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WO2019071279A1 - Water treatment system and method - Google Patents

Water treatment system and method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019071279A1
WO2019071279A1 PCT/ZA2018/050037 ZA2018050037W WO2019071279A1 WO 2019071279 A1 WO2019071279 A1 WO 2019071279A1 ZA 2018050037 W ZA2018050037 W ZA 2018050037W WO 2019071279 A1 WO2019071279 A1 WO 2019071279A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
onwards
plant cultivating
cultivating system
hydroponic plant
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/ZA2018/050037
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French (fr)
Inventor
Pieter Gideo Van Der Merwe
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Clean Air Nurseries Intellectual Property Holdings Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Clean Air Nurseries Intellectual Property Holdings Pty Ltd
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Publication of WO2019071279A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019071279A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F9/00—Multistage treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/005—Systems or processes based on supernatural or anthroposophic principles, cosmic or terrestrial radiation, geomancy or rhabdomancy
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/20—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by degassing, i.e. liberation of dissolved gases
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/42—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by ion-exchange
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/44—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis
    • C02F1/441—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis by reverse osmosis
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/44—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis
    • C02F1/442—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis by nanofiltration
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/463—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrocoagulation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/48—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage with magnetic or electric fields
    • C02F1/484—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage with magnetic or electric fields using electromagnets
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/48—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage with magnetic or electric fields
    • C02F1/487—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage with magnetic or electric fields using high frequency electromagnetic fields, e.g. pulsed electromagnetic fields
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/52—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities
    • C02F1/5236—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities using inorganic agents
    • C02F1/5245—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities using inorganic agents using basic salts, e.g. of aluminium and iron
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/52—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities
    • C02F1/5263—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities using natural chemical compounds
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/66—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by neutralisation; pH adjustment
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/68—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by addition of specified substances, e.g. trace elements, for ameliorating potable water
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/72—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation
    • C02F1/74—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation with air
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/72—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation
    • C02F1/78—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation with ozone
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/18—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from the purification of gaseous effluents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/04—Oxidation reduction potential [ORP]
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/06—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment pH
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/26—Reducing the size of particles, liquid droplets or bubbles, e.g. by crushing, grinding, spraying, creation of microbubbles or nanobubbles
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2305/00—Use of specific compounds during water treatment
    • C02F2305/04—Surfactants, used as part of a formulation or alone
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F5/00—Softening water; Preventing scale; Adding scale preventatives or scale removers to water, e.g. adding sequestering agents
    • C02F5/08—Treatment of water with complexing chemicals or other solubilising agents for softening, scale prevention or scale removal, e.g. adding sequestering agents
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
    • Y02W10/30—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies
    • Y02W10/37—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies using solar energy

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a system and method for treating water, and to a use of such treated water in a hydroponic plant cultivating system.
  • the global water supply is currently facing a number of different threats such as increased demand for energy production and pollution due to agricultural and industrial activities which adds nitrates, phosphates, pesticides, hormones, radioactive materials, heavy metals, and industrial toxins to water sources.
  • the negative effect on the plant growth properties of water are all dictated by the type and amount of pollutants. Different kind of pollutants have different effects on the attributes of water and the general quality of water is not desirable for intensive farming systems such as hydroponics.
  • a water treatment system for treating water for use in a hydroponic plant cultivating system which includes: - a filter for filtering unwanted particles;
  • a coagulator for coagulating at least minerals and heavy metals contained in the water
  • an oxidation-reduction controller for measuring and controlling oxidation- reduction potential of the water
  • Ph controller for measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water
  • a de-clustering mechanism for de-clustering water molecules of the water; and - an aerator for increasing the level of dissolved oxygen in the water.
  • the filter may be in the form of a nano-filter, supplied by Nano-TechTM and may further also include reverse osmosis.
  • the filter may be in the form of a multi -layered Moringa Oleifera seed cake filter, filled with Moringa Oleifera seed-cake, crushed and arranged in various layers in the filter.
  • the anti-scaling mechanism may include the use of a chemical substance such as hydrochloric acid and/ or sulphuric acid.
  • the coagulator may include aluminium sulphate.
  • the coagulator may include ions with opposite charges relative the mineral and / or metal colloids so as to destabilise the mineral and / or metal colloids for coagulation thereof.
  • the coagulator may include plant material derived from Moringa oleifera.
  • the coagulator may include an electro- coagulator and/or chemical coagulator.
  • the coagulator may further include an electro- magnetic reactor.
  • the oxidation - reduction controller for measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential may include electrolysis and ion-exchange resin and stripping material to manage the oxidation-reduction potential of water.
  • the Ph controller for measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water may include the releasing of anions and /or cations through the use of ion-exchange resins.
  • the carbon dioxide enriching apparatus may be in the form of a carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement configured to scrub carbon dioxide from a high carbon dioxide concentration stream, such as a stream from a cylinder of compressed carbon dioxide or an effluent stream from a chemical process which generates carbon dioxide, such as combustion.
  • the carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement may include a high pressure misting system, operating at minimum 60 bar, configured to spray a fine mist of water into the scrubber.
  • the carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement may include an organic anionic surfactant for facilitating the scrubbing of carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid.
  • the carbonic acid may act as a Ph buffer.
  • the de-clustering mechanism for de-clustering water molecules may be configured to reduce the size of a water cluster down to maximum of six water molecules per water cluster.
  • the de-clustering mechanism may further include ionisation in order to, in turn, alter a water molecule hydrogen bond so as to decrease the size of the water molecule.
  • the aerator for increasing the level of dissolved oxygen in the treated water may be configured to introduce oxygen in the form of nano-bubbles having a diameter of less than 200 ⁇ into the water.
  • the aerator may also introduce ozone into the water.
  • the system may yet further also include a water molecule size decreasing mechanism for decreasing the size of an ordinary water molecule.
  • the water molecule size decreasing mechanism may include the use of a high density high frequency pulsator.
  • the system may also include a water surface tension reducing mechanism.
  • the water surface tension reducing mechanism may include the use of an anionic surfactant.
  • the step of addition of a chemical substance to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids may include the use of hydrochloric acid (HCI) and/or sulphuric acid (H2SO4) as the chemical substance.
  • HCI hydrochloric acid
  • H2SO4 sulphuric acid
  • the first filtering process may include the use of a multi -layered Moringa Oleifera seed cake filter, filled with Moringa Oleifera seed-cake, crushed and arranged in various layers in the filter.
  • the step of coagulation may include the addition of ions having opposite charges relative the metal and/or mineral colloids so as to destabilise the metal and / or mineral colloids for coagulation thereof.
  • the step of coagulation may include the use of aluminium sulphate.
  • the step of coagulation may include the use of a coagulant containing plant material derived from Moringa oleifera.
  • the step of coagulation may further include electrocoagulation and chemical coagulation.
