WO2008038853A1

WO2008038853A1 - Activated carbon - granule electrode filter

Info

Publication number: WO2008038853A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/004706
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dae Won Pak; Kang Pyung Lee; Young Joon Kim; Kyung Whan Jang
Original assignee: Dae Won Pak; Kang Pyung Lee; Young Joon Kim; Kyung Whan Jang
Priority date: 2006-09-29
Filing date: 2006-11-10
Publication date: 2008-04-03
Also published as: KR100802365B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an activated carbon-granule electrode (AC-GE) filter having enhanced disinfecting function and bio-absorbency, which comprises: (a) an upstream cylindrical chamber; (b) a backwash water inlet port and a backwash water discharge port; (c) an electrode section including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a spacer interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate for maintaining an interval between the electrodes and preventing leakage of activated carbon; (d) a diffuser disposed at a lower portion of the cylindrical chamber; (e) granular activated carbons filled in the cylindrical chamber; and (f) a rectifying/controlling unit mounted on the side of the cylindrical chamber. According to the present invention DC power is supplied to the electrode section so as to allow the granular activated carbon to be charged with positive electricity to construct an environment where no microorganism exists within the chamber to thereby decrease the risk of germs being proliferated, and the need for the backwashing operation executed upon the occlusion of a flow channel is eliminated and since organic and inorganic materials adhered to the electrode can be removed through the switching of the polarities of the electrode and thus there is no need for electrode washing. Also, when energy is charged into the chamber, the cluster size of water molecules is decreased so as to improve bio-absorbency, thus providing better quality water.

Description

ACTIVATED CARBON-GRANULE ELECTRODE FILTER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an activated carbon-granule electrode (AC-GE) filter having enhanced disinfecting function and bio-absorbency, and more particularly to an AC-GE filter which comprises: (a) an upstream cylindrical chamber; (b) a backwash water inlet port and a backwash water discharge port; (c) an electrode section including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a spacer interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate for maintaining an interval between the electrodes and preventing leakage of activated carbon; (d) a diffuser disposed at a lower portion of the cylindrical chamber; (e) granular activated carbons filled in the cylindrical chamber; and (f) a rectifying/controlling unit mounted on the side of the cylindrical chamber.

BACKGROUND ART

These days, with the improvements in the standard of living, a simple recognition that a toilet room is a place for easing nature is changing. Thus, attempts to change the toilet room to a pleasant and comfortable space are being made, and such attempts are expected to continue.

The activated carbon is a black porous carbonaceous material produced through carbonization of palm kernel shells, sawdust and coal. It has a large surface area and a strong adsorbent ability, and hence is used for removal of abnormal odor and taste, phenolic compounds, organic compounds, color, THM, etc. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) and granular activated carbon (GAC) may be used for treatment of the activated carbon. These both types of activated carbons are effective for adsorption and removal of odorous materials or a tiny amount of organic chemical. The activated carbons are highly porous, in which a number of micro pores are present. The inner layer of each micro pore has an extremely large i surface area which is hydrophilic against impurities. Thus, removal of soluble ingredients from materials to be adsorbed is performed by adsorbing the soluble ingredients into the inner surfaces of the micro pores. A conventional activated carbon tank is constructed such that the activated carbon is filled in a large capacity of tank and then is impregnated with water. However, the conventional activated carbon tank entails several problems in that its economic efficiency decreases and its installation space increases, in that a periodic backwash is needed due to occlusion of an activated carbon filler and there is an inconvenience due to frequent cleaning of the activated carbon tank and periodic exchange of the activated carbon, thus causing problems associated with manpower issues and cost constraints, and in that a contact area is relatively small as compared to the filling ratio of the activated carbon to thereby deteriorate a purification efficiency.

