(620d) Removal of Organics, Metals, Microbes, and Algae Using Electro-Magnetic Fields

Removal of organics, metals, microbes, and algae using
Electro-magnetic fields

Abstract

US Clean Water Technology, LLC (USCWT) is commercializing process
intensified technology using an Electro Clean Water Unit (ECWU) to treat water
from oil and gas operations, bio-diesel production, refinery operations and
municipal water plant clean-up of Fats, Oils, and Greases.  A 1000 barrel per
day unit has demonstrated the technology at an oil field in California, cleanup
of wastes at a large chemical producer in California and other locations over
the last four years.  USCWT is scaling this technology to 3000 bbl./day units
for use in a variety of applications.

The flow through technology coagulates any insoluble organic
for recovery and at the same time oxidizes soluble organics, metals, microbes
and algae without any added treatment chemicals.  The oxidized materials are
recovered by filtration and carbon absorption (if needed).  The unit is
compact, automated and linked to the internet for remote monitoring.  Further
development of this technology is supported with a RAPID project supported by
AIChE in conjunction with University of Texas, Texas A/M and University of Pittsburgh.
 

The proprietary technology features two stages of
electrolysis.  Sacrificial aluminum electrodes generate aluminum ions which
accelerate coagulation of the larger insoluble molecules.  Specialized
electrodes then generate an electromagnetic field to both enhance coalescence
and break down water to form hydrogen, oxygen, peroxides, and hydroxides.  Salt
in the water breaks down to form soluble chlorine compounds.  Insoluble
contaminants coalesce and coagulate.  Hydrogen and oxygen bubbles help
transport the coalesced phase to the surface where it can be skimmed and
recovered for reuse or disposal.

Specialized mixed metal oxide electrodes in the second
electrolysis stage drive oxidation of dissolved contaminants.  The electrodes
are an active type in the electrolysis, meaning that the surface of the
electrode facilitates the generation of oxidizing specie, which themselves are
highly reactive.  A process intensification focus on the fundamental reaction mechanisms
drove engineering enhancements to overcome mass transfer resistance at the
electrode surface resulting in reduced residence time and improved capital
efficiency.  The second stage effectively oxidizes soluble hydrocarbons,
bacteria, and some metals.

The overall process is adapted to meet each application.  In
general, the waste water passes through a pre-filter to remove sediment,
vegetation, etc.  The electrolysis stages follow with recovery of insoluble
organics and oxidation of soluble contaminants.  Post filters remove suspended
solids and absorbable contaminants.  Other post treatments can be added, such
as salt removal, ultra-filtration, or reverse osmosis, depending on the
requirements of the treated water.  The technology can deliver a treated water
suitable for recycle and reuse. 

The unit is fully automated and can be monitored remotely so
that necessary human oversight is limited. Its small footprint allows the unit
to treat water at the point of origin for reuse eliminating transportation
costs.  Electrical operating costs are about $0.10/bbl. treated water.

Data will be presented to show what this technology can
deliver, such as analytical results from oil field producer water processed
through both bench and pilot scale equipment to show dramatic reductions in
oils and greases, hydrocarbons, metals, BOD, suspended solids, and COD.

 The picture shows frack water before and after treatment.

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This innovative process intensive technology removes 90+% of
organics, handles varying feeds with no intervention, features a low operating
cost, requires no chemical additives to remove organics and microbes, can fit
on a trailer for easy mobility, and scales readily.  It provides industrial
water generating industries with economical on-site waste treatment technology
enabling the recycle and reuse of wastewater.