  • Electrocoagulation in turn may include electrochemical reactions selected from any one or more of the group consisting of seeding, emulsion breaking, halogen complexing, electron flooding and oxidation reduction in order to remove suspended solids to sub-micrometre levels, breaks emulsions such as oil and grease or latex, and oxidizes and eradicate heavy metals from the water.
  • Electrocoagulation may also include the introduction of charged polymeric metal hydroxide species.
  • the step of electrocoagulation may further include the steps of:
  • Emulsion breaking resulting from the oxygen and hydrogen ions that bond into the water receptor sites of emulsified oil molecules creating a water-insoluble complex separating water from foreign matter;
  • Halogen complexing as the metal ions bind themselves to chlorines in a chlorinated hydrocarbon molecule resulting in a large insoluble complex separating water from pesticides, herbicides and other contaminants;
  • Electron flooding of electrodes thereby forcing ions to be formed to carry charge into the water, thereby eliminating the polar effect of the water complex, allowing colloidal materials to precipitate and the current controlled ion transport between the electrodes creates an osmotic pressure that typically ruptures bacteria, cysts, and viruses.
  • Electrodes for using in the step of electrocoagulation may be manufactured from any one or more of the group consisting of iron, silver, aluminium, titanium and graphite.
  • the step of electrocoagulation may further include the use of an electro-magnetic reactor.
  • the step of measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential of the water may include the use of electrolysis and ion-exchange resin and stripping material to manage the oxidation-reduction potential of water.
  • the step of measuring and controlling Ph value of water may include releasing anions or cations through electrolyses so as to maintain the solution in equilibrium through use of ion-exchange resins.
  • the second filtering process may include the use of a nano-filter, supplied by Nano- TechTM and may further also include reverse osmosis.
  • the step of de-clustering of water molecules may include reducing the size of a water cluster down to maximum six water molecules per cluster.
  • the step of de-clustering may further include ionisation in order to, in turn, alter a water molecule hydrogen bond so as to decrease the size of the water molecule.
  • the step of subjecting the water to a high density high frequency pulsator may include the incorporating of a vessel with isolated partitions, one side positive charged, the other negative charged, with electric fields running parallel thereto. This configuration may result in water aligning their H positive side towards the negative charged partition and their O negative towards the positive charged partition.
  • the pulsator may operate at 1 -5 kilo-volt per Nano second.
  • the step of adding carbon dioxide and anionic surfactant may include scrubbing of carbon dioxide from the air with a scrubber.
  • the anionic surfactant may decrease the water surface tension of the water.
  • the scrubber may be defined as a high pressure misting system, operating at minimum 60 bar, incorporated to spray a fine mist of water into the scrubber.
  • Carbon dioxide and organic anionic surfactants are introduced to the water and thereby form carbonic acid.
  • the carbonic acid may act as a Ph buffer.
  • the step of introducing oxygen in the form of nano-bubbles into the water may include the introduction of ozone.
  • a hydroponic plant cultivating system which includes a water treatment system for treating water of the kind set forth, the hydroponic plant cultivating system further including; - a greenhouse type structure;
  • each plant support member including a plurality of plant receiving zones defined longitudinally and on opposing sides of the plant support member for supporting a plurality of plants in an off-set configuration relative one another;
  • the flow channel is in fluid communication with the plant receiving zones for introducing water to the plant receiving zones.
  • the filter may be in the form of a nano-filter, supplied by Nano-TechTM and may further also include reverse osmosis.
  • the filter may be in the form of a multi -layered Moringa Oleifera seed cake filter, filled with Moringa Oleifera seed-cake, crushed and arranged in various layers in the filter.
  • the anti-scaling mechanism may include the use of a chemical substance such as hydrochloric acid and/ or sulphuric acid.
  • the coagulator may include aluminium sulphate.
  • the coagulator may include ions with opposite charges relative the mineral and / or metal colloids so as to destabilise the mineral and / or metal colloids for coagulation thereof.
  • the coagulator may include plant material derived from Moringa oleifera.
  • the coagulator may include an electro- coagulator and/or chemical coagulator.
  • the coagulator may further include an electromagnetic reactor.
  • the oxidation - reduction controller for measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential may include electrolysis and ion-exchange resin and stripping material to manage the oxidation-reduction potential of water.
  • the de-clustering mechanism for de-clustering water molecules may be configured to reduce the size of a water cluster down to maximum of six water molecules per water cluster.
  • the de-clustering mechanism may further include ionisation in order to, in turn, alter a water molecule hydrogen bond so as to decrease the size of the water molecule.
  • the aerator for increasing the level of dissolved oxygen in the treated water may be configured to introduce oxygen in the form of nano-bubbles having a diameter of less than 200 ⁇ into the water.
  • the aerator may also introduce ozone into the water.
  • the system may yet further also include a water molecule size decreasing mechanism for decreasing the size of an ordinary water molecule.
  • the water molecule size decreasing mechanism may include the use of a high density high frequency pulsator.
  • the system may also include a water surface tension reducing mechanism.
  • the water surface tension reducing mechanism may include the use of an anionic surfactant.
  • the greenhouse type structure may include lumens enhancing means for increasing the amount of visible light in the structure.
  • the lumens enhancing means may be in the form of a sunlight reflective material for prohibiting sunlight entering the greenhouse type structure from escaping out of the structure.
  • the lumens enhancing means may be configured to reflect sunlight away from the floor.
  • the lumens enhancing means may be in the form of a reflective composition embedded in the flooring of the greenhouse type structure.
  • the lumens enhancing means may be in the form of a red and blue colour arrangement on the flooring of the greenhouse.
  • the lumens enhancing means may include a light source for supplying light having a wavelength of about 800 - 1000 nm.
  • the plant support member may be of modular form for allowing vertical interconnection of a plurality of plant support members.
  • the plant receiving zones may be defined in concave regions of the wave shaped plant support member.
  • the plant receiving zones may include a nutrient reservoir seated therein to enhance plant root formation.
  • the nutrient reservoir may be manufactured from a potassium-based polymer capable of storing water, the water measuring up to 400 times the dry weight of the reservoir.
  • the potassium-based polymer may be configured to gradually release stored water matching the water demand of the plant.
  • the hydroponic plant cultivating system may include a water harvesting mechanism for harvesting water from the environment for treatment by the water treatment system for introducing into the greenhouse type structure.
  • the hydroponic plant cultivating system may include acoustic growth properties so as to stimulate the growth of plants by subjecting the plants to sounds having a predetermined sound wave length.
  • Figure 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the system for the treatment of water for use in a hydroponic plant cultivating system
  • Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the hydroponic plant cultivating system shown in Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the plant support members, in accordance with the invention. Description of the invention
  • a water treatment system 10 for treating water to be used in a hydroponic plant cultivating system 12 the water treatment system 10 treating water flowing out of the hydroponic plant cultivating system 12 before introducing the water through a closed loop system back into the said system 12.
