Abstract: A chlorine generator apparatus wherein a housing is adapted to be mounted in an exterior, user-accessible surface of a spa and a chlorine generating electrode cartridge carrying a pair of electrodes is configured to be installable by a user in the housing and to thereafter be removeable by the user for replacement.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for combining various forms of flotation techniques to achieve a very high degree of purification of waste water while energy consumption is maintained low.

Abstract: A system for treating high temperature produced water includes an electrocoagulation unit, a membrane distillation unit in communication with the outlet of the electrocoagulation unit having a hydrophobic membrane with a feed side for receiving the produced water stream and a product side for receiving a deionized water stream. A heat recovery heat exchanger is in communication with the membrane distillation unit for receiving two streams, one from each side of the hydrophobic membrane, such that heat is exchanged between the two streams. A line leaving the heat exchanger returns a heated stream from the heat exchanger to a location in a line upstream of the membrane distillation unit. A brine tank in communication with the membrane distillation unit receives a portion of a stream from the membrane product side and contains a concentrated brine solution containing the portion of the stream from the membrane product side and sodium chloride.

Abstract: A method for regulating ion transport between first and second regions of a liquid solution containing ionic species in at least one of said first and second regions, the method comprising applying a voltage on an electrically conductive mesoporous carbon membrane situated between said first and second regions of the liquid solution, wherein liquid flow between first and second regions is permitted only through said mesoporous carbon membrane, and the applied voltage is selected to modulate the degree of ion transport between said first and second regions, wherein an increase in applied voltage results in a reduction in the degree of ion transport between said first and second regions, optionally up to a critical voltage at which ion transport ceases.

Abstract: Electrolytically treating water through influent inlet arrangements for cavitation and one or more pairs of electrodes. The electrodes can provide continuous anodic and cathodic operation for treating water. The pressurized influent premixed with oxidant gas can be pumped into the reactor vessel through the mixing nozzles arranged radially along the circumference. The polarity of the current to the electrode can be periodically reversed at a set interval. An electro-catalytic paddle electrode can be used for the treatment of flowback and produced water. The paddle electrode can consists of alternate pentagonal flat plate electrodes separated by adjustable variable distance Teflon spacers. The paddle electrode is provided with a chemical coating capable of switching/reversing the polarity of anodes and cathodes at ultra high frequencies under very high current flowing conditions thus making it more efficient, stable and durable under demanding field conditions.

Abstract: Contaminants are removed from untreated raw water or discharge water by applying direct current through an array of spaced, alternately charged electrodes positioned within and electrically isolated from a housing to eliminate or minimize clogging of the electrodes with precipitated contaminants. The housing is surrounded with container structure that cooperates with the housing to define an inlet chamber positioned between the source of untreated water and the housing containing the spaced array of electrodes. The container structure further includes an outlet chamber defined between the housing and the container structure for accumulating and draining water treated by the spaced electrode array.

Abstract: A bipolar cell for a reactor for treatment of electrolyte such as waste water and effluent or for electrosynthesis comprises end electrodes and at least one bipolar electrode therebetween. The or each bipolar electrode comprises a diamond sheet. The cell includes a porous support structure, for example in the form of spacers, a lattice of plastic rods, or a woven mesh, between each end electrode and the adjacent diamond sheet, there being porous support structure between the or each pair of adjacent diamond sheets, the support structures acting to contact or support the or each diamond sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a permanent and cost-effective composite electrode for electrolytically producing alkaline water, comprising an electrode core made of steel, a filler densely packed around the electrode core, said filler capable of creating a mildly aqueous and alkaline environment to motivate formation of a layer of magnetite over a surface of the electrode core, and a housing enclosing the filler, said housing having a pore size selected such that very low permeation of gas and liquid takes place. The invention also provides an apparatus comprising the composite electrode, and the use of the alkaline water produced by the apparatus of the invention. According to the invention, no additional undesired side products, such as toxic chlorine gas and other pollutants, are produced and discharged to the environment.

