Consumer Products – Todd Foret, Foret Plasma Labs LLC
Abstract for “Water/wastewater recycling and reuse with plasma activated carbon and an energy system”
“The invention includes a glow discharge battery and a plasma torch. The first valve is connected with a wastewater source. An eductor is composed of a first inlet and a second outlet. The first inlet connects to the outlet of an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel. The second inlet connects to the first valve. The outlet is connected with the tangential input of the plasma torch. The tangential outlet of a plasma arc torch is connected to the inlet of a glow discharge cells. A second valve is connected to the outlet at the second end.
Background for “Water/wastewater recycling and reuse with plasma activated carbon and an energy system”
Glow discharge and plasma systems are increasingly common with an emphasis on clean water, renewable fuels, and pollution prevention. Glow discharge can also be referred to by the names electro-plasma and plasma electrolysis. A plasma sheath surrounds the cathode in an electrolysis cell.
“U.S. Pat. No. No. 6,228,266 describes a water treatment device using a plasma reactor, and a method for water treatment. The apparatus comprises a housing with a polluted inlet and outlet, a plurality beads (e.g. nylon and other plastic beads), and a pair electrodes. One electrode contacts the bottom of a housing and the other electrode contacts the upper portion of the topmost beads. A pulse generator is connected to the electrodes via a power cable. The ‘266 plasma reactor has some drawbacks. It requires a very high voltage pulse generator (30 to 150 KW), multiple beads in a web-shaped configuration, and the reactor must be fully filled from top to bottom. The plasma reactor cannot separate a gas from bulk liquid and it can’t recover heat nor generate hydrogen. The addition of air to a plasma reactor defeats the purpose of the current research on hydrogen generation via plasma, electrolysis, or combination of both. The addition of air to the plasma reactor will make hydrogen react with oxygen and create water if it is produced. There is also no mention of heat-generating methods for cooling the cathode. The ability to boil and concentrate liquids (e.g. spent acids, black alcohol, etc.) is not mentioned. ), or recovering caustic or sulfides (black liquor).
“The following list is similar to the ‘266 Patent:”
“Pat. No. Title\n481,979 Apparatus for electrically purifying water\n501,732 Method of an apparatus for purifying water\n3,798,784 Process and apparatus for the treatment of moist materials\n4,265,747 Disinfection and purification of fluids using focused laser\nradiation\n4,624,765 Separation of dispersed liquid phase from continuous fluid\nphase\n5,019,268 Method and apparatus for purifying waste water\n5,048,404 High pulsed voltage systems for extending the shelf life of\npumpable food products\n5,326,530 High pulsed voltage systems for extending the shelf life of\npumpable food products\n5,348,629 Method and apparatus for electrolytic processing of materials\n5,368,724 Apparatus for treating a confined liquid by means of a pulse\nelectrical discharge\n5,655,210 Corona source for producing corona discharge and fluid waste\ntreatment with corona discharge\n5,746,984 Exhaust system with emissions storage device and plasma\nreactor\n5,879,555 Electrochemical treatment of materials\n6,007,681 Apparatus and method for treating exhaust gas and pulse\ngenerator used therefor”
Fabricators, semi-conductor plants, welders, and machine shops use plasma arc torch torches for cutting, welding, plasma spraying of coatings, and wafer manufacturing. You can use the plasma torch in either a transferred arc or nontransferred mode. The transferred arc plasma torch is the most popular torch in welding shops. The transfered arc plasma torch is similar to a DC welding torch in that it attaches a grounding clamp to the workpiece. A plasma torch operator is usually a welder. The trigger on the handle depresses and forms a pilotarc between an anodenozzle and a centrally placed cathode. The plasma torch pilot arc is transferred to the workpiece by the operator when the anode tube is brought close to the workpiece. The name “transferred arc” is derived from this. The arc in the torch is not transferred to the non-transferred arc plasma torch. The arc is simply retained at the anode. This requires cooling of the anode. Heat rejection rates for common non-transferred plasma torches are 30%. This means that 30% of total torch power is rejected by heat.
The cost of inert gases such as hydrogen and argon is a major problem when using plasma torch. The working gas, or plasma gas, has been formed in several ways. One method is to use the heat of the electrodes to make steam from water. This is done to improve the overall efficiency of the torch and reduce the cost of plasma gas. There is no single example of a working torch that can be used continuously. Multiplaz torch (U.S. Patent. Nos. Nos. Multiplaz torch cannot be used continuously.
“Other prior art plasma torch are disclosed in these patents.”
“Pat. No. Title\n3,567,898 Plasma cutting torch\n3,830,428 Plasma torches\n4,311,897 Plasma arc torch and nozzle assembly\n4,531,043 Method of and apparatus for stabilization of low-temperature\nplasma of an arc burner\n5,609,777 Electric-arc plasma steam torch\n5,660,743 Plasma arc torch having water injection nozzle assembly”
“U.S. Pat. No. No. 4,791,268 describes?an arc torch that includes a moving cathode as well as a fixed anode. After a current flow between the anode, and the cathode is established, the gas pressure builds up and separates them. To produce a plasma-jet, the gas pressure pulls a nontransferred pilot arc. The torch is contact initiated by the anode and cathode, and not an external workpiece. The torch can be used in the nontransferred or transferable mode after the pilot arc has been drawn. A preferred embodiment of the cathode includes a piston that moves inside a cylinder under sufficient pressure. Another embodiment of the torch allows control of current flow and gas flow using a single control.
“Typically, as described in the ‘268 Patent, plasma torch gas flow should be set upstream from the torch with a flow regulator and pressure regulator. Plasma arc torch can also be defined using the arc starting method. High voltage starts with a high voltage being used to jump the current from the shield nozzle to the centered cathode. This is similar to stick welding. A blow-back torch uses cutting gas to push the negative (?) The shield nozzle is used to push the cathode electrode away. Normaly, a spring or compressed gases pushes the cathode towards nozzle in the blowback torch so it resets to start mode when it is not in use.
The contact starting method is used in the ‘268 plasma torch. The torch will also be in a dead-short mode if a trigger or button is pressed. The anode is moved away from the anode by gas moving within a blowback contact torch. The maximum distance that the cathode can push back from anode is what determines the voltage. There is no way to control voltage. This torch cannot be used in more than one mode. The ‘268 plasma torch cannot be used to backflow material through its anodenozzle. It is not disclosed that this torch can be used to combine with a solid oxide glow cell.
“U.S. Pat. No. No. The body (33) includes a rod electrode (10), which works in conjunction with an annular tip (13) to create a spark gap. The spark gap is supplied with an ionizable fuel gaz via tube (44) within handle (41). The gas from tube (44) flows axially along rod electrode (10), and then passes through apertures (16) to flow radially. This coolant acts as a coolant and impinges upon thin-walled (14) portion of the annular tip (13). This arrangement keeps the heat generated in the inter-electrode gaps (13A) to the annular tip of the electrode (13) in a restricted area. The gas from tube (44) flows axially along rod electrode (10), and is diverted radially through apertures (16). This torch can be used to create a solid oxide glow-discharge cell.
“The following are prior art teachings relating to torch starting and modes of operation.”
“Pat. No. Title\n2,784,294 Welding torch\n2,898,441 Arc torch push starting\n2,923,809 Arc cutting of metals\n3,004,189 Combination automatic-starting electrical plasma torch and\ngas shutoff valve\n3,082,314 Plasma arc torch\n3,131,288 Electric arc torch\n3,242,305 Plasma retract arc torch\n3,534,388 Arc torch cutting process\n3,619,549 Arc torch cutting process\n3,641,308 Plasma arc torch having liquid laminar flow jet for arc\nconstriction\n3,787,247 Water-scrubber cutting table\n3,833,787 Plasma jet cutting torch having reduced noise generating\ncharacteristics\n4,203,022 Method and apparatus for positioning a plasma arc cutting\ntorch\n4,463,245 Plasma cutting and welding torches with improved nozzle\nelectrode cooling\n4,567,346 Arc-striking method for a welding or cutting torch and a torch\nadapted to carry out said method”
Glow discharge and high temperature steam electrolysis are the two technologies currently being considered the future of the hydrogen economy. Coal gasification is also being considered the best technology to reduce carbon, sulfur dioxide, and mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants. To reduce global warming, renewables like wind turbines and hydroelectric are being tapped.
Water is one of the most precious resources we have. Water is used in many industrial processes that produce wastewater. The production of energy is closely linked to water treatment and wastewater treatment. It is often referred to as “the water-energy nexus” when discussing energy and water in the same text. It takes energy to make water, and water to create energy. Even renewable energy like solar and wind requires water to be produced. This is within the limits of manufacturing photovoltaic panels, turbines and batteries, as well as the ancillary equipment needed to generate, transfer, and deliver renewable energy. Water-Energy Nexus is thus the name.
“The Water-Food Nexus” is a rapidly growing worldwide issue. Both are essential for all forms life, animals and plants. So, water supplies for animals and irrigation water for plants in drought-stricken areas are in urgent need of recycling and reusing every drop of water. This includes black water from toilets, effluent from wastewater treatment plant, and ponds and tanks animals use to cool off. A simple, affordable and energy-efficient/recovery Point of Use (?POE) would be a great benefit to drought-stricken regions and countries. Point Of Entry (POE) Safe Drinking Water Storage (??SWS?) system.”
“There is an urgent need for a water treatment system that can treat existing drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and produce energy. It also makes wastewater safe for reuse as drinking water and/or irrigation water. Worldwide water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities need a sustainable solution to onsite energy generation for aeration pumping, mixing, and disinfecting water. The world’s water and wastewater treatment systems could transform solid, liquid, and/or gas carbonaceous material from biomass and/or other fossil fuels to energy and char. They would also provide UV Light and Ozone (O3) to disinfection and advanced water treatments.
“The present invention is an advanced water treatment system that treats existing drinking water and wastewater treatment plants. It also produces energy and creates a safe wastewater effluent for reuse as irrigation water or drinking water for livestock. The present invention also provides an efficient solution to onsite energy generation for pumping, mixing, and disinfecting water. A water/wastewater treatment system is another embodiment of the invention that can transform solid, liquid, and/or gas carbonaceous material from biomass or/and fossil fuels to rotational and/or char. It also provides UV Light and Ozone (O3) for advanced water treatment and disinfection.
