AU2002327231A1 - System for optimized control of multiple oxidizer feedstreams - Google Patents

Description

SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZED CONTROL OF MULTIPLE OXIDIZER

FEEDSTREAMS

Background Of The Invention

1. Field Of The Invention

This invention relates to the control of multiple oxidizer levels in water treatment processes, and particularly relates to the use of a combination of sensors including at least one amperometric sensor isolated by a gas permeable membrane.

2. Description of Related Art

U.S. Patent 5,239,257 by Muller et al. teaches an amperometric probe with a gas permeable membrane. U.S. Patent 5,902,751 by Godec et al. teaches a method and apparatus for the measurement of dissolved carbon employing a gas permeable membrane dividing deionized water from the oxidized sample water and a pair of micro-conductivity and temperature sensors. U.S. Patent 6,030,842 by Peachey-Stoner teaches a method and device for determining free halogens in aqueous fluids utilizing an azine indicator material and a benzidine type catalyst material impregnated into a matrix carrier.

Summary Of The Invention

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system for determining and adjusting individual concentration levels of multiple oxidizer compositions. The system comprises at least one oxidation reduction potential (ORP) sensor, at least one amperometric sensor and a means for process control in communication with each of said sensors adapted to adjust each of said multiple oxidizers.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system for advanced oxidation technological control of an electrolyte containing fluid in a multiple oxidizer environment. The system comprises at least one amperometric sensor means, at least one amperometric sensor means isolated from said electrolyte containing fluid by a gas permeable membrane and means for process control in communication with each of said sensor means. The production and/or introduction of hydroxyl free radicals is controlled in said multiple oxidizer environment. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a process for removing volatile halogenated compounds including chloramines and/or bromamines from the air and treating a body of water in an indoor aquatic facility. The process comprises the steps of monitoring the ORP of said body of water, adding a halogen donor source in an amount and at a rate sufficient to realize an optimum free halogen level sufficient to sanitize said body of water, adding a peroxygen compound at a rate and in an amount sufficient to realize a level effective to maintain the ORP within an effective range of 750 mv - 850 mv, optimizing the ratio of halogen donor source to peroxygen compound to sustain the optimum free halogen level while maintaining the ORP within the effective range, providing at least one amperometric sensor and providing a means for process control in communication with each of said sensors. The means for process control is adapted to adjust the level of each of said halogen donor and peroxygen compound.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a process for removing dissolved halogenated compounds including chloramines and/or bromamines and preventing their accumulation in circulating water systems. The process comprises the steps of monitoring the ORP of said circulating water system, comparing the monitored ORP to a set-point value calculated to be within a range effective to permit oxidation of said halogenated compounds wherein the effective range of ORP is from 750 mv - 850 mv, adding a halogen donor source in an amount and at a rate sufficient to realize an optimum free halogen level sufficient to sanitize said body of water, adding a peroxygen compound at a rate and in an amount sufficient to realize a level effective to maintain the ORP within said effective range, optimizing the ratio of halogen donor source to peroxygen compound to sustain the optimum free halogen level while maintaining the effective ORP value, maintaining a sustained high rate of oxidation in said body of water sufficient to destroy any dissolved halogenated compounds within said body of water and prevent further accumulation thereof, providing at least one amperometric sensor means and providing a means for process control in communication with each of said amperometric sensor means. The means for process control is adapted to adjust the level of each of said halogen donor and peroxygen compound.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram and flow-sheet of a typical testing device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relative concentration of chlorine versus pH; and FIG. 3 is a graph showing the increase in the amperometric value as hydrogen peroxide is incrementally added to the solution.

Detailed Description

Some water treatment applications incorporate two oxidizers that together provide a synergistic effect. For example, Advanced Oxidation Technologies (AOTs) can employ ozone with peroxide to produce hydroxyl free radicals (hydroxyl radicals). In yet another application, hydrogen peroxide can be converted to hydroxyl free radicals using ultra violet radiation. While one oxidizer can be predominant, the production of hydroxyl radicals makes for a two-oxidizer application. There are other similar processes used in AOTs with the results being to produce hydroxyl free radicals. In yet another water treatment application, a halogen based oxidizer, for example chlorine, can be used in combination with peroxygen based oxidizers, such as but not limited to, potassium monopersulfate, to effectively eliminate the formation of volatile halogenated nitrogen based compounds into the air of indoor aquatic facilities. In this case, both chlorine and monopersulfate are typically fed to the pool water using Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) based control.