  • the water treatment system 10 includes an outlet reservoir for collecting water flowing out of the hydroponic plant cultivating system 12, or greenhouse, a coagulator for coagulating at least minerals and heavy metals contained in the water, an anti-scaling mechanism to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids on a first Moringa Olefeira seed cake type filter and a second reverse osmosis type filter, respectively, an oxidation-reduction controller for measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential of the water, a Ph controller for measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water, a water declustering and ionisation mechanism for declustering water molecules and reducing the size of the water molecule, respectively, a carbon dioxide enricher, ozone generator and aerator arrangement for enriching the water with carbonic acid, oxygen and ozone, respectively, and a pulsator for decreasing the size of an ordinary water molecule.
  • the final step involves the addition of a fertiliser and anionic surfactant before flowing into the inlet reservoir for introducing into the hydroponic
  • the coagulator will typically include ions having charges opposite the coagulates to destabilise the mineral and / or metal colloids, so as to allow coagulation thereof.
  • the coagulator can also include plant material derived from Moringa oleifera.
  • the coagulator will typically also include the use of an electro-coagulator, chemical coagulator, and electro-magnetic reactor.
  • Electrocoagulation by means of the electro-coagulator effectively removes suspended solids to sub-micrometre levels, breaks emulsions such as oil and grease or latex, and oxidizes and eradicates heavy metals from water without the use of filters or the addition of separation chemicals. Electrocoagulation addresses any size of suspended solids including destructive >30 ⁇ particles and heavy metals that can wear-and-tear membranes and hardware.
  • the gas bubbles produced during electrolysis/ electrocoagulation carries the pollutant components to the top of the solution where it can be more easily concentrated, collected and removed by a motorised skimmer.
  • Magnetic treatment of the water by incorporation of the electro-magnetic reactor in turn assists in sedimentation of metal containing particles.
  • the anti-scaling mechanism includes the use of a chemical substance to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids on the filters, and typically includes the use of hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid.
  • the first filter comprises of Moringa Oleifera seed-cake, crushed and configured in different layers to define a layered Moringa Oleifera seed-cake filter. These seedcakes also help to remove dirt, solid particles and even some bacteria and fungi.
  • Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose tree and seeds of this tropical tree contain water- soluble, positively charged proteins that act as an effective coagulant for water and wastewater treatment. Moringa oleifera seed exhibited high efficiency in the reduction and prevention of the bacterial growth and showed to reduce water turbidity, improve dissolved oxygen, increase chemical oxygen demand, and biological oxygen demand with no significant alteration of pH, conductivity, salinity and total dissolved solid after the treatment. Heavy metals such as iron are fully eliminated, while reducing the levels of copper, cadmium and lead.
  • the second filter can further include the use of a nano-filter supplied by Nano-TechTM, and incorporate reverse osmosis technology.
  • Nano filtration will be a pressure related process, during which separation takes place, based on molecule size. Membranes bring about the separation. The technique is mainly applied for the removal of organic substances, such as micro pollutants and multivalent ions. Nano filtration membranes have a moderate retention for univalent salts.
  • the oxidation reduction controller for measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential includes electrolysis and ion-exchange resin and stripping material to control the oxidation-reduction potential of the water to promote optimum plant growth.
  • the Ph controller for measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water includes the releasing of anions and cations through electrolyses so as to maintain the water in equilibrium through use of ion-exchange resins.
  • the controlling and remediating the Ph value of water to improve its qualities is important in hydroponic culture where plants are in contact with aqueous solutions.
  • Plant nutrients are available in water as ions that have a given charge. For example, nitrogen is absorbed as the nitrate ion (NO3(-)) while potassium is absorbed as the K(+) ion. When the plant absorbs potassium, it depletes the solution of a positive charge. Since the solution must remain neutral the plant gives the solution an H3O(+) ion to compensate.
  • the plant has therefore decreased the pH of the solution by absorbing a potassium ion.
  • nitrate When nitrate is absorbed, which is an ion with a negative charge, the plant does the opposite and exchanges the nitrate for an OH(-), the resultant pH of the water is increased.
  • the ideal Ph range for plants is in the region of 5.5 to about 7.0. Above or below these values certain changes within the chemistry of the water makes nutrients less available to the plant. The large importance of adequate control of pH value is to maintain an optimum absorption of nutrients to plants. When below a pH of 5.5 certain nutrients for example iron become very readily available while nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen become much less available.
  • the de-clustering mechanism for de-clustering water molecules are configured to reduce the size of a water cluster down to maximum of six water molecules per water cluster. Untreated water could have clusters of molecules of 50-60, whereas polluted water anything from 80 or more resulting in plant deficiencies, diseases and even plant mortality.
  • the de-clustering mechanism further include ionisation in order to, in turn, alter a water molecule hydrogen bond so as to further decrease the size of the water molecule.
  • the ionization process breaks the electrical bonding of water molecules and restructures the water down to about 5 - 6 molecules per cluster. This smaller cluster size means that the water can be more easily absorbed by plant roots, thereby providing superior hydration helping to dissolve and flush out acidic solid waste and toxins accumulated.
  • the carbon dioxide enriching apparatus in the form of a carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement which is further configured to scrub carbon dioxide from a high carbon dioxide concentration stream, such as a stream from a cylinder of compressed carbon dioxide or an effluent stream from a chemical process which generates carbon dioxide, such as combustion.
  • the scrubber arrangement includes a high pressure misting system, operating at minimum 60 bar, configured to spray a fine mist of water into the scrubber.
  • Organic anionic surfactants are introduced into the scrubber for facilitating the scrubbing of carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid.
  • the carbonic acid in turn acts as a Ph buffer.
  • the aerator for increasing the level of dissolved oxygen in the treated water is configured to introduce oxygen in the form of nano-bubbles having a diameter of less than 200 ⁇ , thereby assisting plant reproduction as oxygen is an essential plant nutrient.
  • Plant root systems require oxygen for aerobic respiration which an essential plant process that releases energy for root growth and nutrient uptake.
  • the oxygen supplied for plant root uptake is provided mostly as dissolved oxygen held in the nutrient solution. Depletion of dissolved oxygen in the root system reduces water and mineral uptake and negatively affects plant growth. Healthy roots supplied with sufficient oxygen are able to absorb nutrient ions selectively from the surrounding solution as required.
  • Nanobubbles ( ⁇ 200 nm in diameter) have several unique properties such as long lifetime in liquid owing to its negatively charged surface, and its high gas solubility into the liquid owing to its high internal pressure.
  • the high density high frequency pulsator includes a vessel with isolated partitions, one side positive charged, the other negative charged, with electric fields running parallel thereto. This configuration results in water aligning their H positive side towards the negative charged partition and their O negative towards the positive charged partition.
  • the pulsator operates at 1 -5 kilo-volt per Nano second.
  • the system further include the use of a water surface tension reducing mechanism for reducing the water tension of the water molecule, thereby alleviating capillary root uptake of water.
  • An anionic surfactant will typically be incorporated to reduce the water tension where after the required fertilisers are added.