The present invention combines char production, energy recuperation, UV Light, Ozone generation, activated carbon filteration, and both activation or reactivation. The energy recovery can be done in hot gases, hot water or steam generation, electric generation, air sparging and/or rotational power. The present invention is a method for producing plasma thermolytic char, rotational energy and UV light, Ozone Generation, and activated carbon filtering with near zero air emissions. Rotational energy can be used to rotate a compressor, pump mixer, auger press, shredder and/or alternator. The present invention is a plasma thermolytic method for converting Biomass into Plasma BioChar. For carbon filtration purposes, the invention produces UV Light and Ozone using an electric arc. It also converts and recovers volatile gases from the plasma-thermolytic conversion process into thermal energy, mixing, and rotational energy. The present invention also provides a method for controlling pH by directly mixing the combustion gases from the combustion of volatile gases. It also allows for the production of acids or bases via glow discharge electrolysis, which can be used for both carbon activation and pH control. The present invention also provides a method for producing sodium hypochlorite. The present invention can be used to disinfect drinking water and maintain a low chlorine residual. The invention provides a method for combining water and wastewater treatment with the generation and storage of renewable electricity. The present invention also provides a method for combining solar and wind energy generation with treatment to solve a critical need in solar and solar power?load smoothing, ramp rate mitigation.
The present invention provides a system which includes a glow-discharge cell and a plasma torch. The glow discharge cell is an electrically-conductive cylindrical device with a first and second ends, an inlet at the second end, and an outlet at the second end. A hollow electrode is aligned with the longitudinal axis and extends at least from the first electrode into the electrically-conductive cylindrical vessels. An electrically-conductive fluid can flow between the cylindrical vessel’s hollow electrode and the cylindrical vessel during an electric glow discharge. The plasma torch is a cylindrical vessel with a first and second ends. A tangential input connects to or is proximate the first end. A tangential outlet connects to or is proximate the second end. An electrode housing is connected to the first side of the cylindrical vessels such that a first-electrod aligns with the longitudinal axis. There is a hollow electrode outlet that is connected to the second side of the cylindrical vessels. This creates a vortex inside the cylindrical vessel. The first valve is connected with a wastewater source. An eductor is composed of a first inlet, second inlet, and an outlet. The first inlet is connected with the outlet of the electrically-conductive cylindrical vessel. The second inlet is connected the the first valve and the outlet is connected the the tangential input of the plasma torch. The tangential outlet of a plasma arc torch is connected to the inlet of a glow discharge cells. A second valve is connected to the outlet at the second end.
The present invention also includes a glow-discharge cell and a plasma torch. The glow discharge cell is an electrically-conductive cylindrical device with a first and second ends, an outlet at the second end, and an inlet at the second end. A hollow electrode aligned along the longitudinal axis and extending at most from the first electrode into the cylindrical electrically-conductive vessel. An electrically-conductive fluid can flow between the cylindrical vessel’s hollow electrode and the cylindrical vessel. The plasma torch is a cylindrical vessel with a first and second ends. A tangential input connects to or is proximate the first end. A tangential outlet connects to or is proximate the second end. An electrode housing is connected to the first side of the cylindrical vessels such that the center of the hollow nozzle and the longitudinal axis aligns with the cylindrical vessel’s cylindrical axis. This creates a vortex inside the cylindrical vessel. The hollow electrode emits plasma through the hollow nozzle. To adjust the position of the first plasma arc torch electrode within the cylindrical vessel, a linear actuator is attached to it. This actuator moves along the longitudinal axis. An electric pump is connected to the wastewater source. The pump is connected to a first valve. The first valve is connected to a compressed gas source. Between the outlet and the cylindrical vessel that is electrically conductive, a third valve is connected. An eductor is composed of a first inlet and a second outlet. The first inlet is connected with the third valve and the second inlet to the first valve. The outlet is connected the the tangential input of the plasma torch. The tangential outlet of a plasma arc torch is connected to the inlet of a glow discharge cells. A second valve is connected to the outlet at the second end.
“The invention is described below in detail with reference to the accompanying illustrations.”
“While various embodiments of this invention will be discussed in detail, it is important to remember that many inventive concepts can be used in many contexts. These specific embodiments are only examples of how to make and use the invention. They do not limit the invention’s scope.
Plasma arc torch 100 is a cylindrical vessel 104 with a first and second ends 116 and 118. The tangential inlet 120 connects to or is proximate the first end 116, while the tangential outlet (discharge volute), is connected or is proximate the second end. An electrode housing 122 is connected to the first 116 of cylindrical vessel104 so that the first electrode 112 aligns with the longitudinal direction 124 of cylindrical vessel104. It extends into cylindrical vessel104 and can be moved along its longitudinal axis 124. A linear actuator 114 connects to the first electrode 112. This allows the first electrode to be moved within the cylindrical vessel 104, along the longitudinal axis (arrows 126). The hollow electrode connector 106 is connected at the second end of the cylindrical vessel104 so that the hollow electrodenozzle 106’s center line is aligned with 124 of the cylindrical vessels104. The hollow electrode nozzle (106) can have a cylindrical or conical shape. The hollow electrode nozzle can also extend to the second end of the cylindrical vessel (104), or into the cylindrical vessel (104). FIG. 1. The tangential inlet 120 can be attached to the first 116 of the cylindrical vessels 104. The tangential outlet102 can be attached to second 118 of the cylindrical vessels 104. The electrode housing 122 connects to the inlet volute 120 and the hollow electrodenozzle 106 (cylindrical) is connected with the discharge volute. The plasma arc torch 100 is not scaled.
The power supply 130 is connected electrically to the plasma torch 100 so that the first electrode 112 acts as the cathode, and the hollow electrode tube 106 acts as the anode. The size, function, and configuration of the plasma torch 100 will determine the voltage, power, and type of power supply 130. The tangential inlet 120 is used to introduce a gas (e.g. air), liquid (e.g. water) or steam 110 into the cylindrical vessel. This vortex forms within the cylindrical vessel (104). It then exits through the tangential outlet (102 as discharge 134) The vortex 132 holds the plasma 108 inside the vessel 104 due to the inertia. This is in contrast to magnetic confinement. It is caused by the angular motion of the vortex, the swirling, cyclonic, or whirling flow of the gas (e.g. air), or steam 110 around its interior. The linear actuator 114 places the first electrode 112. in contact with the hollow nozzle 106, and draws the 1st electrode back to form an electrical arc that forms plasma 108. This is then discharged through the hollow nozzle 106. The linear actuator 114 allows for adjustment of the position of first electrode 112 during operation to alter plasma 108 discharge, or allow for extended use of first electrode 11.2.
Referring to FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional comparison of a solid oxide cell 200 and a liquid electrolyte cells 250 according to one embodiment. The Liquid Electrolyte cell 250 was used in an experiment. To raise and lower the carbon anode, 202, a linear actuator was used 204. An ESAB-ESP 150 DC power supply with a rating of 150 amps and an open circuit (?OCV?) The test was conducted using a 370 VDC power supply from ESAB ESP 150 DC. The power supply was “tricked out?” OCV was required to function.”
“To determine the sheath glow discharge length of the cathode 200 and measure amps, volts and the voltage, the power supply was switched on. The linear actuator 204 was then used to lower the cathode 202 into an electrolyte solution containing water and baking soda. Although it was possible to obtain a steady glow discharge, the voltage and amps were difficult to track. The erratic current flow caused the power supply to surge and pulse constantly. The glow discharge stopped when the cathode was lowered to a depth that was too high. The cell entered an electrolysis mode. Additionally, boiling would happen very quickly and electrolyte foam would build up on the sides of carbon crucible206. Therefore, foundry sand was used to reduce foam in the crucible206.
“The 8? The crucible was filled with sand. The power was switched on, and the cathode 200 was placed in the sand. Unexpectedly, a glowing discharge formed instantly, but this time, it seemed to spread laterally from cathode 202. It was impossible to see how far the glow discharge extended through the sand because of the large amount steam produced.
“Next, the sand had to be replaced by clear floral marbles. The electrolyte started to boil slowly after the cathode 200 was dropped into the marbles. The glow discharge spider web was visible throughout the marbles once the electrolyte had started to boil, as demonstrated by the Solid Oxide Cell 200. This was unexpected, even though it was at a lower voltage than previously disclosed and published. What was more surprising was that the DC power supply didn’t surge, pulse, or operate erratically. FIG. 3 shows an illustration of the operating curve for a glow-discharge cell according to the present invention. Based on different tests. This data is totally different to what is currently available in relation to glow discharge graphs or curves developed using currently known electro-plasmas, plasma electrolysis, glow discharge reactors. Glow discharge cells can evaporate liquids or concentrate them while producing steam.
Referring to FIG. “Now, referring to FIG. 4, a cross sectional view of a glow-discharge cell 400 in accordance one embodiment of this invention is shown. The glow discharge cell 400 is an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel 402. It has a first and second ends 404 and 406, as well as at least one outlet 408 and one inlet 406 respectively. The hollow electrode 412 aligns with the longitudinal axis the cylindrical vessel 402, and extends at most from the first end 405 to the second 406 of the cylindrical vessel 422. The hollow electrode 412 has an outlet 416 and an inlet 414. The first insulator 418 seals first end 404 the cylindrical vessel 402. It maintains a substantially equal gap of 420 between the hollow electrode 412 (and the cylindrical vessel 42). The second insulator 422, seals the second end 406 the cylindrical vessel 402. It surrounds the hollow electrode 412. This maintains a substantially equal gap of 420 between the cylindrical 402 and hollow electrode 412. The gap 420 is sealed by a second insulator 422 around the hollow electrode 422. This allows for an electrically conductive fluid between the cylindrical vessel 402 and hollow electrode 412. It also prevents the electrical arcing between cylindrical vessel 402 and hollow electrode 412. An electric glow discharge occurs when: (a) the glow cell 400 is connected with an electrical power source so that the cylindrical vessel 402 is an anode and hollow electrode 412 a cathode. (b) The electrically conductive fluid enters the gap 420.