Abstract: A safe and low cost deodorization and sterilization apparatus is provided for continuously deodorizing in a restroom, around a garbage box, in an indoor room and the like for a long period of time, utilizing a deodorization power of a hypochlorous acid, not requiring frequent supplement of water. The deodorization and sterilization apparatus is adapted to control a electric current value ratio or a electric current amount ratio of an electrode with a diaphragm (a salt path with ion conductivity and very slight flow of water) and an electrode without diaphragm or to control a positive/negative electric current amount of the electrodes in electrolysis of an aqueous chloride salt solution, so that a PH value and the hypochlorous acid concentration are adjusted, thereby evaporating and diffusing the generated hypochlorous acid for deodorization and sterilization.

Abstract: An electrochemical system and method are disclosed for On Site Generation (OSG) of oxidants, such as free available chlorine, mixed oxidants and persulfate. Operation at high current density, using at least a diamond anode, provides for higher current efficiency, extended lifetime operation, and improved cost efficiency. High current density operation, in either a single pass or recycle mode, provides for rapid generation of oxidants, with high current efficiency, which potentially allows for more compact systems. Beneficially, operation in reverse polarity for a short cleaning cycle manages scaling, provides for improved efficiency and electrode lifetime and allows for use of impure feedstocks without requiring water softeners. Systems have application for generation of chlorine or other oxidants, including mixed oxidants providing high disinfection rate per unit of oxidant, e.g. for water treatment to remove microorganisms or for degradation of organics in industrial waste water.

Abstract: In an electrolytic apparatus for removing contaminants from water, a set (110) of spaced apart conductive electrodes (40) in a reaction chamber (54, 112, 114), is arranged in oppositely charged groups of first and second interleaved electrodes with flow paths between them. Non-conductive turbulence inducers (158, 168) on the faces of electrodes (40) are applied to water in the flow paths. One variety is modular elements (158) with stepped increases in width to present a narrow leading edge in the direction of flow. Another variety is a continuous set of wave guides (168) bordering the flow path. Electrodes (40) are selectively powered in patterns creating turbulence, with effective patterns including a first and last electrode powering pattern and a mini-cell electrode powering pattern.

Abstract: Contaminants are removed from untreated raw water or discharge water by applying direct current through an array of spaced, alternately charged electrodes positioned within and electrically isolated from a housing to eliminate or minimize clogging of the electrodes with precipitated contaminants. The housing is surrounded with container structure that cooperates with the housing to define an inlet chamber positioned between the source of untreated water and the housing containing the spaced array of electrodes. The container structure further includes an outlet chamber defined between the housing and the container structure for accumulating and draining water treated by the spaced electrode array.

Abstract: Contaminants are removed from raw water or discharge water from plants, such as sewerage and industrial plants, by applying direct current through an array of spaced, alternately charged electrodes to eliminate or minimize clogging of the electrodes with precipitated contaminants. Polarity may be switched periodically to assist in eliminating or minimizing clogging. In illustrated embodiments, electrode arrays are contained in housings of dielectric material to form modules, To increase processing capacity, the modules are arranged in parallel arrays. Alternatively, a single module is scaled up for large or industrial applications or scaled down for personal use. Instead of housing the electrode arrays in modules through which liquid passes, the electrode arrays for some batch applications are dipped in the water or aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Operating method of an apparatus for purifying a fluid by means of an apparatus provided with an even number of cells, each of which comprises at least one lead through condenser and is electrically connected to a direct current power supply. The method foresees cyclically repeating, for each cell, a charging step, in which the power supply charges the electrodes of the cell at different polarity; a service step, in which a flow of fluid to be treated is forced to pass through the electrodes of the lead through condenser of the cell with progressive build-up of the ionized particles of the fluid on the electrodes; and a regeneration step, in which the electrodes are discharged and a flow of washing fluid is forced to pass in the condenser of the cell with consequent removal of the ionized particles built up on the electrodes.

