Electro-coagulation Reactor Cross-Sectional Area Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electro-coagulation apparatuses face inefficiencies in contaminant removal due to large bubble formation during electro-coagulation reactions, which hampers electrical conduction and overall efficiency, and require complex maintenance and secondary treatments.
Innovation Solution
The electro-coagulation apparatus features a reactor with a smaller cross-sectional area and larger conduits, allowing for microbubble formation and reduced fouling, along with electrode supports to maintain plate positioning and facilitate easy replacement, and power source contacts for efficient voltage application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional horizontal type electro-coagulation apparatus uses a reactor with relatively large cross-sectional area, then wastewater treatment capacity is improved, but bubble formation increases causing reduced electrical conduction and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of cross-sectional area relationship between reactor and conduits. Specifically, the reactor cross-sectional area is designed to be smaller than that of the conduits (contrary to conventional design), which alters the flow dynamics and bubble formation characteristics, thereby maintaining electrical conduction efficiency while preserving treatment capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional design relationship by making the reactor cross-sectional area smaller than the conduit cross-sectional area. This inversion prevents bubble accumulation in the reactor, as the larger conduit area allows bubbles to escape more easily, thus maintaining electrical conduction efficiency without sacrificing productivity
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional electro-coagulation apparatus uses complex electrode positioning systems, then electrode stability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode support structure is segmented into multiple independent support parts positioned at different locations within the reactor. Each support part independently holds one or more electrode plates, allowing for simplified individual components rather than a single complex positioning system. This segmentation maintains electrode stability while reducing overall device complexity and easing maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode support parts serve multiple functions: they hold the electrode plates in stable positions, provide electrical insulation, and facilitate easy installation and removal of electrodes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining electrode stability
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional apparatus design requires secondary treatment processes, then contaminant removal completeness is improved, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-coagulation apparatus is designed to achieve complete contaminant removal through optimized electro-coagulation parameters and reactor configuration alone, without requiring additional secondary treatment systems. The self-service principle is applied by making the primary treatment process sufficiently effective, thereby eliminating the need for complex secondary treatment infrastructure and reducing operational complexity and costs
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
This design enhances contaminant removal efficiency, reduces maintenance complexity, and minimizes secondary treatment needs by promoting microbubble formation and efficient wastewater flow, leading to improved electro-coagulation performance and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
When electrodes are positioned in wastewater and electricity is supplied, a soluble electrode of an anode is oxidized by an electrochemical reaction, and metal cations are generated
Implementation Method 2
The metal cations are convected and diffused by an electric field and a concentration gradient, and are electrically coupled to contaminants and are neutralized
Implementation Method 3
The metal cations are convected and diffused by an electric field and a concentration gradient, and are electrically coupled to contaminants and are neutralized, thereby forming flocs
Implementation Method 4
The electro-coagulation apparatus features a reactor with a smaller cross-sectional area and larger conduits, allowing for microbubble formation and reduced fouling, along with electrode supports to maintain plate positioning and facilitate easy replacement
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an electro-coagulation apparatus. The electro-coagulation apparatus includes a reactor having an internal space defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface of the reactor; a plurality of electrode plates disposed spaced apart from each other inside the internal space of the reactor, and a pair of first conduits respectively connected to a front end and a rear end of the reactor. Furthermore, a cross-sectional area of the reactor is smaller than a cross-sectional area of each of the first conduits.