Rotary Cavitation Device for Advanced Oxidation Wastewater Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current advanced oxidation processes for treating industrial wastewaters, such as those in the oil and gas industry, face inefficiencies and limitations in handling varying flow rates and contaminants, with existing systems lacking in efficacy, economy, reliability, and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A liquid treatment apparatus incorporating a rotary device that induces cavitation in the presence of ultraviolet radiation, enhancing the advanced oxidation process by increasing the liquid's surface area exposure to UV radiation and accelerating chemical reactions, while also using photocatalytic materials to improve reaction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional advanced oxidation processes are used to treat industrial wastewaters, then treatment capability is provided, but efficiency and effectiveness are insufficient for handling varying flow rates and contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotary device that rotates at variable speeds to dynamically adjust cavitation intensity, allowing the system to adapt to different flow rates and contaminant types. The rotation speed can be optimized for specific treatment requirements, providing both high productivity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters by inducing cavitation through rotary device rotation, which creates micro-bubbles and shock waves that enhance oxidation reactions. This parameter change (from conventional static treatment to dynamic cavitation-enhanced treatment) improves both efficiency and adaptability to varying conditions.
2Productivity
If cavitation is induced by rotary device rotation, then surface area exposure to UV radiation increases and reaction acceleration occurs, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cavitation induction function and the mixing function into a single rotary device. The rotary device simultaneously creates cavitation and ensures uniform distribution of contaminants throughout the treatment volume, reducing the need for separate mixing equipment and thereby limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary device serves multiple functions: it induces cavitation, provides mixing, and enhances UV radiation exposure by creating micro-bubbles with large surface area. This multi-functionality achieves high reaction rates without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If photocatalytic materials are used to enhance reaction efficiency, then treatment effectiveness improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies photocatalytic materials selectively to specific surfaces where they provide maximum benefit, such as the rotary device surfaces that are in direct contact with the wastewater. This localized application reduces material costs compared to treating the entire system, while still achieving enhanced treatment effectiveness.
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 apparatus significantly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of advanced oxidation processes by accelerating pathogen destruction and organic compound decomposition, and enhancing interactions between immiscible liquids, thereby improving the treatment of industrial wastewaters.
Implementation Method 1
a respective drive mechanism (106) is operable to rotate the blade elements at a speed in excess of 5,000 RPM to induce cavitation in a liquid present in the annular flow volume
Implementation Method 2
at least one liquid treatment vessel or conduit (25) disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and arranged to expose liquid in the vessel to ultraviolet radiation in an advanced oxidation process reaction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An apparatus for use in a liquid treatment process, and a method of use is described. The apparatus comprises an inlet configured to be connected to a source of liquid to be treated and an outlet for discharging liquid from the apparatus. At least one liquid treatment vessel or conduit is disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and is arranged to expose liquid in the vessel to ultraviolet radiation in an advanced oxidation process reaction. A source of ultraviolet radiation extending along the liquid treatment vessel or conduit, such that an annular flow volume is defined in the vessel or conduit around the source of ultraviolet radiation. A rotary device is disposed in the annular flow volume and a drive mechanism drives rotation of the rotary device. The rotary device is operable to induce cavitation in a liquid present in the annular flow volume.