Abstract: An oxygenation unit for insertion into a well is used to increase the oxygenation of ground water. The unit includes a length of tubing suspended in the well. Within the tubing are a plurality of parallel spaced plates. An electric potential is applied across adjacent plates such that electrolysis will break water down to oxygen and hydrogen. Water is circulated through the unit using an air flow draft pump in which air is bubbled up through an inverted funnel in the tube.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment operations, i.e. the coagulation, decomposition, sterilization and separation of impurities such as the sludge, organisms, etc. in a liquid to be treated are carried out by applying an AC voltage of a specific frequency between first and second electrodes provided in the liquid to be treated, and thereby making an AC field work on the same liquid. An AC voltage of a high frequency suited to the quality of the water in a frequency band in which metal ions, hydrogen, and oxygen are dissolved into and are taken take out in large quantities, occurring in the AC electrolysis of the object liquid elute, and an AC voltage of a low frequency are switched from one to the other in a contactless manner in a predetermined cycle, and the resultant voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes. This causes crystals and bubbles in the water, and sludge, organisms, etc.

Abstract: An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The hydrogen forms bubbles at the cathode, which bubbles rise to the surface. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. The electrodes may be a metal or oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, iridium, nickel, iron, rhodium, rhenium, cobalt, tungsten, manganese, tantalum, molybdenum, lead, titanium, platinum, palladium and osmium or oxides thereof. The electrodes may be formed into open grids or may be closed surfaces. The most preferred cathode is a stainless steel mesh. The most preferred mesh is a {fraction (1/16)} inch grid. The most preferred anode is platinum and iridium oxide on a support. A preferred support is titanium. Models suitable for different uses are disclosed.

Abstract: A variety of pollutants and other contaminants may be removed from a variety of aqueous media using electrolytic treatments. The treatment includes inserting an anode and a cathode into the medium undergoing treatment, and applying a high current and voltage to the electrodes. The treatment may also include the addition of catalytic enzymes to the medium undergoing treatment. The present methods are compatible with aquatic lifeforms, and offer an effective alternative to chemical-based water treatment systems.

Abstract: A redox bipolar cell fabric washing system and method is disclosed that provides for washing fabrics without the use of any added detergents, fabric softeners, or bleaches, or other chemical al additives. The system includes a conventional fabric washing machine with a redox bipolar cell that through a circulation pump continuously treats the wash water by using mixed oxidants or charged wash water to remove contaminants from the fabric. The redox cell includes a housing, a plurality of cathode plates, a plurality of membranes, and a plurality of anodes proximately positioned in an alternate manner with a plurality of flow channels in the housing. The cell produces charged wash water by an electrochemical reaction utilizing electrically charged anodes and cathodes with semi permeable membranes, wherein the oxidation reduction potential of the charged wash water is continuously controlled with a sensor to determine when the fabrics are clean.

Abstract: Purified water is obtained from tap water. NaCl is added to the purified water so that the conductivity thereof is at least 100 &mgr;S/cm. Then, electrolysis is applied. The obtained cathode water is output and neutralized. The obtained cathode water includes dissolved hydrogen (H+, H., H2) of at least 0.1 ppm. This dissolved hydrogen prevents or suppresses DNA damage.

Abstract: A stream of process liquid is treated while flowing through in a horizontally elongated chamber having an open top. Longitudinally elongated electrode blades are aligned with the longitudinal dimension of the chamber. An overhead disbursement chamber supplies a sweeping air stream over the open top of the chamber for removing foam and gas reaction by-products. The electrode blades are separated and held at a desired spacing by small portable guides located below and above the blades.

