Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating contaminated media. The method comprises introducing remediating ions consisting essentially of ferrous ions, and being peroxide-free, in the contaminated media; applying a potential difference across the contaminated media to cause the remediating ions to migrate into contact with contaminants in the contaminated media; chemically degrading contaminants in the contaminated media by contact with the remediating ions; monitoring the contaminated media for degradation products of the contaminants; and controlling the step of applying the potential difference across the contaminated media in response to the step of monitoring.

Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.

Abstract: There is provided a method for water treatment, capable of greatly improving the effect of removing microbes contained in water for eating and drinking, or discharged water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the oxygen content of water have been shown and described. A volume of water is passed between the electrodes of an electrolytic cell, a portion of the volume of water converting to dissolved oxygen. A desired level of dissolved oxygen is selected, and the number of times the volume of water must flow through the electrolytic cell to ensure that the volume of water contains the selected percentage of dissolved oxygen is also selected. The volume of water is then forced through the cell the selected number of times, such that the volume of water contains the desired percentage of dissolved oxygen. The electrolytic cell is in fluid communication with a tank and a pump, the pump drawing the volume of water from the tank and forcing it through the electrolytic cell and back into the tank. The volume of water is thereby recirculated through the electrolytic cell by the pump for the selected number of times.

Abstract: A method for decomposing halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds or aromatic compounds characterized by contacting the compound to be decomposed with functional water under light irradiation, wherein the functional water is characterized by a hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of 1-4, an oxidation-reduction potential of 800-1500 mV (working electrode: platinum, reference electrode: silver-silver chloride) and a chlorine concentration of 5-150 mg/l, and the irradiation is carried out with light of a wavelength of 300 nm or more, with an intensity of 10 mW/cm2 or less. This method is carried out at room temperature under the atmospheric pressure. An apparatus for the method is also provided.

Abstract: It is a compact water purification/sterilization method and its device with a high electrolytic efficiency in which even though it is used continuously for a long period of time in order to purify and sterilize water with low electrical conductivity such as the water from a swimming pool, bathtub, pond, 24-hour bath, farming tank or AC, there is no deterioration or breakage of the electrodes or deformation of the plastic case for the electrolyzing device due to heat, and even if the electrical flow per electrode surface area is increased, it provides superior long-term endurance performance. Barrel-shaped (cylindrical-shaped)anodes and cathodes are arranged alternately in a concentric manner in layers at given inter-electrode intervals. The anode is a ferrite rod with a long hole along the center axis direction or a ferrite pipe, and in the hole, heating so that it has fluidity, or mercury, which is liquid at ordinary temperature, is filled, in advance, fills a low-melting point metal.

Abstract: A reactor for removing impurities by electrochemcial means from liquids, such as aqueous solutions, and in which the liquid is passed through series of plateshaped reaction electrodes electrically insulated against each other with a liquid speed above a minimum to prevent dissociation into constituent gases, but sufficient to ensure interaction with an electrical current passing between the plateshaped electrodes. The latter has corrugated forms and/or their surfaces provided with embossed relief patterns to enhance the electrochemical effect between the electrodes. The reactor comprises one more interconnected units (A, B, C, D) with a series of plateshaped electrodes (1, 2) valve means (8) and holes (5, 6) in the plates for redirecting the liquid flow into and through the series of reaction electrodes (1, 2).

Abstract: An electrically regeneratable battery of electrochemical cells for capacitive deionization (including electrochemical purification) and regeneration of electrodes is operated at alternate polarities during consecutive cycles. By polarizing the cells, ions are removed from the electrolyte and are held in the electric double layers formed at the carbon aerogel surfaces of the electrodes. As the electrodes of each cell of the battery are saturated with the removed ions, the battery is regenerated electrically at a reversed polarity from that during the deionization step of the cycle, thus significantly minimizing secondary wastes.

Abstract: A liquid purification system comprises a flow cell housing electrodes capable of introducing ions into a liquid passing through the flow cell when a current supplied by a controller is applied across the electrodes. The controller is capable of supplying current between zero and ten amps, and at zero to one hundred volts direct current (DC) across the electrodes. The liquid purification system is easily plumbed into the pipework carrying the liquid to be purified. A by pass line is typically installed around the liquid purification system for easing of operation and maintenance. An upstream and downstream adapters are installed on the pipe and separated by a distance approximating the length of the flow cell. The flow cell is positioned between the two adapters and quick connect clamps are used to maintain a seal between the adapters and the flow cell. Removal of the flow cell can occur by stopping the liquid flow on the upstream end of the pipe or opening the by pass line around the flow cell.

