US4161435A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process and apparatus for reducing the level of contaminants in aqueous electrolytes containing the same
Assignee: NOHREN FRANCES W 5170 126TH AVENUE NORTH CLEARWATER FL 33520
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Filing: 1977-10-13
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Granted: 1979-07-17
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Expires: 1997-10-13
Abstract
Abstract An electrochemical process for reducing the level of contaminants in an aqueous electrolyte containing the contaminants comprising: suspending particles in the electrolyte in a reaction zone defined by a pair of electrodes to obtain a suspension containing from 1 to 40% by volume of the particles, establishing high turbulence sufficient to maintain the particles in a state of violent agitation, and passing an electric current between the electrodes to generate an electric field in the turbulent electrolyte in the reaction zone. Advantageously the turbulence of the electrolyte corresponds to a Reynolds number above about 3,000 and preferably is in the range of about 10,000 to 50,000. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Karl Moeglich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 06:38
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F1/00; C02F1/46; C02F1/461; C02F1/46104; C02F1/46109; C02F1/46114; C02F1/467; C02F1/4672; C02F1/4676
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
An electrochemical process for reducing the level of contaminants from an aqueous electrolyte containing the contaminants comprising: suspending particles in the electrolyte in a reaction zone defined by a pair of electrodes to obtain a nonfluidized suspension containing from 1 to 40% by volume of the particles, establishing high turbulence corresponding to a Reynolds number between about 10,000 and about 50,000 and sufficient to maintain the particles in a state of violent agitation, applying D.C. current between the electrodes at a current density in amperes per unit area of electrode surface which does not exceed 1.0 amp/cm 2 and continuing the application of the D.C. current and the high turbulence at least until the contaminants are oxidized or reduced or coagulated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
An electrochemical process for reducing the level of contaminants from an aqueous electrolyte containing the contaminants comprising: suspending particles in the electrolyte in a reaction zone defined by a pair of electrodes to obtain a nonfluidized suspension containing from 1 to 40% by volume of the particles, establishing high turbulence corresponding to a Reynolds number between about 10,000 and about 50,000 and sufficient to maintain the particles in a state of violent agitation, applying D.C. current between the electrodes at a current density in amperes per unit area of electrode surface which does not exceed 1.0 amp/cm 2 and continuing the application of the D.C. current and the high turbulence at least until the contaminants are oxidized or reduced or coagulated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process as in claim 1 including the further subsequent step of removing coagulated or suspended contaminants by settling or physical treatment.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A process as in claim 1 wherein said particles range in size from 0.02 cm to 0.4 cm in maximum dimension and are present in the amount of 5 to 20% by volume.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
A process as in claim 1 wherein the particles are electrically conductive.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
A process as in claim 1 wherein the contaminants include ammonium hydroxide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as in claim 1 wherein said turbulence is obtained by air sparging.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process as in claim 1 wherein said turbulence is obtained by mechanical or magnetic stirring.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A process as in claim 1 wherein said turbulence is obtained by feeding the electrolyte into the reaction zone at high velocity against one or more baffles.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process as in claim 1 wherein the electrolyte is sequentially treated in a plurality of reaction zones each having an electrode pair.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process as in claim 9 wherein the reaction zones are all included in a single cell.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
A process as in claim 1 wherein the current density in amperes per unit area of electrode surface ranges from 0.001 amp/cm 2 to 1.0 amp/cm 2 .
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process as in claim 9 wherein the electrode spacings and voltages are individually adjustable.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
A process as in claim 1 wherein at least one electrodialysis type membrane is included in the reaction zone and separates at least one pair of electrodes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process as in claim 1 wherein the particles are semi-conductive or insulative.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process as in claim 1 wherein a combination of electrically conductive particles and semi-conductive or insulative particles is used.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
A process as in claim 1 including the step of controlling foam.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process as in claim 9 including the step of maintaining the particles in their respective reaction zones.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-07-16 | 1983-01-15 | 1983-07-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-07-16 | 1987-01-15 | 1987-07-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-07-16 | 1991-01-15 | 1991-07-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |