Modular Electrocoagulation Wastewater Treatment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wastewater treatment methods, such as filtration and chemical treatments, are costly, maintenance-intensive, and inefficient in addressing water scarcity due to pollution and increasing demand, with limitations in removing contaminants like total dissolved and suspended solids and organic compounds.
Innovation Solution
A modular wastewater treatment system utilizing electrocoagulation with ion donating and mixed metal oxide anodes and cathodes, producing micro bubbles to coagulate and separate contaminants, allowing for scalable and expandable treatment processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If filtration and membrane systems are used to remove contaminants, then removal efficiency is improved, but maintenance intensity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical filtration systems with an electrocoagulation system that uses electrical current to generate metal hydroxide flocs for contaminant removal. This substitution eliminates the need for physical filters and membranes that require frequent maintenance and replacement, while achieving effective contaminant removal through electrochemical processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If chemical treatments are used to remove organics, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but harmful chemical residues are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical treatment methods with an electrocoagulation process that uses electrical current to generate metal hydroxide flocs in-situ. This eliminates the need to add external chemical coagulants, thereby avoiding the introduction of harmful chemical residues while maintaining effective contaminant removal through the generated flocs.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrocoagulation is used to treat waste water, then operational cost is reduced, but system scalability becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrocoagulation system into modular units, each comprising electrodes, power supply, and control components. These standardized modules can be replicated and connected in parallel or series configurations to scale the treatment capacity according to waste water flow requirements, enabling cost-effective expansion without redesigning the entire system.
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 system achieves high removal efficiency of contaminants, including hydrocarbons and metals, with a 99.6% overall removal efficiency and cost-effective operation, suitable for both small and large-scale industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
Electrocoagulation involves the use of electrical current being applied to an anode and cathode and where molecular compounds can be disassociated or oxidized by means of current transfer within the influent. As for example in electrolysis, molecular disassociation of H2O takes place once 1.24 volts has been applied to an anode and cathode
Implementation Method 2
Electrocoagulation involves the use of electrical current being applied to an anode and cathode and where molecular compounds can be disassociated or oxidized by means of current transfer within the influent. this method breaks down the water molecule to produce both hydrogen and oxygen which forms a gaseous vapor consisting of micro bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
A waste water treatment system utilizing a series of individual modules which, when assembled, form a beginning contaminate collection chamber attached at the starting end of a main fluid treatment tank in which is housed an array of anodes and cathodes. A center contaminate collection chamber can be attached at the oppose end of the main treatment tank which provides an internal fluid pathway to allow fluid transfer from the first treatment tank into a second treatment tank. Alternatively, the center contaminate collection chamber can be used when multiples of treatment tanks are assembled to work in tandem, or an ending contaminate collection chamber can be attached to an ending treatment module to complete the expandable waste water treatment system. Expandability of the system can therefore accommodate various waste water treatment mechanisms, residence time and manner of treatment.