Capacitive Deionization Electrode Sterilization via In-Situ Chlorine Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
CDI-type water treatment devices face issues with bacterial growth in the filter electrodes, leading to reduced lifespan, increased pressure drop, and compromised purification performance, which existing methods address by introducing chemical sterilization substances that can cause additional problems.
Innovation Solution
A CDI-type water treatment device with a sterilization unit that generates a sterilization substance from raw water, specifically reducing chlorine ions to chlorine gas, which is used to sterilize the electrodes without the need for additional chemical substances, maintaining TDS rejection and preventing bacterial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical sterilization substances are introduced to sterilize the electrode part, then sterilization effect is improved, but device complexity and potential harm to electrodes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the raw water itself as the source of sterilization substance through electrochemical generation at the electrode surface. The electrode part generates chlorine from chloride ions in the raw water during operation, eliminating the need for external chemical sterilization substances and simplifying the device structure while maintaining effective sterilization
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode part acts as an intermediary that transforms chloride ions in the raw water into chlorine sterilization substance through electrochemical reaction. This mediator approach converts a harmless component of raw water into an effective sterilant without requiring external chemical additions
2Reliability
If chemical sterilization substances are continuously supplied to sterilize the electrode part, then bacterial growth is prevented, but TDS rejection performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sterilization periodically during specific operational phases rather than continuous chemical supply. The electrode part generates sterilization substance naturally during normal water purification operation and regeneration cycles, achieving periodic sterilization that maintains TDS rejection performance while preventing bacterial growth
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode part self-generates the sterilization substance through electrochemical reactions during its normal operational cycles, eliminating the need for external chemical supply systems that would compromise TDS rejection. The system uses its own operational energy to produce the sterilant
3Reliability
If chemical sterilization substances are used to sterilize the filter, then bacterial growth is inhibited, but electrode lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode part generates the sterilization substance through its own electrochemical reactions during normal operation, avoiding exposure to external harsh chemical sterilants. This self-generated chlorine from raw water chloride ions effectively sterilizes without causing the degradation associated with external chemical treatments, extending electrode lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of chloride ions (which can form corrosive chlorine) into a beneficial sterilization mechanism. By controlling the electrochemical generation of chlorine at the electrode surface, the system transforms what could be a corrosive threat into an effective sterilant that protects the electrode from bacterial fouling without excessive chemical exposure
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 solution effectively sterilizes the electrodes without chemical substances, inhibiting pressure drop increases and maintaining contaminant rejection, thus extending the device's lifespan and ensuring continuous purification performance.
Implementation Method 1
The CDI method refers to a method of removing an ion (a contaminant) using a principle of adsorbing and desorbing ion at a surface of an electrode by an electrical force
Implementation Method 2
adsorbing and desorbing ion at a surface of an electrode by an electrical force
Implementation Method 3
it is necessary to desorb the ions adsorbed in the electrode to regenerate the electrode
Implementation Method 4
The CDI-type water treatment device reduces chlorine ion (Cl-) in raw water to chlorine (Cl 2 ) to generate the sterilization substance
Data Source
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AI summary
A CDI-type water treatment device according to the present invention comprises: a filter unit for purifying raw water in a CDI type through an electrode part formed by alternately stacking electrodes and separators; and a sterilization unit provided on the front of the filter unit to supply the electrode part with a sterilization substance, which has been generated from the raw water in order to sterilize the electrode part. The sterilization unit, in this case, preferably operates after a predetermined time has passed since the electrode part has both stopped purifying raw water and stopped regenerating the electrodes.