Gas Purification Using UV-Catalyzed Ozone Hydroxyl Radicals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional advanced oxidation technologies for gas treatment and purification are limited by low efficiency, high costs, and inability to effectively eliminate microorganisms, making them unsuitable for large-scale industrial applications, particularly in industries requiring effective disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing modified advanced oxidation technology to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) from ozone, which includes generating ozone from oxygen gas, oxidizing it with a defined wavelength and catalyst, and reacting it with water to produce hydroxyl radicals, then using these radicals to treat contaminants in a gas stream, with optional use of packed-bed reactors and UV light to enhance reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional advanced oxidation technologies are used for gas treatment, then organic and inorganic compounds can be removed, but the treatment efficiency is low and operation cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the oxidation process by using UV irradiation (specific wavelength) combined with catalytic materials to generate highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. This parameter change transforms the conventional slow oxidation process into a rapid radical-based oxidation, significantly improving treatment efficiency while controlling energy consumption through optimized UV dosage and catalyst selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite catalytic materials that combine multiple components (e.g., metal oxides, semiconductors) to enhance the generation of reactive oxygen species. These composite catalysts improve both the efficiency of contaminant degradation and the economic viability of the process by increasing reaction rates and extending catalyst lifespan, thereby reducing operation costs.
2Reliability
If conventional advanced oxidation technologies are used for gas treatment, then some contaminants can be removed, but microorganisms cannot be effectively eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes strongly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals generated through UV-catalyzed decomposition of oxygen or ozone. These radicals possess such high oxidizing power that they can effectively destroy microbial cell walls, proteins, and genetic material, achieving reliable disinfection. The accelerated oxidation mechanism ensures complete microbial elimination while maintaining high overall treatment effectiveness for mixed contaminants.
3Productivity
If conventional advanced oxidation technologies are scaled up for industrial application, then treatment capacity increases, but investment cost and operation cost increase redundantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas treatment system into modular units, each containing UV lamps and catalytic reactors. These standardized modules can be replicated and connected in series or parallel configurations to achieve desired treatment capacities. This segmentation allows incremental scaling without proportionally increasing system complexity, as each module operates independently with standardized components and control 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
The method achieves efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly gas treatment and purification, capable of neutralizing microorganisms and degrading organic compounds, adaptable to various scales and applications, while minimizing harmful by-products.
Implementation Method 1
oxidizing the ozone (O3), in an oxidization chamber, in the presence of light of a pre-defined wavelength and at least one oxidation catalyst to generate a reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Implementation Method 2
feeding, in a first reactive space, the generated ROS and water from a water tank to generate the ROS comprising hydroxyl radicals
Implementation Method 3
supplying, in a second reactive space, the ROS comprising hydroxyl radicals and a feed gas that comprises one or more contaminants to produce a first treated gas, wherein the first treated gas is produced from the reaction of the feed gas with the ROS comprising the hydroxyl radicals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for gas treatment and purification, comprising: generating ozone from a supply of gas comprising an oxygen (O2) gas in presence of a defined voltage; oxidizing the ozone (O3), in an oxidization chamber, in presence of light of a pre-defined wavelength and at least one oxidation catalyst to generate a reactive oxygen species (ROS); feeding, in a first reactive space, the generated ROS and water from a water tank to generate the ROS comprising hydroxyl radicals; and supplying, in a second reactive space, the ROS comprising the hydroxyl radicals and a feed gas that comprises one or more contaminants to produce a first treated gas, wherein the first treated gas is produced from the reaction of the feed gas with the ROS comprising the hydroxyl radicals.