Ozone Disperser and Hydrogen Catalyst for Water Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment systems face challenges in effectively and safely ozonating water in tanks due to issues with ozone solubility, concentration control, and management of byproducts like hydrogen gas.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an ozone generator and a disperser to control the evolved gases, where the disperser increases the contact time and distribution of ozone within the water, and a catalytic decomposition unit to manage hydrogen gas safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ozone is generated electrolytically in water tanks, then water treatment effectiveness is improved, but hydrogen gas buildup creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies catalytic decomposition to convert the harmful hydrogen gas byproduct into water, transforming a safety hazard into a benign substance. The catalyst facilitates the chemical reaction 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O, eliminating gas buildup while maintaining the beneficial ozone generation process.
Solution Approach 2:
A catalyst serves as an intermediary substance that enables the decomposition of hydrogen gas without being consumed in the process. The catalyst lowers the activation energy barrier for the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, allowing safe in-situ decomposition within the water tank.
2Productivity
If ozone is produced as gas bubbles, then ozone generation is achieved, but ozone escapes water decreasing treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ozone delivery process by releasing ozone through multiple small bubbles rather than a single large bubble. This segmentation increases the total surface area for mass transfer and extends contact time between ozone and water, improving dissolution efficiency while maintaining generation rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to ozone delivery by using a disperser that distributes ozone bubbles throughout the water volume rather than relying on vertical rise only. This creates horizontal and vertical distribution pathways, maximizing ozone-water contact throughout the tank.
3Reliability
If ozone concentration is increased for better treatment, then pathogen removal improves, but difficulty in sensing and controlling concentration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring dissolved ozone concentration and adjusting the electrolysis process accordingly. Sensors detect the actual ozone levels in real-time, and the system modulates power delivery to maintain optimal concentration, ensuring effective treatment while preventing excessive ozone production.
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 enhances the effectiveness of ozone dissolution in water, reduces the risk of gas buildup, and ensures safe operation by effectively decomposing hydrogen gas, thereby improving the reliability and safety of water treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The disperser increases a contact time of the ozone and/or distributes dissolution of the ozone in the water
Implementation Method 2
a catalytic decomposition unit to manage hydrogen gas safely
Implementation Method 3
One method for generation of ozone is electrolytic ozone production utilizing an electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method, a device, and/or system of effective and/or safe ozonation of water in a tank through evolved gas control. In one embodiment, a system for effective ozonation of water includes an ozone generator for producing ozone partially in the form of ozone gas, and a disperser. The disperser is configured to receive ozone gas from the ozone generator rising through the water as ozone bubbles disperse the ozone bubbles within the water. The disperser increases a contact time of the ozone and/or distributes dissolution of the ozone in the water. The disperser may include one or more bubble paths guiding the ozone bubbles. The ozone generator may be an electrolytic ozone unit. An electrode may include a proton exchange membrane electrically coupling an anode and a cathode of an electrode, where hydrogen gas generated at the cathode may be vented and/or conveyed to a catalytic decomposition unit.