  • the treated water thereafter flow into the inlet reservoir for introducing into the hydroponic plant cultivating system.
  • the hydroponic plant cultivating system 12 further includes a greenhouse type structure 14, depicted by Figure 2, wherein a plurality of plant support members 16 of elongate wave shaped form are arranged substantially vertically in the greenhouse type structure, see Figure 3.
  • the plurality of plant support members 16 each includes a plurality of plant receiving zones 18 defined longitudinally and on opposing sides of the plant support member 16 for supporting a plurality of plants in an off-set configuration relative one another, and a flow channel defined inside the plant support member 16 for channelling the flow of treated water streaming down the elongate plant support member 16; wherein the flow channel is in fluid communication with a fluid source 20 and the plant receiving zones 18 for introducing treated water to the said zones.
  • the greenhouse type structure 14 will typically include lumens enhancing means for increasing the amount of visible light in the structure in the form of a light reflective material for prohibiting sunlight entering the greenhouse type structure from escaping out of the structure, and, also in the form of a light reflective composition embedded in the flooring of the greenhouse type structure for reflecting sunlight back towards the plant supporting members.
  • the lumens enhancing means can also be in the form of a red and blue colour arrangement on the flooring of the greenhouse and also in the form of a light source for supplying light having a wavelength of about 800 - 1000 nm.
  • the greenhouse type structure further includes durable glass or clear polycarbonate with ultra violet resistance to filter sunlight so as to allow red and blue light wave lengths to enter the greenhouse to enhance plant growth, ventilated shafts, wet-walling and temperature controlling mechanisms for maintaining an ideal temperature of between 10C° and 28C°, a fogging system for spraying a fine/dry mist inside the structure, to assist in temperature control, humidity control and foliar fertigation, extraction fans to extract air out of the greenhouse, smooth concrete flooring with wash-water traps to assist in pathogen control, double air-lock access point, with biocide floor mat to assist in pathogen control, submerged pump station, acoustic growth properties further stimulates the growth of plants by subjecting the plants to sounds having a predetermined sound wave lengths, and a computer to electronically control the circulation and treatment of water.
  • the plant support members 16 will typically be of modular form for allowing interconnection of a plurality of plant support members arranged vertically in a spaced apart relationship inside the greenhouse 14. Water streaming down the plant support member will be collected by the outlet pipes 22 which are in turn connected to the outlet reservoir for treatment of the water by the water treatment system 10 before re- introduction into the greenhouse 14.
  • the plant receiving zones 18 are defined in concave regions of the wave shaped plant support member 16 and includes a nutrient reservoir seated inside the plant receiving zone to enhance plant root formation.
  • the nutrient reservoir can be manufactured from a potassium-based polymer capable of storing water, the water measuring up to 400 times the dry weight of the reservoir.
  • the nutrient reservoir gradually releases stored water matching the water demand of the plant.
  • the nutrient reservoir therefore allows water to be supplied intermittently to the greenhouse thereby saving operating costs.
  • the hydroponic plant cultivating system 12 will include a water harvesting mechanism for harvesting water from the environment for treatment by the water treatment system 10 and use in the hydroponic plant cultivating system 12.
  • the water treatment system 10 will preferably be located on the same site as the greenhouse type structure and be in fluid communication with the flow channel for supplying a stream of treated water to the plants.
  • the hydroponic plant cultivating system includes carbon neutrality, it can operate "off-the-grid, and provides its own water as water is harvested from the atmosphere.
  • the hydroponic plant cultivating system does not use any petrochemical derivative products such as herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. It is virtually an all- out organic approach.
  • the hydroponic plant cultivating system mitigates most of the challenges associated with agriculture. It operates independent of most climatic, topographic, temperature, soil or water condition and could be installed almost anywhere.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Hydroponics (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)

Abstract

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a water treatment system for treating water for use in a hydroponic plant cultivating system which includes a filter for filtering unwanted particles, an anti-scaling mechanism to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids on the filter, a coagulator for coagulating at least minerals and heavy metals contained in the water, an oxidation-reduction controller for measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential of the water, a Ph controller for measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water, a carbon dioxide enriching apparatus for enriching the water with carbonic acid, a de-clustering mechanism for de-clustering water molecules of the water; and an aerator for increasing the level of dissolved oxygen in the water.

Description

WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD
Technical field
This invention relates to a system and method for treating water, and to a use of such treated water in a hydroponic plant cultivating system.
Background The quality of water quality is commonly defined by its chemical, physical and biological attributes and is closely linked to its surrounding environment. The runoff from urban, industrial, farming, mining and forestry activities significantly affects the quality of water available for agriculture as well as greenhouse horticulture. Water quality and supply are essential for organic greenhouse grown crops to prevent contamination by undesirable chemicals and microorganisms. In greenhouse type systems the absence of natural precipitation, combined with higher evapotranspiration due to higher temperature and longer cropping periods requires an adequate supply of high quality water.
The global water supply is currently facing a number of different threats such as increased demand for energy production and pollution due to agricultural and industrial activities which adds nitrates, phosphates, pesticides, hormones, radioactive materials, heavy metals, and industrial toxins to water sources.
The negative effect on the plant growth properties of water are all dictated by the type and amount of pollutants. Different kind of pollutants have different effects on the attributes of water and the general quality of water is not desirable for intensive farming systems such as hydroponics.
The inventor having considered the above proposes the invention described hereunder. Summary of the invention
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a water treatment system for treating water for use in a hydroponic plant cultivating system which includes: - a filter for filtering unwanted particles;
- an anti-scaling mechanism to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids on the filter;
- a coagulator for coagulating at least minerals and heavy metals contained in the water;
- an oxidation-reduction controller for measuring and controlling oxidation- reduction potential of the water;
- a Ph controller for measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water;
- a carbon dioxide enriching apparatus for enriching the water with carbonic acid;
- a de-clustering mechanism for de-clustering water molecules of the water; and - an aerator for increasing the level of dissolved oxygen in the water.
The filter may be in the form of a nano-filter, supplied by Nano-Tech™ and may further also include reverse osmosis. The filter may be in the form of a multi -layered Moringa Oleifera seed cake filter, filled with Moringa Oleifera seed-cake, crushed and arranged in various layers in the filter.
The anti-scaling mechanism may include the use of a chemical substance such as hydrochloric acid and/ or sulphuric acid. The coagulator may include aluminium sulphate. The coagulator may include ions with opposite charges relative the mineral and / or metal colloids so as to destabilise the mineral and / or metal colloids for coagulation thereof. The coagulator may include plant material derived from Moringa oleifera. The coagulator may include an electro- coagulator and/or chemical coagulator. The coagulator may further include an electro- magnetic reactor. The oxidation - reduction controller for measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential may include electrolysis and ion-exchange resin and stripping material to manage the oxidation-reduction potential of water.
The Ph controller for measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water may include the releasing of anions and /or cations through the use of ion-exchange resins.
