Hyperbolic Reactor Plasma Treatment for Micro-Pollutant Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wastewater treatment methods are inefficient and costly for removing and degrading micro-pollutants like pharmaceuticals, bacteria, pesticides, and PFAS from wastewater, especially when dealing with high concentrations and complex mixtures, and often create 'dead zones' in treatment reactors.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a hyperbolic-shaped reactor with a plasma treatment device generating a vortex flow and plasma discharge, combined with bipolar pulse technology and optional catalysts and surfactants, to effectively remove and degrade micro-pollutants by creating reactive species that interact with the liquid through a gas-liquid interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wastewater treatment methods are used, then treatment processes can be implemented, but they create dead zones in treatment reactors and are ineffective for high concentrations of micro-pollutants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hyperbolic-shaped reactor chamber that generates vortex flow through its curved geometry. This curvature eliminates dead zones by creating continuous circulating flow patterns, ensuring all liquid receives treatment exposure while maintaining effective treatment even at high micro-pollutant concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes plasma generation through electrical discharge in a gas-liquid interface environment. The plasma treatment device introduces reactive species through the gas phase that interact with the liquid phase, providing effective degradation of micro-pollutants without requiring direct liquid-phase chemical injection.
2Productivity
If conventional treatment methods are used, then processes can be implemented, but they require usage of chemicals and catalysts which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical-based treatment mechanisms with plasma-based physical-chemical treatment. Instead of injecting chemicals or using catalysts, the system generates plasma discharge that produces reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in situ, eliminating the need for external chemical additives while maintaining high treatment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental treatment parameter from chemical concentration to plasma energy input. By controlling plasma power, gas flow rate, and exposure time, the system achieves effective micro-pollutant degradation without being constrained by chemical dosing requirements, enabling treatment of high concentration streams.
3Reliability
If conventional treatment methods are used, then processes can be implemented, but they are only effective for relatively clear and clean process water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the treatment process into distinct zones: a gas phase plasma generation zone, a gas-liquid interface reaction zone, and a liquid phase treatment zone. This segmentation allows the plasma to be generated in the gas phase and then interact with the liquid, enabling effective treatment of various water types including high-concentration wastewater without being limited by water clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma treatment system serves multiple functions: it generates reactive species for degradation, creates vortex flow for mixing, and provides disinfection. This multi-functionality enables the same system to effectively treat various water types ranging from clear process water to high-concentration wastewater containing pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other micro-pollutants.
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 method significantly enhances the removal and degradation of micro-pollutants, improving treatment efficiency by preventing 'dead zones' and achieving high removal rates, even with high concentrations, and can be applied before, during, or after traditional wastewater treatment.
Implementation Method 1
providing a treatment device configured for generating a plasma for treating the liquid
Implementation Method 2
The treatment device with the electrodes is preferably connected to a high-voltage power supply that can be used for generating the plasma
Implementation Method 3
generating a vortex by liquid flow... the liquid flows through the reactor along a spiral path, thereby forming a so-called (liquid/water) vortex
Implementation Method 4
In a presently preferred embodiment, the method comprises the step of generating a bipolar pulse
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
The present invention relates to method, a system, and its use for removal and/or degradation of micro-pollutants from a liquid. The method according to the invention comprises: - providing a reactor having an inlet configured for receiving the liquid, an outlet configured for removing the treated liquid, and a treatment chamber having a substantially hyperbolic shape in a main flow direction of the liquid from the inlet to the outlet; - providing a treatment device configured for generating a plasma for treating the liquid and having one or more electrodes; - providing the liquid to the reactor; - generating a vortex by liquid flow; - generating a plasma with the treatment device; - treating the liquid in the treatment chamber with the plasma to remove and/or degrade micro-pollutants from the liquid; and - removing the treated liquid from the treatment chamber.