Waste Water Treatment Process

Abstract

A waste water treatment system utilizing a series of individual modules which, when assembled, form a beginning contaminate collection chamber attached at the starting end of a main fluid treatment tank, in which is housed an array of anodes and cathodes. A center contaminate collection chamber can be attached at the oppose end of the main treatment tank which provides an internal fluid pathway to allow fluid transfer from the first treatment tank into a second treatment tank. Alternatively, the center contaminate collection chamber can be used when multiples of treatment tanks are assembled to work in tandem, or an ending contaminate collection chamber can be attached to an ending treatment module to complete the expandable waste water treatment system.

Expandability of the system can therefore accommodate various waste water treatment mechanisms, residence time and manner of treatment.

Claims

1. An expandable waste water treatment system comprising a series of at least one or more treatment modules, preferably not more than two treatment modules, and at least one up to a plurality of contaminant collection modules; at least one contaminant collection module comprises a contaminant collection chamber; at least one treatment module comprises a treatment tank having an inlet and an outlet, and at least one treatment tank houses an anode and cathode array comprising a material selected from the group consisting of a mixed metal oxide, ion donating materials such as titanium, and a combination thereof; the plurality of contaminant collection modules includes a first contaminant collection module, a last contaminant collection module, and/or one or more intermediate contaminant collection modules; the series can begin with a first contaminant collection module, ends with the last contaminant collection module, and, optionally includes an intermediate contaminant collection module between treatment modules in the series; optionally the series can begin with a treatment module followed by a contaminant collection module optionally followed by a treatment module; the intermediate contaminant collection module comprises an inlet and an outlet connected by an internal fluid pathway running beneath the contaminant collection chamber, wherein the inlet of the intermediate contaminant collection module interfaces with the outlet of a treatment tank of a first treatment module in the series, and the outlet of the intermediate contaminant collection module interfaces with the inlet of a treatment tank of a second treatment module in the series, and wherein the anode and cathode array are separated by at least about ⅛ inch to less than ½ inch, preferably from about ⅛ inch to about ⅜ inch, wherein the spacing is substantially uniform.

2. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 1, further comprising: a skimming device that removes flocculated contaminates at an upper surface of a fluid contained in a treatment tank and deposits the flocculated contaminates into a contaminant collection chamber; and a drain that allows for removal of the contaminants from the contaminant collection chamber.

3. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 1, wherein the inlet of the intermediate contaminant collection module is an opening at the bottom of the contaminant collection module, the opening formed by a vertical wall that does not extend completely to the bottom of the intermediate contaminant collection module.

4. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 3, wherein the outlet of the intermediate contaminant collection module comprises an opening at an elevation higher than the inlet of the intermediate contaminant collection module, the opening formed by a second vertical wall that does not extend completely to the top of the intermediate contaminant collection module.

5. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 1, further comprising a controlled fluid duration element for electrical exposure within a treatment tank.

6. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 1, wherein the contaminant collection chamber of the intermediate contaminant collection module comprises two interior walls that are shorter in height than the exterior side walls of the contaminant collection chamber.

7. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 1, wherein the contaminant collection chamber of the intermediate contaminant collection module comprises a drain port at the bottom of the contaminant collection chamber that transits through the bottom of the intermediate contaminant collection module.

8. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 1, wherein the collection chamber of the first contaminant collection module comprises an outward facing wall, two sidewalls, and an interior wall, the interior wall being lower in elevation than the two sidewalls and the outward facing wall.

9. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 8, wherein the collection chamber of the first contaminant collection module comprises a drain port at the bottom of the contaminant collection chamber.

10. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 1, wherein the collection chamber of the last contaminant collection module comprises an outward facing wall, two sidewalls, and an interior wall, the interior wall being lower in elevation than the two sidewalls and the outward facing wall.

11. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 10, wherein the collection chamber of the last contaminant collection module comprises a drain port at the bottom of the contaminant collection chamber.

12. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 11, wherein the skimming device has a traversing ability to intersect with at least one contaminant collection chamber.

13. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 1 comprising a DC power source.

14. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 13, wherein the DC power source is operatively connected to the anode and cathode array.

15. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 1 comprising an electrical powered fluid pump.

16. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 1, wherein at least one treatment tank houses an anode and cathode array comprising a mixed metal oxide.

17. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 1, wherein the anode and cathode array is selected from the group consisting of solid plates, perforated plates, mesh, rods, bars, porous materials, and a combination thereof.

18. The expandable waste water treatment system of claim 1, where in the anode and cathode array can be disassembled for cleaning by removing nonconducting rods that hold the electrode plates in the array together by connecting the plates together.

19. A waste water treatment system comprising at least one treatment tank and one contaminant module, the treatment tank housing at least one anode and cathode array, wherein the anode and cathode of the array at least one comprises a material selected from the group consisting of at least one mixed metal oxide, ion donating materials, and a combination thereof, and wherein the anode and cathode array are separated by at least about ⅛ inch to less than ½ inch, preferably from about ⅛ inch to about ⅜ inch, wherein the spacing is substantially uniform.

20. The waste water treatment system of claim 18, wherein at least one anode and cathode of the array comprises at least one mixed metal oxide.

21. The waste water treatment system of claim 19, wherein at least one anode and cathode of the array comprises a coating, said coating utilizing half redox ion reactions.

22. The waste water treatment system of claim 18, wherein the mixed metal oxide of the anode array comprises titanium.

23. The waste water treatment system of claim 18, wherein the mixed metal oxide of the cathode array comprises a ruthenium coating.

24. The waste water treatment system of claim 1 further comprising a pretreatment module comprising: an anode comprising aluminum concentrically and longitudinally aligned with a cathode comprising steel, preferably stainless steel.

25. The waste water treatment system of claim 18 further comprising a pretreatment module comprising: an anode comprising aluminum concentrically and longitudinally aligned with a cathode comprising steel, preferably stainless steel.

26. The waste water treatment system of claim 18, wherein the mixed metal oxide of the anode array comprises titanium and the mixed metal oxide of the cathode array comprises a ruthenium coating.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The present invention will become more fully understood from the brief description of the accompanying drawings:

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention as individual components required to complete an assembled system, the illustration shows three contaminates chambers in connection with two main treatment modules which house anode and cathode arrays.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the beginning contaminate chamber.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the ending contaminate chamber.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the center contaminate chamber which incorporates an internal fluid pathway for fluid transfer.

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a main treatment module having provisions for inter connections to individual contaminate collection chambers, the interconnections being used for system expansion or reduction.

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an assembled system which employs outer flanges for contaminate chamber and main treatment module connection.

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a flange assembly used to connect system components.

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a solid rod, generally aluminum, which acts as an anode when an electromotive force (EMF) is induced between it and another conductive material.

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates the vertical cross sectional view of the end of FIG. 8.

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates the three (3) dimensional view of the end of FIG. 8.

[0041] FIG. 11 illustrates a pipe, generally a conductive material such as stainless steel, which acts as a cathode when an electromotive force (EMF) is induced between it and another conductive material.

[0042] FIG. 12 illustrates the vertical cross sectional view of FIG. 11 cut through item detail 77.

[0043] FIG. 13 illustrates the three (3) dimensional view of FIG. 8 cut through a vertical cross section of the pipe.

[0044] FIG. 14 illustrates the horizontal cross sectional view of the end of FIG. 11.

[0045] FIG. 15 illustrates the assembly of FIG. 8 located concentrically inside of FIG. 11.

[0046] FIG. 16 illustrates is a horizontal cross sectional view of FIG. 15.

[0047] FIG. 17 illustrates the three (3) dimensional view of the end of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] The present invention is being presented as an affordable waste water treatment solution for industrial waste water recycling. The invention provides expandable modules in which could be used by a small “Mom and Pop” factory as well as scalable systems for large industrial applications in which to process several hundred tons of waste water daily.

