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WO2017216580A1 - Membrane water purification with disinfection by means of electrolyzed water - Google Patents

Membrane water purification with disinfection by means of electrolyzed water Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2017216580A1
WO2017216580A1 PCT/GB2017/051768 GB2017051768W WO2017216580A1 WO 2017216580 A1 WO2017216580 A1 WO 2017216580A1 GB 2017051768 W GB2017051768 W GB 2017051768W WO 2017216580 A1 WO2017216580 A1 WO 2017216580A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
membrane
upstream
ecas
downstream
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2017/051768
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Simon Peter ESCOTT
Original Assignee
Portsmouth Aviation Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Portsmouth Aviation Limited filed Critical Portsmouth Aviation Limited
Publication of WO2017216580A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017216580A1/en

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/44—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis
    • C02F1/444—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis by ultrafiltration or microfiltration
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F9/00—Multistage treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D61/00—Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
    • B01D61/14—Ultrafiltration; Microfiltration
    • B01D61/145—Ultrafiltration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D61/00—Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
    • B01D61/14—Ultrafiltration; Microfiltration
    • B01D61/16—Feed pretreatment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D61/00—Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
    • B01D61/14—Ultrafiltration; Microfiltration
    • B01D61/22—Controlling or regulating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D65/00—Accessories or auxiliary operations, in general, for separation processes or apparatus using semi-permeable membranes
    • B01D65/02—Membrane cleaning or sterilisation ; Membrane regeneration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D65/00—Accessories or auxiliary operations, in general, for separation processes or apparatus using semi-permeable membranes
    • B01D65/08—Prevention of membrane fouling or of concentration polarisation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/008—Control or steering systems not provided for elsewhere in subclass C02F
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/46104—Devices therefor; Their operating or servicing
    • C02F1/4618—Devices therefor; Their operating or servicing for producing "ionised" acidic or basic water
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/467—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/467—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction
    • C02F1/4672—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electrooxydation
    • C02F1/4674—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electrooxydation with halogen or compound of halogens, e.g. chlorine, bromine
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2311/00—Details relating to membrane separation process operations and control
    • B01D2311/04—Specific process operations in the feed stream; Feed pretreatment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2311/00—Details relating to membrane separation process operations and control
    • B01D2311/06—Specific process operations in the permeate stream
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2311/00—Details relating to membrane separation process operations and control
    • B01D2311/12—Addition of chemical agents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2311/00—Details relating to membrane separation process operations and control
    • B01D2311/16—Flow or flux control
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2311/00—Details relating to membrane separation process operations and control
    • B01D2311/18—Details relating to membrane separation process operations and control pH control
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2311/00—Details relating to membrane separation process operations and control
    • B01D2311/24—Quality control
    • B01D2311/243—Electrical conductivity control
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2311/00—Details relating to membrane separation process operations and control
    • B01D2311/26—Further operations combined with membrane separation processes
    • B01D2311/2692—Sterilization
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2321/00—Details relating to membrane cleaning, regeneration, sterilization or to the prevention of fouling
    • B01D2321/04—Backflushing
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/008—Mobile apparatus and plants, e.g. mounted on a vehicle
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/005—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC]
    • C02F2209/006—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC] comprising a software program or a logic diagram
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/04—Oxidation reduction potential [ORP]
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/05—Conductivity or salinity
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/06—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment pH
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/40—Liquid flow rate
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/04—Disinfection
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/20—Prevention of biofouling

