Advanced Oxidation System and Method In a UV Reactor with Electrode

Abstract

A system and method for applying an advanced oxidation process to a UV fluid reactor. An L-shaped electrode is connected to a UV reactor hatch and inserted into the reactor upstream from a UV radiation source.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . In a UV fluid reactor, an electrode comprising: a plurality of L-shaped, substantially planar cathodes, the plurality of L-shaped, substantially planar cathodes being electrically connected to each other and being at substantially a first voltage; a plurality of L-shaped, substantially planar anodes, the plurality of L-shaped, substantially planar anodes being electrically connected to each other and being at substantially a second voltage; wherein the plurality of L-shaped, substantially planar cathodes and plurality of L-shaped, substantially planar anodes are alternatingly, cooperatively arranged. 
     
     
         2 . The electrode of  claim 1  further comprising: each cathode and anode being substantially parallel to each other. 
     
     
         3 . The electrode of  claim 1  further comprising: a UV radiation source being elongated and tubular, and being oriented transverse to the fluid flow and placed downstream from the cathodes and anodes; each cathode and anode being longitudinally tapered to so as to direct the flow of fluid towards the lateral center of the reactor. 
     
     
         4 . The electrode of  claim 1  further comprising: the first voltage and second voltages differing by approximately 36 volts. 
     
     
         5 . The electrode of  claim 1  further comprising: the relative polarities of the first and second voltages being periodically reversed. 
     
     
         6 . The electrode of  claim 1  further comprising: each cathode and anode being made from a mesh material. 
     
     
         7 . The electrode of  claim 1  further comprising: each cathode and anode being made from a titanium mesh material. 
     
     
         8 . The electrode of  claim 7  further comprising: the titanium mesh being coated with iridium and/or ruthenium. 
     
     
         9 . An advanced oxidation system comprising: an L-shaped electrode attached to the access hatch of a UV reactor; wherein the electrode is removably inserted into the UV reactor, upstream from a UV radiation source. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising: the electrode being energized with a voltage of approximately 36 volts. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising: the access hatch having a hydrogen exhaust port. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising: the L-shaped electrode being a titanium mesh electrode, coated with iridium and/or ruthenium. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising: the UV radiation source being elongated and tubular, and being oriented transverse to the fluid flow; the L-shaped electrode comprising a plurality of veins, each longitudinally tapered so as to direct the flow of fluid laterally towards the center of the elongated, tubular, UV radiation source. 
     
     
         14 . An advanced oxidation method comprising the steps of: providing an L-shaped electrode; and placing the electrode upstream from a UV radiation source. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising: energizing the electrode with a voltage of approximately 36 volts. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising: the L-shaped electrode being a titanium mesh electrode, coated with iridium and/or ruthenium. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising: the UV radiation source being elongated and tubular, and being oriented transverse to the fluid flow; the L-shaped electrode comprising a plurality of veins, each longitudinally tapered so as to direct the flow of fluid laterally towards the center of the elongated, tubular, UV radiation source. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising: the access hatch having a hydrogen exhaust port.