Referring to FIG. “Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross sectional view of a glow cell 500 according to another embodiment of this invention is shown. The glow discharge cell 500 is an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel 402. It has a first and second ends 404 and 502, respectively. An inlet is located at 408 and 404, respectively. A second outlet is located in the second end 502. The hollow electrode 504 aligns with the longitudinal axis and extends at most from the first end of the cylindrical vessel 404 into the cylindrical container 402. The hollow electrode 504 is equipped with an outlet 416 and an inlet 414. The hollow electrode 504 has an inlet 414 and an outlet 416. A first insulator 408 seals the cylindrical vessel 402’s first end 404 around the hollow electrode 504 to maintain a substantially equal gap 420 between the hollow electrode 504. The gap 420 is sealed by a non-conductive material 424. This allows for an electrically conductive fluid between the cylindrical vessel 402 and the hollow electro 504 and prevents any electrical arcing between them during an electric glow discharge. An electric glow discharge occurs when: (a) the glow cell 500 is connected with an electrical power source so that the cylindrical vessel 402 acts as an anode and hollow electrode 504 acts as a cathode. (b) The electrically conductive fluid enters the gap 420.
“The following examples will show the capabilities, utility and completely unexpected results.”
“Example 1?Black Liquor”
Referring to FIG. “Now, referring to FIG. 6, a cross sectional view of a Solid Oxide Plasma Arc Torch System 600 according to another embodiment of this invention is shown. An eductor 602 connects the plasma arc torch 100 to the cell 500. The cell 500 was again filled with baking soda and water. Through a 3-way valve 604 (eductor 602), a pump was connected to the plasma torch 100’s first volute 31. The cell 500 was vacuumed by the eductor 602. The size of the plasma that exited from the plasma torch 100 increased dramatically. The cell 500 produced a non-condensable gaz B. When the HiTemper was used, the HiTemper produced gases that changed the color of the plasma arc torch 100. cell 500. The 3-way valve 604 was then adjusted to allow water and air F to flow into the first nozzle 31 of the plasma arc torch 100. Plasma G was ejected from the plasma torch 100 by the additional mass flow. To demonstrate the system’s capabilities, several pieces of round stainless steel bar were placed at plasma G’s tip. The plasma torch 100 exited with a plasma stream G. Wood was also carbonized. It was then directed into the cyclone separator610. Through a valve 606 the water and gases I from the plasma torch 100 were directed into a hydrocyclone 608 by a valve 608 This allowed for quick mixing and scrubbing gases with water to reduce any harmful contaminants.
“A small amount of black liquor containing 16% solids was added to the glow discharge 500 cell in sufficient volume to cover the floral marmalles 424. The solid oxide glow discharge system does not require preheating, unlike other glow discharge and electro plasma systems. The ESAB ESP150 power supply was switched on, and the volts as well as amps were measured manually. FIG. 3. As soon as power was switched on to cell 500, the ampmeter read 150. The ESAB power supply is named ESP 150. Rated at 150 amps. The voltage was constant between 90 and 100VDC. The voltage rose to OCV (370VDC) as soon as the boiling started, while the amps fell to 75.
“The glow discharge cell 500 was used until the amps dropped to almost zero. Even at low amps, less than 10, the voltage seemed to be stable at 370 VDC. After cooling the cell 500, we opened it to inspect the marbles 424. Surprisingly, there was no liquid in cell 500. However, all marbles 424 had been coated with a black residue. The black residue was found on the marbles 424 and was sent off for analysis. The black residue was found in the bottom container. It had been removed from the marbles 424 during shipping. Below is the analysis. It shows a novel way to concentrate black liquor and coking organs. The solids were concentrated to 94.26% using only one evaporation step, starting at 16% solids. The sulfur (?S?) was not removed from the cell 500. The sulfur (?S?) remained in the residue and didn’t exit the cell 500.
Referring to FIG. “Referring now to FIG. 7, a cross sectional view of a Solid Oxide Plasma Arc Torch System 700, in accordance with another embodiment the present invention is displayed. An eductor 602 connects the plasma arc torch 100 to the cell 500. The cell 500 was again filled with baking soda and water. Pump 23 circulates the baking soda solution from the outlet 416 on the hollow electrode 504 through the inlet 408 on the cell 500. Through a 3-way valve 604 (eductor 602), a pump 22 was connected the the first volute 31 to the plasma torch 100. The pump 22 was connected to the first volute 31 of the plasma arc torch 100 via a 3-way valve 604 and the eductor 602. An air compressor 21 was used for introducing air into the valve 604, along with water F. After the pump 22 was switched on, water F flowed through the first volute 31 and full view site 33 of the plasma torch 100. It exited the torch 30 via the second volute 34. The plasma arc torch 100 started by pressing a carbon cathode (?NEG?) 32 to touch, and just short of a positive carbon anode ( (+POS) 35. The anode 35 produced a very small amount of plasma G. The High Temperature Plasma Electrolysis (Cell 500) was next started to create a plasma gas called B. The boiling voltage rose to OCV (370 VDC) at the beginning of the second cycle and the gas flowed to the plasma torch 100. The cell 500 was vacuumed by the eductor 602. The size of the plasma G that emerged from the plasma torch 100 dramatically increased. The cell 500 produced a non-condensable gaz B. When the HiTemper was used, the HiTemper produced gases that changed the color of the plasma arc torch 100. cell 500. The 3-way valve 604 was then adjusted to allow water from pump 22 and air from compressor 21 to flow into plasma arc torch 100. This increased plasma G’s exit from the plasma torch 100. To demonstrate the system’s capabilities, several pieces of round stainless steel bar were placed at plasma G’s tip. The same procedure was used to carbonize wood by placing it in the plasma stream G. This enabled rapid mixing and scrubbing gases with water to reduce any harmful contaminants.
“Next, the system was turned off and a second separator 610 was attached the plasma arc torch100 as shown in FIG. 5. The Solid Oxide Plasma Arc Torch System (Standard Oxide Plasma Arc Torch System) was once again turned on. A plasma G could be observed circulating within the cyclone separator610. The whirling plasma G contained a central core that was devoid of visible plasma.
“The cyclone separator610 was taken out to perform another test. FIG. 6 shows the capabilities of the Solid Oxide Plasma Arc Torch System. 6. The pump 22 was shut off, and the system operated on only compressed air from compressor 21 and gas B from the solid oxide cells 500. The 3-way valve 606 was closed slowly to allow all gases to flow through the arc and form large plasmas G. This is then released from the hollow carbon anode35.
“Next, the 3-way valve 604 slowly closed to stop the flow of plasma arc torch 100. It was totally unexpected. The plasma arc torch 100 produced a bright plasma from the sightglass 33, which increased the intensity of the light. The plasma arc torch 100 was used to blow the arc and wrap it around the anode 35. The Solid Oxide Plasma Torch System will create a gas and plasma that can be used for cutting, welding, welding, and other chemical reactions like pyrolysis and gasification.
“Example 3?”Phosphogypsum Pond water
“The phosphate industry in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas has left a lasting legacy that will require years of cleanup.” Gypsum stacks and pond waters. A pond is located on top of each stack. The pond water is then recirculated back to the plant. It is then slurried again with gypsum, which goes up the stack and allows the gypsum settle in the pond. The gypsum stack continues to grow in height. Gypsum is a byproduct of the ore mining process.
Every gypstack has two main environmental problems. The first is that the pond water has very low pH. It can’t be released without being neutralized. The phosphogypsum also contains a small amount of radon. It cannot be recycled or used in other industries. Excess water and ammonia contamination from the production of P2O5 fertilizers like diammoniumphosphate (?DAP?) excess water and ammonia contamination from the production of P2O5 fertilizers such as diammonium (?DAP?) Before discharge, it must be treated. The excess pond water is worth about 2% of the price.
A sample of pond water was taken from a Houston fertilizer company. The solid oxide cell 500 was charged with the pond water. FIG. 6. The 3-way valve 606 was set to only flow air into the plasma torch 100, while drawing a vacuum from cell 500 via eductor 602. To maximize the flow of gases I and hydrocyclone 608, the hollow anode 35 was closed with a small collection vessel. To cool and recover condensable gasses, the hydrocyclone 608 was placed in a tank.
FIG. 10?Tailings Pondwater Results. The test was designed to show that the Solid Oxide Glow Discharge Cell can concentrate tailings pond waters. Now let’s talk about concentration cycles. The percent P2O5 was concentrated by a factor 4 to reach a final concentration at the HiTemper of 8.72%. cell 500. As shown in the image, the beginning sample is a colorless and slightly cloudy liquid. The HiTemper cell 500’s bottoms, or concentrate, contained sediment. The sediment was filtered, and reported as SOLIDS (Retained onto Whatmann #40 filterpaper). For a cycle of concentration of 4, the percent SO4 as a solid was increased from 3.35% up to 13.6%. The percent Na that was recovered as a solid rose from 0.44% up to 13.67% during a cycle of concentration 31.”
“The solid oxide 424 or solid electrolyte 424, used in cell 500 were floral marmalades (Sodium Oxide). The sodium glass is used to make floral marbles. It is believed that the marbles were partly dissolved by the combination of the high temperature glow discharge and the phosphoric acid. Molydemun and Chromate cycled up, but remained in solution because they formed a sacrificial aniode from the stainless-steel vessel 402. Notice: The cell carryover was very short due to the vacuum being pulled on the cell 500 by the eductor 602. FIG. 1 (row 1 HiTemper), was the first run. 10 fluorine was very low overhead in the first run (row 1 HiTemper) of FIG. This was a concern since the beginning. The overhead fluorine concentration was 38%. All of the ammonia was thought to flash overhead.
“A method for recovering valuable commodity acid and fertilizer from tailings ponds has been developed that concentrates P2O5.”