Examples of the technology associated with the above conventional prior art includes "an activated carbon tank for purifying wastewater using flowing activated carbon" (Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0528633, 2005.11.08), "a pressure type water purification facility for waterworks" (Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0542425, 2006.01.04), in which occlusion within the pores of the filler particles is prevented and an easy to manage activated carbon tank is provided. Nevertheless, the above patent document still encounters some problems in that it has no function of inhibiting proliferation of microorganisms within the activated carbon, thus making it possible for microorganisms to proliferate in treated water to thereby shorten the lifespan of the water purification facility and deteriorate disinfecting function. In addition, a conventional prior art of "the removal of nitrogen compounds in an electrolytic cell filled with activated carbon" (Korean Patent Application No. 10-2002- 0023868, 2002.04.24) provides a method of removing nitrogen contained in water supply, drainage and wastewater by means of an electrochemical method. However, such a conventional prior art has a problem in that since it is a treatment method centered on nitrogen compounds, it is possible for microorganisms to proliferate in the activated carbon, thus resulting in a failure of inhibition of multiplication of germ cells.

Accordingly, the present inventors have made efforts to address and solve the disadvantages of the above conventional prior arts and, as a result, have found that granular activated carbons of a large particle size are filled in an activated carbon tank and a set of electrodes is disposed at both sides of the filled granular activated carbons so as to supply direct current (DC) power so that the granular activated carbon particles are charged with positive electricity to thereby inhibit multiplication of germ cells within the activated carbons as well as disinfect incoming germs, thus leading to completion of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a main object of the present invention to provide an activated carbon-granule electrode (AC-GE) filter having enhanced disinfecting function and bio-absorbency.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an AC-GE filter, which comprises: (a) an upstream cylindrical chamber having an outlet port and an inlet port formed at the upper and lower ends thereof; (b) a backwash water inlet port and a backwash water discharge port mounted at the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical chamber for allowing a backwashing operation to be performed therethrough; (c) at least one set of electrode sections mounted between the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical chamber, respectively, and including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a spacer interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate for maintaining an interval between the electrodes and preventing leakage of activated carbon; (d) a diffuser disposed at a lower end portion of the cylindrical chamber for generating air bubbles when backwashing; (e) granular activated carbons filled in the electrode section mounted at the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical chamber; and (f) a rectifying/controlling unit mounted on the side of the cylindrical chamber for converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) and supplying the converted DC to the electrode section, wherein the positive electrode plate of the electrode section is arranged to be in contact with the granular activated carbons.

In the present invention, the positive electrode plate of the electrode section thus preferably an iridium-titanium (IrO₂-Ti) electrode or platinum-titanium (Pt-Ti) electrode, which is formed into a mesh-type or perforated-type; the negative electrode plate of the electrode section preferably uses any one selected from the group consisting of an iridium-titanium (IrO₂-Ti) electrode, a platinum-titanium (Pt-Ti) electrode, a stainless steel electrode and a titanium electrode, which are formed into a mesh-type or perforated-type; and the spacer is preferably insulated using any one resin selected from the group consisting of PVC, PE and PP which are formed into a mesh-type.

In the present invention, the AC-GE filter preferably further comprises a plurality of electrode protrusions attached to the contact surface of the positive electrode plate for improving contactability between the electrode surface and the granular activated carbons when the positive electrode plate of the electrode section is arranged to be in contact with the granular activated carbons, and when direct current (DC) power is applied to the electrode section, the granular activated carbon particles are preferably charged with positive electricity.

In the present invention, the rectifying/controlling unit is connected to the electrode section and is configured such that the polarity of the electrode section can be switched.

The above and other objects, features and embodiments of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description and accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an AC-GE filter according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an assembled cross-sectional view showing an AC-GE filter according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing an assembled electrode section of an AC-GE filter according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an electrode section of an AC-GE filter according to the present invention.

10: chamber 20: inlet port

21 : backwash water inlet port 30: outlet port 31: backwash water outlet port 40: electrode section

41 : positive electrode plate 42: negative electrode plate

43: spacer 44: electrode contact point portion

45: electrode protrusion 46: guide

47: bolt 48: nut 50: diffuser 51 : air injection section

60: granular activated carbon 70: rectifying/controlling unit

80: electric wire 81 : electric wire tube

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to an activated carbon-granule electrode (AC-GE) filter having enhanced disinfecting function and bio-absorbency.

The AC-GE filter according to the present invention comprises: (a) an upstream cylindrical chamber; (b) a backwash water inlet port and a backwash water discharge port; (c) an electrode section including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a spacer interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate for maintaining an interval between the electrodes and preventing leakage of activated carbon; (d) a diffuser disposed at a lower portion of the cylindrical chamber; (e) granular activated carbons filled in the cylindrical chamber; and (f) a rectifying/controlling unit mounted on the side of the cylindrical chamber, wherein the positive electrode of the electrode section is arranged to be in contact with the granular activated carbons.

Now, the present invention will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an AC-GE filter according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the AC-GE filter according to the present invention includes a cylindrical chamber 10, an inlet port 20, an outlet port 30, a backwash water inlet port 21, a backwash water outlet port 31, an electrode section 40, a diffuser 50, granular activated carbons 60 and a rectifying/controlling unit 7. The size, height, capacity, etc. of the cylindrical chamber 10 are determined depending on its purpose. The inlet port 20 is disposed at the lower end of the cylindrical chamber and the outlet port 30 is disposed at the upper end of the cylindrical chamber so as to provide upstream water flow through the cylindrical chamber so that occlusion of flow channel occurs at low rates as compared to a conventional activated carbon filter to thereby lengthen the backwashing period. The linear velocity at which influent water passes through the activated carbon layer can range from 2m/h to 15m/h depending on influent water quality, desired water quality, treatment capacity and the like.

FIG. 2 is an assembled cross-sectional view showing an AC-GE filter according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing an assembled electrode section of an AC-GE filter according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an electrode section of an AC-GE filter according to the present invention.

As shown in FIGs. 2 to 4, at least one set of the electrode sections is mounted between the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical chamber, respectively and a multiple number of which can be mounted depending on its purpose and capacity of the chamber. For the electrode used in the electrode section, one set of electrodes may be installed at the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical chamber, respectively depending on the capacity thereof but it is more preferable, to be installed in such a manner that a plurality of sets of small electrodes are arranged in parallel with one another in consideration of the load exerted on the electrode, current applied to one set of electrodes, etc. In addition, it is preferable to manufacture the electrode such that the size of unit electrode is set uniformly for easy management thereof.

The electrode section includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a spacer interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate for maintaining an interval between the electrodes and preventing leakage of the activated carbon.

The positive electrode plate of the electrode section uses an iridium-titanium (IrO₂-Ti) electrode or platinum-titanium (Pt-Ti) electrode, which is formed into a mesh-type or perforated-type, the negative electrode plate of the electrode section uses any one selected from the group consisting of an iridium-titanium (IrO₂-Ti) electrode, a platinum-titanium (Pt- Ti) electrode, a stainless steel electrode and a titanium electrode, which are formed into a mesh-type or perforated-type, and the spacer is insulated using any one resin selected from the group consisting of PVC, PE and PP, which have a mesh size in the range from approximately 1 to 2mm, so as to uniformly maintain inter-electrode interval and prevent short circuits due to leakage of the activated carbon. Also, the electrode section further includes a pair of guides 46 having a window- frame shape, which serves to securely fix the electrode section and endure the load of the granular activated carbon. The material of the guide can be selected from the group consisting of PVC, PE and PP which are non- conductive material. The electrode section 40 is disposed between the upper and lower guides 46 in such a manner that the positive electrode plate, the spacer and the negative electrode plate are sequentially fixed in this order. The guide allows the electrode section to be more firmly fixed thereto by means of a bolt and a nut. In this case, the bolt and the nut are preferably formed of a non-conductive material because of the risk of short circuits.

The diffuser is disposed at a lower end portion of the cylindrical chamber so that air injected into the cylindrical chamber through an air injecting section 51 generates bubbles through the diffuser and air bubbles are supplied when backwashing.

