Electrocoagulation Cyclonic Separator for Mining Wastewater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing particulate matter from contaminated liquids, such as wastewater and run-off, are inefficient, particularly in industrial and mining contexts, as they often rely on slow settling processes or chemical flocculants, which may not effectively remove colloidal particles and can leave valuable minerals behind.
Innovation Solution
A liquid treatment unit comprising an electrocoagulation unit with electrically charged parallel plates and a cyclonic separator unit, which guides the liquid in a circular path, utilizing ultrasonic transducers to enhance particle clumping and separation, effectively removing particles from the liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical flocculants and coagulants are used to clump particulate material together, then settling speed is improved, but the process becomes more complex and may not effectively remove colloidal particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical flocculation methods with an electrocoagulation system that uses electrically charged parallel plates to physically clump particulate matter together through electrostatic forces, eliminating the need for chemical additives while maintaining effective particle removal
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and charge properties of particles by applying an electric field across parallel plates, transforming colloidal particles into coagulable aggregates through electrostatic attraction and repulsion forces
2Reliability
If settling dams are used to allow particulate matter to settle, then particle removal is achieved, but the process is slow and some colloidal matter remains in suspension indefinitely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ultrasonic transducers that generate high-frequency vibrations in the liquid flow, which enhance the clumping of colloidal particles and accelerate their settlement process, reducing the time required for effective particle removal
Solution Approach 2:
The electrocoagulation unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the liquid flow and settled particles, using electrically charged plates to mediate the interaction between colloidal particles and accelerate their aggregation and removal
3Productivity
If electrocoagulation with electrically charged plates is used, then particle clumping is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic reversal of electrical polarity across the parallel plates, creating cyclic electrocoagulation cycles that enhance particle clumping efficiency while allowing energy recovery during reversal phases
Solution Approach 2:
Ultrasonic vibrations are integrated with the electrocoagulation process to mechanically assist particle aggregation, reducing the energy required for electrocoagulation while maintaining high particle removal 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 solution efficiently removes particulate matter from contaminated liquids, allowing for the recovery of valuable minerals while minimizing energy input and preventing particle settling on equipment surfaces, thus improving the clarity and usability of treated water.
Implementation Method 1
an electrocoagulation unit... a plurality of electrodes housed within the housing in the liquid flow path, the electrodes being configured to be electrically charged
Implementation Method 2
a cyclonic separator unit... configured for causing the flow of liquid to move from the inlet in a substantially circular path before moving to the outlet
Implementation Method 3
at least one ultrasonic transducer configured to stream ultrasound waves into the flow of liquid in the electrocoagulation unit
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid treatment unit removes particulate matter and colloids from a liquid, as found in waste water on mines, on construction sites and on heavy industry sites. The liquid treatment unit includes an electrocoagulation unit and a cyclonic separator unit. The liquid to be treated is first subject to electrocoagulation and then fed into the cyclonic separator unit. The cyclonic separator unit guides the electrocoagulated liquid in a circular path downwardly from an outer perimeter to move underneath a skirt and then upwardly and inwardly towards a central outlet located at the top of the cyclonic separator. Floating particles are skimmed from the surface outside of the skirt. In moving to the outlet, the liquid passes through a plurality of nested frusto-conical guide members. An ultrasonic transducer is used to collapse bubbles formed by electrocoagulation, and to clean the electrocoagulation electrodes.