Electromagnetic Water Purification Apparatus for Pollutant Extraction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently removing pollutants such as coal ash, heavy metals, and rare earth elements from water sources, particularly in cost-effective and environmentally friendly manners.

Innovation Solution

The use of electrical phenomena, such as electromagnetic fields and electrochemical reactions like electrolysis, in conjunction with a cleaning apparatus that includes electromagnets and electrolysis electrodes, to purify water and extract pollutants. This apparatus can be powered by clean energy and uses magnetic fields to magnetize and separate ferromagnetic particles, while electrolysis breaks down water into hydrogen and oxygen, aiding in the removal of contaminants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used to remove pollutants from water, then removal effectiveness is limited, but cost and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepollutant removal effectivenessVSAvoidcost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical filtration systems with an electrochemical treatment system using electrolysis electrodes and electromagnetic fields. This substitution achieves superior pollutant removal effectiveness for coal ash, heavy metals, and rare earth elements while reducing operational costs and environmental impact by eliminating the need for frequent filter media replacement and chemical additives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental treatment parameter from physical filtration to electrochemical reactions. By applying electrical current and electromagnetic fields, the system transforms pollutant removal from a passive mechanical process to an active electrochemical process, enabling effective removal of dissolved and suspended contaminants that conventional filters cannot capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If advanced electrochemical methods are used to improve pollutant removal, then removal effectiveness increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepollutant removal effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the treatment system into distinct functional modules: electrolysis electrodes for electrochemical reactions, electromagnetic field generators for particle manipulation, and separate collection zones for different pollutant types. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If electromagnetic fields are used to separate ferromagnetic particles, then separation efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electromagnetic field generation with the electrolysis process by using the same electrical power source for both functions. The electromagnetic field generator and electrolysis electrodes share the electrical infrastructure, reducing overall energy consumption compared to having separate systems. Additionally, the treatment process achieves multiple objectives (pollutant removal, particle separation, and water purification) simultaneously, maximizing energy utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 described method and apparatus effectively remove pollutants from water, including heavy metals and rare earth elements, resulting in purified water that can be reused or discharged safely. The process is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, addressing the inefficiencies of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

uses magnetic fields to magnetize and separate ferromagnetic particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

magnetize and separate ferromagnetic particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

electrolysis breaks down water into hydrogen and oxygen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 4

electrochemical reactions, such as electrolysis, to purify water and remove pollutants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions:

Data Source

PatentUS20250051193A1Apparatuses and methods for treating, purifying and/or extracting from wastewater

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 FISHERH2O LLC

AI summary

An efficient, cost-effective, and efficacious technique for removing coal ash and other pollutants from waterways, ponds, marshes, holding tanks and other water sources and supplies. An apparatus comprising an open cage including electromagnets and/or permanent magnets and/or electrodes is supplied with electrical power to extract materials such as rare earth elements and/or heavy metals. The materials levitate to the surface, forming a slurry while leaving water substantially free of such materials. Rare earth magnets electrically connect electrolysis electrode structures and serve as electrolysis electrode segments.