Abstract: An electrode assembly comprising concentric tubular electrodes is provided for high temperature processing of materials. The electrode assembly is connected with a power supply that includes switching means for alternatively operating the electrode assembly in a transferred mode of operation, in a non-transferred mode of operation, or according to a controlled sequence of non-transferred and transferred modes of operation. The power supply system includes variable inductors, such as leakage-coupled reactors, for controlling the electrical power supplied to the electrodes for producing a DC arc. The electrode assembly can be incorporated into an arc furnace for processing waste material in the furnace. The electrode assembly is also suitable for use in the practice of in-situ vitrification and remediation of contaminated soil.

Abstract: A method of and system for cleansing a toilet or urinal are proposed which require less maintenance work and are safer to users than conventional methods using acid substances, and which can prevent the formation of stain on the toilet or urinal effectively and suppress the generation of ammonia sufficiently, thus accomplishing a sufficient countermeasure to the stench. A urinal (A1) is provided with a continuous electrolytic cell (1) having at least a pair of electrodes, a passage formed between the electrodes, and an inlet and an outlet that lead to the passage. Tap water is electrolyzed by the continuous electrolytic cell (1), whereby free chlorine is produced. Then the water containing free chlorine produced is supplied to the urinal (A1), and the water containing free chlorine sterilizes the inside of the urinal, thus preventing urease, an enzyme carried by bacteria, from acting to decompose urea.

Abstract: An amperometric bromine control system accurately maintains a desired concentration of bromine within a home spa or in other water features. The control system employs amperometric sensing to measure the bromine concentration in the spa water and uses this measurement to control the electrochemical production of bromine through the oxidation of aqueous bromide. The level of bromide in the spa water desirably is greater than 50 ppm in order to obtain a linear relationship between the current level sensed through the amperometric measurement and the concentration level of bromine in the water. In this manner, the control system can accurately measure the bromine concentration in the spa water and precisely maintain the bromine concentration within a desired range between about 2 ppm and 6 ppm.

Abstract: A process treats contaminated media and comprises detecting a non-uniform contaminated media property selected from electrical conductivity or electroosmotic permeability; and selectively applying an electric field to the contaminated media to effect the process in a selected area of the contaminated media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus concentrates, collects and removes heavy metals, other cations, and anions from media permitting generation of electrical fields. The heavy metals and other cations are electrochemically concentrated and precipitated for rapid removal from the aqueous media. The media, which may be aqueous, soils or wastes, is filtered and passed through a cation or anion exchange resin beds. Metals or anions are captured and held in the resin beds. Current is then applied through the resin beds using opposing electrodes of opposite polarity. In the metal removal units, heavy metals and other cations are concentrated around the negative electrode and lifted to a top of the electrode chamber using hydrogen gas lift. The concentrated solution of heavy metals and cations are removed from the chamber above the negative electrode and are circulated to provide additional time for growth and precipitation.

Abstract: A method for treating a contaminated media. The method comprises disposing electrodes at the contaminated media, injecting a salt-containing solution into contaminated media, applying an electric voltage between electrodes imposed peripherally to the region, forming ions from the salt-containing solution, and migrating the ions between the electrodes across the contaminated media. The ions of the salt-containing solution migrate into at least a portion of the contaminated media to treat the contaminated media.

Abstract: A machine and process for treating contaminated water having a chamber with at least two electrodes having voltages of different polarities and made of metals containing multivalent salts; an inlet port for introduction of untreated contaminated water to the chamber, wherein the water is treated by passing over the electrodes; an outlet port for outputting the treated water from the chamber; and one or more scraper blades in close proximity with the electrodes wherein the blades are capable of movement along the length of the electrodes to remove accumulated debris. A preferred embodiment includes electrodes are made of noble elements and the scraper is affixed in close proximity to the electrode for removal of debris. Another preferred embodiment includes having the electrodes oriented along a vertical flow of the water. Another preferred embodiment includes a drum shaped electrode that rotates about a shaft while it facilitates cleaning of the electrodes. The cleaning motion is motor driven.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the oxygen content of water have been shown and described. A volume of water is passed between the electrodes of an electrolytic cell, a portion of the volume of water converting to dissolved oxygen. A desired level of dissolved oxygen is selected, and the number of times the volume of water must flow through the electrolytic cell to ensure that the volume of water contains the selected percentage of dissolved oxygen is also selected. The volume of water is then forced through the cell the selected number of times, such that the volume of water contains the desired percentage of dissolved oxygen. The electrolytic cell is in fluid communication with a tank and a pump, the pump drawing the volume of water from the tank and forcing it through the electrolytic cell and back into the tank. The volume of water is thereby recirculated through the electrolytic cell by the pump for the selected number of times.

Abstract: Waters contaminated by nitrogenous compounds such as nitrate, ammonium, etc., are treated by electrochemical transformation of the contaminant to nitrogen gas. Electrodes are placed in the contaminated water to form a cell, in which the voltage of one of the electrodes is set to the Eh voltage at which nitrogen gas is thermodynamically favored. The cell may be electrolytic or galvanic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus concentrates, collects and removes heavy metals, other cations, and anions from media permitting generation of electrical fields. The heavy metals and other cations are electrochemically concentrated and precipitated for rapid removal from the aqueous media. The media, which may be aqueous, soils or wastes, is filtered and passed through a cation or anion exchange resin beds. Metals or anions are captured and held in the resin beds. Current is then applied through the resin beds using opposing electrodes of opposite polarity. In the metal removal units, heavy metals and other cations are concentrated around the negative electrode and lifted to a top of the electrode chamber using hydrogen gas lift. The concentrated solution of heavy metals and cations are removed from the chamber above the negative electrode and are circulated to provide additional time for growth and precipitation.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of electrolysis for the electrolysis of water, in which water is decomposed electrolytically from an electrolysis medium and the electrolysis gases hydrogen and oxygen obtained are each separated from the liquid electrolysis medium in a gas separator, wherein a supply of water to balance out the water consumption resulting from the electrolysis is controlled by a determination of an electrolysis medium volume which is determined by the total amount of electrolysis medium in the method of electrolysis, and by means of which the total volume of the electrolysis medium in the plant can be maintained constant, it is proposed that at least one physical quantity which is characteristic of the electrolysis, and whose variation causes a change in the electrolysis medium volume in addition to the change in the electrolysis medium volume resulting from the water consumption, is measured and there is calculated from a deviation of this quantity from a predetermined reference value for this q

Abstract: A halogen generator produces a halogen sanitizing agent to sanitize water in a spa or other water feature. A coaxial wall fitting desirably couples the halogen generator to the water feature. The halogen generator desirably includes a bipolar electrolytic cell in which a center electrode plate rotates between stationary anode and cathode plates. The bipolar electrode includes a plurality of vanes which motivate water flow between the anode and the cathode. The vanes on the rotating electrode also produce a flow of water through the generator. In this manner, the bipolar electrode functions as a impeller to pump water through the halogen generator. The vanes are positioned between the electrode and cathode, and are sufficiently spaced from the cathode to inhibit scale formation on the cathode. The vanes, however, generally do not contact the cathode when rotating.

Abstract: A controlling apparatus which can control a continuous electrolytic ion water producing apparatus so that an excess current when the electrolyzing strength is not adjusted appropriately can be prevented with certainty and harmless electrolytic ion water can be obtained continuously from the continuous electrolytic ion water producing apparatus. When water flows through the electrolytic cell, it is energized by a power source circuit to electrolyze the water to obtain electrolytic ion water. When a range change-over switch is manually operated, a dc voltage of the power source circuit is controlled in response to the range change-over switch by a control unit and a switching regulator to produce an electrolyzing voltage corresponding to the operated position of the range change-over switch. The water is thus electrolyzed with an electrolyzing strength of the electrolyzing voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to at least extensively remove organic halogen compounds from water or an aqueous solution, at least one magnesium or aluminum anode (1) and at least one associated electrode (2) operating as the cathode dipping into the water. The present invention also concerns equipment with which to implement the method of the invention. Both the method of the invention and the equipment of the invention are preferentially used when disinfecting water with chlorine and in particular in swimming pools.