The carbon dioxide enriching apparatus may be in the form of a carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement configured to scrub carbon dioxide from a high carbon dioxide concentration stream, such as a stream from a cylinder of compressed carbon dioxide or an effluent stream from a chemical process which generates carbon dioxide, such as combustion. The carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement may include a high pressure misting system, operating at minimum 60 bar, configured to spray a fine mist of water into the scrubber. The carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement may include an organic anionic surfactant for facilitating the scrubbing of carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid. The carbonic acid may act as a Ph buffer.
The de-clustering mechanism for de-clustering water molecules may be configured to reduce the size of a water cluster down to maximum of six water molecules per water cluster. The de-clustering mechanism may further include ionisation in order to, in turn, alter a water molecule hydrogen bond so as to decrease the size of the water molecule.
The aerator for increasing the level of dissolved oxygen in the treated water may be configured to introduce oxygen in the form of nano-bubbles having a diameter of less than 200 μιη into the water. The aerator may also introduce ozone into the water.
The system may yet further also include a water molecule size decreasing mechanism for decreasing the size of an ordinary water molecule. The water molecule size decreasing mechanism may include the use of a high density high frequency pulsator.
The system may also include a water surface tension reducing mechanism. The water surface tension reducing mechanism may include the use of an anionic surfactant. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for treating water which includes at least the steps of:
- adding a chemical substance to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids on filter membranes;
- subjecting the water to a first filtering process;
- coagulation of minerals and metals dispersed in the water;
- measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential of the water;
- measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water;
- subjecting the water to a second filtering process;
- de-clustering of water molecules;
- subjecting the water to a high density high frequency pulsator;
- introducing carbon dioxide and anionic surfactant into the water; and
- introducing oxygen in the form of nano-bubbles into the water. The step of addition of a chemical substance to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids may include the use of hydrochloric acid (HCI) and/or sulphuric acid (H2SO4) as the chemical substance.
The first filtering process may include the use of a multi -layered Moringa Oleifera seed cake filter, filled with Moringa Oleifera seed-cake, crushed and arranged in various layers in the filter.
The step of coagulation may include the addition of ions having opposite charges relative the metal and/or mineral colloids so as to destabilise the metal and / or mineral colloids for coagulation thereof. The step of coagulation may include the use of aluminium sulphate. The step of coagulation may include the use of a coagulant containing plant material derived from Moringa oleifera. The step of coagulation may further include electrocoagulation and chemical coagulation. Electrocoagulation in turn may include electrochemical reactions selected from any one or more of the group consisting of seeding, emulsion breaking, halogen complexing, electron flooding and oxidation reduction in order to remove suspended solids to sub-micrometre levels, breaks emulsions such as oil and grease or latex, and oxidizes and eradicate heavy metals from the water.
Electrocoagulation may also include the introduction of charged polymeric metal hydroxide species.
The step of electrocoagulation may further include the steps of:
Seeding, resulting from the anode reduction of metal ions which become new centres for larger, stable, insoluble complexes that precipitate as complex metal ion;
Emulsion breaking, resulting from the oxygen and hydrogen ions that bond into the water receptor sites of emulsified oil molecules creating a water-insoluble complex separating water from foreign matter;
Halogen complexing, as the metal ions bind themselves to chlorines in a chlorinated hydrocarbon molecule resulting in a large insoluble complex separating water from pesticides, herbicides and other contaminants;
Electron flooding of electrodes, thereby forcing ions to be formed to carry charge into the water, thereby eliminating the polar effect of the water complex, allowing colloidal materials to precipitate and the current controlled ion transport between the electrodes creates an osmotic pressure that typically ruptures bacteria, cysts, and viruses.
Electrodes for using in the step of electrocoagulation may be manufactured from any one or more of the group consisting of iron, silver, aluminium, titanium and graphite. The step of electrocoagulation may further include the use of an electro-magnetic reactor.
The step of measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential of the water may include the use of electrolysis and ion-exchange resin and stripping material to manage the oxidation-reduction potential of water.
The step of measuring and controlling Ph value of water may include releasing anions or cations through electrolyses so as to maintain the solution in equilibrium through use of ion-exchange resins. The second filtering process may include the use of a nano-filter, supplied by Nano- Tech™ and may further also include reverse osmosis.
The step of de-clustering of water molecules may include reducing the size of a water cluster down to maximum six water molecules per cluster.
The step of de-clustering may further include ionisation in order to, in turn, alter a water molecule hydrogen bond so as to decrease the size of the water molecule. The step of subjecting the water to a high density high frequency pulsator may include the incorporating of a vessel with isolated partitions, one side positive charged, the other negative charged, with electric fields running parallel thereto. This configuration may result in water aligning their H positive side towards the negative charged partition and their O negative towards the positive charged partition. The pulsator may operate at 1 -5 kilo-volt per Nano second.
The step of adding carbon dioxide and anionic surfactant may include scrubbing of carbon dioxide from the air with a scrubber. The anionic surfactant may decrease the water surface tension of the water. The scrubber may be defined as a high pressure misting system, operating at minimum 60 bar, incorporated to spray a fine mist of water into the scrubber. Carbon dioxide and organic anionic surfactants are introduced to the water and thereby form carbonic acid. The carbonic acid may act as a Ph buffer. The step of introducing oxygen in the form of nano-bubbles into the water may include the introduction of ozone.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a hydroponic plant cultivating system which includes a water treatment system for treating water of the kind set forth, the hydroponic plant cultivating system further including; - a greenhouse type structure;
- a plurality of plant support members of elongate wave shaped form arranged substantially vertically in the greenhouse type structure; - each plant support member including a plurality of plant receiving zones defined longitudinally and on opposing sides of the plant support member for supporting a plurality of plants in an off-set configuration relative one another; and
- a flow channel defined inside the plant support member for channelling the flow of water inside the plant support member;
wherein the flow channel is in fluid communication with the plant receiving zones for introducing water to the plant receiving zones.
The filter may be in the form of a nano-filter, supplied by Nano-Tech™ and may further also include reverse osmosis. The filter may be in the form of a multi -layered Moringa Oleifera seed cake filter, filled with Moringa Oleifera seed-cake, crushed and arranged in various layers in the filter.
The anti-scaling mechanism may include the use of a chemical substance such as hydrochloric acid and/ or sulphuric acid.
The coagulator may include aluminium sulphate. The coagulator may include ions with opposite charges relative the mineral and / or metal colloids so as to destabilise the mineral and / or metal colloids for coagulation thereof. The coagulator may include plant material derived from Moringa oleifera. The coagulator may include an electro- coagulator and/or chemical coagulator. The coagulator may further include an electromagnetic reactor.
The oxidation - reduction controller for measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential may include electrolysis and ion-exchange resin and stripping material to manage the oxidation-reduction potential of water.