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: A water purification system for a swimming pool, pond, aquatic mammal tank, spa or fountain, which is simple to operate, low in maintenance, and highly reliable. The system takes advantage of synergistic benefits derived from the combination of ozonation and electrolytic chlorination in the same system. Combining both of the technologies of Ozonation and Electrolysis allows as in-site production of at least one of chlorine dioxide that is used as a disinfectant agent for treating water reservoirs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting chemical structures, that is to say a process for the conducting of chemical reactions in a fluid under pressure and at temperature in a supercritical fluid in particular, containing a solvent and at least one electrolyte such as a salt, in which reactive species are generated in situ by electrolysis. According to the invention, the fluid flows upwards in a reservoir reactor crossing through a first lower electrolysis zone with high salt solubility and a second upper zone in which the salts precipitate, then the fluid free of salt is evacuated at the upper part of said reservoir reactor and directed into a second tubular reactor to reach the desired stage of advancement of the conversion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for water treatment. The method comprises supplying an oxygen-containing gas to cathode 6 to yield hydrogen peroxide, supplying an inorganic acid to anode 5 through an acid solution addition opening 4 to yield an oxidation product, e.g., hypochlorous acid, and using both the hydrogen peroxide and oxidation product thus generated to treat a liquid to be treated. The atmosphere around the cathode surface is kept neutral to acidic due to the acidity of the coexisting oxidation product to thereby inhibit the deposition of metal hydroxides.

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: The present invention relate to collecting colloidal solids in suspension for removal, for its drying and recovery, including in a scrubber as shown in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,012, where colloidal solids is made and is in suspension and in its clarifier located below, where some of the colloidal solids is washed down and is in suspension in desalinated seawater. Tubes with negative DC charge, attract build up of colloidal solids on their surfaces, and one loaded tube at the time is removed to a room or enclosure for drainage and drying with dry air. Thereafter the tube's DC charge is changed to positive, loosening the tube's grip and attraction to the colloidal solids which is blown through an outlet into a settling tank and down on a bottom screw conveyor that delivers the dry colloidal solids with little adhesion, to centrifuge for separation of the solids. From one of the solids is ammonia recycled for the process, which is important for saving cost, energy and production of C2.

Abstract: A method for separating contaminants from a aqueous source containing contaminants. In one embodiment, the method involves the use of a high powdered oxidant dissolved within the aqueous system. The gas is dissolved within a reservoir in the aqueous solution and the pressure within the reservoir is controllable. This allows maximum contact of the oxidizing dissolved gas with the contaminant material. Once oxidized, the outlet of the reservoir is adapted to permit hydraulic cavitation. The net effect of the cavitation is to induce a foam formation which foam transports a floc into a separate phase from the aqueous solution. In this manner, the process is effectively a dissolved oxidizing gas mass transfer process. In another embodiment, the process may be augmented by electrocoagulation. This involves the use of an electric cell which is disposed within the reservoir containing the oxidant material.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation process for removing organic and metal contaminants from a pressurized waste fluid is disclosed in which a clarified waste fluid is produced when the pressure is released.

Abstract: An apparatus for decontamination contaminated groundwater in-situ by increasing the quantity of dissolved oxygen in the contaminated groundwater and generating reactive initiators to remediate the contaminated groundwater. The apparatus includes a submersible pump, an electrolytic cell, and a distribution chamber attached to an outlet of the cell. The distribution chamber is vertically oriented and longitudinally-extending from the outlet of the cell. As the groundwater flows across charging plates of the cell, some of the molecules break into their component parts of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. A selected vertical length of the chamber provides a resident time for the fluid allowing a majority of the gaseous oxygen to transition to dissolved oxygen.

Abstract: A method for separating contaminants from a aqueous source containing contaminants. In one embodiment, the method involves the use of a high powdered oxidant dissolved within the aqueous system. The gas is dissolved within a reservoir in the aqueous solution and the pressure within the reservoir is controllable. This allows maximum contact of the oxidizing dissolved gas with the contaminant material. Once oxidized, the outlet of the reservoir is adapted to permit hydraulic cavitation. The net effect of the cavitation is to induce a foam formation which foam transports a floc into a separate phase from the aqueous solution. In this manner, the process is effectively a dissolved oxidizing gas mass transfer process. In another embodiment, the process may be augmented by electrocoagulation. This involves the use of an electric cell which is disposed within the reservoir containing the oxidant material.