Abstract: A method and a device for electrochemically treating water to reduce its degree of hardness, wherein the water to be treated is electrolyzed between an anode (5) and a cathode (7, 7') connected to the positive (B) and negative (A) terminals respectively of a current generator (1), each consisting of at least one electrode. A thin porous coating at least partially consisting of calcium carbonate is formed at the cathode (7) and a gas flow is generated through the pores of the cathode (7) as the water is electrolyzed so that the crystals at least partially made up of calcium carbonate and formed on the coating during electrolysis are detached therefrom by the gas flow.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for electrolyzing water in which electrolysis of water can be carried out while effectively removing scales such as calcium carbonate and by which the service life of electrode can be extended on the order of several years. Repeated in sequence are a step wherein water is subjected to electrolysis while using an electrolytic cell of the membraneless type and a step wherein feed of water through the cell is stopped and an electric potential of reverse polarity is applied between electrodes while water stays stagnant in the cell whereby precipitate deposited on the electrodes during the electrolyzing step is removed by dissolving into stagnant water. Since application of the reverse potential is effected while water stays stagnant in the cell, the surface of the electrodes is free from the influence of turbulence and there is no risk that a layer of strongly acidic water generated at the surface of the electrodes is washed away by water flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrolytically treating water which includes one or more reactors. Each reactor has a liquid containing vessel and one or more pairs of electrodes. The electrodes are suitable for a continuous anodic or cathodic operation for treating water. A power source for each reactor provides voltage and current to the electrodes. A controller maintains the voltage and current provided to the electrodes. The duration of each voltage polarity applied to each electrode is substantially the same. The polarity of the voltage to the electrodes is periodically reversed during which there is a period of zero voltage applied to the electrodes between a first polarity and a second polarity. The period of zero voltage results in a substantial reduction of back e.m.f. of the reactor which enhances the service life and efficacy of the electrodes.

Abstract: The method for producing electrolyzed water includes the step of applying a voltage to electrodes disposed in an electrolytic cell containing therein pure water including electrolyte therein. A strength of an electric field generated by applying a voltage to the electrodes is controlled to be variable by means of various techniques. The method makes it possible to produce electrolyzed water with a smaller amount of energy than prior methods.

Abstract: A halogen generator produces a halogen sanitizing agent to sanitize water in a spa or other water feature. A coaxial wall fitting desirably couples the halogen generator to the water feature. The halogen generator desirably includes a bipolar electrolytic cell in which a center electrode plate rotates between stationary anode and cathode plates. The bipolar electrode includes a plurality of vanes which motivate water flow between the anode and the cathode. The vanes on the rotating electrode also produce a flow of water through the generator. In this manner, the bipolar electrode functions as a impeller to pump water through the halogen generator. The vanes are positioned between the electrode and cathode, and are sufficiently spaced from the cathode to inhibit scale formation on the cathode. The vanes, however, generally do not contact the cathode when rotating.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell (20) which is effectively leakproof and can be incorporated into an easily serviceable cell pack (80). Within the cell are a plurality of parallel electrode plates (44, 46, 56) which act as anode and cathode reaction surfaces for processing chemicals. The electrochemical cell housing (33) is preferably formed of durable plastic with all fluid inlets (36, 38) and outlets (40, 42) on its upper face (30). One or more input manifolds (48, 50) are provided to route process chemicals to the bottom of the cell and then distribute them upward across the electrode plates. The housing is formed as a one-piece, monolithic structure with an opening left on top for fitting the top face. At the end of cell assembly, the top face is attached to the remainder of the cell housing so as to form a sealed cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of contaminated water, containing undesired solid, liquid, and/or gaseous materials includes an electro-floculation means for disassociating ions from the undesired solid material and from the contaminated water, and further includes a separation tower having various deflection means deflecting undesired solid materials downwardly through to the separation tower.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating oxygenated water are shown and described. A plurality of electrolytic cells are coupled to each other and to a source of water. A volume of water is drawn from the source, and forced through at least one of the electrolytic cells at a user desired flow rate. If the demanded rate of flow at the outlet exceeds a threshold flow rate through the electrolytic cell, a valve is opened and an additional volume of water flows through the second electrolytic cell to the discharge, the rate of flow through each electrolytic cell not exceeding the selected value. Additional cells are added as needed. A varying demand of oxygenated water is therefore met, while ensuring that the dissolved oxygen content of the water at the outlet does not fall below a selected value.