Abstract: A metal ion eluting unit according to the present invention includes: a plurality of electrodes 102 and 103; a drive circuit (not shown) that applies a voltage between the electrodes; and a control circuit (not shown) that controls the drive circuit so that the drive circuit periodically reverses the polarity of the voltage applied between the electrodes, operates, from every time the polarity of the voltage applied between the electrodes is reversed until a predetermined period elapses, in a first current mode in which the value of a current flowing between the electrodes equals a first value, and operates, thereafter, in a second current mode in which the value of the current flowing between the electrodes equals a second current value different from the first current value. According to this configuration, metal ions can be efficiently and stably eluted for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A gated electrode structure for altering a potential and electric field in an electrolyte near at least one working electrode is disclosed. The gated electrode structure may comprise a gate electrode biased appropriately with respect to a working electrode. Applying an appropriate static or dynamic (time varying) gate potential relative to the working electrode modifies the electric potential and field in an interfacial region between the working electrode and the electrolyte, and increases electron emission to and from states in the electrolyte, thereby facilitating an electrochemical, electrolytic or electrosynthetic reaction and reducing electrode overvoltage/overpotential.

Abstract: Provided is an electrochemical cell for generating hydrogen peroxide (H202) directly from water, and an application thereof. The electrochemical cell includes: water-soluble electrolyte; an electrode structure A, in which hydrogen peroxide is generated by oxidizing water containing city water (CW) or electrolytes when voltage of time dependant polarity is applied; and an electrode structure B, in which hydrogen peroxide is generated by reducing water of the water-soluble electrolyte when the voltage of time dependant polarity is applied, wherein the polarity reversal of the voltage Ve is performed periodically or non-periodically according to the time between positive (+) voltage and negative (?) voltage.

Abstract: Electrodes for electrolysis of water, for encouraging growth of algae and aerobic bacteria, for removing suspended solids from wastewater during treatment, or for rendering water sterile and potable have a concrete coating over a metallic or carbon fibre core. The coating is from 2 to 50 mm thick; preferably 5 to 25 mm thick. Preferably, a DC current passed between the immersed electrodes periodically reversed but there is no visible “rusting” at the anode if the DC current is steady. The resistive nature of the concrete tends to suppress concentrations of current upon the electrode surface.

Abstract: An integrated water treatment system for sanitizing the water in a water system and reducing scaling includes an electrolytic cell through which water is passed. An electronic control system is coupled to the electrolytic cell, to provide a drive current to the cell to generate a sanitizer by electrolysis. The control system applies a variable frequency alternating voltage drive to said cell to reduce scaling build-up in the system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a low maintenance, high reliability on-site electrolytic generator incorporating automatic cell monitoring for contaminant film buildup, as well as automatically removing or cleaning the contaminant film. This method and apparatus preferably does not require human intervention to clean.

Abstract: An electrolytic method and apparatus for treating liquids using a flow cell with widely spaced electrodes and polarity reversing power designed to prevent electrode fouling and provide for long continuous liquid treatment running times.

Abstract: An anode and cathode for an electrolytic cell configured as a low inductance transmission line to enable control of an interphase at an electrode surface. The anode and cathode are coupled to a switched current source by a low inductance path that includes a parallel plate transmission line, a coaxial transmission line, or both. The switched current source provides fast switching between current sources to provide fast charging and discharging of the double-layer capacitance associated with the electrode surface so that an isotope may be selectively transported to the electrode surface for oxidation or reduction. A photon source may be used to create a population of isotope containing species within the electrolyte. An additional static magnetic field and/or an alternating current magnetic excitation source may be used to modify the composition of the population of species containing the isotope to be separated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral system for treating the water for cooling towers and other processes such as reverse osmosis rejection, regeneration of the anionic units of demineralization systems, aircraft blue water and wastewater, in which it is desired to reduce and/or eliminate contaminants such as silica, total, of calcium and magnesium hardness, suspended solids, organic matter and microorganisms, heavy metals, detergents or arsenic, for obtaining a water quality that enables it to be reused in different industrial processes, generating savings in terms of water and chemicals.

