Automated Cathode Scraper for Electrolytic Water Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cooling tower water treatment systems using electrolysis require frequent manual cleaning of electrodes, leading to increased operational costs, labor inefficiencies, and space constraints for large-scale deployments, as well as excessive water wastage and chemical usage.

Innovation Solution

An automated electrolytic water treatment system with a shell-in-shell cathode arrangement and a scrapper mechanism powered by a gear motor, allowing for periodic in-situ cleaning of cathodes without stopping the system, reducing the need for polarity reversal and minimizing space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If periodic manual cleaning of cathode is performed, then scale removal is achieved, but system downtime increases and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode performanceVSAvoidsystem downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs automated scrapper mechanisms that clean the cathode surfaces without requiring external manual intervention. The scrappers are driven by gear motors and operate periodically to remove scale deposits, enabling the system to maintain itself autonomously during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning operation is performed as a preliminary maintenance action during scheduled intervals while the system remains operational. The automated scrapper mechanism prepares the cathode surface for continued efficient operation by removing scale before it significantly degrades performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If polarity reversal is used for cleaning, then cathode cleaning is achieved, but anode lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecathode cleaning efficiencyVSAvoidanode lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses mechanically driven scrapper mechanisms that autonomously clean the cathode surfaces through direct mechanical contact. The scrappers are powered by gear motors and move along the cathode surfaces to remove scale deposits without requiring polarity reversal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electrochemical cleaning method (polarity reversal) is replaced with a mechanical cleaning system. The scrapper mechanism uses mechanical force to physically remove scale deposits from the cathode surfaces, substituting the electrical field-based cleaning approach with a purely mechanical system that preserves the anode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If small scale self-cleaning reactors are deployed, then cleaning automation is achieved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning automationVSAvoidfootprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning function is merged with the existing electrolytic reactor structure. The scrapper mechanisms are integrated into the reactor housing and operate within the same space where electrolysis occurs, eliminating the need for separate cleaning equipment or additional reactor units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrolytic reactor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs electrolysis for water treatment and houses the automated scrapper mechanism for cathode cleaning. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve automation without requiring additional dedicated space for cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 removes scale-forming minerals, extends anode lifespan, reduces operational and maintenance costs, and conserves water by enabling efficient electrolysis with automated cleaning, making it cost-effective and compact for large cooling towers.

Implementation Method 1

The cooling water treatment system by using electrolysis or electrochemical principle treats the water in electrolytic reactor in the side steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

The scrapper mechanism removes the scales deposited on the plurality of cathodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical scraping: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS20240076209A1Electrolytic water treatment system with automated cathode cleaning mechanism thereof and method therefor

Publication Date: 2024.03.07 ECOMAX SOLUTIONS PTE LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an electrolytic water treatment system (100) with an automated cathode cleaning mechanism thereof and in a method therefor. The electrolytic water treatment system (100) effectively removes scale forming minerals for large cooling towers and consumes less space. The electrolytic water treatment system (100) utilizes a shell in shell type arrangement so that both sides of anodes (18) and cathodes (16) are used for electrolysis simultaneously which makes the electrolytic water treatment system (100) highly efficient, effective and less expensive. By using the electrolytic water treatment system (100), the life of the anode (18) is increased at least two to three times compared to the polarity reversing method.