Abstract: A scrubber apparatus and controller include a gas sensor, and processor for controlling treatment of gas responsive to the sensed undesired constituent so as to enhance reduction of the undesired constituent. The processor further determines a sensor fault and may generate an alarm signal responsive to the sensor fault. The gas sensor is preferably an electrochemical cell comprising an electrolyte and a pair of electrodes associated with the electrolyte. A sensor fault may be determined based upon an impedance of the electrolyte and the pair of electrodes. In addition, the electrochemical cell may include a gas permeable membrane and a pair of electrodes on opposing sides of the membrane to permit determination of damage to the membrane based upon an impedance measurement using the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A process and system (100) for purifying water includes a pair of electrodes (52) with a gap (58) between the electrodes (52). The electrodes (52) are connected to a power supply (116) that places a voltage across the two electrodes (52). Raw water (51) is then passed through the electrodes (52) which captures a plurality of ionic species (224) resulting in purified water (64). A system (100) that takes advantage of this process has a container (102) that holds the pair of electrodes (52) or filter (102). A controller (120) connected to a current sensor (118) monitors the current across the electrodes (52) and adjusts a valve (108) based on the current. If the current is above a first threshold the water flow is decreased and if the current flow is below a second threshold the water flow is increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for de-silvering a silver-containing solution, comprises a plurality of electrolysis cells (10, S1, S2) each having an anode (20, 120, 220) and a cathode (30, 130, 230). A master cell (10) further comprises a reference electrode (45). The remaining cell or cells constitute slave cells (S1, S2). Control means (41) adjust the cathode potential applied to the slave cells (S1, S2) in response to the current flow (I.sub.M) through the master cell (10). The apparatus is particularly suitable for de-silvering large volumes of silver-containing solution, without the use of high currents.

Abstract: An electrolytic ionized water (EIW) producing apparatus comprises an anode, a cathode, an electrolyzer which includes an anode chamber, a cathode chamber and an intermediate chamber, inlet lines for supplying an influent water to the three chambers, and outlet lines for discharging effluent water from the chambers. Further, an acidic electrolyte supplying unit is connected to the outlet line from the anode chamber, and an alkaline electrolyte supplying unit is connected to the outlet line from the cathode chamber. The electrolyte supplying units can selectively control at least the dosage level of elelctrolyte(s) to be supplied, the composition and concentration of the electrolyte(s) or pH of EIW after the addition of the electrolyte(s).

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing nitrates in an aqueous solution includes an electrochemical cell having a container for containing the aqueous solution containing nitrates, a carbon fiber cathodic electrode, a carbon fiber anodic electrode, and a reference electrode immersed in the aqueous solution, and an electronic control circuit which impresses a voltage across the electrodes causing electrochemical reduction/oxidation reactions on the surfaces of the electrodes. The electrodes are at a potential such that nitrates are reduced to gaseous products, and further such that hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, an other noxious substances are not produced. The cell may be a flow cell or a holding tank and apparatus of different size and capacity are disclosed. The apparatus is useful in reducing nitrates in any water system and is particularly useful in reducing nitrates in aquatic systems without harming aquatic life.

Abstract: An apparatus for water treatment, and in particular for electrical water purification in combination with a filtering apparatus for providing purified water for drinking and other application common in the home, farm or business. Metal, hydrogen and oxygen ions are introduced into water to be treated by using plasma fused iridium coated titanium electrodes and copper alloy electrodes. After ionizing the water to be purified, the water is then filtered in a filter tank which contains layers of various filtration media, including granular activated carbon.

Abstract: Electrolytic treaters for treating highly conductive liquid media include a conductive housing structure which is fluidically sealed and has inlet and outlet fluid connections, a conductive electrode structure positioned within the housing structure, and a DC power supply connected to components of the housing and electrode structure in such a manner that the output voltage of the power supply is applied across a substantial portion of the liquid media to be treated to control the current flow from the power supply. In a preferred embodiment, the electrode structure is formed by a center electrode rod with a plurality of ring electrodes positioned coaxially between the center electrode rod and the housing. Each ring electrode is formed by a plurality of circumferentially spaced rod elements extending parallel to the center electrode. The rod elements in a given ring electrode are held in place by a plurality of annular spacer baffles which additionally affect the flow of liquid media through the treater.

Abstract: A method for detecting and destroying various chlorinated hydrocarbons and unsaturated hydrocarbons in the environment using electrochemical techniques has been invented. By concentrating the chlorinated hydrocarbons or unsaturated hydrocarbons in a solvent by liquid-solid or liquid-liquid extraction, and then passing current through the solvent extractant containing the chlorinated hydrocarbons or unsaturated hydrocarbons electrochemically removes chlorine and oxidizes unsaturated hydrocarbons. The potential is measured to correlate to the concentration of the chlorinated hydrocarbon specie.

Abstract: In a batch type electrolyzed water producing method, a first run of electrolysis is carried out, and electrolyzed water is discharged. Thereafter, before a next run of electrolysis is carried out, the polarity of a DC power source connected to the electrode plates is reversed. Thus, the electrode plate which has served as a cathode plate in the last run of electrolysis is converted into an anode plate and therefore, deposits accumulated on the electrode plate are ionized and dissolved into the subject water.