Abstract: Contaminants are removed from raw water or discharge water from plants, such as sewerage and industrial plants, by applying direct current through an array of spaced, alternately charged electrodes to eliminate or minimize clogging of the electrodes with precipitated contaminants. Polarity may be switched periodically to assist in eliminating or minimizing clogging. In illustrated embodiments, electrode arrays are contained in housings of dielectric material to form modules, To increase processing capacity, the modules are arranged in parallel arrays. Alternatively, a single module is scaled up for large or industrial applications or scaled down for personal use. Instead of housing the electrode arrays in modules through which liquid passes, the electrode arrays for some batch applications are dipped in the water or aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for passing water through an electrolysis cell having an anode and a cathode separated by an ion selective membrane. The cathode has a larger surface area than the anode. The method includes: applying an energization voltage at a first polarity to the anode and the cathode to produce an anolyte liquid and a catholyte liquid; temporarily reversing the energization voltage to a second polarity for a short time duration to reduce deposits on at least one of the anode or cathode and then returning the energization voltage to the first polarity; and dispensing a substantially constant supply of the anolyte liquid from the anode chamber and the catholyte liquid from the cathode chamber during the applying and reversing steps, the supply of catholyte being greater than the supply of anolyte per unit of time.

Abstract: A method of softening water to be treated which requires the lowest maintenance and management cost without the need for a cumbersome cleaning operation for removing scale from an electrolytic vessel by taking out electrode plates from the electrolytic vessel, and an apparatus therefor are provided. In the method of softening water to be treated by applying a DC voltage across opposing electrode plates while flowing water to be treated therebetween, so that metal ions in the water to be treated are electrolytically precipitated on the surfaces of electrode plates on the negative pole side, thereby softening the water to be treated, the electrode plates comprise titanium, and increased voltage is applied to an anodically oxidized film formed on the surfaces of electrode plates on the positive pole side, to dielectrically break down the anodically oxidized film to thereby flow electric current in a desired amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating hydrogen or oxygen from an aqueous solution within a flow cell by applying a high frequency AC signal to the flow cell. The present invention further relates to an apparatus for generating hydrogen or oxygen from an aqueous solution, and a method of generating hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for utilizing water such as, for example, an atomizer or vaporizer, having at least one container for water. Here, two ceramic electrodes that can be used to treat the water are arranged for the purpose of improving the water quality in the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroionic apparatus for treating an aqueous solution, including a flow cell through which the aqueous solution may flow, and a high frequency AC power source. A pair of electrodes within the flow cell are in contact with the aqueous solution and coupled to the AC power source. The AC power source generates a signal that is transmitted to the electrodes to generate an electromagnetic field and an ionic current within the aqueous solution in the flow cell. Each electrode includes a plurality of perforations defined through the plate electrode. Electrodes within the flow cell may be formed of materials having a catalytic effect upon the electroionic reactions within the flow cell.

Abstract: An automatic dishwashing appliance comprising an unattached electrolytic device which comprises an unattached electrochemical cell capable of generating electrolyzed water in the wash and/or rinse cycle, and more particularly to the unattached electrolytic device itself, methods of use, and articles of manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by forming in an electrolytic cell molecular halogen, hypohalic acid, hypohalite ions or combinations thereof, from halide ions dissolved in the water; and dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions. The invention also relates to a system for purifying water, having an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of electrodes sufficient to electrolytically convert halide ion in the water into molecular halogen, hypohalic acid, or hypohalite ions, or combinations thereof; and a metal generator, which provides concentrations of one or more metals to the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electroionic processing system having a high frequency alternating current (AC) power source for treating potable water, process water, wastewater, biosolids, sludge, primary effluent, secondary effluent, and other biochemical processing functions, including producing hydrogen peroxide and other useful chemicals. An electromagnetic field is generated and coupled to an electrolytic treatment apparatus by a direct coupling apparatus and method, a capacitive coupling apparatus and method, and an inductive coupling apparatus and method. The present invention further comprises a process controller and a plurality of analyzers for monitoring various treatment process variables to adjust and optimize the process as necessary.