The granular activated carbons are filled in the electrode section mounted on the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical chamber, and the positive electrode plate of the electrode section is arranged to be in contact with the granular activated carbons. The electrode section further includes a plurality of electrode protrusions 45 attached to the contact surface of the positive electrode plate so that contactability between the electrode surface and the granular activated carbons is improved when the positive electrode plate of the electrode section is arranged to be in contact with the granular activated carbons. When a direct current (DC) power is supplied to the electrode section, the granular activated carbon particles are charged with positive electricity, thereby constructing an environment where no microorganism exists. The conventional activated carbon has a large surface area so as to provide an excellent adsorbent function, but has a high risk of microorganisms being proliferated, thus resulting in shortened life span of filter. On the contrary, the inventive activated carbon filter is additionally provided with disinfecting function by granule electrode operating so that an environment where no microorganism exists is constructed to thereby eliminate the risk of multiplication of germ cells, and incoming microorganisms become extinct by an electrical potential difference and radicals generated to thereby lengthen the backwash period of activated carbon and life span of filter.

The rectifying/controlling unit is mounted on the side of the cylindrical chamber for converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) and supplying the converted DC to the electrode section. It is preferable to construct the rectifying/controlling unit such that the polarity of rectifying/controlling unit can be switched by a timer or a variation of current.

The AC-GE filter according to the present invention allows positive and negative polarities of the electrode section to be inversely changed so as to switch the polarity of the electrode section for 10 to 30 seconds, so that an inorganic material such as Mg, Ca, etc. capable of adhering to a negative pole is eliminated to maintain the electrode in a clean state and scales attached onto the electrode are removed to maintain the electrode in a good electrical conduction. The switching of polarity of an electrode can be performed using a method where the polarities of the electrode are switched periodically by a timer and a method where the polarities of the electrode are automatically switched when over a predetermined amount of power decreases as compared to initial input power since input power decreases gradually along with an increase of scales generated on an electrode surface. Meanwhile, floating materials adhered onto the activated carbon can be removed through the backwashing operation either periodically or irregularly. In more detail, backwash water is injected into the chamber through the backwash water inlet port disposed at the upper portion of the cylindrical chamber and then is discharged to the outside through the backwash water discharge port disposed at the lower portion of the chamber while the diffuser disposed at a lower portion of the cylindrical chamber supplies air bubbles, so that floating materials adhered onto the activated carbon can be removed. The backwashing operation may be irregularly performed due to an increase in the inner pressure of the activated carbon tank or a decrease in the discharge amount or may be periodically performed by a timer.

Now, the operating principle of AC-GE filter according to the present invention will be described hereinafter in detail.

To-be-treated water flows into the cylindrical chamber through the inlet port installed at the lower portion of the cylindrical chamber. When DC power is supplied to the electrode section, the granular activated carbons filled in the electrode section mounted on the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical chamber are charged with positive electricity. An environment where no microorganism exists is constructed in the granular activated carbons charged with positive electricity, and the to-be-treated water which has passed through the AC-GE filter of the present invention is disinfected and purified while being passed through the granular activated carbon layer so that it is discharged to the outside through the outlet port disposed on the upper portion of the cylindrical chamber.

The voltage supplied to the electrode section preferably ranges from 5 to 10V, and more preferably is 10V. It is possible to economically design the electrode section under the above voltage condition, thereby reducing maintenance costs. At this time, it is preferable to design the electrode such that a current of 0.7A/L-min is maintained. The inventive AC- GE filter can be designed such that the time required for influent water to pass through the activated carbon layer ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, and more preferably is 15 minutes. It is possible to adjust the contact time depending on the quality of the to-be-treated water and the expected quality of treated water. The linear velocity at which influent water passes through the activated carbon layer preferably ranges from 2 m/h to 15 m/h. But if the linear velocity becomes great, the height of the activated carbon becomes great so that a region where disinfection is not achieved may be generated in an intermediate portion of the activated carbon layer. Therefore, it is preferable to maintain a liner velocity of 5 m/h.