Now, referring back to the black alcohol sample. It is believed that the black liquid can be recaustisized simply by using CaO or limestone in the solid oxide electrolyte 424. The benefits of not running a lime kiln will be obvious to those who are proficient in producing pulp and papers. The plasma arc torch 100 can be used to treat the marbles 424 if the concentrated black liquor needs to be thermally oxidized or gasified to remove any carbon species. Referring to FIG. Referring to FIG. 6, the marbles 424 are coated with concentrated black liquor. The black liquor will be converted into a green or white liquor. You can then use the plasma torch nozzle 31 to melt the marbles 424. The whirling lime water will cool the marbles and allow them to be ejected via volute 34. Hydrocyclone 608 will separate and recover the white liquor as well as the marbles 424. The NaO will react with lime to form caustic as well as an insoluble calcium carbonate.
“Example 4: Evaporation, Vapor Compression, and Steam Generation for EOR or Industrial Steam Users”
“Several stainless steel tubulars were tested in the cell 500 as the anode 12. The tubulars didn’t melt in comparison to the sheath glow discharging. In fact, the markings on the tubes were visible when they were pulled out.
This opens up a new way to use glow discharge to treat metals.”
“Example 5?” Treating Tubes, Bars and Rods, Pipes or Wire
There are many companies that use glow discharge to treat metal. Many companies have failed because of arcing and melting the metal to be treated, coated, or descaled. Voltage spikes can be caused by inability to control it. Simply add sand to the cell, or any solid oxide, and feed the tube cathode 12 through 500. 2. The tube, rods, pipes, bars, or wire can all be treated at a high feedrate.
“Example 6?” Solid Oxide Plasma Arc Torch
There is a real need for a simple plasma torch system that can operate with polluted or dirty water, such as sewage from a toilet. This could contain feminine napkins, pathogens and urine, and other pharmaceuticals. The ability to operate with the above water could have a dramatic impact on the infrastructure for wastewater treatment and future costs associated with maintaining lift stations, collection systems and wastewater treatment facilities.
Converting the contaminated wastewater into a gas and using it as a plasma fuel could help to alleviate other growing problems. Many industries could be transformed by a simple torch system that can handle solid and liquid waste, heat a process fluid and gasify biomass or coal, or use wastewater to make a plasma cutting fuel.
The metals industry is a particular industry. The metals industry uses a lot of energy and exotic gas to heat, melt, weld, cut, and machinize.
“Now, let’s move on to FIGS. “Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a novel plasma torch 800 will also be revealed in accordance the preferred embodiments. The Plasma Arc Torch 100 is first connected to the 500 cell. The plasma arc torch voute 31 and the electrode 32 are separated from the sightglass 33 and eductor 602. The cell 500 vessel 402 has the plasma arc torch volute 31 as well as electrode assembly 32. The sightglass 33 has been replaced by a concentric type reducer 33. The electrode 32 is believed to be electrically isolated from vessel 402 and volute 31. To strike the arc, the electrode 32 is connected (not shown).
“Continuous Operation Of The Solid Oxide Transferred Ark Plasma Torch 800 As Shown in FIG. 8 will be shown for melting or cutting an electrically conductive piece. The fluid is pumped into the suction side and into the cell 500. The pump is turned off. The cell 500 is then powered on by the first power supply PS1. The cell 500 enters glow discharge when a gas is produced. Valve 16 opens, allowing the gas into the volute 31. The gas is whirled by the volute 31. The switch 60 is placed so that the second power supply PS2 is connected the the workpiece. The?negative of PS2 connects to the centered cathode 504. of the cell 500. The torch is then lowered until an electrically conductive 13-C nozzle touches the workpiece and is grounded. The torch is now lifted from the workpiece by activating PS2. Between cathode 504 (the workpiece) and the cathode 504, an arc is formed.
“Centering the Arc” If the arc needs to be centred for cutting purposes, then the negative lead from PS2 would be attached to lead 60 of switch 60. This leads to electrode 32. While a number of switches aren’t shown, it is clear that an electrical switch similar 60 could be used to automate the negative lead from PS2. As shown, the +positive lead would go to workpiece. An electrode 32 of a smaller size would be used to slide through the hollow cathode 504. This would allow it to touch the workpiece and create an arc. An electrically conductive shield nozzle 802 would replace it. This setup allows precision cutting with only wastewater and no other gases.
“Turning towards FIG. “Turning to FIG. 9 The Solid Oxide Non-Transferred Arc Plasma Torch 800 can be used for melting, gasifying, heating materials and using a contaminated liquid as the plasma gas. The switch 60 is set to feed electrode 32 with PS2 +lead. The anode is operated once again by electrode 32. It must be isolated from vessel 402. The volute 31 gives off a spin or whirlflow to gas when it opens valve 16. The anode 32 should be lowered so that it touches the centered cathode 504. Between the anode 504 and cathode 32, an arc is created. Anode 32 may be hollow, and a wire may be passed through it 504 to plasma spray, weld or initiate the arc.
The entire torch can be regeneratively cooled using its own gases, increasing efficiency. A waste fluid can also be used to make plasma gas, which lowers the disposal and treatment cost. The plasma can be used to gasify coal, biomass, or produce copious amounts syngas through steam reforming natural gases with hydrogen and steam plasma.
“Both FIGS. “Both FIGS. 8 and 9 clearly demonstrate a new Solid Oxide Plasma Arc Torch which combines the efficiency of high temperature electrolysis and the capabilities of both transferred and non-transferred arc plasma torches.”
“Example 7?Water/Wastewater Treatment”
“Chemicals have been discovered in water at levels that are significantly higher than expected or that were not previously detected. These chemicals are commonly referred to as “contaminants of emerging concern?” CECs are a term that refers to the potential dangers to the environment and human health associated with their presence. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (?EPA?) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (?EPA) is currently working to increase its understanding of many CECs, including pharmaceuticals and personal-care products (PPCPs), and perfluorinated substances among others. The term pharmaceuticals includes prescription and over-the counter therapeutic drugs, as well as veterinary drugs. Personal care products are products that are used for personal or cosmetic purposes, such as soaps and fragrances and cosmetics.
The last ten years have seen an increase in documentation about trace levels (low parts per trillion) of PPCPs found in surface, groundwater and finished drinking water. Although PPCPs can come from many sources, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), have been shown to be a major source of PPCPs in surface waters. When people flush unneeded medications down the drain or sewer, PPCPs can be introduced to WWTPs. A wide range of emerging water contaminants have been identified in the United States, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, tranquilizers, antidepressants and organic chemicals. Personal care products include, but are not limited, fragrances, sunscreens, disinfectants and preservatives as well as surfactants and their metabolites. See: 2010 Occurrence of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in Source Water of the New York City Water Supply?http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/quality/nyc_dep_2010_ppcpreport.pdf; and Kolpin D W, Furlong E T, Meyer M T, Thurman E M, Zaugg S D, Barber L B, et al. 2002.?Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater contaminants in U.S. streams, 1999-2000: a national reconnaissance. Environmental Science and Technology 36(6), 1202-11
The EPA considers PPCPs pollutants. They can be used by people for their personal health and cosmetic purposes, or by agribusinesses to improve the growth or health of livestock. The PPCPs include a wide range of chemical substances. These include prescription and over-the counter therapeutic drugs, veterinary medicines, fragrances and cosmetics. Some drugs can cause environmental harm, according to research. Since the time humans have used them, PPCPs have likely been in water and the surrounding environment. Our bodies don’t absorb all the drugs we take. They excrete them and then pass them onto surface and wastewater water. We can now identify the effects of these chemicals on our health and environment, thanks to technological advances that have allowed us to quantify and detect them more accurately. The number of PPCPs keeps growing. Over 100 individual PPCPs were identified in drinking water and environmental samples as of 2007. According to the EPA, sewage systems do not have the ability to remove PPCPs. There are also no municipal sewage treatment facilities that can be used for PPCP or other unregulated contaminants. The effectiveness of PPCP removal from treatment plants depends on the chemical used and the specific sewage treatment facility.
Referring to FIG. 11 shows a typical activated wastewater treatment plant that does not remove PPCPs. The effluent is not suitable to be recycled or reused. Now let’s look at FIG. Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, specifically units 100, 400. 500. 600. 700. A wastewater treatment plant can also be retrofitted to treat emerging contaminants or for polishing wastewater for reuse.
“First, the waste water influent can be pretreated with either unit 400 or 500 (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 5. The glow discharge cell would benefit from activated carbon, as previously described. The units 400 and 500 can be used as normal activated charcoal filters until the carbon has been exhausted.
“Energy Generation and Recovery For the WATER-ENERGY NEXUS.”
“Water and wastewater treatment plants can be run off-the grid by converting carbonaceous material into syngas or char using the present invention. This transformative approach could save as much as 4 percent of total electricity generated in the US.
“Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3\nComponent Concentration % Concentration % Concentration %\nH2 38.702591 23.993687 31.965783\nO2 7.603821 3.777238 5.671720\nN2 5.730443 4.424545 4.803373\nCH4 1.042843 3.770582 2.923456\nCO 9.465042 14.879737 10.633168\nCO2 30.015818 33.110154 32.207613\nH2/CO 4.08/1 1.61/1 3.01/1”
“Integrally Geared Centrifugal Blowers and High Speed Turbo Blowers”
“Turning Now to FIG. 13, a 10 million gallons/day (?MGD?) The daily electricity consumption is also shown. The largest electricity consumer is Diffused Air Aeration, which consumes 5,320 kwh/day. Aeration is the biggest energy user in activated sludge wastewater plants. This is well-known. Many WWTP’s are replacing their aging blowers by more efficient Integrally Geared Centrifugal Copressors and/or high speed turboblowers. High Speed Turbos and Integrally Geared Centrifugal Bowers are up to 70% to 80% efficient with turn downs of between 45% and 50%. The high speed turbos that are being used in the Wastewater Industry are essentially nothing more than standard vehicles and off-road turbochargers modified to work with a high speed motor.
“The Biochar made from the invention was visually examined and found to be suitable for water treatment. As previously disclosed, the Plasma BioChar? The Plasma BioChar? could be used to make the glow discharge cells as shown in FIGS. 4. and 5. of the present invention. This closes the loop to provide a transformative and entirely new water treatment system that creates and reactivates its carbon and provides rotational energy, ultraviolet light, Ozone, and hot gases.
The present invention also provides a method of UV disinfection and ozone disinfection. It does this by creating an electrical arc, generating water and gas whirl flows to contain a plasma, extracting rotational energy form one or more hot gasses, and then utilizing that energy to generate a combustion air flow.
