Electrocoagulation Cell Tie-Bar Electrode Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrocoagulation cells face inefficiencies due to short-circuiting between monopolar electrodes, space constraints from wire connections, and corrosion issues, limiting their effectiveness in industrial liquid waste treatment.
Innovation Solution
An electrocoagulation cell design featuring interleaved monopolar electrodes with conductive bushes and tie-bars for improved electrical contact, eliminating wire connections and preventing liquid contact with bushes, which enhances current distribution and mechanical support while reducing corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If monopolar electrodes are used with wire connections, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but space efficiency deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function directly into the electrode structure by using bipolar electrodes where the current collection is integrated into the electrode body itself, eliminating the need for separate wire connections and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The bipolar electrodes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as both current-carrying conductors and as structural components of the electrode assembly, with the current collection function distributed across the entire electrode surface rather than requiring separate connection elements
2Reliability
If monopolar electrodes are used with wire connections, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function directly into the electrode structure by using bipolar electrodes where the current collection is integrated into the electrode body itself, eliminating the need for separate wire connections and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-contact wire connections to surface-area contact by using bipolar electrodes where current is collected across the entire electrode surface, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space and eliminating the need for separate connection elements
3Reliability
If conductive bushes are exposed to liquid, then electrical connection is maintained, but corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conductive bushes from the liquid environment by positioning them above the liquid level, maintaining electrical connection while eliminating exposure to corrosive liquid
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces non-conductive bushes as intermediaries between the electrical connection system and the liquid environment, allowing current to be collected while preventing direct contact between conductive elements and the liquid
4Reliability
If threaded busbar with nuts assembly is used, then electrical connection is achieved, but voltage drop increases and power loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function directly into the electrode structure by using bipolar electrodes where the current collection is integrated into the electrode body itself, eliminating the need for separate connection elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical threaded busbar and nut assembly with a direct electrical connection system using bipolar electrodes, eliminating the need for fasteners and reducing contact resistance
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 minimizes power loss, increases electrode density, and improves assembly efficiency, allowing for more effective treatment of larger volumes of liquid waste with reduced corrosion and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Electrocoagulation is an electrolytic treatment process for separating and removing a broad range of contaminants including metals, solids, pathogens and other undesirable substances from a solution
Implementation Method 2
An electric potential or current is applied to two or more electrodes. The connected electrodes are monopolar and hence are either anionic or cationic depending on the polarity of the power to be applied to the electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An electrocoagulation cell (10) has a reaction chamber (11) in which are assembled a first set of electrodes (12) interleaved with a second set of electrodes (13). Each set of electrodes (12, 13) is connected together by a separate tie-bar (19), which passes through each electrode (12', 13', respectively), and an electrically conductive bush (not shown), positioned between the electrodes (12', 13') in each set. Each electrically conductive bush is covered by a polypropylene shield (18). The sets of electrodes (12, 13) are further supported on two pedestals (37) and a non-conductive support rod (20). Separation of the electrodes (12', 13') within the reaction chamber (11) is maintained by four nylon nuts (not shown) and bolts (not shown), which pass through each electrode (13'). The first set of electrodes (12) is connected at each end (41) of the tie- bar (19) to one pole of a power supply through electrical connectors (25) and the second set of electrodes (13) is connected at each end of the tie- bar (19) to the other pole of the power supply through electrical connectors (25). Due to the arrangement of the tie-bars (19) and the electrically conductive bushes (16) the necessity of connecting each electrode (12', 13") directly to the power supply is obviated and leads to a saving of space and a close packing of the electrodes (12', 13') within the reaction chamber (11). This results in a good ratio between the surface area of the electrodes (12', 13') and a volume of liquid passing through the reaction chamber (11) in use, resulting in an efficient electrocoagulation process.