Electrocoagulation System / EC - Series

Electrocoagulation is the process by which chemical changes liberate free elements from a liquid by the passage of an electrical current.

Electrocoagulation utilizes an electrical current to sacrifice ions into solution while simultaneously releasing Hydrogen and Oxygen gas via electrolysis. Dissolved and suspended contaminates react with the sacrificial ions and evolved gases such that they may be precipitated and/or co-precipitated from solution / suspension and subsequently removed by typical liquid – solids separation techniques. Ecologix' process keeps the evolved O2 and H2 in solution where they are available to participate in redox reactions and utilized to aid in flotation mechanics where applicable.

This technology was created to resolve heavy metal concerns in wastewater in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance facilities and soon grew to include the oilfeild, petrochemical refining, agriculture and other industries.

Reduced Treatment Cost
Because the EC Series Electrocoagulation System utilizes electrolysis to accomplish treatment, electrical consumption is very low. Typical power consumption in the EC Series Reactor approximates 3.0-8.0 Kw-hr per thousand gallons treated ( $0.26 to $0.75 per thousand gallons).
Dependable Results
Metal concentrations in the effluent are typically lower than those attainable with typical chemical precipitation systems. The system is user friendly and requires minimal operator attention.
Eliminate / Reduce Chemical Reagents
Electrocoagulation does not require chemical coagulants common to typical chemical precipitation systems. In some cases pH adjustment may be necessary and polyelectrolytes are required to enhance liquid-solids separation.
Lower Capital Costs / Smaller Footprint
The process reduces and precipitates contaminates simultaneously requiring less tankage and ancillary equipment for associated mixing and metering of chemical reagents. The overall system footprint is dramatically reduced. The EC Series system can easily be designed to retrofit existing systems to improve performance, reliability and lower operating costs.
Multiple Contaminates
Because of the strong reducing environment present in the reactor, the abundance of free radicals and the co-precipitation nature of the process, this electrocoagulation process is capable of treating multiple contaminates of differing pH simultaneously, eliminating the need to segregate certain wastes.
Sludge Minimization and Stabilization
Electrocoagulation generates a stable, easily dewatered sludge that will typically pass the USEPA TCLP for RCRA metals. Sludge volumes are also reduced dramatically minimizing transportation and disposal costs and associated liabilities.

Ecologix' Plate & Frame Reactor is constructed of heavy duty tubular steel side rails supported by a solid steel headstock and tailstock providing industrial strength, durability and years of dependable service. The electrode plates and the spacer plates rest on the side rails and are easily moveable for maintenance. A dual action hydraulic ram is mounted in the tailstock to provide closure pressure on the plate stack and allow for the reactor to be easily opened and closed minimizing downtime. Adjustable, quick disconnect buss bars evenly distribute DC electric current throughout the plate stack. All hydraulic components and controls are contained within an enclosed cabinet located at the tailstock. The reactor contains an integral flash – mix chamber to introduce any polymer flocculants or other desired reagent.

IRON AS A REAGENT

Elemental Iron (Fe0) from the electrode plate is driven into solution by the electric current as ferrous iron (Fe++) without any anionic species attached. Chemical reactions with ferrous iron begin immediately and as ferrous iron hydrolyzes through its different oxidation states to ferric iron (Fe+++) and eventually to its amorphous, oxyhydroxide form, subsequent reactions continue to occur with these different forms of iron and it’s subsequent by products. Iron is a powerful, inexpensive reducing agent utilized in many water and wastewater applications.

REAGENT IS INTRODUCED IN ITS CATIONIC FORM

Anionic species present in common water treating chemicals (sulfate, carbonate, sulfide, chloride, etc.) are not present to interfere with reactions. This results in less sludge, lower TDS, a better quality precipitate (sludge) for further disposition, better quality effluent water for subsequent polishing and beneficial reuse processes.

DISSOLVED METALS PRECIPITATE VIA DIRECT CHEMICAL REPLACEMENT OR CO-PRCIPITATE WITH THE AMORPHOUS IRON OXYHYDROXIDE.

The process of electrolysis results in an alkaline pH shift and the pH is maintained between 8.5 to 9.0 exiting the reactor, therefore; dissolved metals may react to form a metallic hydroxide. The process of electrolysis liberates Oxygen gas which results in precipitation of metals as an acid resistant oxide that will pass USEPA TCLP. Any dissolved or suspended contaminants that have not reacted at this point will be adsorbed and occluded within the precipitate of the iron oxyhydroxide and are co-precipitated.