Abstract: A device for the purification of polluted water, especially adapted to remove therefrom organic pollutants. The device makes use of a reactor wherein the polluted water is subjected to the combined action of an ozone containing gas in the presence of an oxidation reaction catalyst that is produced in situ by electrolysis. A method of use of this device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water purification system for a swimming pool, pond, aquatic mammal tank, spa or fountain, which is simple to operate, low in maintenance, and highly reliable. The system comprises at least an ozonator and an electrolytic chlorinator. The system preferably comprises, in sequence, a vortex separator for initial separation of particulates; optionally an absorption or adsorption filter which may be a conventional pool filter using sand, diatomaceous earth, or paper cartridge as filtering medium; an ozone injector; an ozone contact chamber having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said water stream injected with ozone enters at or near said top end and is withdrawn from at or near said bottom end; and an electrolytic chlorinator for production of chlorine which is then oxidized to oxychlorine species.

Abstract: The process comprises the oxidation, in an electrolytic cell provided with at least one anodes of pollutants which contaminate wastewaters, and is characterized in that oxygen is diffused in the electrolytic cell cathode or cathodes subjected to a voltage lower than 100 V in order to reduce said gas to a dissolution oxidizing species selected among hydrogen peroxide or hydroxyl and/or peroxydril (HO2·) radicals. The equipment for implementing said process comprises an elecrolytic cell continuously supplied and provided with an anode (1) and two oxygen diffusion cathodes (2) and is sealed on either side with a frame (3), said frames and cathodes delimiting the compartments (4) which are supplied with oxygen gas and/or gas mixtures containing oxygen through inlets (6); similarly, the cathode and the anode delimit the compartments (5) through which circulates the contaminated water entering through the inlet (5) and coming out through outlets (8).

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: An electrochemical process for the production of a hydroxide solution and a sulfate by the electrolysis of a waste aqueous mixture of oxidizable sulfur impurities in the anode compartment of at least one electrolytic cell while producing a hydroxide solution in the cathode compartment of the cell. The process is particularly applicable to the treatment of spent caustic solutions obtained by scrubbing a hydrocarbon process stream contaminated with oxidizable sulfur impurities. The electrolytic cell used in the electrolysis process of the invention can use either a porous membrane or a cationic permselective membrane to separate the anode and cathode compartments of the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the quantity of dissolved oxygen in water. The apparatus includes an inlet for receiving untreated water. A cell housing having an electrolytic cell therein is coupled to the inlet. A resident time housing is connected to the cell housing for receiving water having oxygen and hydrogen gas therein. The resident time housing is vertically oriented and longitudinally tending for a selected vertical length above the cell housing. This provides sufficient resident time of the water in a quiet zone to permit the generated oxygen gas to transition into the dissolved state prior to reaching the top of the resident time housing. An outlet is provided at the top of the resident time housing. Treated water having a high dissolved oxygen content is delivered out of the outlet. A gas vent is provided at the outlet to permit the escape of hydrogen or other gases which have not been dissolved into the water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for treating wastewater which comprises producing a ferric hydroxide suspension directly by electrolysis of the wastewater to precipitate heavy metals and organic or inorganic suspended solids thus purifying the wastewater. The purified wastewater, which is a saturated aqueous solution of calcium sulphate, can be recycled for further treatment and production of a low sulphate ferric hydroxide suspension. The process of the present invention is suitable for treatment of wastewaters obtained from mine tailings dams, metal mine pits, etc. and avoids the problems and difficulties of the known processes.

Abstract: An improved laundry treatment system comprises a washer which is connected to discharge used water to a tank for filtration and recirculation to the washer, and a tank containing water for making up losses in the wash cycle, and an electrolytic cell therein comprising an enclosed compartment. The electrolytic cell comprises an enclosed compartment containing an anode and a cathode supported on the outside and inside respectively of an opening in the wall of the compartment open to the surrounding liquid when the compartment is immersed in the water in said tank for producing mixed oxidants dissolved in the make up water for oxidizing deleterious components without damaging the fabric being washed.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the quantity of dissolved oxygen in water. The apparatus includes an inlet for receiving untreated water. A cell housing having an electrolytic cell therein is coupled to the inlet. A translucent resident time housing is connected to the cell housing for receiving water containing oxygen and hydrogen gas. The resident time housing is vertically oriented and longitudinally extended for a selected vertical length above the cell housing. This provides sufficient resident time of the water in a quiet zone to permit the generated oxygen gas to transition into the dissolved state prior to reaching the top of the resident time housing. An outlet is provided at the top of the resident time housing to dispense water having a high dissolved oxygen content. A gas vent is provided at the outlet to permit the escape of hydrogen or other gases which have not been dissolved into the water. Preferably, a chill unit is provided prior to the electrolytic cell to reduce the temperature of the water.

