Rotating Electrode Reactor for Mass Transfer in Electrochemical Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Static electrochemical reactors are inefficient in treating contaminated liquids due to stagnant flow in the laminar sub-layer near the electrodes, limiting the interaction of hydroxyl radicals with the liquid, which reduces the effectiveness of the oxidation process.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of rotatable electrodes within a reactor vessel, mounted on insulated support plates that can rotate at varying speeds, creating a dynamic environment that prevents stagnation and increases the interaction of hydroxyl radicals with the liquid, thereby enhancing mass-transfer and oxidation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If static electrodes are used in the reactor, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the liquid flow becomes stagnant in the laminar sub-layer, reducing the effectiveness of hydroxyl radical oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static electrodes to rotatable electrodes. The electrodes are mounted on shafts that can rotate at controlled speeds, creating dynamic motion at the electrode-liquid interface. This rotation prevents the formation of a stagnant laminar sub-layer, continuously bringing fresh liquid into contact with the electrode surface where hydroxyl radicals are generated, thereby significantly improving oxidation efficiency while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the rotational movement of electrodes. The electrodes rotate in a periodic cycle, creating alternating zones of high and low velocity in the liquid flow. This periodic motion ensures continuous renewal of the liquid at the electrode interface, preventing stagnation and maximizing the interaction between generated hydroxyl radicals and contaminated liquid throughout the treatment process
2Productivity
If the liquid velocity at the electrode interface is increased, then the interaction of hydroxyl radicals with liquid improves, but the hydraulic conditions and flow patterns become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable electrode system provides dynamic control over liquid velocity at the electrode interface. By adjusting the rotation speed of the electrodes, the system can optimize the velocity of liquid in the laminar sub-layer to enhance mass-transfer efficiency and hydroxyl radical utilization. The rotational motion creates controlled turbulence and flow patterns that improve mixing and contact between radicals and contaminants without requiring complex external hydraulic systems
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 design significantly increases the use of hydroxyl radicals for oxidation, leading to a drastic improvement in mass-transfer and overall reactor efficiency, allowing for the effective treatment of higher volumes of contaminated liquid.
Implementation Method 1
The reactor uses electric energy, which is applied to the electrodes, to generate an electrolytic process when a liquid is present
Implementation Method 2
An electrical charge is applied to each shaft so that a dielectric is formed across the gap within the fluid located in the gap
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical oxidation reactor includes rotatable electrodes inside a reactor vessel. The electrodes are mounted to support plates, which in turn are mounted on shafts. The plates are attached to each other in a spaced relationship so that a gap is formed therebetween. The plates are each electrically insulated from each other. The electrodes are mounted to the inside surfaces of these plates, inside the gap. The gap is sized to receive liquid to be treated so that liquid located within the gap will react with the electrodes. An electrical charge is applied to each shaft so that a dielectric is formed across the gap within the fluid located in the gap. According to a first embodiment, an electrochemical reactor includes containing two spaced electrode support plates. According to another embodiment, an electrochemical reactor includes several spaced electrode support plates.