Nickel Anode Copper Cathode Electrolyzer Ammonia Nitrogen Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing ammonia nitrogen from aqueous solutions are inefficient, requiring large spaces, limited by low oxidation rates, and result in excessive salt production, with biological techniques being space-intensive and chemical methods causing electrode damage and non-selective conversion.
Innovation Solution
An electrolysis device with a nickel-based anode and copper cathode, operating in a non-chloride electrolyte solution with controlled pH and current density, to selectively convert ammonia nitrogen into nitrogen gas, reducing nitrate and nitrite production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biological technique is used to degrade ammonia nitrogen, then ammonia nitrogen is converted to nitrogen gas through nitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation, but large space is required and sludge is formed as byproduct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the biological treatment system with an electrochemical system using electrolysis. Instead of relying on microbial nitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation processes that require large bioreactors and long retention times, the invention uses electrical current to directly oxidize ammonia nitrogen at the anode and reduce nitrate/nitrite at the cathode, achieving the same nitrogen gas production in a compact device with significantly reduced space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from biological conditions (aerobic/anaerobic environments, microbial populations, long treatment times) to electrochemical parameters (applied voltage, current density, electrode materials). This parameter transformation enables ammonia nitrogen removal in a much smaller footprint while eliminating sludge formation, as the electrochemical reactions directly convert ammonia to nitrogen gas without biological byproducts
2Productivity
If chloride is added and electrolysis is performed to oxidize ammonia nitrogen, then ammonia nitrogen is converted to nitrogen gas, but excess chloride remains in water and chloride-containing byproducts are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates chloride from the electrolyte composition, using alternative electrolytes such as sulfate or nitrate salts instead. This removal of chloride prevents the formation of harmful chloride-containing byproducts like chloramines and trihalomethanes, while still maintaining sufficient ionic conductivity for electrochemical reactions to proceed at high oxidation rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alternative electrolyte ions (such as sulfate or nitrate) as intermediaries to replace chloride's role in maintaining electrical conductivity. These alternative ions enable the electrochemical oxidation of ammonia nitrogen without participating in harmful side reactions, thus achieving high productivity without generating chloride-containing harmful byproducts
3Productivity
If electrolysis device is used with chloride, then ammonia nitrogen is oxidized to nitrogen gas, but chloride damages electrodes reducing device lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts chloride from the electrolyte system to eliminate its corrosive effect on electrodes. By using chloride-free electrolytes, the anode and cathode materials are protected from chloride-induced corrosion and degradation, significantly extending the operational lifetime of the electrolysis device while maintaining high ammonia nitrogen oxidation productivity through alternative ionic conduction mechanisms
4Productivity
If oxidizing method is used to remove ammonia nitrogen, then nitrogen gas is produced, but nitrite and nitrate salts are also formed which negatively affect water quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the oxidation process at the anode with a simultaneous reduction process at the cathode in a single integrated electrolysis system. The nitrate and nitrite formed during ammonia oxidation are immediately reduced back to nitrogen gas at the cathode, combining both oxidation and reduction functions to achieve complete conversion to nitrogen gas while minimizing harmful salt accumulation in the water
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the products of oxidation (nitrate and nitrite) are continuously monitored and fed back to the cathode for reduction. This closed-loop process ensures that any intermediate salts formed during ammonia oxidation are rapidly converted back to nitrogen gas, maintaining high productivity while preserving water quality by preventing salt accumulation
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
Achieves high oxidation and selectivity in converting ammonia nitrogen to nitrogen gas, minimizing nitrate and nitrite formation, thus improving water quality and extending electrolysis device lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one anode oxidizes the chloride in the water to form active chlorine such as chlorine gas or the hypochlorite, thereby indirectly and electrochemically oxidizing the ammonia nitrogen in the water
Implementation Method 2
an electrolytic reaction is performed, such that the ammonia nitrogen is converted into nitrogen gas, nitrate or nitrite
Implementation Method 3
converting the ammonia nitrogen into nitrogen gas by reducing a concentration of nitrate
Implementation Method 4
an electrolytic reaction is performed, such that the ammonia nitrogen is converted into nitrogen gas, nitrate or nitrite
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing ammonia nitrogen in an aqueous solution is provided in the present invention. The method includes performing an electrolysis reaction using an electrolysis device, such that the ammonia nitrogen is converted into nitrogen gas, nitrate or nitrite. The electrolysis device includes an anode including metal nickel, nickel hydroxide or nickel oxyhydroxide, and a cathode including metal copper. The method has high selectivity of converting the ammonia nitrogen into the nitrogen gas.