Method and Device for Treating Water by Electrolysis

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for treating water by electrolysis, comprising the following operations: producing two electrolytic dipoles (D1 and D2), connecting each of the dipoles (D1 and D2) to a source of electrical energy, and remarkable in that it further comprises the following operations: arranging the two dipoles inside the same enclosure (330) wherein the water to be treated circulates, inverting one of the dipoles so as to position facing the water flow to be treated the cathode of the second dipole extending from the anode of the first dipole and the anode of the second dipole extending from the cathode of the first dipole, moving the two dipoles (D1, D2) closer together to a sufficiently reduced distance to create therebetween electrical and chemical interactions and thereby form an at least quadripolar electrolysis system, channeling the gases resulting from the electrolysis implemented via a first dipole (D1) to the second dipole (D2).

The invention also relates to a device for implementing the method.

Applications: water treatment.

Claims

1. Method for treating water by electrolysis, comprising the following operations: producing two electrolytic dipoles (D1 and D2) each consisting of an anode (A1, A2) and a cathode (C1, C2), connecting each of the dipoles (D1 and D2) to a source of electrical energy with a given intensity and voltage for each dipole (D1, D2), characterized in that it further comprises the following operations: arranging the two dipoles inside the same enclosure (330) wherein the water to be treated circulates, inverting one of the dipoles so as to position facing the water flow to be treated the cathode of the second dipole extending from the anode of the first dipole and the anode of the second dipole extending from the cathode of the first dipole, moving the two dipoles (D1, D2) closer together to a sufficiently reduced distance to create therebetween electrical and chemical interactions and thereby form an at least quadripolar electrolysis system, channeling the gases resulting from the electrolysis implemented via a first dipole (D1) to the second dipole (D2).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following operation: channeling the gases resulting from the electrolysis implemented by a first dipole (D1) to the second dipole (D2) for the purposes of energy production, i.e. electrons, which are consumed in the other reactions.

3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following operation: channeling the gases resulting from the electrolysis implemented by a first dipole (D1) to the second dipole (D2) by directing the gases from the anode (A1) of the first dipole (D1) toward the cathode (C2) of the second dipole (D2) and the gases from the cathode (C1) of the first dipole (D1) toward the anode (A2) of the second dipole (D2).

4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of producing hydrogen peroxide according to the following synthesis: H.sub.2(gas from the cathode of the first dipole)+O.sub.2(gas present on the anode of the second dipole).fwdarw.H.sub.2O.sub.2.

5. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of producing dichlorine according to the following reactions: At the anode of the first dipole 2Cl.sup.−.fwdarw.Cl.sub.2+2e.sup.− At the anode of the second dipole 2Cl.sup.−.fwdarw.Cl.sub.2+2e.sup.− and H.sub.2.fwdarw.2H.sup.++2e.sup.−.

6. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one operation is selected from the following list: increasing the exchange contact surface area at one or a plurality of electrodes, locking the current intensity for the second dipole (D2), selecting a catalyst material for the anode (A2) of the second dipole (D2).

7. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the following operation: producing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) by producing an anode (A1) made of carbon or graphite for the first dipole (D1).

8. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following operation: producing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) by injecting an electrolyte based on bicarbonate into the water to be treated.

9. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following operation: producing persulfate, the anode producing dioxygen (O.sub.2) of the first dipole producing the following oxidation reaction:
2SO.sub.4.sup.2−.fwdarw.S.sub.2O.sub.8.sup.2−(peroxodisulfate).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises the following operation: producing persulfate from the sulfate ions naturally present in the water to be treated.

11. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises the following operation: producing persulfate from the sulfate ions present in an electrolyte injected into the water to be treated.

12. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following operation: applying a different voltage according to the dipoles (D1, D2) so as to promote interactions between the electrodes of different dipoles so as to create new dipoles.

13. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises the following operation: arranging a porous lining (600) downstream from the second dipole (D2) so as to promote the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide.

14. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following operation: circulating one or a plurality of electrolytes in the enclosure (330).

15. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following operation: varying the flow rate in order to establish the correct residence time of the electrolyte in the enclosure (330).

16. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the connections of each dipole (D1, D2) are independent.

17. Device (D) for implementing the method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an enclosure (330) equipped with an inlet (310) and an outlet (320) of the water to be treated, said enclosure receiving at least four electrodes: two anodes (A1, A2) and two cathodes (C1, C2), with a single membrane (500) creating a separation between the anodes (A1, A2) and the cathodes (C1, C2), said membrane (500) creating a conduit directing the displacement of the gases produced by a first dipole (D1) toward a second dipole (D2) while allowing ion migration.

18. Device (D) according to claim 17, characterized in that a first dipole (D1) is arranged below a second (D2).

19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that said membrane (500) forms a tube separating: the anode (A1) from the cathode (C1) of a first dipole (D1) with the anode (A1) arranged in the hollow core of the tube (500) and, the anode (A2) from the cathode (C2) of the second dipole (D2) with the cathode (C2) arranged in the hollow core of the tube (500).

