Water Purification Device Using Localized Plasma in Partitioned Hole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plasma-based water purification devices are cumbersome, energy-intensive, and unsuitable for consumer use due to overheating and electrode wear, failing to consistently remove PFAS contaminants from drinking water.
Innovation Solution
A compact, energy-efficient water purification device that uses a nonconductive partition to create a plasma bubble around a small hole, allowing water to flow through while maintaining the majority of the water cool, utilizing alternating current to ionize water only within the hole, thus purifying it without overheating the surrounding water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plasma-based water purification devices are used to purify water, then PFAS and other contaminants are broken down, but the devices are cumbersome, energy-intensive, and cause overheating of the water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating plasma only in the immediate vicinity of the electrode surface rather than throughout the entire water volume. The high voltage electrode generates reactive oxygen species and plasma bubbles locally at its surface, which then interact with water as it flows past. This localized plasma generation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to conventional methods that attempt to create plasma throughout the entire water container, while still achieving effective purification of PFAS and other contaminants.
2Reliability
If conventional plasma-based water purification devices are used to purify water, then PFAS and other contaminants are broken down, but the water overheats and requires cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generation is confined to the immediate vicinity of the electrode surface, creating reactive species and plasma bubbles only where needed for purification. This localized approach prevents bulk water overheating because the energy input is concentrated in a small region rather than distributed throughout the entire water volume. The water flows past the electrode and is purified by the local plasma effects without experiencing the widespread thermal effects that plague conventional plasma water purification systems.
3Reliability
If high voltage electrodes are used in plasma-based water purification, then plasma is generated to break down contaminants, but the electrodes wear out and release metal ions into the water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sacrificial electrode made of a metal that is more reactive than the contaminants being removed. This electrode is designed to be consumed over time, dissolving preferentially instead of the target contaminants. The electrode is replaced periodically when it wears out, but during its service life it protects against metal ion contamination by preferential dissolution. This approach maintains reliable plasma generation while minimizing harmful metal ion release into the purified water.
4Reliability
If conventional plasma devices are designed to create plasma throughout the water container, then thorough purification is achieved, but the devices become cumbersome and unsuitable for consumer use
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure is simplified by confining plasma generation to the immediate vicinity of a single electrode rather than requiring complex arrangements of multiple electrodes or chambers to create plasma throughout the entire water container. A single high voltage electrode generates sufficient reactive species and plasma bubbles locally, which then interact with water flow to achieve thorough purification. This localized approach enables compact, consumer-friendly device designs while maintaining effective purification performance.
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 device effectively breaks down PFAS and other pollutants while minimizing energy consumption and electrode wear, producing purified water suitable for consumption without overheating the water, making it suitable for consumer use.
Implementation Method 1
The current and voltage is such that the current density in the first and second volumes of water is not enough to boil the water, while the current density in the hole is such that the water boils and then transitions into a plasma state
Implementation Method 2
utilizing alternating current to ionize water only within the hole, thus purifying it without overheating the surrounding water
Implementation Method 3
The plasma then generates various reactive oxygen species, such as OH radicals, H2O2, and O3. These reactive species can sterilize the water by killing microorganisms, and break up PFAS compounds, pharmaceutical residue, and other organic pollutants within the water
Data Source
AI summary
A water purification device and method are described. The device comprises at least two compartments separated by a wall, wherein the wall comprises a small hole. An electrode is placed in each compartment and an alternating current is applied across them; the high current density in the hole boils the water and the current ionizes the water vapor into plasma, which then purifies the water; however, the current density outside the hole in the compartments is not high enough to boil the water. A flow control module causes water to flow through the hole at a particular flow rate. As the water flows out of the hole, it cools down due to contact with the water in the second compartment.