Abstract: Method for the regeneration of active carbon and polymeric adsorbents having oxidizable, organic pollutants adsorbed thereon by electrochemical and chemical means and apparatus therefor. The method involves a desorption step and a decomposition step. Desorption is accomplished in one embodiment by flowing an aqueous stream at a preselected pH through the adsorbent material. Generally, decomposition is accomplished by contacting an aqueous stream containing an organic pollutant with hydroxyl radicals. Sequential or simultaneous desorption and decomposition can also take place during electrolysis in an electrolytic cell. During decomposition the active carbon can be made a carbon bed electrode of the cell. Electrolysis to produce peroxide can take place in the presence of a transition metal or a chelate of a transition metal while feeding an oxygen containing gas to the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing ionic water which are capable of producing ionic water containing a low concentration of electrolyte with high reproducibility. The present invention also provides an apparatus and a method for producing electrolytic ionic water capable of producing electrolytic ionic water having stable characteristics. The ionic water producing apparatus has at least a gas-liquid mixing device for mixing raw water and a gas, and an ultrasonic exciting device for applying ultrasonic waves to the gas-liquid mixture obtained by the gas-liquid mixing device to generate ions.

Abstract: A two stages electrocatalytic method for oxidative-purification of wastewater from soluble substances, such as toxic chemical admixtures difficult of oxidation, including dye-stuffs, detergents, phenols, cyanides and the like, which stages inactivate the soluble substances present in the wastewater in a synergistic fashion and, therefore, are highly efficient, the method comprising the steps of (a) in a first stage, electrochemically treating the wastewater in the presence of chlorine ions, such that chlorine-containing oxidizing agents are formed and at least partially oxidize the soluble substances in the wastewater; and (b) in a second stage, catalytically treating the first stage treated wastewater in presence of a non-chlorine oxidizing agent and an added catalyst, such that remainings of the soluble substances are further oxidized, and such that the chlorine-containing oxidizing agents formed during the first stage are catalytically reduced; wherein, the first stage and the second stage act synergistica

Abstract: A surfactant is added to anodic or cathodic water obtained by electrolyzing deionized water or high-purity water. Then, an object of treatment is treated with the anodic or cathodic water containing the surfactant. The object of treatment may be treated, in this way, while irradiating it with an ultrasonic wave having a frequency between 30 kHz and 3 MHz. Furthermore, the anodic or cathodic water is continuously jetted or dropped onto the object of treatment from a nozzle, while irradiating an ultrasonic wave at least at a part in the feed pipe of the anodic or cathodic water.

Abstract: An oxidation process for regeneration and closed loop recycling of cleaning solutions contaminated with used surfactants, fats, oils, greases, and inorganic and organic contaminants converts the contaminated cleaning solution into a reusable cleaning solution containing useful polar water soluble surfactants, detergents, wetting agents and emulsifiers. The contaminated cleaning solution is mixed with a stoichiometrically limited amount of an ozone containing gas. The reaction with ozone containing gas is carried out in a mixed vapor state (a gas/liquid mist). Fats, oils, greases and organic contaminants are converted into useful polar water soluble surfactants, detergents, wetting agents and emulsifiers. The regenerated cleaning solution has a cleaning strength at least as great as the strength of the original cleaning solution prior to contamination. The regenerated cleaning solution is reused as the cleaning solution in the original cleaning process from which the contaminated cleaner was obtained.