The Ph controller for measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water may include the releasing of anions and /or cations through the use of ion-exchange resins. The carbon dioxide enriching apparatus may be in the form of a carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement configured to scrub carbon dioxide from a high carbon dioxide concentration stream, such as a stream from a cylinder of compressed carbon dioxide or an effluent stream from a chemical process which generates carbon dioxide, such as combustion. The carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement may include a high pressure misting system, operating at minimum 60 bar, configured to spray a fine mist of water into the scrubber. The carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement may include an organic anionic surfactant for facilitating the scrubbing of carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid. The carbonic acid may act as a Ph buffer.
The de-clustering mechanism for de-clustering water molecules may be configured to reduce the size of a water cluster down to maximum of six water molecules per water cluster. The de-clustering mechanism may further include ionisation in order to, in turn, alter a water molecule hydrogen bond so as to decrease the size of the water molecule.
The aerator for increasing the level of dissolved oxygen in the treated water may be configured to introduce oxygen in the form of nano-bubbles having a diameter of less than 200 μιη into the water. The aerator may also introduce ozone into the water.
The system may yet further also include a water molecule size decreasing mechanism for decreasing the size of an ordinary water molecule. The water molecule size decreasing mechanism may include the use of a high density high frequency pulsator. The system may also include a water surface tension reducing mechanism. The water surface tension reducing mechanism may include the use of an anionic surfactant.
The greenhouse type structure may include lumens enhancing means for increasing the amount of visible light in the structure. The lumens enhancing means may be in the form of a sunlight reflective material for prohibiting sunlight entering the greenhouse type structure from escaping out of the structure. The lumens enhancing means may be configured to reflect sunlight away from the floor. The lumens enhancing means may be in the form of a reflective composition embedded in the flooring of the greenhouse type structure. The lumens enhancing means may be in the form of a red and blue colour arrangement on the flooring of the greenhouse. The lumens enhancing means may include a light source for supplying light having a wavelength of about 800 - 1000 nm. The plant support member may be of modular form for allowing vertical interconnection of a plurality of plant support members.
The plant receiving zones may be defined in concave regions of the wave shaped plant support member. The plant receiving zones may include a nutrient reservoir seated therein to enhance plant root formation. The nutrient reservoir may be manufactured from a potassium-based polymer capable of storing water, the water measuring up to 400 times the dry weight of the reservoir. The potassium-based polymer may be configured to gradually release stored water matching the water demand of the plant.
The hydroponic plant cultivating system may include a water harvesting mechanism for harvesting water from the environment for treatment by the water treatment system for introducing into the greenhouse type structure. The hydroponic plant cultivating system may include acoustic growth properties so as to stimulate the growth of plants by subjecting the plants to sounds having a predetermined sound wave length.
Brief description of the drawings
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the system for the treatment of water for use in a hydroponic plant cultivating system;
Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the hydroponic plant cultivating system shown in Figure 1 ; and
Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the plant support members, in accordance with the invention. Description of the invention
According to an embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 there is provided a water treatment system 10 for treating water to be used in a hydroponic plant cultivating system 12, the water treatment system 10 treating water flowing out of the hydroponic plant cultivating system 12 before introducing the water through a closed loop system back into the said system 12.
The water treatment system 10 includes an outlet reservoir for collecting water flowing out of the hydroponic plant cultivating system 12, or greenhouse, a coagulator for coagulating at least minerals and heavy metals contained in the water, an anti-scaling mechanism to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids on a first Moringa Olefeira seed cake type filter and a second reverse osmosis type filter, respectively, an oxidation-reduction controller for measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential of the water, a Ph controller for measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water, a water declustering and ionisation mechanism for declustering water molecules and reducing the size of the water molecule, respectively, a carbon dioxide enricher, ozone generator and aerator arrangement for enriching the water with carbonic acid, oxygen and ozone, respectively, and a pulsator for decreasing the size of an ordinary water molecule. The final step involves the addition of a fertiliser and anionic surfactant before flowing into the inlet reservoir for introducing into the hydroponic plant cultivating system.
The coagulator will typically include ions having charges opposite the coagulates to destabilise the mineral and / or metal colloids, so as to allow coagulation thereof. The coagulator can also include plant material derived from Moringa oleifera. The coagulator will typically also include the use of an electro-coagulator, chemical coagulator, and electro-magnetic reactor.
Electrocoagulation by means of the electro-coagulator effectively removes suspended solids to sub-micrometre levels, breaks emulsions such as oil and grease or latex, and oxidizes and eradicates heavy metals from water without the use of filters or the addition of separation chemicals. Electrocoagulation addresses any size of suspended solids including destructive >30 μιη particles and heavy metals that can wear-and-tear membranes and hardware. The gas bubbles produced during electrolysis/ electrocoagulation carries the pollutant components to the top of the solution where it can be more easily concentrated, collected and removed by a motorised skimmer.
Magnetic treatment of the water by incorporation of the electro-magnetic reactor in turn assists in sedimentation of metal containing particles.
The anti-scaling mechanism includes the use of a chemical substance to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids on the filters, and typically includes the use of hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid.
The first filter comprises of Moringa Oleifera seed-cake, crushed and configured in different layers to define a layered Moringa Oleifera seed-cake filter. These seedcakes also help to remove dirt, solid particles and even some bacteria and fungi. Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose tree and seeds of this tropical tree contain water- soluble, positively charged proteins that act as an effective coagulant for water and wastewater treatment. Moringa oleifera seed exhibited high efficiency in the reduction and prevention of the bacterial growth and showed to reduce water turbidity, improve dissolved oxygen, increase chemical oxygen demand, and biological oxygen demand with no significant alteration of pH, conductivity, salinity and total dissolved solid after the treatment. Heavy metals such as iron are fully eliminated, while reducing the levels of copper, cadmium and lead.
The second filter can further include the use of a nano-filter supplied by Nano-Tech™, and incorporate reverse osmosis technology. Nano filtration will be a pressure related process, during which separation takes place, based on molecule size. Membranes bring about the separation. The technique is mainly applied for the removal of organic substances, such as micro pollutants and multivalent ions. Nano filtration membranes have a moderate retention for univalent salts. The oxidation reduction controller for measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential includes electrolysis and ion-exchange resin and stripping material to control the oxidation-reduction potential of the water to promote optimum plant growth. The Ph controller for measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water includes the releasing of anions and cations through electrolyses so as to maintain the water in equilibrium through use of ion-exchange resins. The controlling and remediating the Ph value of water to improve its qualities is important in hydroponic culture where plants are in contact with aqueous solutions. Plant nutrients are available in water as ions that have a given charge. For example, nitrogen is absorbed as the nitrate ion (NO3(-)) while potassium is absorbed as the K(+) ion. When the plant absorbs potassium, it depletes the solution of a positive charge. Since the solution must remain neutral the plant gives the solution an H3O(+) ion to compensate. The plant has therefore decreased the pH of the solution by absorbing a potassium ion. When nitrate is absorbed, which is an ion with a negative charge, the plant does the opposite and exchanges the nitrate for an OH(-), the resultant pH of the water is increased. The ideal Ph range for plants is in the region of 5.5 to about 7.0. Above or below these values certain changes within the chemistry of the water makes nutrients less available to the plant. The large importance of adequate control of pH value is to maintain an optimum absorption of nutrients to plants. When below a pH of 5.5 certain nutrients for example iron become very readily available while nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen become much less available.