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to water purification.
  • a water purification apparatus comprising a filtration membrane through which water is passed,
  • ECAS electro-chemically activated solution
  • a downstream feed for introducing ECAS into the water downstream of the membrane, a controller to control injection or introduction of ECAS through upstream and downstream feeds.
  • the apparatus is preferably suitable for purifying water to render it suitable for human consumption.
  • the apparatus may more generally be understood, and includes purifying (i.e. removing or neutralising unwanted matter, material or organisms entrained in the water), and need not necessarily result in drinking water.
  • the apparatus may be considered as a water disinfection plant, and more generally as a water processing apparatus.
  • the ECAS may be termed electrolysed water, electrolyzed oxidizing water or an anolyte solution.
  • the apparatus may comprise a sensor to provide a measure of one or more characteristics of water condition upstream of the membrane, and the dosing of ECAS into the water is determined at least on that basis of that characteristic.
  • the sensor preferably comprises a feedback signal.
  • Each of the upstream and downstream feeds may be individually controllable, independently of the other sensor.
  • Each of the upstream and downstream feeds may be controlled automatically.
  • Multiple sensors may be provided, each measuring a respective characteristic of the water.
  • the measured characteristics may include: flow rate, pH level, oxidation reduction potential, and conductivity.
  • the apparatus may comprise a data processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions, and the instructions determine a control signal to control at least one of the upstream and downstream feeds.
  • the instructions are configured determine a required level of dosing based on sensed water characteristics.
  • the apparatus preferably comprises an ECAS generator configured in use to produce a supply of ECAS.
  • the generator preferably comprises an electrolysis assembly.
  • the electrolysis assembly may comprise a saline solution input, a water input and an ECAS output.
  • the ECAS generator preferably comprises an anolyte vessel for containing the ECAS produced.
  • Each of the upstream feed and the downstream feed comprises a dosing pump arranged to introduce ECAS into the water being treated.
  • the apparatus may be provided within a container the principal dimensions of which substantially corresponds to those of a standardised (such as in accordance with ISO standards) shipping container, such as an intermodal container.
  • the apparatus may conveniently be arranged to be transported and operated within the container. At least the bulk or majority of the components and sub -assemblies of the apparatus may be housed within the container.
  • the membrane may comprise an ultrafiltration membrane.
  • the membrane may comprise a semipermeable membrane. Suspended solids and solutes of high molecular weight are preferably retained in a retentate, while water and low molecular weight solutes preferably pass through the membrane in a permeate.
  • a series of membranes may be provided.
  • a second aspect of the invention relates to a method of purifying water, preferably to render suitable for human consumption, the method comprising causing water to flow through a filtration membrane, and controllably injecting electro -chemically activated solution, ECAS, into the water upstream of the membrane, and downstream of the membrane.
  • ECAS electro -chemically activated solution
  • the invention may comprise one or more features , either singularly or in combination, as described in the detailed description and/ or as shown in the drawings. Brief Description of the drawings
  • Figure 1 is a block system diagram of a water purification system.
  • FIG. 1 shows a water purification system 1.
  • raw water is purified into potable water by a process of injecting ECAS both downstream of a filtration membrane, and upstream if a filtration membrane assembly.
  • ECAS is created in a generator 10.
  • the generator is pressure fed with softened water from a water softener 12 (i.e. which removes calcium, magnesium, and certain other metal cations), and draws brine from a brine tank 13.
  • a water softener 12 i.e. which removes calcium, magnesium, and certain other metal cations
  • brine from a brine tank 13.
  • An electrical current is passed through across the membrane cell plates, thus forming an electrolysis assembly.
  • the electrical current level is controlled by reference to a measurement of the quality of the ECAS solution.
  • the ECAS membrane cell current is measured inside the ECAS control module and measured current levels are displayed on a HMI (Human Machine Interface). For example, an Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) would be specified.
  • ORP Oxidation Reduction Potential
  • ECAS is fed into an anolyte storage tank 15.
  • the tank comprises float switches which in turn control the operation of the ECAS generator 10.
  • a controller module (not shown) instructs the generator 10 to commence production of ECAS.
  • the operation of the respective float switch causes the generator 10 to cease operation.
  • An accumulator 16 ensures that there is sufficient pressure to enable the water softener to supply the ECAS generator.
  • the filtration membrane assembly 20 comprises a pair of ultrafiltration membranes, arranged in respective container vessels.
  • the membrane is provided in a flow path of an upstream raw water supply 30, which may include a submersible pump and /or a customer supply.
  • a back-flush pump 21 and a back-flush tank 22 Connected to the filtration membrane assembly there is provided a back-flush pump 21 and a back-flush tank 22. In use, these serve to ensure that the membranes are cleared of particulate debris which may have collected a surface of the membrane.
  • Processed water is stored in the back-flush tank 22 and is pumped under pressure in the reverse direction to the normal flow of water during the purification process. These back-flush methods can be executed at predetermined intervals.
  • an upstream set of sensors 4 is installed within the supply feed line. These are used to measure water condition, including the following characteristics:
  • the system automatically doses the required dosing level in respect of an upstream ECAS upstream injection point 2.
  • Signals from the sensors are fed to a controller which comprises data processor loaded with instructions in a memory.
  • the instructions are such as to determine a required dosing level, based in the input signals.
  • An output signal is then generated which is operative to control an upstream dosing pump 2a.
  • the dosing pump 2a is connecting to the anolyte storage tank which holds the generated ECAS.
  • the water Downstream of the injection point 2, the water passes through the membrane assembly 20.
  • the ultrafiltration membranes of the assembly cause solids, bacteria and other pathogens to be removed.
  • the treated water flows past a downstream ECAS injection point 3, and a second set of sensors, 5. These sensors measure the same water characteristics as the upstream sensor set 4, albeit after the water has passed through the membrane filters.
  • the sensor set 5 is used to monitor the post dosing level of water purity.
  • the upstream injection point 2 provides a pre-dosing of the water, and advantageously enables the raw or untreated water to be prepared for disinfection at an early stage in the purification process. This means that the ECAS is active earlier in the process.
  • the downstream, or post-dosing, point 3 increases the effectiveness of the disinfection and purification process, which ensures any more resilient bacteria remaining in the water after it has passed through the membrane are acted on by the ECAS.
  • ECAS disinfects and removes water with bacteria, viruses, pathogens, legionella, salmonella, Cryptosporidium, E-coli, faecal streptococci and many other harmful germs.
  • Membrane water treatment plants are prone to organic fouling. This means they usually need to be cleaned on a regular basis using harmful acids, which are dangerous to the environment and the resulting waste water has to be removed from the plant and disposed of using expensive, specialist methods.
  • ECAS is environmentally safe since if it is spilled it degrades to salt and water, without producing any harmful waste, and its sterilising effect also ensures that the system's filters and equipment remain clean and free from biofilm, meaning less maintenance and longer storage life for treated water.
  • the water purification system above is advantageously suitable for both short -term water supply applications, such as emergency event support and dis aster relief, and for long-term supply of water in developing countries and small rural communities.
  • the system is self-contained, and does not require any major infrastructure preparation, especially if, for example, it is provided in a containerised entity which is arranged to be transportable and shipped, to a required location .
  • a containerised entity which is arranged to be transportable and shipped, to a required location .
  • multiple units can be used in combination.
  • Being a self-contained system means that the system requires only easily-sourced consumables, making it easier to install and operate in a range of locations, including remote areas and developing countries.
  • the system requires only easily sourced consumables and so there is no need for storage of large volumes of liquid disinfectant, which means that the system is not impacted by environmental handling constraints and requirements, accordingly
  • CRS capacitive regeneration
  • the system is essentially self-contained and requires no externally supplied equipment, save electrical power, fuel (such as diesel) and salt (sodium chloride). Where no external power supply is available, the system may comprise its own internal generator.
  • the purification system can primarily be used to purify water for drinking purposes, it can also be used for filtration of waste water resulting from agricultural or manufacturing processes.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)