Although these applications take advantage of the synergistic properties which flow from the use of two oxidizers, they nevertheless do not appear to optimize the control and/or optimize the feed or production of each oxidizer based on, for example, program performance, such as but not limited to, oxidizer demand. For example in the pool, while ORP can initiate oxidizer feed based on demand for the oxidizers, this method of control may not clearly differentiate between the oxidizers. Oxidizers can be fed proportionally. Using such a control scheme, dynamic optimization of oxidizer ratios, and verification of individual oxidizer feed may not be possible. Similar inefficiencies are believed to exist with AOTS. Accordingly, it is a feature of the present invention to provide a method of operation and apparatus for performing the method that combines the use of either ORP or amperometric sensor technology or both, along with at least one amperometric sensor that employs a gas permeable membrane to provide superior process control in two or multiple oxidizer systems. The gas permeable membrane described herein can have the ability to allow gases and/or nonionic compounds to permeate while restricting ionic particles from permeating.

In another aspect, the instant invention provides a process wherein the combination of sensor technologies can, in many two ,or multiple, oxidizer applications, independently control the oxidizers, verify concentration or presence of both oxidizers, and enhance the optimization of oxidizers(s) feed rates in dynamic systems.

In the areas of both pool water and waste water treatment, there has been an increased trend toward combining oxidizers to achieve a synergistic effect, thereby exceeding the performance of the individual oxidizers. Although there is no question as to the benefits provided by the use of synergistic oxidizer chemistry, the ability to control their concentrations, ratios, and optimize their feed rate in real world applications has proven to be difficult. For example, such arrangements can lead to overfeeding to ensure adequate results. Some oxidizer feed applications incorporate either ORP or wet chemistry methods which use color change reagents, e.g. DPD, to indicate the presence and concentration of the oxidizer. ORP is becoming increasing popular due to its ability to control the feed of oxidizer based on the oxidizer demand.

In some water treatment applications the demand for oxidizer can change over time. h pools, for example, as bathers enter the pool water, organic contaminants can be introduced to the water that impose a demand on the oxidizer (typically chlorine). In order to maintain the same oxidation potential, the ORP controller would increase the concentration of chlorine in the water. This process ensures enough oxidizer has been added to not only satisfy the organic demand, but also to ensure sufficient residual oxidizer is available to effectively sanitize the water, hi some cases, the present invention provides for controlling the addition of oxidizers at an effective amount of ORP in the range of about 750 mv - 850 mv, and even, in some cases, in a range of about 760 mv - 800 mv. In other cases, the optimum free halogen level is maintained at an effective amount. For example, the optimum free halogen level can be in the range of about 0.2 to 10 ppm. Chlorine can be used as the sanitizer and therefore should be maintained in sufficient concentrations to effectively provide for a safe bathing environment. However, if another oxidizer is added to the pool water to enhance oxidation of organic contaminants, the ORP based control system can be compromised since either chlorine or the second oxidizer can satisfy the ORP setting. Should chlorine feed be compromised, the second oxidizer could be fed in sufficient concentrations to meet the ORP set-point. In this instance, sanitation of the water could be compromised. Also, because chlorine concentrations may be reduced, the synergistic effects provided by the combined effect of the two oxidizers may also be compromised.

In a system employing a halogen-based oxidizer with a peroxygen-based oxidizer, the invention, according to one embodiment, comprises at least one amperometric sensor incorporating a gas permeable membrane in conjunction with one or more of ORP, pH, and temperature sensor technologies. These sensors can serve as data inputs to a microprocessor or analog based computer. The computer typically employs some mode of control utilizing Time Based Proportional (TBP), Proportional (P), Proportional Integral (PI), Proportional Integral Differential (PID) and/or on/off control for controlling chemical(s) feed or combinations thereof.

In yet another aspect of the invention, AOT applications can employ at least one amperometric sensor utilizing a gas permeable membrane that can separate the amperometric electrode from the treated water, along with one or more standard amperometric sensors (no gas permeable membrane). These sensors can serve as data inputs to a microprocessor or analog based computer. The computer typically employs some mode of control utilizing TBP, PI, PID and/or on/off control for controlling chemical feed or combination thereof.

To further improve control, the computer can be programmed utilizing either Fuzzy logic or Boolean logic protocols to provide the system with the ability to make changes to various settings or, feed adjustments based on evaluation of input data.

To further illustrate other potential performance benefits offered by this process control system, with increased concern of cryptosporidium contamination of water, and the high chlorine tolerance of said organisms, the ability to control hydroxyl free radical concentrations offers the ability to destroy the protective lipid layer of the Cryptosporidium Oocyst by inoculating the water with effective doses of hydroxyl free radicals. Application of this technology with additional treatment and/or on-line monitoring could further improve water safety and quality.