“The above description of the apparatus, methods, and preferred embodiments of the invention, as well as the examples of how the invention might be usefully used are intended to be illustrative, not for limitation. You can make the invention even more flexible and to incorporate other embodiments, as described in the claims.
Summary for “Water/wastewater recycling and reuse with plasma activated carbon and an energy system”
Glow discharge and plasma systems are increasingly common with an emphasis on clean water, renewable fuels, and pollution prevention. Glow discharge can also be referred to by the names electro-plasma and plasma electrolysis. A plasma sheath surrounds the cathode in an electrolysis cell.
“U.S. Pat. No. No. 6,228,266 describes a water treatment device using a plasma reactor, and a method for water treatment. The apparatus comprises a housing with a polluted inlet and outlet, a plurality beads (e.g. nylon and other plastic beads), and a pair electrodes. One electrode contacts the bottom of a housing and the other electrode contacts the upper portion of the topmost beads. A pulse generator is connected to the electrodes via a power cable. The ‘266 plasma reactor has some drawbacks. It requires a very high voltage pulse generator (30 to 150 KW), multiple beads in a web-shaped configuration, and the reactor must be fully filled from top to bottom. The plasma reactor cannot separate a gas from bulk liquid and it can’t recover heat nor generate hydrogen. The addition of air to a plasma reactor defeats the purpose of the current research on hydrogen generation via plasma, electrolysis, or combination of both. The addition of air to the plasma reactor will make hydrogen react with oxygen and create water if it is produced. There is also no mention of heat-generating methods for cooling the cathode. The ability to boil and concentrate liquids (e.g. spent acids, black alcohol, etc.) is not mentioned. ), or recovering caustic or sulfides (black liquor).
“The following list is similar to the ‘266 Patent:”
“Pat. No. Title\n481,979 Apparatus for electrically purifying water\n501,732 Method of an apparatus for purifying water\n3,798,784 Process and apparatus for the treatment of moist materials\n4,265,747 Disinfection and purification of fluids using focused laser\nradiation\n4,624,765 Separation of dispersed liquid phase from continuous fluid\nphase\n5,019,268 Method and apparatus for purifying waste water\n5,048,404 High pulsed voltage systems for extending the shelf life of\npumpable food products\n5,326,530 High pulsed voltage systems for extending the shelf life of\npumpable food products\n5,348,629 Method and apparatus for electrolytic processing of materials\n5,368,724 Apparatus for treating a confined liquid by means of a pulse\nelectrical discharge\n5,655,210 Corona source for producing corona discharge and fluid waste\ntreatment with corona discharge\n5,746,984 Exhaust system with emissions storage device and plasma\nreactor\n5,879,555 Electrochemical treatment of materials\n6,007,681 Apparatus and method for treating exhaust gas and pulse\ngenerator used therefor”
Fabricators, semi-conductor plants, welders, and machine shops use plasma arc torch torches for cutting, welding, plasma spraying of coatings, and wafer manufacturing. You can use the plasma torch in either a transferred arc or nontransferred mode. The transferred arc plasma torch is the most popular torch in welding shops. The transfered arc plasma torch is similar to a DC welding torch in that it attaches a grounding clamp to the workpiece. A plasma torch operator is usually a welder. The trigger on the handle depresses and forms a pilotarc between an anodenozzle and a centrally placed cathode. The plasma torch pilot arc is transferred to the workpiece by the operator when the anode tube is brought close to the workpiece. The name “transferred arc” is derived from this. The arc in the torch is not transferred to the non-transferred arc plasma torch. The arc is simply retained at the anode. This requires cooling of the anode. Heat rejection rates for common non-transferred plasma torches are 30%. This means that 30% of total torch power is rejected by heat.
The cost of inert gases such as hydrogen and argon is a major problem when using plasma torch. The working gas, or plasma gas, has been formed in several ways. One method is to use the heat of the electrodes to make steam from water. This is done to improve the overall efficiency of the torch and reduce the cost of plasma gas. There is no single example of a working torch that can be used continuously. Multiplaz torch (U.S. Patent. Nos. Nos. Multiplaz torch cannot be used continuously.
“Other prior art plasma torch are disclosed in these patents.”
“Pat. No. Title\n3,567,898 Plasma cutting torch\n3,830,428 Plasma torches\n4,311,897 Plasma arc torch and nozzle assembly\n4,531,043 Method of and apparatus for stabilization of low-temperature\nplasma of an arc burner\n5,609,777 Electric-arc plasma steam torch\n5,660,743 Plasma arc torch having water injection nozzle assembly”
“U.S. Pat. No. No. 4,791,268 describes?an arc torch that includes a moving cathode as well as a fixed anode. After a current flow between the anode, and the cathode is established, the gas pressure builds up and separates them. To produce a plasma-jet, the gas pressure pulls a nontransferred pilot arc. The torch is contact initiated by the anode and cathode, and not an external workpiece. The torch can be used in the nontransferred or transferable mode after the pilot arc has been drawn. A preferred embodiment of the cathode includes a piston that moves inside a cylinder under sufficient pressure. Another embodiment of the torch allows control of current flow and gas flow using a single control.
“Typically, as described in the ‘268 Patent, plasma torch gas flow should be set upstream from the torch with a flow regulator and pressure regulator. Plasma arc torch can also be defined using the arc starting method. High voltage starts with a high voltage being used to jump the current from the shield nozzle to the centered cathode. This is similar to stick welding. A blow-back torch uses cutting gas to push the negative (?) The shield nozzle is used to push the cathode electrode away. Normaly, a spring or compressed gases pushes the cathode towards nozzle in the blowback torch so it resets to start mode when it is not in use.
The contact starting method is used in the ‘268 plasma torch. The torch will also be in a dead-short mode if a trigger or button is pressed. The anode is moved away from the anode by gas moving within a blowback contact torch. The maximum distance that the cathode can push back from anode is what determines the voltage. There is no way to control voltage. This torch cannot be used in more than one mode. The ‘268 plasma torch cannot be used to backflow material through its anodenozzle. It is not disclosed that this torch can be used to combine with a solid oxide glow cell.
“U.S. Pat. No. No. The body (33) includes a rod electrode (10), which works in conjunction with an annular tip (13) to create a spark gap. The spark gap is supplied with an ionizable fuel gaz via tube (44) within handle (41). The gas from tube (44) flows axially along rod electrode (10), and then passes through apertures (16) to flow radially. This coolant acts as a coolant and impinges upon thin-walled (14) portion of the annular tip (13). This arrangement keeps the heat generated in the inter-electrode gaps (13A) to the annular tip of the electrode (13) in a restricted area. The gas from tube (44) flows axially along rod electrode (10), and is diverted radially through apertures (16). This torch can be used to create a solid oxide glow-discharge cell.
“The following are prior art teachings relating to torch starting and modes of operation.”
“Pat. No. Title\n2,784,294 Welding torch\n2,898,441 Arc torch push starting\n2,923,809 Arc cutting of metals\n3,004,189 Combination automatic-starting electrical plasma torch and\ngas shutoff valve\n3,082,314 Plasma arc torch\n3,131,288 Electric arc torch\n3,242,305 Plasma retract arc torch\n3,534,388 Arc torch cutting process\n3,619,549 Arc torch cutting process\n3,641,308 Plasma arc torch having liquid laminar flow jet for arc\nconstriction\n3,787,247 Water-scrubber cutting table\n3,833,787 Plasma jet cutting torch having reduced noise generating\ncharacteristics\n4,203,022 Method and apparatus for positioning a plasma arc cutting\ntorch\n4,463,245 Plasma cutting and welding torches with improved nozzle\nelectrode cooling\n4,567,346 Arc-striking method for a welding or cutting torch and a torch\nadapted to carry out said method”
Glow discharge and high temperature steam electrolysis are the two technologies currently being considered the future of the hydrogen economy. Coal gasification is also being considered the best technology to reduce carbon, sulfur dioxide, and mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants. To reduce global warming, renewables like wind turbines and hydroelectric are being tapped.
Water is one of the most precious resources we have. Water is used in many industrial processes that produce wastewater. The production of energy is closely linked to water treatment and wastewater treatment. It is often referred to as “the water-energy nexus” when discussing energy and water in the same text. It takes energy to make water, and water to create energy. Even renewable energy like solar and wind requires water to be produced. This is within the limits of manufacturing photovoltaic panels, turbines and batteries, as well as the ancillary equipment needed to generate, transfer, and deliver renewable energy. Water-Energy Nexus is thus the name.
“The Water-Food Nexus” is a rapidly growing worldwide issue. Both are essential for all forms life, animals and plants. So, water supplies for animals and irrigation water for plants in drought-stricken areas are in urgent need of recycling and reusing every drop of water. This includes black water from toilets, effluent from wastewater treatment plant, and ponds and tanks animals use to cool off. A simple, affordable and energy-efficient/recovery Point of Use (?POE) would be a great benefit to drought-stricken regions and countries. Point Of Entry (POE) Safe Drinking Water Storage (??SWS?) system.”
“There is an urgent need for a water treatment system that can treat existing drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and produce energy. It also makes wastewater safe for reuse as drinking water and/or irrigation water. Worldwide water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities need a sustainable solution to onsite energy generation for aeration pumping, mixing, and disinfecting water. The world’s water and wastewater treatment systems could transform solid, liquid, and/or gas carbonaceous material from biomass and/or other fossil fuels to energy and char. They would also provide UV Light and Ozone (O3) to disinfection and advanced water treatments.
“The present invention is an advanced water treatment system that treats existing drinking water and wastewater treatment plants. It also produces energy and creates a safe wastewater effluent for reuse as irrigation water or drinking water for livestock. The present invention also provides an efficient solution to onsite energy generation for pumping, mixing, and disinfecting water. A water/wastewater treatment system is another embodiment of the invention that can transform solid, liquid, and/or gas carbonaceous material from biomass or/and fossil fuels to rotational and/or char. It also provides UV Light and Ozone (O3) for advanced water treatment and disinfection.