Abstract: A method of electroplating metal onto a low conductivity layer combines a potential or current reversal waveform with variation in the amplitude and duration of the applied potential or current pulse. The method includes, over time, varying the duration of the pulse and continuously decreasing the amplitude of both the cathodic and anodic portions of the waveform across the surface of the low conductivity layer as the deposition zone moves from the center of the surface of the low conductivity layer to the outside edge. By virtue of the ability to vary the amplitude and duration of the pulse, the method facilitates the filling of structures in the center of the low conductivity layer without overdepositing on the outside edge, thus ensuring a controlled deposition of material across the surface of the low conductivity layer.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus used to prevent the formation of scale around electrodes which form part of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises at least one electrode containing a proportion of an ion-emitting electrode such as copper, silver or a copper and silver alloy and at least one electrode containing a proportion of a non-emissive metal such as titanium. The electrodes are connected to a DC power supply which has switching means to reverse the polarity of the electrodes at predetermined intervals. The apparatus ensures accurate control of disinfection and minimal equipment maintenance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the disinfection of water and wastewater contaminated with bacteria and other microorganisms. The apparatus includes an electrolytic flow cell including electrodes forming a part of flow pipe or open channel through which water or wastewater passes. The electrodes are formed of iron, stainless steel, carbon or copper and connected to a power supply voltage in the range of 20 to 100 volts and establishing a current in the range of 1 to 6 amperes. Disinfection results from either metal ions impacting microbial cells or through the generation of hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals and hypochlorous acid. When the electrodes are copper, toxic metal contamination limits are established through proper design of the flow cell. An ultrasonic transducer is connected to the electrodes and enhances hydroxyl radical generation.

Abstract: There are provided an electrode for electrolysis which takes into consideration safety to human bodies and environmental pollution upon disposal of the electrode, produces ozone with high efficiency and has excellent durability, a production process of the electrode, and an active oxygen producing device using the electrode. In an electrode 5 for electrolysis which has an electrode catalyst at least on the surface and produces ozone or active oxygen in for-treatment water by electrolysis, the electrode catalyst contains a dielectric which constitutes more than 70% of the surface area of the electrode catalyst.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is provided that can include: a first electrode plate including a first surface that can include a graphite material; a second electrode plate including a second surface that can include a graphite material opposing the first surface; an electrolytic reaction zone between the first surface and the second surface; and an inlet to and an outlet from the electrolytic reaction zone. The first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can include impregnated graphite. The first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can essentially form a chamber for the electrolytic reaction. Methods are provided for using the electrolytic cells, a sodium chloride solution, and a sodium bromide solution, for on-site electrolytic production of hypobromite solution for use as a biocide in water systems.

Abstract: There is provided a water treating method which can not only improve an effect of eliminating microorganisms in water intended for cooking and drinking or waste water but also prevent a reduction in trace amounts of nutritional elements. In the method, at least a pair of carbon fibers capable of collecting at least microorganisms are immersed in for-treatment water, potentials of opposite polarities are applied to the carbon fibers, and the polarities of the potentials are switched at a predetermined time interval so as to adsorb the microorganisms on the carbon fibers. After the microorganisms are adsorbed, a positive potential is applied to one of the carbon fibers, and a negative potential is applied to the other so as to cause electrolysis. Then, an alternating voltage is applied to the carbon fibers so as to heat the for-treatment water and the carbon fibers.

