Pulsed Ionic Wastewater Reclamation for TSS and TDS Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste stream remediation technologies face challenges in efficiently addressing total suspended solids (TSS) and total dissolved solids (TDS) in waste streams, particularly when TSS levels are low relative to the liquid volume, requiring effective pre-treatment filtration and isotopic analysis to determine the appropriate technological application.
Innovation Solution
The described system utilizes a combination of acoustic energy, ionic energy, and additional unit operations to process waste streams. It includes a bi-polar/bi-directional flow through ionic module, subsonic and ultrasonic particle separation modules, and pulsed ionic collection modules to dissociate dissolved solids from water molecules, allowing for their removal through filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional filtration methods are used to remove TSS, then TSS removal efficiency is improved, but the system cannot effectively address TDS and requires additional complex treatment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines TSS and TDS treatment into a single integrated system using flow-through ionic cells with electrode arrays. The ionic module simultaneously addresses both suspended and dissolved solids through electrochemical reactions, eliminating the need for separate treatment trains and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-through ionic cell serves multiple functions: it removes TSS through electrocoagulation, removes TDS through electrochemical oxidation and reduction, and can adjust pH levels. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized units with a single versatile device.
2Manufacturing precision
If electrolytic treatment with sacrificial electrodes is used, then TDS removal is improved, but electrode consumption increases operational complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-regenerating electrodes where the electrochemical reactions at the electrode surfaces naturally restore the active material. The flow-through design allows continuous operation without electrode replacement, as the electrodes serve themselves by regenerating during the treatment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using non-sacrificial electrodes with specific surface areas and configurations. By adjusting electrical parameters such as current density and pulse duration, the system achieves effective TDS removal without consuming the electrode material, thereby reducing maintenance requirements.
3Reliability
If high current continuous electrolysis is applied, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs pulsed electrical currents instead of continuous high current. The periodic application of electrical energy allows electrochemical reactions to proceed effectively during pulse intervals while minimizing resistive heating losses during off-periods. This pulsing strategy maintains treatment effectiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic electrical parameters including variable current density, pulse width modulation, and adjustable frequency. These dynamic adjustments optimize the balance between treatment effectiveness and energy consumption by adapting the electrical input to the specific waste stream characteristics and treatment requirements in real-time.
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
This system effectively reduces TSS and TDS levels in waste streams by dissociating dissolved solids from water molecules, facilitating their removal and resulting in a cleaner waste stream that meets EPA discharge standards.
Implementation Method 1
The described system utilizes a combination of acoustic energy, ionic energy, and additional unit operations to process waste streams
Implementation Method 2
The described system utilizes a combination of acoustic energy, ionic energy, and additional unit operations to process waste streams
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating wastewater having one or more of suspended solids, dissolved solids, biological oxygen demand includes solids filtration followed by a bi-polar/bi-directional flow through ionic module fitted with anionically/cationically charged plates followed by a sub-sonic resonance module followed by another bi-polar/bi-directional flow through ionic module followed by a ultra-sonic resonance module followed by one or more anion/cation collection membrane modules. Recycle is provided in each step, wherein each step may be repeated, and wherein one or more of the steps can be bypassed.