Method of multistage electrode-based water treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household and professional washing appliances lack a multistage water treatment system that effectively treats water for cleaning and reuses greywater, leading to environmental burden and hygiene issues due to lime scale deposits and microbial growth.
Innovation Solution
A multistage electrode-based water treatment system using electrochemical cells to produce hydrogen peroxide and acidic anolyte for cleaning and rinsing, followed by electrocoagulation for wastewater treatment, incorporating sensors and controllers for process management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detergents are used for cleaning in washing machines and dishwashers, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but environmental burden and wastewater treatment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of water through electrolysis, transforming it into an ionic cleaning solution with altered pH and ion composition. This allows the water itself to perform cleaning functions previously requiring detergent chemicals, thereby reducing environmental burden while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical cleaning agents (detergents) with an electrochemically generated ionic water solution. The electrolysis process creates a cleaning medium through electrical energy conversion, substituting mechanical/chemical detergent application with an electrochemical process that reduces harmful environmental factors.
2Reliability
If rinse cycles are added to remove detergent residues, then cleaning quality is improved, but water and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolytically treated water serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the cleaning agent during the wash cycle and as the rinse water to remove residues. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rinse cycles with additional water, reducing overall water consumption while maintaining cleaning quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains the useful cleaning action continuously through the use of ionic water that remains effective throughout the wash and rinse phases. The electrochemically activated water retains its cleaning properties without requiring interruption or replacement with fresh water, enabling continuous useful action without additional water consumption.
3Reliability
If multiple rinse cycles are performed, then detergent residue removal is improved, but wastewater generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ionic water produced by electrolysis serves its own purpose of removing residues without generating harmful wastewater. The electrochemically treated water maintains its cleaning and rinsing capabilities throughout the process, and any remaining ionic water after the cycle can be reused or disposed of with minimal environmental impact, effectively making the system self-sufficient and reducing wastewater generation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a multistage water treatment system is implemented, then water reuse capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple treatment functions (electrolysis, filtration, pH adjustment) into an integrated water treatment system that processes water through multiple stages sequentially. By merging these functions into a unified apparatus with coordinated components, the system achieves sophisticated water reuse capability while managing overall device complexity through functional integration rather than separate independent systems.
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
Enhances hygiene by removing contaminants and pathogens, reduces water consumption, and recycles wastewater for reuse, minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
providing a solution in the electrochemical cell which comprises water and an electrolyte and applying a current to the electrochemical cell to split the water into hydrogen peroxide and acidic anolyte
Implementation Method 2
electrocoagulation for wastewater treatment
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for a multistage electrode-based water treatment in which a water bearing electrical device is tested for performance. Then water is supplied to the device and a current is supplied to the first electrochemical cell as well as a solution, possibly a detergent. Then the electrolyte solution generated from the first electrochemical cell is fed to a bleaching facility and the wash process is completed. The bleaching facility is then drained, and a current is applied to a second electrochemical cell to treat the wastewater generated during the wash process.