Abstract

A water purification apparatus, the apparatus comprising a filtration membrane (20) through which water is passed, an upstream feed (2) for introducing electrolyzed oxidizing water, into the water, upstream of the membrane, a downstream feed (3) for introducing electrolyzed oxidizing water into the water downstream of the membrane, a controller (2a, 3a) to control injection or introduction of electrolyzed oxidizing water through upstream and downstream feeds.

Description

MEMBRANE WATER PURIFICATION WITH DISINFECTION BY MEANS OF
ELECTROLYZED WATER
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to water purification.
Background
Production and the availability of potable water is an essential requirement for subsistence of human life. However, the availability of potable water in certain geographical areas and regions can be limited and problematic, especially where ether required infrastructure, such as in remote regions, is limited. We have devised a self- contained water purification system, which can be deployed as and where needed. The system is preferably capable of processing raw, non-saline, water directly from rivers, ponds and bore-holes for example. We seek to provide an improved water purification system.
Summary
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a water purification apparatus, the apparatus comprising a filtration membrane through which water is passed,
an upstream feed for introducing electro-chemically activated solution, ECAS, into the water, upstream of the membrane,
a downstream feed for introducing ECAS into the water downstream of the membrane, a controller to control injection or introduction of ECAS through upstream and downstream feeds.
The apparatus is preferably suitable for purifying water to render it suitable for human consumption. However, the apparatus may more generally be understood, and includes purifying (i.e. removing or neutralising unwanted matter, material or organisms entrained in the water), and need not necessarily result in drinking water. The apparatus may be considered as a water disinfection plant, and more generally as a water processing apparatus.
The ECAS may be termed electrolysed water, electrolyzed oxidizing water or an anolyte solution. The apparatus may comprise a sensor to provide a measure of one or more characteristics of water condition upstream of the membrane, and the dosing of ECAS into the water is determined at least on that basis of that characteristic. The sensor preferably comprises a feedback signal.
There may be provided at least one respective sensor for each of the upstream and downstream feeds. Each of the upstream and downstream feeds may be individually controllable, independently of the other sensor.
Each of the upstream and downstream feeds may be controlled automatically. Multiple sensors may be provided, each measuring a respective characteristic of the water. The measured characteristics may include: flow rate, pH level, oxidation reduction potential, and conductivity.
The apparatus may comprise a data processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions, and the instructions determine a control signal to control at least one of the upstream and downstream feeds. The instructions are configured determine a required level of dosing based on sensed water characteristics.
The apparatus preferably comprises an ECAS generator configured in use to produce a supply of ECAS. The generator preferably comprises an electrolysis assembly. The electrolysis assembly may comprise a saline solution input, a water input and an ECAS output. The ECAS generator preferably comprises an anolyte vessel for containing the ECAS produced. Each of the upstream feed and the downstream feed comprises a dosing pump arranged to introduce ECAS into the water being treated.
The apparatus may be provided within a container the principal dimensions of which substantially corresponds to those of a standardised (such as in accordance with ISO standards) shipping container, such as an intermodal container. The apparatus may conveniently be arranged to be transported and operated within the container. At least the bulk or majority of the components and sub -assemblies of the apparatus may be housed within the container. The membrane may comprise an ultrafiltration membrane. The membrane may comprise a semipermeable membrane. Suspended solids and solutes of high molecular weight are preferably retained in a retentate, while water and low molecular weight solutes preferably pass through the membrane in a permeate. A series of membranes may be provided.
A second aspect of the invention relates to a method of purifying water, preferably to render suitable for human consumption, the method comprising causing water to flow through a filtration membrane, and controllably injecting electro -chemically activated solution, ECAS, into the water upstream of the membrane, and downstream of the membrane.
The invention may comprise one or more features , either singularly or in combination, as described in the detailed description and/ or as shown in the drawings. Brief Description of the drawings
One embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawing in which:
Figure 1 is a block system diagram of a water purification system.
Detailed Description
Reference is now made to Figure 1 which shows a water purification system 1. As will be described below, raw water is purified into potable water by a process of injecting ECAS both downstream of a filtration membrane, and upstream if a filtration membrane assembly.
ECAS is created in a generator 10. The generator is pressure fed with softened water from a water softener 12 (i.e. which removes calcium, magnesium, and certain other metal cations), and draws brine from a brine tank 13. In use, the softened water and the brine are fed to each side, respectively, of a membrane which in the generator. An electrical current is passed through across the membrane cell plates, thus forming an electrolysis assembly. The electrical current level is controlled by reference to a measurement of the quality of the ECAS solution. The ECAS membrane cell current is measured inside the ECAS control module and measured current levels are displayed on a HMI (Human Machine Interface). For example, an Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) would be specified. The resulting catholyte solution is fed to a waste stream for discharge.
