Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Process for Water Treatment Applications

The unique electrochemical properties exhibited by boron doped diamond films are such that new and improved electrochemical processes may now be explored both at laboratory and industrial scale. The coating of a conventional electrode material with a boron doped diamond film results in the realization of an electrode which not only is extremely chemically stable but one which opens up the widest known electrochemical window before water decomposition takes place. The stability of DiaChem electrodes has been proven through the loading of the electrodes with increasing current densities of up to several A/square centimeters in sulfuric acid. The electrochemical generation of oxidants used for the recovery or treatment of wastewaters from industrial plants by electrochemical oxidation processes is playing an ever increasing role due to their reliable operating conditions and ease of handling. For example decomposition of cooling fluid in water has been investigated. It has been clearly shown that within the boundary of measurement accuracy it is possible to completely mineralize any organic carbon present. Long chain organic molecules such as cooling fluid may be mineralized from hydroxyl radicals without the development of intermediate products. EAOP pilot cells as shown in fig. 3 are presently in use in a number of applications from the industrial waste water treatment to water recycling for the optics industry. These tests have displayed excellent results with regards to energy efficiency and effectiveness. It has been demonstrated that it is possible to achieve COD reduction for water flow rates of up to 200l/hour.