The hydroxyl measurement can be used as part of a feed- back control by which adjusting the introduction of hydroxyl radicals into the water to be treated, or by increasing the production rate of hydroxyl radicals by increasing or decreasing the ozone concentration or UV intensity and/or contact with the supporting oxidizer (peroxide or ozone) is controlled.

Yet another method of applying this technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of 2-oxidizer systems when utilizing a halogen oxidizer is to measure the free halogen concentration with the gas permeable membrane amperometric sensor, while also measuring the solution pH and ORP. An algorithm can be used to correlate the concentration of oxidizer demand based on the required free halogen concentration needed to achieve the measured ORP for a given measured pH.

For a given water quality, it may require a specific concentration of free halogen oxidizer at a given pH to achieve a targeted ORP value. This concentration of halogen should not change unless the demand for the oxidizer changes (at a constant pH). If the measured free halogen concentration needed to achieve a targeted ORP increases, the demand in the water has increased. By using an algorithm to identify the presence of this demand, a second oxidizer can be employed to effectively address this demand. For example, the feed rate or production rate of hydroxyl radicals can be adjusted in real-time utilizing this form of control to maximize the performance of the treatment program.

These control technologies can be further improved with the use of Boolean or Fuzzy logic methodologies.

Other aspects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various aspects and features thereof.

Examples

Example 1 Halogen/Peroxygen Test

In this test, chlorine in the form of sodium hypochlorite was used in combination with potassium monopersulfate. The amperometric sensor incorporated a gas permeable membrane used to prevent dissolved solids from influencing the amperometric sensor. Therefore, only dissolved chlorine in the form of hypochlorous acid can permeate the membrane and influence the amperometric sensor. The sensor was calibrated for use with chlorine. The amperometric sensor and supporting hardware employ pH and temperature inputs for accurate determination of free chlorine. An ORP sensor was incorporated to measure water ORP values. A circulating system with a 10-gallon reservoir was used for testing purposes (FIG. 1).

The circulating pump was turned on, the water was treated with sodium hypochlorite, and the pH was adjusted. Free chlorine concentration was verified using standard DPD methods with a HACH DR-2000 spectrophotometer. The amperometric controller was standardized, then allowed to track while samples where periodically tested using DPD free chlorine test. The solution ORP was recorded periodically throughout the test period.

After ensuring the sensors had achieved equilibrium (stabilized readings), the solution was treated with various concentrations of potassium monopersulfate by addition into the top reservoir. After each addition of monopersulfate, the effect on both the amperometric reading and ORP reading were measured and recorded (Table 1).

Table 1

With the addition of the acid based monopersulfate, slight changes in pH induced a change in the measured hypochlorous acid (FIG. 2). However, the calculated free chlorine value remained stable since it is believed the monopersulfate existed as an ionized salt that cannot permeate the gas permeable membrane.

It is evident from the results of this test that free chlorine concentration was accurately measured by the amperometric sensor while the ORP value was significantly influenced by the presence of the second oxidizer (potassium monopersulfate). Even with concentrations of monopersulfate magnitudes higher than that applied in actual application such as the pool example, free chlorine residual was accurately measured by the amperometric sensor. By incorporating this sensor technology into this dual oxidizer application, verification and optimization of chlorine feed would be achieved even in the presence of the second oxidizer. Therefore, in a pool application where chlorine can be used as the sanitizer, implementation of this control technology can ensure that low levels of chlorine would not occur due to the satisfied ORP value measured by the ORP controller.

Yet another benefit of this invention is the improved performance achieved through the optimized proportioning of the oxides. For instance, if sufficient chlorine is available to ensure sanitation and support its role in the oxidation processes, the second oxidizer could be selected and fed independent of the chlorine. Boolean logic or Fuzzy logic can be effectively included to maximize performance through optimized proportioning of the oxidizers whether fed together or independently.

Example 2 AOT Test 1

An amperometric sensor combined with a readout display was calibrated to report the measured value of hydrogen peroxide as chlorine (Cl₂). Hydrogen peroxide was incrementally added to the solution. The increase in the amperometric value is illustrated in FIG. 3. Based on these results, it is evident that amperometric technology can effectively detect the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

The same test was performed using an amperometric sensor incorporating a gas permeable membrane. For the 90 ppm active concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the displayed value was 0.1 ppm as Cl₂.