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: An improved electro-coalescent/magnetic separation (ECMS) system for removing contaminants from water, including desalinization, comprises a device for exposing a stream of water to be treated to an electric field, followed by introduction of ionized coagulating substances, including ionized gases and/or metal ions, followed by plural filter stages. The first filter stage may comprise a polarizable glass, alumina, or ceramic media provided as a bed in a tank with an underdrain, so as to provide substantial residence time. A polishing filter may comprise a very fine fiber or organic gel filter element confined between relatively flexible electrically-conductive screen members and provided with a DC power supply to polarize the filter. This assembly is confined between relatively rigid, perforated members such that the filter assembly can move slightly upon backwash to dislodge caked-on contaminants or the like, while preserving the structural integrity of the filter assembly.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting water streams comprises a source of ionized plasma, that is, a stream of air including ionized oxygen and nitrogen gas atoms and molecules, ozone, and singlet molecular oxygen, and an additional source of metal ions. The gas plasma is introduced into the water stream upstream of the metal ion stream to produce a variety of oxidizing, coagulating, and disinfecting reactions. Further, the metal ions combine with the gas ions to form additionally known disinfectant compounds. The source of ionized gas molecules is an ultraviolet lamp driven at very high frequency by a pulsated signal and optionally juxtaposed to a coil providing electric and/or magnetic fields, to excite and ionize oxygen and nitrogen molecules of the air. The metal ions are provided by sacrificial electrodes comprising alloy members of the metal elements to be provided to the water stream. A DC potential applied to the electrodes is uniformly reversed at intervals, to encourage sacrificial erosion thereof.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting water streams comprises a source of ionized plasma, that is, a stream of air including ionized oxygen and nitrogen gas molecules, including ozone, and an additional source of metal ions. The gas plasma is introduced into the water stream upstream of the metal ion stream to produce a variety of oxidizing, coagulating, and disinfecting reactions. Further, the metal ions combine with the gas ions to form additionally known disinfectant compounds. The source of ionized gas molecules is an ultraviolet lamp juxtaposed to a coil providing electric and/or magnetic fields, to excite and ionize oxygen and nitrogen molecules of the air. The sacrificial electrodes may comprise alloy members of the metal elements to be provided to the water stream. A DC potential applied to the electrodes is uniformly reversed at intervals, to encourage sacrificial erosion thereof.

Abstract: A liquid decontamination method and apparatus uses a series of pulsed electrical arcs across electrodes placed within a liquid stream which passes through a decontamination module. Sufficient energy is delivered by a pulse generator to the electrodes whereby lethal ultraviolet radiation and mechanical shock waves are created by the arcs within the decontamination module. A plurality of modules can be operated in parallel or in series to vary the capacity of the apparatus. Gas is injected through one of the electrodes to facilitate the generation of arcs within the liquid.

Abstract: An advanced oxidation process and apparatus for closed loop treating and recycling of cleaning solutions contaminated with used surfactants, fats, oils, greases, and inorganic and organic contaminates converts the contaminated cleaning solution into a reusable cleaning solution containing useful polar water soluble surfactants, detergents, wetting agents and emulsifiers. The contaminated cleaning solution is subjected to an ozone containing gas and alternating direct current. The reaction with ozone containing gas is carried out in a mixed vapor (gas/liquid mist) state. Fats, oils, greases and organic contaminates are converted into useful polar water soluble surfactants, detergents, wetting agents and emulsifiers and the excess organic surfactants, detergents, wetting agents, and emulsifiers are simultaneously converted into carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water. The treated cleaning solution is reused as the cleaning solution in the original cleaning process from which the contaminated cleaner was obtained.

Abstract: A process for purifying streams which contain organic and/or inorganic impurities is disclosed. The stream to be treated is introduced into a water-containing reaction zone which includes a packed bed of activated carbon to which an electrochemical potential is applied and to which ozone or hydrogen is fed at the same time. The cell further uses a contact electrode placed in the packed bed for supplying or removing an electrical current, and a counterelectrode disposed in a reaction vessel. The counterelectrode is electrically insulated from the packed bed of activated carbon. The cell further includes an inlet for feeding in liquid to be treated, an inlet for feeding ozone or hydrogen gas, and an outlet for discharging treated liquid and a further outlet for discharging waste gas.