The de-clustering mechanism for de-clustering water molecules are configured to reduce the size of a water cluster down to maximum of six water molecules per water cluster. Untreated water could have clusters of molecules of 50-60, whereas polluted water anything from 80 or more resulting in plant deficiencies, diseases and even plant mortality. The de-clustering mechanism further include ionisation in order to, in turn, alter a water molecule hydrogen bond so as to further decrease the size of the water molecule. The ionization process breaks the electrical bonding of water molecules and restructures the water down to about 5 - 6 molecules per cluster. This smaller cluster size means that the water can be more easily absorbed by plant roots, thereby providing superior hydration helping to dissolve and flush out acidic solid waste and toxins accumulated. Capillary action, osmosis, transpiration and cation exchange is greatly improved by de-clustering which is extremely useful in a hydroponic environment. In order to increase the levels of dissolved carbon dioxide the carbon dioxide enriching apparatus in the form of a carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement is included which is further configured to scrub carbon dioxide from a high carbon dioxide concentration stream, such as a stream from a cylinder of compressed carbon dioxide or an effluent stream from a chemical process which generates carbon dioxide, such as combustion. The scrubber arrangement includes a high pressure misting system, operating at minimum 60 bar, configured to spray a fine mist of water into the scrubber. Organic anionic surfactants are introduced into the scrubber for facilitating the scrubbing of carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid. The carbonic acid in turn acts as a Ph buffer. The aerator for increasing the level of dissolved oxygen in the treated water is configured to introduce oxygen in the form of nano-bubbles having a diameter of less than 200 μιη, thereby assisting plant reproduction as oxygen is an essential plant nutrient. Plant root systems require oxygen for aerobic respiration which an essential plant process that releases energy for root growth and nutrient uptake. In many 'solution culture' hydroponic systems, the oxygen supplied for plant root uptake is provided mostly as dissolved oxygen held in the nutrient solution. Depletion of dissolved oxygen in the root system reduces water and mineral uptake and negatively affects plant growth. Healthy roots supplied with sufficient oxygen are able to absorb nutrient ions selectively from the surrounding solution as required. The metabolic energy which is required to drive this nutrient uptake process is obtained from root respiration using oxygen. Without sufficient oxygen in the root zone, plants are unable to take up mineral nutrients in the concentrations required for maximum growth and development. Nanobubbles (<200 nm in diameter) have several unique properties such as long lifetime in liquid owing to its negatively charged surface, and its high gas solubility into the liquid owing to its high internal pressure.
From the ozone generator, carbon dioxide enricher and aerator arrangement the water is exposed to a high density high frequency pulsator for further decreasing the size of the water molecule. The high density high frequency pulsator includes a vessel with isolated partitions, one side positive charged, the other negative charged, with electric fields running parallel thereto. This configuration results in water aligning their H positive side towards the negative charged partition and their O negative towards the positive charged partition. The pulsator operates at 1 -5 kilo-volt per Nano second. In order to assist in the capillary uptake of water, the system further include the use of a water surface tension reducing mechanism for reducing the water tension of the water molecule, thereby alleviating capillary root uptake of water. An anionic surfactant will typically be incorporated to reduce the water tension where after the required fertilisers are added.
The treated water thereafter flow into the inlet reservoir for introducing into the hydroponic plant cultivating system.
Water sourced from the environment of elsewhere will also be treated according to the above process before introducing into the hydroponic system. The resulted treated water shows significant improvements in plant growth, plant health and overall aesthetic aspects of the plants. This is mainly attributed to treatment system effectively removing all pollutants, rectifying the quality and plant growth attributes of water. The hydroponic plant cultivating system 12 further includes a greenhouse type structure 14, depicted by Figure 2, wherein a plurality of plant support members 16 of elongate wave shaped form are arranged substantially vertically in the greenhouse type structure, see Figure 3. The plurality of plant support members 16 each includes a plurality of plant receiving zones 18 defined longitudinally and on opposing sides of the plant support member 16 for supporting a plurality of plants in an off-set configuration relative one another, and a flow channel defined inside the plant support member 16 for channelling the flow of treated water streaming down the elongate plant support member 16; wherein the flow channel is in fluid communication with a fluid source 20 and the plant receiving zones 18 for introducing treated water to the said zones.
The greenhouse type structure 14 will typically include lumens enhancing means for increasing the amount of visible light in the structure in the form of a light reflective material for prohibiting sunlight entering the greenhouse type structure from escaping out of the structure, and, also in the form of a light reflective composition embedded in the flooring of the greenhouse type structure for reflecting sunlight back towards the plant supporting members. The lumens enhancing means can also be in the form of a red and blue colour arrangement on the flooring of the greenhouse and also in the form of a light source for supplying light having a wavelength of about 800 - 1000 nm. The greenhouse type structure further includes durable glass or clear polycarbonate with ultra violet resistance to filter sunlight so as to allow red and blue light wave lengths to enter the greenhouse to enhance plant growth, ventilated shafts, wet-walling and temperature controlling mechanisms for maintaining an ideal temperature of between 10C° and 28C°, a fogging system for spraying a fine/dry mist inside the structure, to assist in temperature control, humidity control and foliar fertigation, extraction fans to extract air out of the greenhouse, smooth concrete flooring with wash-water traps to assist in pathogen control, double air-lock access point, with biocide floor mat to assist in pathogen control, submerged pump station, acoustic growth properties further stimulates the growth of plants by subjecting the plants to sounds having a predetermined sound wave lengths, and a computer to electronically control the circulation and treatment of water. The plant support members 16 will typically be of modular form for allowing interconnection of a plurality of plant support members arranged vertically in a spaced apart relationship inside the greenhouse 14. Water streaming down the plant support member will be collected by the outlet pipes 22 which are in turn connected to the outlet reservoir for treatment of the water by the water treatment system 10 before re- introduction into the greenhouse 14.
The plant receiving zones 18 are defined in concave regions of the wave shaped plant support member 16 and includes a nutrient reservoir seated inside the plant receiving zone to enhance plant root formation. The nutrient reservoir can be manufactured from a potassium-based polymer capable of storing water, the water measuring up to 400 times the dry weight of the reservoir. The nutrient reservoir gradually releases stored water matching the water demand of the plant. The nutrient reservoir therefore allows water to be supplied intermittently to the greenhouse thereby saving operating costs. In order to promote self-sustainability, the hydroponic plant cultivating system 12 will include a water harvesting mechanism for harvesting water from the environment for treatment by the water treatment system 10 and use in the hydroponic plant cultivating system 12. The water treatment system 10 will preferably be located on the same site as the greenhouse type structure and be in fluid communication with the flow channel for supplying a stream of treated water to the plants.