Based on these two tests, it is evident the employing these two types of amperometric methods of measure could allow for an accurate measure of oxidizers independently in a two oxidizer environment. hi AOT applications hydrogen peroxide is converted to form hydroxyl free radicals, the second most powerful oxidizer known. This process incorporates combining hydrogen peroxide with ozone, or contacting the hydrogen peroxide with UV radiation. Hydroxyl free radicals rapidly react with many organic and inorganic contaminants found in many water treatment applications. However, if the concentration of hydroxyl radicals is to be optimized based on demand for the oxidizer, an accurate means of measuring this oxidizer in the presence of the second oxidizer must be employed.

ORP sensors typically do not provide an accurate method for measuring hydrogen peroxide. Amperometric sensor technology can be applied as previously reviewed.

However, hydroxyl radicals can interfere with the amperometric sensor if present with the hydrogen peroxide. In order to adjust for the concentration of hydroxyl radicals, independent measure of hydroxyl radicals must be made while in the presence of residual hydrogen peroxide.

Like hypochlorous acid, hydroxyl radicals are typically nonionic. This enables them to permeate through gas permeable membranes like that employed in the previous test. Hydrogen peroxide on the other hand typically possesses a strong anionic charge.

An amperometric sensor calibrated to report the oxidizer concentration as Cl incorporated a gas permeable membrane.

A sample of water was treated with 600 ppm of active hydrogen peroxide by adding 30% laboratory grade hydrogen peroxide to distilled water. A sample of solution was placed on a magnetic stirrer, the sensor with the membrane was immersed into a sample of the solution, the stirrer was activated, and the sensor was allowed to equilibrate for approximately 30 minutes.

Another equal volume of sample was placed in a reaction vessel, in which a UV lamp was placed. The sample with the lamp was periodically immersed in a swirling ice bath to maintain temperature at 23°C (±1°C). The solution was exposed for approximately 30 minutes.

After equilibrating for approximately 30 minutes, the amperometric reading was recorded followed by the ORP, and temperature. After recording, the UV sample was given a final ice water bath to stabilize the solution temperature. The lamp was disengaged, and the amperometric w/gas membrane sensor was immersed into the solution. The magnetic stirrer was initiated and the sensor was allowed to equilibrate.

After approximately 60 seconds, the measured value on the display increased significantly and in approximately 3- minutes reached a value of 8.38 as Cl as illustrated in Table 2. The pH, ORP and temperature were also recorded. Table 2

Example 3 AOT Test 2

To further demonstrate the ability to differentiate oxidizers and provide superior process control, a 500 ml sample of tap water was treated with 1 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide. 50 ml of solution was removed and radiated with UV for 30 minutes. The remaining 450 ml of peroxide solution was stirred using a magnetic stirrer with the membrane amperometric sensor immersed.

After 30 minutes and temperature adjustment with an ice bath, the UV radiated solution was reintroduced to the starting 600 ppm solution. Because both solutions began with 600 ppm of active hydrogen peroxide, addition of the solution would not affect the concentration of peroxide and thereby induce interference to the reading. In fact, it is reasonable to assume it would reduce the peroxide concentration since some of the peroxide had been consumed in the production of hydroxyl radicals.

The results shown in Table 3 clearly demonstrate the membrane- amperometric based technology has the ability to insulate the electrode from significant interferences induced by the presence of hydrogen peroxide, thereby allowing effective detection and measurement of hydroxyl radicals.

Table 3

Including gas permeable membrane based amperometric technology with conventional amperometric technology can provide superior process control of two oxidizers in two oxidizer systems.

One example is to maintain sufficient hydrogen peroxide in a body of water, such as a pool, for sanitation with use of a standard amperometric sensor. Then enhancing oxidation of organics with hydroxyl radicals by applying the gas membrane amperometric sensor technology to measure residual hydroxyl radicals directly, or by difference between the two gas membrane amperometric readings, one taken before and one after hydroxyl radicals are employed. This approach could effectively be applied to pools as well as other water treatment applications where oxidation using hydroxyl free radicals would effectively assist in the reduction of organic and other oxidizable inorganic substances.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

Claims

1. A system for determining and adjusting individual concentration levels of multiple oxidizer compositions comprising: at least one oxidation reduction potential (ORP) sensor; at least one amperometric sensor; and a means for process control in communication with each of said sensors adapted to adjust each of said multiple oxidizers.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said multiple oxidizer compositions include a halogen donor.

3. The system of any of claims 1 -2 wherein said multiple oxidizer compositions include an oxygen donor.

4. The system of any of claims 1-3 wherein at least one of said amperometric sensor is isolated by a gas permeable membrane.

