Chemistry: electrical and wave energy – Apparatus – Electrolytic
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-07
2001-04-10
Bell, Bruce F. (Department: 1741)
Chemistry: electrical and wave energy
Apparatus
Electrolytic
C204S275100, C204S277000, C204S278500, C204S242000, C204S660000, C204S672000, C204S673000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06214182
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to the field of electrochemical waste water treatment. Precipitation (flocculation) of the contaminant load, which is present in colloidal state, of the treated waste water is performed here by subjecting it to low-voltage electrolysis. This method is called “electroflotation” or, more precisely, “electroflocculation”.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Apparatus for electrochemical waste treatment via electroflocculation is known, such as from DE-A-4416973. The apparatus disclosed thereinessentially consists of a reactor housing, which is closed at its upper side, in horizontally inclined arrangement containing upright plate- or sword-shaped electrode sheets of a width-length ratio of less than one. The waste water is pumped through this reactor in the main direction of the longitudinal reactor axis and leaves the same via an overflow weir at its upper front. At the same time, a stream of gas is introduced into the lower side of the reactor, which is preferably fed by exhaust air from the pneumatically operated waste water circulation pump.
As compared to other known apparatus for electroflocculation, the apparatus known from DE-A-4416973 possesses the following improvements:
easy, i.e. energy-saving, insertion and replacement of the electrodes;
easy removal of the built-up electrode sludge through the lower end of the reactor housing due to use of the force of gravity;
inhibition of foaming in the reactor;
safety from oxyhydrogen gas explosions.
These and other known apparatuses for electroflocculation have the deficiency that the metal oxide layers of little electrical conductivity can build up on the anode surfaces and considerably impede the passage of electric current. These layers may also lead to short circuits due to bridge formation between the electrodes and therefore to an interruption of the electrolytic process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based on the problem to improve an apparatus for removal of the solid reaction products built up on the anode.
In one aspect of the invention, removal of the solid reaction products from the anode is effected by mechanical action by means of scraper strips which are supported and guided on a support structure which, in turn, is supported on at least two electrodes, preferably the cathodes. This has the advantage that the direct positive locking between the electrode package and the scraping device is maintained, also in the case of thermally or mechanically caused displacements between the electrodes and the reactor housing.
In another aspect of the invention which may be applied independently of but preferably together with the foregoing aspect, removal of the reaction products coming off or scraped off the anode is assisted by targeted feeding of a stream of gas, for example air, into each gap between the electrodes.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1478714 (1923-12-01), Landreth
patent: 3944478 (1976-03-01), Kuji et al.
patent: 4048038 (1977-09-01), Kunkle
patent: 4132626 (1979-01-01), Kunkle
patent: 4908109 (1990-03-01), Wright
patent: 4983265 (1991-01-01), Maruyama
patent: 6099703 (2000-08-01), Syversen et al.
Bell Bruce F.
McCormick Paulding & Huber LLP
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