[0049] FIG. 1 references a top view of the present invention which utilizes a series of 3 contaminate collection chambers 2, 6 and 10 although in this invention, 1 or 2 collection chambers are preferred. Contaminate collection chambers 2 and 10 are considered as beginning or ending chambers as per their relationship with main treatment modules 4 and 8. Main treatment modules 4 and 8 are separated by a center contaminant collection chamber 6. A first contaminate collection chamber 2 attaches to the beginning end of main treatment module 4, with a second or center contaminate collection chamber 6 placed at the opposite end of main treatment module 4. Center section chamber 6 provides an internal pathway for fluid transfer from the first treatment module 4, into a second treatment module 8. Center section collection chamber 6 would only be installed in cases where the waste water treatment system requires expansion in order to accommodate larger quantities of influent. Center section collection chamber 6 when installed allows a single treatment module to be expanded into multiples which work in tandem to treat the waste water influent.

[0050] Once the treatment system has been sized for influent volume, an ending or aft contaminate collection chamber 10 is installed to complete the treatment system.

[0051] Once contaminate chambers, 2, 6, and 10 are full of contaminates, drainage is accomplished through drains 16, 18 and 20. Contaminate chamber drainage can be achieved by individual chamber piping or the contaminate drain piping can connected together for evacuation to a centralized disposal location.

[0052] Main treatment modules 4 and 8 should be considered larger in size then collection chambers 2, 6 and 10, and where main treatment modules 4 and 8 provide housing for a series of anodes and cathodes, 12 and 14.

[0053] Once DC voltage is applied to the influent, anodes and cathodes 12 and 14 produce micro bubbles composed of hydrogen and oxygen. As these bubbles generate and release from the anodes and cathodes, they rise up through the water column and attach to contaminate flocculation formed by electro-chemistry reactions. Electro-Coagulation is an electrochemistry method used to coalesce contaminate in 1 wastewater for ease of separation and collection. Wastewater when exposed to electrically controlled fields allow microscopic solids to attract, (like magnetism) forming higher concentrations of solids for greater removal efficiencies.

[0054] Once contaminates reach the surface, they can be skimmed from the surface by a skimming device which deposits collected contaminates into either the beginning 2, center 6 or ending 10 contaminate chambers.

[0055] Collection chamber 2 is configured slightly different than contaminate collection chamber 6 and 10 as illustrated by FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view in detail of the beginning contaminate collection chamber 2. Contaminate collection chamber 2 should be considered the beginning chamber for the first main treatment module 4, as referenced in FIG. 1.

[0057] Outward facing wall 22 is configured at the same elevation as exterior side walls 26. Side

[0058] walls 26 are taller in elevation than interior wall 24 and where interior wall 24 is configured lower to allow the entry and depositing of contaminates from the skimming device, into the collection chamber.

[0059] Collection chamber 2 is further equipped with a centralized drain 16 which is used to evacuate collected contaminates.

[0060] In reference to FIG. 3, ending collection chamber 10 is configured slightly different than beginning contaminate collection chamber 2 and center section 6. FIG. 3 illustrates a side view in detail of the ending contaminate collection chamber 10. Contaminate collection chamber 10 should be considered the ending chamber for a single, or: the ending chamber for a series of multiple treatment modules 8, (as referenced in FIG. 1). Outward facing wall 28 is configured at the same elevation as exterior side walls 26, which are taller in elevation than interior wall 30, interior wall 30 is configured to allow entry and depositing of contaminates from the skimming device onto the collection chamber.

[0061] Collection chamber 10 is equipped with a centralized drain 32 used to evacuate collected contaminates from the chamber,

[0062] Now in reference to FIG. 4, collection chamber 6 is configured to allow fluid passage from the first treatment module into a next while retaining contaminates collection and storage capabilities 36. Contaminate collection area 36 is formed by interior walls 44 and 50 and exterior side walls 26 which form a sealed enclosure located just above fluid pathway 40. Fluid entry into the center section enters at floor level 38 through opening 40 which shares a mirrored opening with treatment module wall 44. The enclosure further incorporates a contaminate drain 18 to allow collected contaminates evacuation from the enclosure.

