Submerged Electrosorption Apparatus for Ion Adsorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrosorption-based desalination methods face issues with electrode dryness, gas entry into pores, low adsorption capacity, and inefficient ion removal, leading to low recovery rates and high energy consumption, making them unsuitable for industrial-scale water purification.
Innovation Solution
A submerged-type electrosorption-based water purification apparatus using a DC power supply system, activated carbon electrodes, and a control panel to apply voltages for ion adsorption and desorption, with a suction pump to maintain electrode submersion and remove gases, enhancing ion adsorption capacity and recovery rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrosorption-based desalination methods are used, then ion removal is achieved, but electrode dryness occurs during non-operating periods leading to air entry into pores and blockage of pore entrances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water-saturated porous material as an intermediary substance that fills the pores of the electrode during non-operating periods. This intermediary material prevents air from entering and blocking the pores, while allowing the electrode to maintain its ion adsorption capability when operational. The water-saturated material acts as a mediator between the electrode and the air environment, solving the electrode dryness problem without compromising adsorption performance.
2Productivity
If DC voltage is applied during operation to adsorb ions, then desalination is achieved, but electrolysis occurs producing gases that enter pores and block pore entrances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of gas formation during electrolysis into a beneficial process by utilizing the generated gases to enhance mass transfer and reduce boundary layer resistance. The gases produced during electrolysis are directed to flow through the electrode structure, creating turbulence and enhancing the adsorption process. This transforms the harmful gas generation into a beneficial mass transfer enhancement, simultaneously achieving desalination and improving operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If fixed operation conditions are used in conventional apparatuses, then simple operation is maintained, but responsiveness to water quality changes is slow and recovery rate cannot be maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic operation system that automatically adjusts operational parameters based on real-time water quality monitoring. The apparatus includes sensors that detect water quality changes and trigger automatic parameter adjustments, such as modifying DC voltage, flow rate, or contact time. This dynamic control system maintains ease of operation while significantly improving adaptability to water quality changes, enabling the system to optimize recovery rate under varying environmental conditions without manual intervention.
4Device complexity
If narrow distance between electrodes is used in purification reactor, then compact design is achieved, but foreign substance removal becomes difficult when materials adhere to fluid flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the purification reactor into modular segments with accessible compartments. Each electrode assembly is separated into independent units that can be individually removed and cleaned. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and clean foreign substances from fluid flow paths without disassembling the entire reactor structure. The modular design maintains compactness while significantly improving ease of maintenance and foreign substance removal through systematic division of the reactor into serviceable sections.
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 achieves higher desalination efficiency and recovery rates, reduces energy consumption, and allows for easy industrial-scale application by maintaining electrode submersion and efficiently removing gases, thereby improving ion adsorption and desalination performance.
Implementation Method 1
applying a DC voltage of 0.1 to 2.0 volts to a plate-like activated carbon electrode in the purification reactor such that inorganic ions in water are removed by adsorption of ions onto the plate-like activated carbon electrode
Implementation Method 2
some electrical energy is utilized in electrolysis of water. The electrolysis is accompanied by formation of gases as shown in the following reactions
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a submerged-type, electrosorption-based desalination apparatus for water purification and method, comprising applying a DC voltage of 0.1 to 2.0 volts to a carbon electrode of the reactor to thereby adsorb inorganic ions on the carbon electrode, and reversely applying the same DC voltage having opposite polarity to recycle regeneration solution to the outside of the apparatus or into the treatment tank, thereby enhancing a recovery rate. In addition, in order to improve desalination efficiency, the reactor used in the desalination apparatus may be embodied in various forms of T-shaped, linear type, single, composite, and ion exchange membrane electrodes. Therefore, the present invention may be applied to remove inorganic ions from industrial wastewater, sea water, and brackish water, which contain large amounts of inorganic ions.