Electrocoagulation plant

Brief Introduction

Electrocoagulation (EC) uses a direct current to dissolve a parallel electrode unit and thereby introduces metal ions with a positive charge into the wastewater stream (fig 1). These ions are attracted to the very fine negatively charged droplets and particles of the contaminants. Repelling forces between the droplets and particles are broken and the dispersed particles combine into larger separable aggregates. The resulting agglomerations increase in size until they are no longer stable in an aqueous medium. Once destabilized, positively charged ions react with negatively charged particles in the water resulting in floc that approach a highly stable state. The flocs either sink or float, depending on the characteristics of the waste stream (fig 2). Simultaneously, gases formed by electroanalysis form very fine bubbles that associate with the coagulated contaminants and buoy them up for removal by flotation. Because the floc is highly stable it can then be easily separated from the water by a number of conventional secondary separation techniques.

In the electrocoagulation process, the electrical current is introduced into water via parallel plates constructed of various metals that are selected via different elimination to optimize the removal process. Several materials such as steel, aluminum, titanium and graphite are available for the reactor plates. Each material is specific to an application, although each can also treat a broad range within that application. Reactor design and plate selection are based on laboratory testing and our extensive experience with electrocoagulation.

Electrocoagulation operating effects are highly dependent on the chemistry of the aqueous medium, especially conductivity. Other influent characteristics such as pH, ionic charge, particle size, and chemical constituent concentrations will influence operating conditions. The flow rate of the aqueous medium through an electrocoagulation cell depends on the solution chemistry, the nature of the entrained suspension or emulsion, and the extent of electrocoagulation required to achieve the treatment objective. In addition, the treated effects of electrocoagulation also addresses the current and voltage.

Benefits

Low Capital Costs
Low Operating Costs
Low power requirements
Low maintenance
Generally no chemical additions
Small Space Requirements
Easy operation and high automation degree
Instantaneous Treatment
Handles a wide variation in the waste stream and treats multiple contaminants
Residual concentrations in effluent are far lower than most chemical processes
Sludge minimization
Sludge Stabilization
Consistent and reliable results
Comply with current and future regulations
Wide pH range acceptance minimizes need for adjustment
Greater potential for water reuse resulting in zero discharge

Basal Applications

Removal of radioactive species, especially in uranium, radium, plutonium
Removal of algae
Pretreatment for reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, etc.
Removal of complex organics, especially in fats, grease, fibre, emulsified oils and PAHs
Removal of pesticide
Treatment of cooling towers water
Removal of suspended and colloidal solids
Process of multiple contaminants
Process of marine bilge waters
Process of landfill waters
Sludge Dewatering
Regeneration of antifreeze
Process of commercial laundries waters
Process of parking lots waters
Process of steam cleaners waters
Removal of negatively charged salts such as nitrate, phosphate, fluorides, cyanide, arsenide, molybdenum, sulphide, chromate, silicate and so on
Removal of positively charged heavy metals such as copper, cadmium, nickel, lead, antimony, zinc, Chrome and so on