The present invention combines char production, energy recuperation, UV Light, Ozone generation, activated carbon filteration, and both activation or reactivation. The energy recovery can be done in hot gases, hot water or steam generation, electric generation, air sparging and/or rotational power. The present invention is a method for producing plasma thermolytic char, rotational energy and UV light, Ozone Generation, and activated carbon filtering with near zero air emissions. Rotational energy can be used to rotate a compressor, pump mixer, auger press, shredder and/or alternator. The present invention is a plasma thermolytic method for converting Biomass into Plasma BioChar. For carbon filtration purposes, the invention produces UV Light and Ozone using an electric arc. It also converts and recovers volatile gases from the plasma-thermolytic conversion process into thermal energy, mixing, and rotational energy. The present invention also provides a method for controlling pH by directly mixing the combustion gases from the combustion of volatile gases. It also allows for the production of acids or bases via glow discharge electrolysis, which can be used for both carbon activation and pH control. The present invention also provides a method for producing sodium hypochlorite. The present invention can be used to disinfect drinking water and maintain a low chlorine residual. The invention provides a method for combining water and wastewater treatment with the generation and storage of renewable electricity. The present invention also provides a method for combining solar and wind energy generation with treatment to solve a critical need in solar and solar power?load smoothing, ramp rate mitigation.
The present invention provides a system which includes a glow-discharge cell and a plasma torch. The glow discharge cell is an electrically-conductive cylindrical device with a first and second ends, an inlet at the second end, and an outlet at the second end. A hollow electrode is aligned with the longitudinal axis and extends at least from the first electrode into the electrically-conductive cylindrical vessels. An electrically-conductive fluid can flow between the cylindrical vessel’s hollow electrode and the cylindrical vessel during an electric glow discharge. The plasma torch is a cylindrical vessel with a first and second ends. A tangential input connects to or is proximate the first end. A tangential outlet connects to or is proximate the second end. An electrode housing is connected to the first side of the cylindrical vessels such that a first-electrod aligns with the longitudinal axis. There is a hollow electrode outlet that is connected to the second side of the cylindrical vessels. This creates a vortex inside the cylindrical vessel. The first valve is connected with a wastewater source. An eductor is composed of a first inlet, second inlet, and an outlet. The first inlet is connected with the outlet of the electrically-conductive cylindrical vessel. The second inlet is connected the the first valve and the outlet is connected the the tangential input of the plasma torch. The tangential outlet of a plasma arc torch is connected to the inlet of a glow discharge cells. A second valve is connected to the outlet at the second end.
The present invention also includes a glow-discharge cell and a plasma torch. The glow discharge cell is an electrically-conductive cylindrical device with a first and second ends, an outlet at the second end, and an inlet at the second end. A hollow electrode aligned along the longitudinal axis and extending at most from the first electrode into the cylindrical electrically-conductive vessel. An electrically-conductive fluid can flow between the cylindrical vessel’s hollow electrode and the cylindrical vessel. The plasma torch is a cylindrical vessel with a first and second ends. A tangential input connects to or is proximate the first end. A tangential outlet connects to or is proximate the second end. An electrode housing is connected to the first side of the cylindrical vessels such that the center of the hollow nozzle and the longitudinal axis aligns with the cylindrical vessel’s cylindrical axis. This creates a vortex inside the cylindrical vessel. The hollow electrode emits plasma through the hollow nozzle. To adjust the position of the first plasma arc torch electrode within the cylindrical vessel, a linear actuator is attached to it. This actuator moves along the longitudinal axis. An electric pump is connected to the wastewater source. The pump is connected to a first valve. The first valve is connected to a compressed gas source. Between the outlet and the cylindrical vessel that is electrically conductive, a third valve is connected. An eductor is composed of a first inlet and a second outlet. The first inlet is connected with the third valve and the second inlet to the first valve. The outlet is connected the the tangential input of the plasma torch. The tangential outlet of a plasma arc torch is connected to the inlet of a glow discharge cells. A second valve is connected to the outlet at the second end.
“The invention is described below in detail with reference to the accompanying illustrations.”
“While various embodiments of this invention will be discussed in detail, it is important to remember that many inventive concepts can be used in many contexts. These specific embodiments are only examples of how to make and use the invention. They do not limit the invention’s scope.
Plasma arc torch 100 is a cylindrical vessel 104 with a first and second ends 116 and 118. The tangential inlet 120 connects to or is proximate the first end 116, while the tangential outlet (discharge volute), is connected or is proximate the second end. An electrode housing 122 is connected to the first 116 of cylindrical vessel104 so that the first electrode 112 aligns with the longitudinal direction 124 of cylindrical vessel104. It extends into cylindrical vessel104 and can be moved along its longitudinal axis 124. A linear actuator 114 connects to the first electrode 112. This allows the first electrode to be moved within the cylindrical vessel 104, along the longitudinal axis (arrows 126). The hollow electrode connector 106 is connected at the second end of the cylindrical vessel104 so that the hollow electrodenozzle 106’s center line is aligned with 124 of the cylindrical vessels104. The hollow electrode nozzle (106) can have a cylindrical or conical shape. The hollow electrode nozzle can also extend to the second end of the cylindrical vessel (104), or into the cylindrical vessel (104). FIG. 1. The tangential inlet 120 can be attached to the first 116 of the cylindrical vessels 104. The tangential outlet102 can be attached to second 118 of the cylindrical vessels 104. The electrode housing 122 connects to the inlet volute 120 and the hollow electrodenozzle 106 (cylindrical) is connected with the discharge volute. The plasma arc torch 100 is not scaled.
The power supply 130 is connected electrically to the plasma torch 100 so that the first electrode 112 acts as the cathode, and the hollow electrode tube 106 acts as the anode. The size, function, and configuration of the plasma torch 100 will determine the voltage, power, and type of power supply 130. The tangential inlet 120 is used to introduce a gas (e.g. air), liquid (e.g. water) or steam 110 into the cylindrical vessel. This vortex forms within the cylindrical vessel (104). It then exits through the tangential outlet (102 as discharge 134) The vortex 132 holds the plasma 108 inside the vessel 104 due to the inertia. This is in contrast to magnetic confinement. It is caused by the angular motion of the vortex, the swirling, cyclonic, or whirling flow of the gas (e.g. air), or steam 110 around its interior. The linear actuator 114 places the first electrode 112. in contact with the hollow nozzle 106, and draws the 1st electrode back to form an electrical arc that forms plasma 108. This is then discharged through the hollow nozzle 106. The linear actuator 114 allows for adjustment of the position of first electrode 112 during operation to alter plasma 108 discharge, or allow for extended use of first electrode 11.2.
Referring to FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional comparison of a solid oxide cell 200 and a liquid electrolyte cells 250 according to one embodiment. The Liquid Electrolyte cell 250 was used in an experiment. To raise and lower the carbon anode, 202, a linear actuator was used 204. An ESAB-ESP 150 DC power supply with a rating of 150 amps and an open circuit (?OCV?) The test was conducted using a 370 VDC power supply from ESAB ESP 150 DC. The power supply was “tricked out?” OCV was required to function.”
“To determine the sheath glow discharge length of the cathode 200 and measure amps, volts and the voltage, the power supply was switched on. The linear actuator 204 was then used to lower the cathode 202 into an electrolyte solution containing water and baking soda. Although it was possible to obtain a steady glow discharge, the voltage and amps were difficult to track. The erratic current flow caused the power supply to surge and pulse constantly. The glow discharge stopped when the cathode was lowered to a depth that was too high. The cell entered an electrolysis mode. Additionally, boiling would happen very quickly and electrolyte foam would build up on the sides of carbon crucible206. Therefore, foundry sand was used to reduce foam in the crucible206.
“The 8? The crucible was filled with sand. The power was switched on, and the cathode 200 was placed in the sand. Unexpectedly, a glowing discharge formed instantly, but this time, it seemed to spread laterally from cathode 202. It was impossible to see how far the glow discharge extended through the sand because of the large amount steam produced.
“Next, the sand had to be replaced by clear floral marbles. The electrolyte started to boil slowly after the cathode 200 was dropped into the marbles. The glow discharge spider web was visible throughout the marbles once the electrolyte had started to boil, as demonstrated by the Solid Oxide Cell 200. This was unexpected, even though it was at a lower voltage than previously disclosed and published. What was more surprising was that the DC power supply didn’t surge, pulse, or operate erratically. FIG. 3 shows an illustration of the operating curve for a glow-discharge cell according to the present invention. Based on different tests. This data is totally different to what is currently available in relation to glow discharge graphs or curves developed using currently known electro-plasmas, plasma electrolysis, glow discharge reactors. Glow discharge cells can evaporate liquids or concentrate them while producing steam.
Referring to FIG. “Now, referring to FIG. 4, a cross sectional view of a glow-discharge cell 400 in accordance one embodiment of this invention is shown. The glow discharge cell 400 is an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel 402. It has a first and second ends 404 and 406, as well as at least one outlet 408 and one inlet 406 respectively. The hollow electrode 412 aligns with the longitudinal axis the cylindrical vessel 402, and extends at most from the first end 405 to the second 406 of the cylindrical vessel 422. The hollow electrode 412 has an outlet 416 and an inlet 414. The first insulator 418 seals first end 404 the cylindrical vessel 402. It maintains a substantially equal gap of 420 between the hollow electrode 412 (and the cylindrical vessel 42). The second insulator 422, seals the second end 406 the cylindrical vessel 402. It surrounds the hollow electrode 412. This maintains a substantially equal gap of 420 between the cylindrical 402 and hollow electrode 412. The gap 420 is sealed by a second insulator 422 around the hollow electrode 422. This allows for an electrically conductive fluid between the cylindrical vessel 402 and hollow electrode 412. It also prevents the electrical arcing between cylindrical vessel 402 and hollow electrode 412. An electric glow discharge occurs when: (a) the glow cell 400 is connected with an electrical power source so that the cylindrical vessel 402 is an anode and hollow electrode 412 a cathode. (b) The electrically conductive fluid enters the gap 420.
