological organisms (i.e. Cryptosporidium). The free bromine and at least some portion of the chlorine dioxide are reduced back to bromide ions and chlorite ions respectively
Implementation Method 2
The free bromine oxidizes chlorite ions producing chlorine dioxide
Implementation Method 3
The cyclic process utilizes bromide ions that are activated by an oxidant to produce free bromine
Implementation Method 4
The integrated process control system provides versatile control the chlorine dioxide concentration using an accelerated side-stream generation of chlorine dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for the remediation of the water of an aquatic facility using an integrated process control system to control a mixed halogen-based treatment including chlorine dioxide and a free halogen. The integrated process control system provides versatile control the chlorine dioxide concentration using accelerated side-stream generation of chlorine dioxide. The remediation can occur continuously, and/or intermittently using a daily remediation cycle or a rapid recovery shock.