Abstract: In a production system of electrolyzed water A having an electrolyzer provided with electrodes 14, 15, each pair of inlet conduits 21, 22 and outlet conduits 31, 32, a pair of discharge conduits 41, 42 provided with faucets 43, 44; 45, 46 respectively, a flow passage changeover valve 50, each pair of drain conduits 61, 62 and drain valves 71, 72, a pair of flow quantity sensors 81, 82 and an electric control device 100, the electrodes 14, 15 are supplied with an electric power in response to a detection signal applied from the flow quantity sensors 81, 82 when the faucets 43, 44 or 45, 46 were opened, and simultaneously the drain valve 71 or 72 on the drain conduit 61 or 62 in connection to the discharge conduit 42 or 41 the faucets maintained in a closed condition is is opened.

Abstract: The method of this invention for producing electrolyzed water containing ozone employs an apparatus for producing electrolyzed water from a liquid. The apparatus has two plate electrodes facing each other, a D.C. power source for applying a D.C. voltage across the electrodes and a control circuit for changing a polarity of the electrodes alternately.

Abstract: A water chlorinator comprises a housing having in-line inlet and outlet openings and a removable cover. The cover supports two electrode terminals which are spaced apart and have corresponding rods extending therefrom through concentric anode and cathode discs. Alternate discs are electrically connected to each rod. The power supply is a DC supply which includes an input bridge connected to a buck convertor and an output relay arranged to switch the output from the convertor to the electrodes of the chlorinator.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell capable of controlling the pH and the ORP independently to each other, comprising an electrolytic chamber (113) to which subject water to be electrolyzed are supplied, membranes (115, 115) provided on the both side walls of the electrolytic chamber, a pair of electrode plates (116, 117) respectively provided inside the electrolyzed chamber and outside the electrolytic chamber sandwiching the membrane therebetween, and wherein the electrode plate (116) is provided outside the electrolytic chamber in contact with the membrane (115) or leaving a slight space.

Abstract: A water treatment tank for treating waste water using an electrochemical treatment process. The electrochemical process removes both suspended and dissolved solids and allows the treated water to be decanted from the treatment for reuse or discharge. The tank includes a tank housing with a first and second waste water receiving compartments. A waste water inlet line is attached to the top of the first compartment for filling the compartment with waste water. A side of the first compartment includes an opening for receiving an electrode assembly with a plurality of electrodes extending inside the compartment. The electrodes are attached to the power supply via electrode cables with the polarity of a current cycle reversed periodically depending on the types of water contaminates being treated. A filtrate sump is mounted in the bottom of the tank housing.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically machining an electrically conductive workpiece in an electrolyte by applying electrical pulses between the workpiece and an electrically conductive electrode, one or more machining pulses alternating with passivation voltage pulses for depositing passivation layers on the workpiece. The amplitude of the passivation voltage pulses is adjusted during an adjustment procedure in which the amplitude of the passivation voltage pulses is increased gradually from zero to the voltage at which the workpiece starts to dissolve in the electrolyte. After each voltage increase the resistance of the gap between the electrode and the workpiece is measured. The voltage value for the highest gap resistance is stored in a memory and used during further machining. The time span of the passivation voltage pulses may be divided into time slices and for each time slice the voltage is adjusted for maximum gap resistance during that time slice.

Abstract: In an electrolytic water producing apparatus, an anode and a cathode in an electrolytic cell are periodically switched to reduce degradation thereof. The concentration of hypochlorous acid formed in the strong acidic liquid is measured through a concentration sensor, and a concentration variation pattern varying in a sawteeth pattern according to the switching of the anode and cathode is taken into a control device. A control pattern inversely corresponding to the sawteeth pattern is calculated by the controlling device. Electrolytic current or voltage to be supplied to the electrodes may be controlled according to the control pattern, or supply quantities of raw water or a chloride solution may be controlled by a flow rate controlling valve and a metering pump. Thus, although the polarities of the electrodes are switched, the strong acidic liquid containing hypochlorous acid with a constant concentration can be obtained.