5. The system of any of claims 1 -4 wherein at least one of said amperometric sensor is calibrated to a reference oxidizer.

6. A system for advanced oxidation technological control of an electrolyte containing fluid in a multiple oxidizer environment comprising: at least one amperometric sensor means; at least one amperometric sensor means isolated from said electrolyte containing fluid by a gas permeable membrane; and means for process control in communication with each of said sensor means, wherein production and/or introduction of hydroxyl free radicals is controlled in said multiple oxidizer environment.

7. The system of claim 1-6 further including a pH sensor.

8. The system of any of claims 1 -7 further including a temperature sensor.

9. The system of any of claims 6-9 wherein at least one of said amperometric sensor means is calibrated to a reference oxidizer.

10. The system of any of claims 6-9 wherein one of said multiple oxidizers comprises hydrogen peroxide.

11. The system of any of claims 1-10 wherein one of said multiple oxidizers comprises hydroxyl free radicals.

12. The system of any of claims 1-11 wherein said means for process control incorporates a means of control selected from the group consisting of time based proportional confrol, proportional control, proportional integral control, proportional integral differential, on/off control and combinations thereof.

13. The system according to any of claims 1-12 wherein said means for process control comprises a microprocessor.

14. The system according to any of claims 1-12 wherein said means for process control comprises an analog controller.

15. A process for removing volatile halogenated compounds including chloramines and/or bromamines from the air and treating a body of water in an indoor aquatic facility comprising the steps of: monitoring the ORP of said body of water; adding a halogen donor source in an amount and at a rate sufficient to realize an optimum free halogen level sufficient to sanitize said body of water; adding a peroxygen compound at a rate and in an amount sufficient to realize a level effective to maintain the ORP within an effective range of 750 mv - 850 mv; optimizing the ratio of halogen donor source to peroxygen compound to sustain the optimum free halogen level while maintaining the ORP within the effective range; providing at least one amperometric sensor; and providing a means for process control in communication with each of said sensors, the means for process confrol adapted to adjust the level of each of said halogen donor and peroxygen compound.

16. The process according to claim 15 wherein said halogen donor source is selected from the group consisting of trichloroisocyanuric acid, dichloroisocyanuric acid, sodium bromide, hydantoin based bromines, gaseous chlorine, calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof.

17. A process for removing dissolved halogenated compounds including chloramines and/or bromamines and preventing their accumulation in circulating water systems comprising: monitoring the ORP of said circulating water system; comparing the monitored ORP to a set-point value calculated to be within a range effective to permit oxidation of said halogenated compounds wherein the effective range of ORP is from 750 mv - 850 mv; adding a halogen donor source in an amount and at a rate sufficient to realize an optimum free halogen level sufficient to sanitize said body of water; adding a peroxygen compound at a rate and in an amount sufficient to realize a level effective to maintain the ORP within said effective range; optimizing the ratio of halogen donor source to peroxygen compound to sustain the optimum free halogen level while maintaining the effective ORP value; maintaining a sustained high rate of oxidation in said body of water sufficient to destroy any dissolved halogenated compounds within said body of water and prevent further accumulation thereof; providing at least one amperometric sensor means; and providing a means for process control in communication with each of said amperometric sensor means, whereby said means for process control is adapted to adjust the level of each of said halogen donor and peroxygen compound.

18. The process according to any of claims 15 or 16 wherein said halogen donor source is selected from the group consisting of gaseous chlorine, calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof.

17. The process according to any of claims 15-16 wherein the effective range of ORP is

18. The process according to any of claims 15-17 wherein the optimum free halogen level is within a range of 0.2 to 10.0 ppm.

19. The process according to any of claims 15-18 wherein the peroxygen compound is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, sodium peroxide, sodium perborate, potassium monopersulfate, sodium peroxydisulfate, potassium peroxide, potassium perborate, sodium monopersulfate, potassium peroxydisulfate, ammonium peroxydisulfate and ammonium monopersulfate.

20. The process according to any of claims 15-19 further including the step of monitoring and controlling temperature and/or pH.

21. The process according to any of claims 15-20 wherein at least one of said amperometric sensor means is isolated by a gas permeable membrane.

22. The process according to any of claims 15-21 wherein at least one of said amperometric sensor means is calibrated to a reference oxidizer.

23. The process according to any of claims 15-22 wherein said means for process control incorporates a means of confrol selected from the group consisting of time based proportional control, proportional control, proportional integral control, proportional integral differential, on/off control and combinations thereof.