The AC-GE filter of the present invention can be used in water-purifying plants, temporary water purifying plants, affluent water pipelines for collective buildings (schools, apartments, buildings, military camps, etc.), affluent water pipelines for homes and in places where improved water quality and disinfection is needed, such as water purifiers, industrial process water, etc. In various places where the AC-GE filter according to the present invention is installed, in case where quality of to-be-treated water is good only the AC-GE filter is needed, on the other hand, in case where the quality of the to-be-treated water is not good, the to-be- treated water passes through an element filter, a sand filter, a filter such as an MF or a UF Membrane, and then the AC-GE filter is used to efficiently purify the to-be-treated water.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described in detail above, the present invention has an advantageous effect of providing an AC-GE filter having enhanced disinfecting function and bio-absorption. The AC-GE filter according to the present invention additionally provides a disinfecting function besides an adsorbent function, eliminates the need for backwashing operation executed upon the occlusion of a flow channel to facilitate its operation and reduce costs caysed by the backwashing operation, and lengthens life span of activated carbon to thereby reduce the operating cost. Further, microorganisms cannot exist in the activated carbon layer as well as extraneous microorganisms become extinct by granule electrode operating to always maintain the activated carbon in a clean state so that the amount of water and water quality can be kept uniformly, thus resulting in reduction of power consumption and energy consumption. Furthermore, when the AC-GE filter is backwashed, inorganic materials adhered to the electrode can be eliminated through the switching of polarities of the electrode, and DC power is supplied to the electrode section so as to allow the granular activated carbon to be charged with positive electricity to construct an environment where no microorganism exists within the chamber to thereby decrease the risk of germs being proliferated and water molecules are decreased in size by electric energy to improve bio-absorbency, thus providing better quality water.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiment, it is not to be restricted by the embodiment but only by the appended claims. It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodiment without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An activated carbon-granule electrode (AC-GE) filter, which comprises: (a) an upstream cylindrical chamber having an outlet port and an inlet port formed at the upper and lower ends thereof;

(b) a backwash water inlet port and a backwash water discharge port mounted at the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical chamber for allowing a backwashing operation to be performed therethrough; (c) at least one set of electrode sections mounted between the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical chamber, respectively, and including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a spacer interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate for maintaining an interval between the electrodes and preventing leakage of activated carbon; (d) a diffuser disposed at a lower end portion of the cylindrical chamber for generating air bubbles when backwashing;

(e) granular activated carbons filled in the electrode section mounted between the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical chamber; and

(f) a rectifying/controlling unit mounted on the side of the cylindrical chamber for converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) and supplying the converted DC to the electrode section, wherein the positive electrode plate of the electrode section is arranged to be in contact with the granular activated carbons.

2. The activated carbon-granule electrode (AC-GE) filter according to claim 1, wherein the positive electrode plate of the electrode section uses an iridium-titanium (IrO₂-Ti) electrode or platinum-titanium (Pt-Ti) electrode, which is formed into a mesh-type or perforated-type; the negative electrode plate of the electrode section uses any one selected from the group consisting of an iridium-titanium (IrO₂-Ti) electrode, a platinum-titanium (Pt-Ti) electrode, a stainless steel electrode and a titanium electrode, which are formed into a mesh-type or perforated-type; and the spacer is insulated using any one resin selected from the group consisting of PVC, PE and PP, which are formed into a mesh-type.

3. The activated carbon-granule electrode (AC-GE) filter according to claim 1, wherein it further comprises a plurality of electrode protrusions attached to the contact surface of the positive electrode plate for improving contactability between the electrode surface and the granular activated carbons when the positive electrode plate of the electrode section is arranged to be in contact with the granular activated carbons, and direct current (DC) power is applied to the electrode section so that the granular activated carbon particles are charged with positive electricity.

4. The activated carbon-granule electrode (AC-GE) filter according to claim 1, wherein the rectifying/controlling unit is connected to the electrode section and is configured such that the polarity of the electrode section can be switched.