How We Compare To Traditional EC Systems
Valence Water's patented WaterMiner® reactors have solved the problems that effected EC performance in the past.
Electrocoagulation (EC) is a known technology in the wastewater treatment industry that has often had a reputation for operational limitations and inefficiencies.
Valence Water's patented WaterMiner® reactors have solved the problems that effected EC performance in the past. Traditional EC reactors typically consist of large tanks with a series of static flat steel plates. In application of direct current to these plates (anodes) in parallel with grounded steel plates (cathodes), the positive current dissolves the iron, releasing iron ions into solution, producing an iron-based coagulant.
Over time, due to the static nature of these reactors, the spaces between the plates increase, which increases the gap between plates, thus increasing power consumption in the process. Furthermore, material builds up over time, fouling these plates so that the effectiveness of the electrochemical reaction diminishes.
Valence Water's WaterMiner® is designed with an active cathode mechanism that maintains a clean reactive anode surface as well as a constant voltage gap throughout the life of the anode, minimizing power usage and material waste. The low voltage (5-10 V) configuration of our reactors translates to consistent overall lower power consumption, and more efficient utilization of anode materials. The elimination of fouling concerns and a complete flow through reactor design ensures that all water is treated consistently in the reaction zones with no bypassing, as seen in batch reactor systems.
Advantages of the WaterMiner® Platform:
-
Consistent lower power consumption, low voltage
-
Complete utilization of anode metal materials, over 99%
-
Elimination of reactor fouling
-
Fixed path flow through system.
-
Combined electrocoagulation and electrooxidation in one reactor
-
Complete oxidation of wastewater
-
Minimal maintenance, extended operation between anode replacements
How We Compare To Traditional Chemical Treatment Systems
Compared to liquid coagulant applications utilizing DAF equipment or settling tanks, the WaterMiner® produces a highly potent and active coagulant in stream as the wastewater passes through the system. In high-strength wastewater applications, where high levels of influent solids or FOG enter the stream from production, there are few limitations to the WaterMiner® when spikes in wastewater concentration are frequent. Our automated systems monitor influent characteristics in real-time and adjust our reactor settings instantly to ensure consistent treatment is achieved without consumable wastage, as seen in chemical treatment applications.
Using the Valence Water's WaterMiner® platform, results in a reduction of consumable volume by up to 99%, and alleviating the burden of hazardous chemical storage. Because our reactors produce coagulant from our metal sacrificial anodes, coagulant is produced in the reactor as the wastewater passes through, resulting in uniform and consistent reaction zone time. The WaterMiner® also removes heavy metals with high efficacy, without the required addition of counter ions, or caustic chemicals to raise the pH.
In comparable dosage testing with heavy industrial wastewater, 11 Valence Water anodes (0.9 m3) replaces 130 cubic meters (34,320 USG) of Ferric Chloride.
Advantages Of The Valence Water System:
-
Up to 99% reduction in consumable volume when compared to chemical treatment
-
Up to 80% reduction in cost when comparing Valence Water anodes to liquid coagulant equivalents
-
Metals consumable cost only fluctuates on commodity pricing, unlike the production and supply chain costs associated with chemical coagulants
-
No hazardous materials handling and storage
-
No caustic chemical addition required to remove heavy metals or raise pH
-
Complete treatment and clarification in less than 10 minutes
-
Up to 50% increase in solids dryness after conventional dewatering techniques