20. Device (D) according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises a trapped gas exhaust orifice (700).

21. Device (D) according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises a porous lining (600) positioned downstream from the second dipole (D2).

22. Device (D) according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises a pump (210) for regulating the water flow rate in the enclosure (330).

23. Device (D) according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises an electrolyte and/or reagent tank (400) and an injection module (220) arranged upstream from the enclosure (330) and communicating with the inlet (310) of the enclosure (330).

24. Device (D) according to claim 17, characterized in that the anode (A1) and the cathode (C2) arranged in the hollow core of the tubular membrane (500) are one-piece rectilinear rods whereas the anode (A2) and the cathode (C1) arranged outside the membrane (500) are windings.

25. Device (D) according to claim 17, characterized in that said membrane (500) is an ion exchange member and impermeable to water.

26. Device (D) according to claim 17, characterized in that the four electrodes forming a pair of dipoles are rigidly connected to the same cap to form an interchangeable independent module secured to the enclosure by closing the orifices provided for this purpose, said enclosure comprising a plurality of orifices suitable for optionally each receiving a module.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0151] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the operating principle of a water treatment device according to the invention;

[0152] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a device for treating water according to the invention;

[0153] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a first embodiment of the electrolysis module;

[0154] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a second embodiment of the electrolysis module.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0155] As illustrated in the principle diagram in FIG. 1, the method proposes to produce two electrolytic dipoles D1 and D2 each comprising a cathode C1, C2 and an anode A1 and A2.

[0156] Consequently, a first dipole D1 provides an interaction, i.e. an electrolysis E1 between A1 and C1 and the second dipole D2 provides an interaction, i.e. an electrolysis E2 between A2 and C2. In this case, two dipoles arranged in the same enclosure 300 are involved.

[0157] On moving same closer together, the electric fields overlap and interactions are created to form an at least quadripolar electrolysis system by creating electrical and chemical interactions, i.e. additional electrolyses E3 and E4 therebetween. Indeed, by moving the two base dipoles D1 and D2 described above closer together, the following additional dipoles are created:

[0158] D3 which provides an interaction i.e. an electrolysis E3 between A1 and C2,

[0159] D4 which provides an interaction i.e. an electrolysis E4 between A2 and C1.

[0160] Four electrolyses can thus be obtained.

[0161] The voltages applied respectively to the dipoles D1 and D2 are different herein.

[0162] The method according to the invention can be expressed as an equation as follows:

y=a1D1+a2D2+a12 D1D2

[0163] The production coefficient a12 is largely greater than a1 or a2.

[0164] This interaction is sought as the electrical interaction coefficient between the two dipoles enables a much greater production and cannot be compared to the mere addition of the results of two dipoles placed in series as proposed by the prior art.

[0165] Indeed, the electrical and chemical interaction obtained by moving closer together makes it possible to implement as explained above at least the following additional reactions:

H.sub.2(gas from the cathode C1 of the first dipole D1).fwdarw.2H.sup.−+2e.sup.−

[0166] But above all the following synthesis

[0167] H.sub.2(gas from the cathode C1 of the first dipole D1)+O.sub.2(gas present on the anode A2 of the second dipole D2) .fwdarw.H.sub.2O.sub.2

[0168] The applicant established that if the production coefficient of an electrolysis is considered to be equal to 1, the output of the two electrolyses without interactions is equivalent to 2 whereas the output of the two electrolyses to which the output of the other chemical reactions is added is equivalent to 12.

[0169] The dipoles are voluntarily represented as separated for better comprehension. According to a preferred embodiment, the two dipoles are separated by merely two millimeters.

[0170] As illustrated in the drawing in FIG. 2, the device referenced D as a whole performs the water treatment for example of a pleasure pool not illustrated. It may be used alone or in association with further treatment and/or filtration devices.

[0171] This device D comprises an electrical power supply module 100 powering an electrical control, regulation and power supply module 200. This control module 200 controls the operation of an electrolysis module 300.

[0172] This electrolysis module 300 comprises an inlet conduit 310 of the water to be treated and an outlet conduit 320 of the treated water. The displacement of the water is illustrated by the arrow F1.

[0173] In order to control, regulate and power the electrolysis module 300, the control module 200 performs the control of a feed pump 210 providing the regular supply with water to be treated of the electrolysis module 300. It also performs the control of an injection module 220 upstream from the electrolysis module 300 of an electrolyte and/or reagent stored in a storage tank 400. This tank 400 may be implemented by a module for receiving interchangeable cartridges (not illustrated).

[0174] Finally, the control module 200 provides the electrical power supply via the wiring symbolized by the line referenced 230 of the electrodes of the electrolysis module 300 according to the intensity and voltage sought.