Once produced, ECAS is fed into an anolyte storage tank 15. The tank comprises float switches which in turn control the operation of the ECAS generator 10. When the level in the tank 15 is below 'tank-LOW' float switch, a controller module (not shown) instructs the generator 10 to commence production of ECAS. Alternatively, when the ECAS tank 15 reaches 'tank-FULL' condition, the operation of the respective float switch causes the generator 10 to cease operation. An accumulator 16 ensures that there is sufficient pressure to enable the water softener to supply the ECAS generator.
The filtration membrane assembly 20 comprises a pair of ultrafiltration membranes, arranged in respective container vessels. The membrane is provided in a flow path of an upstream raw water supply 30, which may include a submersible pump and /or a customer supply. Connected to the filtration membrane assembly there is provided a back-flush pump 21 and a back-flush tank 22. In use, these serve to ensure that the membranes are cleared of particulate debris which may have collected a surface of the membrane. Processed water is stored in the back-flush tank 22 and is pumped under pressure in the reverse direction to the normal flow of water during the purification process. These back-flush methods can be executed at predetermined intervals.
(Raw) water to be treated first passes through a primary filter 59um self -cleaning filter 31.
Prior to the water reaching the membrane assembly, an upstream set of sensors 4 is installed within the supply feed line. These are used to measure water condition, including the following characteristics:
Flow rate
pH level Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP)
Conductivity
From the values recorded by the chain of sensors, the system automatically doses the required dosing level in respect of an upstream ECAS upstream injection point 2. Signals from the sensors are fed to a controller which comprises data processor loaded with instructions in a memory. The instructions are such as to determine a required dosing level, based in the input signals. An output signal is then generated which is operative to control an upstream dosing pump 2a. The dosing pump 2a is connecting to the anolyte storage tank which holds the generated ECAS.
Downstream of the injection point 2, the water passes through the membrane assembly 20. The ultrafiltration membranes of the assembly cause solids, bacteria and other pathogens to be removed.
On exiting the membrane assembly, the treated water flows past a downstream ECAS injection point 3, and a second set of sensors, 5. These sensors measure the same water characteristics as the upstream sensor set 4, albeit after the water has passed through the membrane filters. The sensor set 5 is used to monitor the post dosing level of water purity.
The upstream injection point 2 provides a pre-dosing of the water, and advantageously enables the raw or untreated water to be prepared for disinfection at an early stage in the purification process. This means that the ECAS is active earlier in the process. The downstream, or post-dosing, point 3 increases the effectiveness of the disinfection and purification process, which ensures any more resilient bacteria remaining in the water after it has passed through the membrane are acted on by the ECAS.
Having both ECAS present on both the forward (pre-dosing) and reverse (post-dosing) sides of the membrane beneficially ensures 100% coverage in side the membrane.
Injection of ECAS, not only considerably assists with the water privation, but also minimises prevention of a biofilm build-up on membrane surface, and this reduces debris accumulation potential. ECAS disinfects and removes water with bacteria, viruses, pathogens, legionella, salmonella, Cryptosporidium, E-coli, faecal streptococci and many other harmful germs. Membrane water treatment plants are prone to organic fouling. This means they usually need to be cleaned on a regular basis using harmful acids, which are dangerous to the environment and the resulting waste water has to be removed from the plant and disposed of using expensive, specialist methods. In contrast, ECAS is environmentally safe since if it is spilled it degrades to salt and water, without producing any harmful waste, and its sterilising effect also ensures that the system's filters and equipment remain clean and free from biofilm, meaning less maintenance and longer storage life for treated water.
The water purification system above is advantageously suitable for both short -term water supply applications, such as emergency event support and dis aster relief, and for long-term supply of water in developing countries and small rural communities.
Further advantageously, the system is self-contained, and does not require any major infrastructure preparation, especially if, for example, it is provided in a containerised entity which is arranged to be transportable and shipped, to a required location . For larger water purification requirements, multiple units can be used in combination. Being a self-contained system, means that the system requires only easily-sourced consumables, making it easier to install and operate in a range of locations, including remote areas and developing countries.
By including its own ECAS production unit, the system requires only easily sourced consumables and so there is no need for storage of large volumes of liquid disinfectant, which means that the system is not impacted by environmental handling constraints and requirements, accordingly
For geographic regions where additional substances may be entrained in the source water supply, such as ammonia, nitrates and such like, a further capacitive regeneration (CRS) process could be incorporated. Use of one or more of the water purification units may provide significant advantages over reliance on a mains water infrastructure. In such infrastructures, the pipework carrying the water to be delivered to end users may be damaged or may have eroded, therefore can be prone to leaks. By providing local or regionalised water purifications units of the type described above, issues of water wastage through leakage can largely or totally be eradicated.
The system is essentially self-contained and requires no externally supplied equipment, save electrical power, fuel (such as diesel) and salt (sodium chloride). Where no external power supply is available, the system may comprise its own internal generator.
It will be appreciated that whilst the purification system can primarily be used to purify water for drinking purposes, it can also be used for filtration of waste water resulting from agricultural or manufacturing processes.