Referring to FIG. “Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross sectional view of a glow cell 500 according to another embodiment of this invention is shown. The glow discharge cell 500 is an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel 402. It has a first and second ends 404 and 502, respectively. An inlet is located at 408 and 404, respectively. A second outlet is located in the second end 502. The hollow electrode 504 aligns with the longitudinal axis and extends at most from the first end of the cylindrical vessel 404 into the cylindrical container 402. The hollow electrode 504 is equipped with an outlet 416 and an inlet 414. The hollow electrode 504 has an inlet 414 and an outlet 416. A first insulator 408 seals the cylindrical vessel 402’s first end 404 around the hollow electrode 504 to maintain a substantially equal gap 420 between the hollow electrode 504. The gap 420 is sealed by a non-conductive material 424. This allows for an electrically conductive fluid between the cylindrical vessel 402 and the hollow electro 504 and prevents any electrical arcing between them during an electric glow discharge. An electric glow discharge occurs when: (a) the glow cell 500 is connected with an electrical power source so that the cylindrical vessel 402 acts as an anode and hollow electrode 504 acts as a cathode. (b) The electrically conductive fluid enters the gap 420.
“The following examples will show the capabilities, utility and completely unexpected results.”
“Example 1?Black Liquor”
Referring to FIG. “Now, referring to FIG. 6, a cross sectional view of a Solid Oxide Plasma Arc Torch System 600 according to another embodiment of this invention is shown. An eductor 602 connects the plasma arc torch 100 to the cell 500. The cell 500 was again filled with baking soda and water. Through a 3-way valve 604 (eductor 602), a pump was connected to the plasma torch 100’s first volute 31. The cell 500 was vacuumed by the eductor 602. The size of the plasma that exited from the plasma torch 100 increased dramatically. The cell 500 produced a non-condensable gaz B. When the HiTemper was used, the HiTemper produced gases that changed the color of the plasma arc torch 100. cell 500. The 3-way valve 604 was then adjusted to allow water and air F to flow into the first nozzle 31 of the plasma arc torch 100. Plasma G was ejected from the plasma torch 100 by the additional mass flow. To demonstrate the system’s capabilities, several pieces of round stainless steel bar were placed at plasma G’s tip. The plasma torch 100 exited with a plasma stream G. Wood was also carbonized. It was then directed into the cyclone separator610. Through a valve 606 the water and gases I from the plasma torch 100 were directed into a hydrocyclone 608 by a valve 608 This allowed for quick mixing and scrubbing gases with water to reduce any harmful contaminants.
“A small amount of black liquor containing 16% solids was added to the glow discharge 500 cell in sufficient volume to cover the floral marmalles 424. The solid oxide glow discharge system does not require preheating, unlike other glow discharge and electro plasma systems. The ESAB ESP150 power supply was switched on, and the volts as well as amps were measured manually. FIG. 3. As soon as power was switched on to cell 500, the ampmeter read 150. The ESAB power supply is named ESP 150. Rated at 150 amps. The voltage was constant between 90 and 100VDC. The voltage rose to OCV (370VDC) as soon as the boiling started, while the amps fell to 75.
“The glow discharge cell 500 was used until the amps dropped to almost zero. Even at low amps, less than 10, the voltage seemed to be stable at 370 VDC. After cooling the cell 500, we opened it to inspect the marbles 424. Surprisingly, there was no liquid in cell 500. However, all marbles 424 had been coated with a black residue. The black residue was found on the marbles 424 and was sent off for analysis. The black residue was found in the bottom container. It had been removed from the marbles 424 during shipping. Below is the analysis. It shows a novel way to concentrate black liquor and coking organs. The solids were concentrated to 94.26% using only one evaporation step, starting at 16% solids. The sulfur (?S?) was not removed from the cell 500. The sulfur (?S?) remained in the residue and didn’t exit the cell 500.
Referring to FIG. “Referring now to FIG. 7, a cross sectional view of a Solid Oxide Plasma Arc Torch System 700, in accordance with another embodiment the present invention is displayed. An eductor 602 connects the plasma arc torch 100 to the cell 500. The cell 500 was again filled with baking soda and water. Pump 23 circulates the baking soda solution from the outlet 416 on the hollow electrode 504 through the inlet 408 on the cell 500. Through a 3-way valve 604 (eductor 602), a pump 22 was connected the the first volute 31 to the plasma torch 100. The pump 22 was connected to the first volute 31 of the plasma arc torch 100 via a 3-way valve 604 and the eductor 602. An air compressor 21 was used for introducing air into the valve 604, along with water F. After the pump 22 was switched on, water F flowed through the first volute 31 and full view site 33 of the plasma torch 100. It exited the torch 30 via the second volute 34. The plasma arc torch 100 started by pressing a carbon cathode (?NEG?) 32 to touch, and just short of a positive carbon anode ( (+POS) 35. The anode 35 produced a very small amount of plasma G. The High Temperature Plasma Electrolysis (Cell 500) was next started to create a plasma gas called B. The boiling voltage rose to OCV (370 VDC) at the beginning of the second cycle and the gas flowed to the plasma torch 100. The cell 500 was vacuumed by the eductor 602. The size of the plasma G that emerged from the plasma torch 100 dramatically increased. The cell 500 produced a non-condensable gaz B. When the HiTemper was used, the HiTemper produced gases that changed the color of the plasma arc torch 100. cell 500. The 3-way valve 604 was then adjusted to allow water from pump 22 and air from compressor 21 to flow into plasma arc torch 100. This increased plasma G’s exit from the plasma torch 100. To demonstrate the system’s capabilities, several pieces of round stainless steel bar were placed at plasma G’s tip. The same procedure was used to carbonize wood by placing it in the plasma stream G. This enabled rapid mixing and scrubbing gases with water to reduce any harmful contaminants.
“Next, the system was turned off and a second separator 610 was attached the plasma arc torch100 as shown in FIG. 5. The Solid Oxide Plasma Arc Torch System (Standard Oxide Plasma Arc Torch System) was once again turned on. A plasma G could be observed circulating within the cyclone separator610. The whirling plasma G contained a central core that was devoid of visible plasma.
“The cyclone separator610 was taken out to perform another test. FIG. 6 shows the capabilities of the Solid Oxide Plasma Arc Torch System. 6. The pump 22 was shut off, and the system operated on only compressed air from compressor 21 and gas B from the solid oxide cells 500. The 3-way valve 606 was closed slowly to allow all gases to flow through the arc and form large plasmas G. This is then released from the hollow carbon anode35.
“Next, the 3-way valve 604 slowly closed to stop the flow of plasma arc torch 100. It was totally unexpected. The plasma arc torch 100 produced a bright plasma from the sightglass 33, which increased the intensity of the light. The plasma arc torch 100 was used to blow the arc and wrap it around the anode 35. The Solid Oxide Plasma Torch System will create a gas and plasma that can be used for cutting, welding, welding, and other chemical reactions like pyrolysis and gasification.
“Example 3?”Phosphogypsum Pond water
“The phosphate industry in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas has left a lasting legacy that will require years of cleanup.” Gypsum stacks and pond waters. A pond is located on top of each stack. The pond water is then recirculated back to the plant. It is then slurried again with gypsum, which goes up the stack and allows the gypsum settle in the pond. The gypsum stack continues to grow in height. Gypsum is a byproduct of the ore mining process.
Every gypstack has two main environmental problems. The first is that the pond water has very low pH. It can’t be released without being neutralized. The phosphogypsum also contains a small amount of radon. It cannot be recycled or used in other industries. Excess water and ammonia contamination from the production of P2O5 fertilizers like diammoniumphosphate (?DAP?) excess water and ammonia contamination from the production of P2O5 fertilizers such as diammonium (?DAP?) Before discharge, it must be treated. The excess pond water is worth about 2% of the price.
A sample of pond water was taken from a Houston fertilizer company. The solid oxide cell 500 was charged with the pond water. FIG. 6. The 3-way valve 606 was set to only flow air into the plasma torch 100, while drawing a vacuum from cell 500 via eductor 602. To maximize the flow of gases I and hydrocyclone 608, the hollow anode 35 was closed with a small collection vessel. To cool and recover condensable gasses, the hydrocyclone 608 was placed in a tank.
FIG. 10?Tailings Pondwater Results. The test was designed to show that the Solid Oxide Glow Discharge Cell can concentrate tailings pond waters. Now let’s talk about concentration cycles. The percent P2O5 was concentrated by a factor 4 to reach a final concentration at the HiTemper of 8.72%. cell 500. As shown in the image, the beginning sample is a colorless and slightly cloudy liquid. The HiTemper cell 500’s bottoms, or concentrate, contained sediment. The sediment was filtered, and reported as SOLIDS (Retained onto Whatmann #40 filterpaper). For a cycle of concentration of 4, the percent SO4 as a solid was increased from 3.35% up to 13.6%. The percent Na that was recovered as a solid rose from 0.44% up to 13.67% during a cycle of concentration 31.”
“The solid oxide 424 or solid electrolyte 424, used in cell 500 were floral marmalades (Sodium Oxide). The sodium glass is used to make floral marbles. It is believed that the marbles were partly dissolved by the combination of the high temperature glow discharge and the phosphoric acid. Molydemun and Chromate cycled up, but remained in solution because they formed a sacrificial aniode from the stainless-steel vessel 402. Notice: The cell carryover was very short due to the vacuum being pulled on the cell 500 by the eductor 602. FIG. 1 (row 1 HiTemper), was the first run. 10 fluorine was very low overhead in the first run (row 1 HiTemper) of FIG. This was a concern since the beginning. The overhead fluorine concentration was 38%. All of the ammonia was thought to flash overhead.
“A method for recovering valuable commodity acid and fertilizer from tailings ponds has been developed that concentrates P2O5.”
Now, referring back to the black alcohol sample. It is believed that the black liquid can be recaustisized simply by using CaO or limestone in the solid oxide electrolyte 424. The benefits of not running a lime kiln will be obvious to those who are proficient in producing pulp and papers. The plasma arc torch 100 can be used to treat the marbles 424 if the concentrated black liquor needs to be thermally oxidized or gasified to remove any carbon species. Referring to FIG. Referring to FIG. 6, the marbles 424 are coated with concentrated black liquor. The black liquor will be converted into a green or white liquor. You can then use the plasma torch nozzle 31 to melt the marbles 424. The whirling lime water will cool the marbles and allow them to be ejected via volute 34. Hydrocyclone 608 will separate and recover the white liquor as well as the marbles 424. The NaO will react with lime to form caustic as well as an insoluble calcium carbonate.