[0063] Transferring fluid must traverse around drain pipe 18 which is sealed to the bottom floor of the contaminate chamber and to floor 38 of the center section to prevent traversing fluid from escaping the pathway.

[0064] Fluid transfer is based on fluid dynamics where fluid—weight achieved by the accumulation of fluid delivered into the treatment module by an electrical fluid pump. This maintains the fluid level within the first treatment module and maintains constant fluid pressure in which forces the fluid through and up into center collection chamber opening 42. Maintained accumulated fluid levels force and allow the fluid to transverse the internal pathway to produce a continuous flow of fluid into a second treatment module. The elevation of fluid opening 42 also helps to control fluid resonance time for electrochemistry reactions to occur prior to fluid transfer from the first into the second treatment module. Upon fluid treatment, a secondary electrical fluid pump is used to evacuate the effluent downstream of the treatment system allowing for the fluid flow in the tank.

[0065] In reference to FIG. 5, this illustration may require a left to right rotation of the module drawing to understand how the mating of sections is fully achieved.

[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates incorporated fluid opening 54 and fluid exit 60 located within outward walls, 56 and 58 of treatment module 8. Interior wall 56 when mated to the center section wall 44, (FIG. 4) shares a mirrored opening 54 with opening 40 located within center section interior wall 44. These two openings when mated allow fluid flow from the center section into the next treatment module.

[0067] Fluid exit is achieved through wall opening 42 located within outward wall 50 of the center section, (FIG. 4). When mated, wall opening 42 shares a mirrored opening with opening 60 located within outward wall 58 of the treatment module.

[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates individual components incorporating outward facing positioned flanges used to connect a next in line component. For example, center section chamber 6 would require two flanges 66 and 68, which are used to connect module 4 to module 8, Flange 64 would be used to attach the beginning contaminate chamber 2 and where flange 70 would be used to attach an additional center section 6 for system expansion, or flange 70 would be used to attach an ending contaminate collection chamber 10 for system completion.

[0069] FIG. 7 illustrates the preferred method for securing the contaminate chambers to the main treatment modules by using a series of nuts and bolts placed through incorporated holes 72 in outward facing flanges 64, 66, 68 and 70, (FIG. 6). These outward facing flanges are located at least one end of the chambers around the bottom of chambers 2, 6, 10, and around the outer walls of treatment modules 4 and 8, This method would require the use of a gasket 74 placed between the flanges to prevent fluid leakage from the individual components in which interface with the waste water fluid.

[0070] Flange 66 and all other flanges incorporates a series of holes 72 used to house a series of nuts and bolts in which when tighten, applies sealing pressure to the “U” shape gasket 74

[0071] when fully tighten and mates to the flange surface. As for example, flange 66 would be constructed as a permanent fixture on at least one of the contaminate chambers and treatment modules. Flange 66 is mainly used to attach system components to allow system expansion or reduction as required by the waste water treatment process.

[0072] FIG. 8 illustrates a solid rod, generally aluminum, which acts as an anode when an electromotive force (EMF) is induced between it and another conductive material.

[0073] FIG. 9 illustrates a vertical cross sectional view of the end of FIG. 8. Item 75 in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 represents a threaded hole which allows a current carrying electrode to be attached to it with the other end of the electrode being attached to an a devices such as a DC power supply.

[0074] FIG. 10 illustrates the three (3) dimensional view of the end of FIG. 8.

[0075] FIG. 11 illustrates a pipe, generally a conductive material such as stainless steel, which acts as a cathode when an electromotive force (EMF) is induced between it and another conductive material. Item 76 is a welded coupling of the same material as the pipe. It allows for the transport of fluid into and out of the pipe. Item 78 is a pipe coupling and item 77 is a threaded member which allows a current carrying electrode to be attached to it with the other end of the electrode being attached to an EMP device such as a DC Power Supply.

