Oxygen Nanobubble Oxidation for 1,4-Dioxane Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water treatment processes struggle to effectively remove recalcitrant contaminants such as 1,4-dioxane and PPCPs due to high chemical consumption, potential byproduct formation, and high energy usage, while also failing to address emerging contaminants like perfluoroalkyl acids and pesticides.
Innovation Solution
An advanced oxidation process using oxygen-nanobubbles and UV irradiation generates hydroxyl radicals in-situ, eliminating the need for ozone or hydrogen peroxide, thus reducing chemical and energy costs, and effectively mineralizing recalcitrant contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional water treatment processes are used, then treatment of microorganisms is achieved, but recalcitrant contaminants such as 1,4-dioxane and PPCPs are not effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the oxidation mechanism by using UV irradiation to generate hydroxyl radicals from hydrogen peroxide, creating a more powerful oxidizing system that can effectively degrade recalcitrant contaminants like 1,4-dioxane and PPCPs which conventional treatment cannot remove
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple treatment mechanisms into a hybrid system that integrates UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide oxidation, and advanced oxidation processes to create a composite treatment approach capable of addressing both conventional and emerging contaminants
2Reliability
If high doses of chlorine are used for disinfection, then microorganism treatment is improved, but disinfection byproducts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical disinfection (chlorine) with a physical-chemical process using UV irradiation and hydroxyl radicals, which achieves disinfection effectiveness while avoiding the formation of harmful disinfection byproducts associated with chlorine treatment
3Reliability
If advanced oxidation processes are used to remove recalcitrant contaminants, then removal efficiency is improved, but chemical consumption and energy usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs in-situ generation of hydroxyl radicals through UV irradiation of hydrogen peroxide, where the system produces its own oxidizing agents on-demand, reducing the need for external chemical addition and minimizing energy consumption compared to conventional AOP methods
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 process achieves rapid and complete removal of recalcitrant contaminants, including 1,4-dioxane and PPCPs, with minimal byproduct formation, achieving removal rates greater than 99.9% in seconds to minutes, and is cost-effective and sustainable.
Implementation Method 1
UV irradiation generates hydroxyl radicals in-situ
Implementation Method 2
oxygen-nanobubble based advanced oxidation process (AOP)... mineralizing recalcitrant contaminants
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A method for removing recalcitrant contaminants uses an oxygen-nanobubble advanced oxidation process. Oxygen-nanobubble based advanced oxidation mineralized 1,4 dioxane in an aqueous solution, thereby removing practically all of the 1,4 dioxane. An added advantage is that the process does not form bromate. Also disclosed is an ozone-oxygen nanobubble based advanced oxidation process that removes recalcitrant contaminants. Ozone-oxygen nanobubble based advanced oxidation significantly increased the mass transfer rate compared to that of the micro-bubble technology.