“Example 4: Evaporation, Vapor Compression, and Steam Generation for EOR or Industrial Steam Users”
“Several stainless steel tubulars were tested in the cell 500 as the anode 12. The tubulars didn’t melt in comparison to the sheath glow discharging. In fact, the markings on the tubes were visible when they were pulled out.
This opens up a new way to use glow discharge to treat metals.”
“Example 5?” Treating Tubes, Bars and Rods, Pipes or Wire
There are many companies that use glow discharge to treat metal. Many companies have failed because of arcing and melting the metal to be treated, coated, or descaled. Voltage spikes can be caused by inability to control it. Simply add sand to the cell, or any solid oxide, and feed the tube cathode 12 through 500. 2. The tube, rods, pipes, bars, or wire can all be treated at a high feedrate.
“Example 6?” Solid Oxide Plasma Arc Torch
There is a real need for a simple plasma torch system that can operate with polluted or dirty water, such as sewage from a toilet. This could contain feminine napkins, pathogens and urine, and other pharmaceuticals. The ability to operate with the above water could have a dramatic impact on the infrastructure for wastewater treatment and future costs associated with maintaining lift stations, collection systems and wastewater treatment facilities.
Converting the contaminated wastewater into a gas and using it as a plasma fuel could help to alleviate other growing problems. Many industries could be transformed by a simple torch system that can handle solid and liquid waste, heat a process fluid and gasify biomass or coal, or use wastewater to make a plasma cutting fuel.
The metals industry is a particular industry. The metals industry uses a lot of energy and exotic gas to heat, melt, weld, cut, and machinize.
“Now, let’s move on to FIGS. “Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a novel plasma torch 800 will also be revealed in accordance the preferred embodiments. The Plasma Arc Torch 100 is first connected to the 500 cell. The plasma arc torch voute 31 and the electrode 32 are separated from the sightglass 33 and eductor 602. The cell 500 vessel 402 has the plasma arc torch volute 31 as well as electrode assembly 32. The sightglass 33 has been replaced by a concentric type reducer 33. The electrode 32 is believed to be electrically isolated from vessel 402 and volute 31. To strike the arc, the electrode 32 is connected (not shown).
“Continuous Operation Of The Solid Oxide Transferred Ark Plasma Torch 800 As Shown in FIG. 8 will be shown for melting or cutting an electrically conductive piece. The fluid is pumped into the suction side and into the cell 500. The pump is turned off. The cell 500 is then powered on by the first power supply PS1. The cell 500 enters glow discharge when a gas is produced. Valve 16 opens, allowing the gas into the volute 31. The gas is whirled by the volute 31. The switch 60 is placed so that the second power supply PS2 is connected the the workpiece. The?negative of PS2 connects to the centered cathode 504. of the cell 500. The torch is then lowered until an electrically conductive 13-C nozzle touches the workpiece and is grounded. The torch is now lifted from the workpiece by activating PS2. Between cathode 504 (the workpiece) and the cathode 504, an arc is formed.
“Centering the Arc” If the arc needs to be centred for cutting purposes, then the negative lead from PS2 would be attached to lead 60 of switch 60. This leads to electrode 32. While a number of switches aren’t shown, it is clear that an electrical switch similar 60 could be used to automate the negative lead from PS2. As shown, the +positive lead would go to workpiece. An electrode 32 of a smaller size would be used to slide through the hollow cathode 504. This would allow it to touch the workpiece and create an arc. An electrically conductive shield nozzle 802 would replace it. This setup allows precision cutting with only wastewater and no other gases.
“Turning towards FIG. “Turning to FIG. 9 The Solid Oxide Non-Transferred Arc Plasma Torch 800 can be used for melting, gasifying, heating materials and using a contaminated liquid as the plasma gas. The switch 60 is set to feed electrode 32 with PS2 +lead. The anode is operated once again by electrode 32. It must be isolated from vessel 402. The volute 31 gives off a spin or whirlflow to gas when it opens valve 16. The anode 32 should be lowered so that it touches the centered cathode 504. Between the anode 504 and cathode 32, an arc is created. Anode 32 may be hollow, and a wire may be passed through it 504 to plasma spray, weld or initiate the arc.
The entire torch can be regeneratively cooled using its own gases, increasing efficiency. A waste fluid can also be used to make plasma gas, which lowers the disposal and treatment cost. The plasma can be used to gasify coal, biomass, or produce copious amounts syngas through steam reforming natural gases with hydrogen and steam plasma.
“Both FIGS. “Both FIGS. 8 and 9 clearly demonstrate a new Solid Oxide Plasma Arc Torch which combines the efficiency of high temperature electrolysis and the capabilities of both transferred and non-transferred arc plasma torches.”
“Example 7?Water/Wastewater Treatment”
“Chemicals have been discovered in water at levels that are significantly higher than expected or that were not previously detected. These chemicals are commonly referred to as “contaminants of emerging concern?” CECs are a term that refers to the potential dangers to the environment and human health associated with their presence. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (?EPA?) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (?EPA) is currently working to increase its understanding of many CECs, including pharmaceuticals and personal-care products (PPCPs), and perfluorinated substances among others. The term pharmaceuticals includes prescription and over-the counter therapeutic drugs, as well as veterinary drugs. Personal care products are products that are used for personal or cosmetic purposes, such as soaps and fragrances and cosmetics.
The last ten years have seen an increase in documentation about trace levels (low parts per trillion) of PPCPs found in surface, groundwater and finished drinking water. Although PPCPs can come from many sources, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), have been shown to be a major source of PPCPs in surface waters. When people flush unneeded medications down the drain or sewer, PPCPs can be introduced to WWTPs. A wide range of emerging water contaminants have been identified in the United States, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, tranquilizers, antidepressants and organic chemicals. Personal care products include, but are not limited, fragrances, sunscreens, disinfectants and preservatives as well as surfactants and their metabolites. See: 2010 Occurrence of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in Source Water of the New York City Water Supply?http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/quality/nyc_dep_2010_ppcpreport.pdf; and Kolpin D W, Furlong E T, Meyer M T, Thurman E M, Zaugg S D, Barber L B, et al. 2002.?Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater contaminants in U.S. streams, 1999-2000: a national reconnaissance. Environmental Science and Technology 36(6), 1202-11
The EPA considers PPCPs pollutants. They can be used by people for their personal health and cosmetic purposes, or by agribusinesses to improve the growth or health of livestock. The PPCPs include a wide range of chemical substances. These include prescription and over-the counter therapeutic drugs, veterinary medicines, fragrances and cosmetics. Some drugs can cause environmental harm, according to research. Since the time humans have used them, PPCPs have likely been in water and the surrounding environment. Our bodies don’t absorb all the drugs we take. They excrete them and then pass them onto surface and wastewater water. We can now identify the effects of these chemicals on our health and environment, thanks to technological advances that have allowed us to quantify and detect them more accurately. The number of PPCPs keeps growing. Over 100 individual PPCPs were identified in drinking water and environmental samples as of 2007. According to the EPA, sewage systems do not have the ability to remove PPCPs. There are also no municipal sewage treatment facilities that can be used for PPCP or other unregulated contaminants. The effectiveness of PPCP removal from treatment plants depends on the chemical used and the specific sewage treatment facility.
Referring to FIG. 11 shows a typical activated wastewater treatment plant that does not remove PPCPs. The effluent is not suitable to be recycled or reused. Now let’s look at FIG. Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, specifically units 100, 400. 500. 600. 700. A wastewater treatment plant can also be retrofitted to treat emerging contaminants or for polishing wastewater for reuse.
“First, the waste water influent can be pretreated with either unit 400 or 500 (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 5. The glow discharge cell would benefit from activated carbon, as previously described. The units 400 and 500 can be used as normal activated charcoal filters until the carbon has been exhausted.
“Energy Generation and Recovery For the WATER-ENERGY NEXUS.”
“Water and wastewater treatment plants can be run off-the grid by converting carbonaceous material into syngas or char using the present invention. This transformative approach could save as much as 4 percent of total electricity generated in the US.
“Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3\nComponent Concentration % Concentration % Concentration %\nH2 38.702591 23.993687 31.965783\nO2 7.603821 3.777238 5.671720\nN2 5.730443 4.424545 4.803373\nCH4 1.042843 3.770582 2.923456\nCO 9.465042 14.879737 10.633168\nCO2 30.015818 33.110154 32.207613\nH2/CO 4.08/1 1.61/1 3.01/1”
“Integrally Geared Centrifugal Blowers and High Speed Turbo Blowers”
“Turning Now to FIG. 13, a 10 million gallons/day (?MGD?) The daily electricity consumption is also shown. The largest electricity consumer is Diffused Air Aeration, which consumes 5,320 kwh/day. Aeration is the biggest energy user in activated sludge wastewater plants. This is well-known. Many WWTP’s are replacing their aging blowers by more efficient Integrally Geared Centrifugal Copressors and/or high speed turboblowers. High Speed Turbos and Integrally Geared Centrifugal Bowers are up to 70% to 80% efficient with turn downs of between 45% and 50%. The high speed turbos that are being used in the Wastewater Industry are essentially nothing more than standard vehicles and off-road turbochargers modified to work with a high speed motor.
“The Biochar made from the invention was visually examined and found to be suitable for water treatment. As previously disclosed, the Plasma BioChar? The Plasma BioChar? could be used to make the glow discharge cells as shown in FIGS. 4. and 5. of the present invention. This closes the loop to provide a transformative and entirely new water treatment system that creates and reactivates its carbon and provides rotational energy, ultraviolet light, Ozone, and hot gases.
The present invention also provides a method of UV disinfection and ozone disinfection. It does this by creating an electrical arc, generating water and gas whirl flows to contain a plasma, extracting rotational energy form one or more hot gasses, and then utilizing that energy to generate a combustion air flow.
“The above description of the apparatus, methods, and preferred embodiments of the invention, as well as the examples of how the invention might be usefully used are intended to be illustrative, not for limitation. You can make the invention even more flexible and to incorporate other embodiments, as described in the claims.
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