[0076] FIG. 12 illustrates the vertical cross sectional view of FIG. 11 cut through item detail 77.

[0077] FIG. 13 illustrates the three (3) dimensional view of FIG. 8 cut through a vertical cross section of the pipe.

[0078] FIG. 14 illustrates the horizontal cross sectional view of the end of FIG. 11.

[0079] FIG. 15 illustrates the assembly of FIG. 8 located concentrically inside of FIG. 11. Item 80 is a bushing that is welded to item 79 thereby preventing liquid to leak flowing through an annular space (not shown) between FIG. 8 and FIG. 11.

[0080] FIG. 16 illustrates is an assembly of FIG. 8 mounted inside of FIG. 11. An EMF induced by a devise allows current to flow inside an annular space via a conductive liquid flowing through the annular space.

[0081] FIG. 17 illustrates the three (3) dimensional view of the end of FIG. 16.

[0082] Improved Mixing in EMF Equipment and Ultrasonic Example

[0083] The mixed metal oxide (iridium and ruthenium oxides), MMO, electrode is classified as an “active” electrode (Martinez-Huitle) with respect to the oxygen evolution reaction. Carbon and platinum electrodes are also “active”. One proposed mechanism is described as follows.

[0084] Active anode materials participate in the OH— based oxidation reactions, forming first a physisorbed hydroxyl radical (M(.OH)) at anode site M.

M+H.sub.2O=>M(.OH)+H.sup.++e−

[0085] The surface of active anodes interacts strongly with the .OH to form a superoxide (MO).

M(.OH)=>MO+H.sup.++e−

[0086] The redox couple MO/M acts as a mediator for oxidation of organics (R).

MO+R=>M+RO

[0087] Since the active “superoxide” is on the electrode surface, mass transfer to the surface is important as is transport of reacted material away from the surface. For the oxidation reaction mass transfer controls the overall reaction rate.

[0088] Embodiments to provide enhanced mixing would be, for example, ultrasonic excitation of the fluid between the electrodes, vibration of the electrodes themselves, directed flow to the electrode surface such as with baffles, mechanical agitation of the process fluid, or other means familiar to those skilled in the art. By way of demonstration the rate of oxidation of dissolved organic specie measurably increases when the beaker containing energized electrodes and untreated solution is placed in an ultrasonic water bath at 45 kHz.

Example 1. Ultrasonic Mixing

[0089] A test fluid is prepared comprising 1% vegetable glycerin (min purity 99.7%) in deionized water. During electrolysis the glycerin is oxidized to a number of products. Carbon Oxygen Demand (COD) is used as the analytical measurement to follow the glycerin oxidation over time.

[0090] 407 grams of the 1% glycerin solution are placed in a 500 ml beaker. 4.11 grams NaCl are added to make a 1% NaCl solution. The NaCl is necessary to generate current flow between the electrodes.

[0091] Aluminum electrodes are inserted into the beaker. For 10 minutes 15.6 volts are applied to generate a current of 1.2-1.4 amps. The aluminum electrodes are removed. An anode of expanded titanium metal with a mixed metal oxide coating (50/50 ruthenium oxide/iridium oxide) is inserted into the beaker along with an expanded metal titanium cathode. The anode and cathode are separated by 1 cm.

[0092] The beaker with electrodes is set into an ultrasonic water bath at 45 kHz. A 10 amp current is established between the electrodes for 180 minutes. Samples are taken periodically and analyzed for COD.

[0093] An identical control experiment is conducted with the beaker sitting outside of the sonic bath—no agitation.

[0094] Results are shown below

TABLE-US-00001 Time, No Agitation Sonic Agitation min COD, ppm COD, ppm 0 14000 14000 60 11910 8150 120 7900 1040 180 4850 600

[0095] The above description of the invention reveals what would be obvious for variation and where such variations are not to be considered a deviation from the scope of the invention. Therefore such modifications which are obvious to persons skilled in the art are also to be considered comprised by the scope of the succeeding claims.