[0175] As illustrated in the drawing in FIG. 3, the electrolysis module 300 comprises four electrodes in the same enclosure 330 forming a vertical column:

[0176] two anodes A1, A2 (connected to a +pole) and two cathodes C1, C2 (connected to a−pole) distributed into two electrolytic dipoles D1 and D2 arranged in said enclosure 330 one on top of the other. The two electrolytic dipoles D1 and D2 are arranged one on top of the other and at a distance such that the electrical fields overlap from one dipole to the other. As such, the gases produced in the column will rise and the ions will be attracted by the electrodes of opposite polarity.

[0177] The electrolysis module 300 further comprises a single tubular membrane 500 creating a separation between the anodes A1, A2 and the cathodes C1, C2, said membrane 500 creating a conduit directing the displacement of the gases produced by a first dipole D1 toward the second dipole D2 while allowing ion migration. More specifically, said single tubular membrane 500 separates:

[0178] the anode A1 from the cathode C1 of the dipole D1 positioned at the lower part of the lower enclosure 330 with the anode A1 arranged in the hollow core of the tube 500 and the cathode C1 forming a winding positioned on the axis of the tube 500 positioned outside and at a distance from the external surface thereof, and

[0179] the anode A2 from the cathode C2 of the second electrolytic dipole D2 arranged above the first D1 with the cathode C2 arranged in the hollow core of the tube 500 and the anode A2 forming a winding positioned on the axis of the tube 500 positioned outside and at a distance from the external surface thereof.

[0180] As such, according to the invention, the dihydrogen H.sub.2 obtained from the cathode C1 of the first dipole D1 is directed (arrows F2) toward the anode A2 of the second dipole D2 to produce the following reaction:

H.sub.2.fwdarw.2H.sup.++2e.sup.−.

[0181] This direction is carried out by channeling the dihydrogen gas H.sub.2 between the internal wall of the enclosure 330 and the external wall of the membrane 500.

[0182] The zone around and above the anode A2 will above all be the site of the following synthesis:

[0183] H.sub.2(channeled and obtained from the cathode C1 of the first dipole 500)+O.sub.2(gas present on the anode A2 of the second dipole 600).fwdarw.H.sub.2O.sub.2.

[0184] Furthermore, the freely circulating OH− and H+ ions engage at the anode A2 of the second dipole D2 according to the following reaction:

OH.sup.−+H.sup.+.fwdarw.H.sub.2O.

[0185] The cathode C2 of the second dipole D2 receives the dioxygen O.sub.2 channeled and obtained (arrows F3) from the anode A1 of the first dipole D1 which engages with the dihydrogen H.sub.2 produced by the cathode C2 of the second dipole D2 to form hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2) according to the following reaction:

H.sub.2+O.sub.2.fwdarw.H.sub.2O.sub.2 .

[0186] The channeling is then performed by the hollow core of the tubular membrane 500.

[0187] Hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2) is thus also produced.

[0188] A cathodic reduction also occurs on the cathode C2 of the second dipole D2 with the dihydrogen O.sub.2 channeled and obtained (arrows F3) from the anode A1 of the first dipole D1 to create superoxide ions (O.sup.2−).

[0189] This superoxide ion (O.sup.2−) dismutates with the hydrogen ions H.sup.+ not channeled and present in the solution to also produce hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2) according to the following reaction:

O.sup.2−+2H.sup.+.fwdarw.H.sub.2O.sub.2

[0190] Moreover, as for the anode A2, the OH− ions produced by the cathode C2 of the second dipole 600 are neutralized according to the following reaction:

OH.sup.−+H.fwdarw.H.sub.2O

[0191] It thus seems that the invention makes it possible to produce a large quantity of hydrogen peroxide while keeping the water at equilibrium.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the choice of materials is as follows:

[0193] the anode A1 of the first dipole D1 is made of graphite which makes it possible to produce carbon dioxide from the bottom of the electrolysis cell so that the entire volume of water of the enclosure 330 benefits therefrom with the advantages described above,

[0194] the cathode C1 of the first dipole D1 is made of copper,

[0195] the anode A2 of the second dipole D2 is made of steel,

[0196] the cathode C2 of the second dipole D2 is made of graphite,

[0197] the membrane 500 is porous and made of polypropylene.

[0198] It seems that the implementation of the method according to the invention can be performed with inexpensive materials rendering the large-scale marketing of the device viable.

[0199] The embodiment illustrated by the drawing in FIG. 4 differs from the previous one by the additional presence of a porous lining 600 situated in the enclosure 330 downstream from the electrolytic dipoles D1 and D2, i.e. at the upper end of the vertical enclosure 330.

[0200] This porous lining serves as an additional substrate for further production of H.sub.2O.sub.2 by direct reaction between O.sub.2 and H.sub.2.

[0201] Furthermore, whether in the embodiment illustrated by the drawing in FIG. 3 or that illustrated by the drawing in FIG. 4, a gas outlet orifice 700 is provided in the enclosure 330. Obviously, this exhaust may be carried out directly through the water of an open-air pool.

[0202] It is understood that the method and the device have been described above and represented with a view to disclosure rather than limitation. Obviously, various adjustments, modifications and enhancements may be made to the example above, without leaving the scope of the invention.