초록 ▼

A method for enhancing the efficiency of a solid-liquid separation process by exposure to an electrostatic-field generator utilizes a vitrified ceramic tube of unibody construction having a single open end adapted to receive a high-voltage power cable through an insulated cap. The interior surface o

A method for enhancing the efficiency of a solid-liquid separation process by exposure to an electrostatic-field generator utilizes a vitrified ceramic tube of unibody construction having a single open end adapted to receive a high-voltage power cable through an insulated cap. The interior surface of the ceramic tube is lined with a layer of conductive material electrically connected to the power cable, thereby providing a relatively-large conductive surface in intimate contact with the dielectric surface of the ceramic tube. The device is used in connection with conventional chemical additives for separating suspended solids from water to reduce chemical consumption and improve operating efficiency. The device is immersed in the water carrying suspended particles upstream of the treatment with chemical agents and is energized with a high DC voltage, thereby creating an electrostatic field across the dielectric of the tube's ceramic and across the body of water. The charge on the surface of particles to be separated by physical aggregation is altered by the electrostatic field so generated and is manipulated so as to produce enhanced performance by the chemicals used in the conventional process downstream.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A method for enhancing the efficiency of a solid-liquid separation process by exposure to an electrostatic-field generator, said process involving the addition of chemical additives to a slurry of fine particles suspended in water to promote their aggregation into coarser particles,

[ I claim:] [1.] A method for enhancing the efficiency of a solid-liquid separation process by exposure to an electrostatic-field generator, said process involving the addition of chemical additives to a slurry of fine particles suspended in water to promote their aggregation into coarser particles, the method comprising the following steps:(a) providing an electrostatic generator adapted to create an electrostatic field;(b) immersing said electrostatic generator in a body of flowing water containing suspended particles feeding a solid-liquid separation unit, said water being connected to an electrical ground;(c) energizing said electrostatic generator with a static electromotive force, such that an electrostatic field is created between said generator immersed in the water and said electrical ground; and(d) adding chemical additives to the water to produce aggregation of the suspended particles in said separation unit;wherein said electrostatic generator comprises a vitrified ceramic tube of unibody construction having an integrally-sealed end defining an inner cavity with an inner wall; conductive material contained within said inner cavity and disposed in intimate contact with said inner wall; electrically-insulated sealing means for providing hermetic closure to said inner cavity; and electrical means for energizing said conductive material with a static electromotive force.