Claims

1. A water purification apparatus for purifying water, the apparatus comprising a filtration membrane through which water is passed,
an upstream feed for introducing electro-chemically activated solution, ECAS, into the water, upstream of the membrane,
a downstream feed for introducing ECAS into the water downstream of the membrane, a controller to control injection of ECAS through upstream and downstream feeds.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which comprises a sensor to provide a measure of one or more characteristics of water condition upstream of the membrane, and the dosing of ECAS into the water is determined at least on that basis of that characteristic.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 which comprises at least one respective sensor for each of the upstream and downstream feeds.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 in which each of the upstream and downstream feeds is individually controllable, independently of the other sensor.
5. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each of the upstream and downstream feeds is controlled automatically, in use.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 which comprises multiple sensors, each measuring a respective characteristic of the water.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the measured characteristics may include: flow rate, pH level, oxidation reduction potential, and conductivity.
8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which comprises a data processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions, and the instructions determine a control signal to control at least one of the upstream and downstream feeds.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the instructions are configured determine a required level of dosing based on sensed water characteristics.
10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which comprises an ECAS generator configured in use to produce a supply of ECAS.
1 1. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 in which the generator preferably comprises an electrolysis assembly.
12. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each of the upstream feed and the downstream feed comprises a dosing pump arranged to introduce ECAS into the water being treated.
13. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the membrane comprises an ultrafiltration membrane.
14. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which is suitable for purifying water to render it suitable for human consumption.
15. A method of purifying water to, the method comprising causing water to flow through a filtration membrane, and controllably injecting electro -chemically activated solution, ECAS, into the water upstream of the membrane, and downstream of the membrane.
PCT/GB2017/051768 2016-06-17 2017-06-16 Membrane water purification with disinfection by means of electrolyzed water WO2017216580A1 (en)

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