Advantages of the hydroponic plant cultivating system includes carbon neutrality, it can operate "off-the-grid, and provides its own water as water is harvested from the atmosphere. The hydroponic plant cultivating system does not use any petrochemical derivative products such as herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. It is virtually an all- out organic approach. The hydroponic plant cultivating system mitigates most of the challenges associated with agriculture. It operates independent of most climatic, topographic, temperature, soil or water condition and could be installed almost anywhere.

Claims

A water treatment system for treating water for use in a hydroponic plant cultivating system which includes:
a filter for filtering unwanted particles;
an anti-scaling mechanism to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids on the filter;
a coagulator for coagulating at least minerals and heavy metals contained in the water;
an oxidation-reduction controller for measuring and controlling oxidation- reduction potential of the water;
a Ph controller for measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water;
a carbon dioxide enriching apparatus for enriching the water with carbonic acid; a de-clustering mechanism for de-clustering water molecules of the water; and an aerator for increasing the level of dissolved oxygen in the water.
A water treatment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the filter includes a multi -layered Moringa Oleifera seed cake filter.
A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the anti-scaling mechanism includes the use of any one or more of the group consisting of hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid.
A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the coagulator includes the use of aluminium sulphate.
A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein coagulator includes the use of ions with opposite charges relative the dispersed heavy metals and minerals.
A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the coagulator includes plant material derived from Moringa oleifera.
7. A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the coagulator includes an electro-coagulator.
8. A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the coagulator includes a chemical coagulator.
9. A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the coagulator includes an electro-magnetic reactor.
10. A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the oxidation - reduction controller includes electrolysis.
1 1 . A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the oxidation - reduction controller includes ion-exchange resin and stripping material.
12. A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the Ph controller controls the Ph through the release of anions and cations by ion-exchange resins. 13. A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the carbon dioxide enriching apparatus includes a carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement for scrubbing carbon dioxide from a high carbon dioxide concentration stream.
A water treatment system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement includes an organic anionic surfactant for facilitating the scrubbing of carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid.
A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the de-clustering mechanism reduces the size of a water cluster down to maximum of six water molecules per water cluster. A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the de-clustering mechanism further include ionisation in order to, in turn, alter a water molecule hydrogen bond so as to decrease the size of the water molecule in the water cluster.
A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the aerator introduces oxygen in the form of nano-bubbles having a diameter of less than 200 μιη into the water.
A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the aerator introduces ozone into the water.
A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims which includes the use of a high density high frequency pulsator operating at 1 - 5 kilo-volt per Nano second for decreasing the size of an ordinary water molecule.
A water treatment system as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims which includes a water surface tension reducing mechanism for reducing the surface tension of the water.
A method for treating water which includes at least the steps of:
adding a chemical substance to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids on filter membranes;
subjecting the water to a first filtering process;
coagulation of minerals and metals dispersed in the water;
measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential of the water;
measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water;
subjecting the water to a second filtering process;
de-clustering of water molecules;
subjecting the water to a high density high frequency pulsator;
introducing carbon dioxide and anionic surfactant into the water; and introducing oxygen in the form of nano-bubbles into the water. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein the step of addition of a chemical substance to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids includes the use of hydrochloric acid.
A method as claimed in claim 21 or 22 wherein the step of addition of a chemical substance to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids includes the use of sulphuric acid.
A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the first filtering process includes the use of a multi -layered Moringa Oleifera seed cake filter.
25. A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the step of coagulation includes the addition of ions having opposite charges relative the colloids.
26. A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the step of coagulation includes the use of aluminium sulphate.
27. A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the step of coagulation includes the use of plant material derived from Moringa oleifera.
28. A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the step of coagulation includes electrocoagulation. 29. A method as claimed in claim 28 wherein the electrocoagulation includes electrochemical reactions selected from any one or more of the group consisting of seeding, emulsion breaking, halogen complexing, electron flooding and oxidation reduction.
A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the step of coagulation includes electrocoagulation. 31 A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the step of measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential of the water includes the use of electrolysis.
32. A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the step of measuring and controlling oxidation-reduction potential of the water includes the use of ion-exchange resin and stripping material.
33. A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the step of measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water includes the release of anions and cations.
34. A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the second filtering process includes the use of a nano-filter. 35. A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the second filtering process includes reverse osmosis.
36. A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the step of de-clustering of water molecules reduces the size of a water cluster down to maximum six water molecules per cluster.
37. A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the step of de-clustering further includes ionisation in order to alter a water molecule hydrogen bond so as to decrease the size of the water molecule.
38. A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the step of subjecting the water to a high density high frequency pulsator includes the use of a vessel with isolated partitions, one side positive charged, the other negative charged, with electric fields running parallel thereto.
39. A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the pulsator operates at 1 -5 kilo-volt per Nano second. A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onwards wherein the step of adding carbon dioxide and anionic surfactant results in the formation of carbonic acid.
A method as claimed in any one or more of claim 21 onward the step of introducing oxygen includes the introduction of ozone.
A hydroponic plant cultivating system which includes:
a water treatment system for treating water;
a greenhouse type structure;
a plurality of plant support members of elongate wave shaped form arranged substantially vertically in the greenhouse type structure;
each plant support member including a plurality of plant receiving zones defined longitudinally and on opposing sides of the plant support member for supporting a plurality of plants in an off-set configuration relative one another; and a flow channel defined inside the plant support member for channelling the flow of water inside the plant support member;
wherein the flow channel is in fluid communication with the plant receiving zones for introducing water to the plant receiving zones.
A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in claim 42 wherein the water treatment system includes:
a filter for filtering unwanted particles;
an anti-scaling mechanism to inhibit scaling and precipitation of insoluble solids on the filter;
a coagulator for coagulating at least minerals and heavy metals contained in the water;
an oxidation-reduction controller for measuring and controlling oxidation- reduction potential of the water;
a Ph controller for measuring and controlling the Ph value of the water;
a carbon dioxide enriching apparatus for enriching the water with carbonic acid; a de-clustering mechanism for de-clustering water molecules of the water; and an aerator for increasing the level of dissolved oxygen in the water.
44. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the filter is selected from any one or more of the group consisting of a nano filter, and, a multi -layered Moringa Oleifera seed cake filter. 45. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the anti-scaling mechanism includes the use of any one or more of the group consisting of hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid.
46. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the coagulator includes the use of aluminium sulphate.
47. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein coagulator includes the use of ions with opposite charges relative the colloids.
48. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the coagulator includes plant material derived from Moringa oleifera. 49. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the coagulator includes an electro-coagulator.
50. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the coagulator includes a chemical coagulator.
51 . A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the coagulator includes an electro-magnetic reactor.
52. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the oxidation - reduction controller includes electrolysis. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the oxidation - reduction controller includes ion-exchange resin and stripping material.
A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the Ph controller controls the Ph through the release of anions and cations by ion-exchange resins.
A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the carbon dioxide enriching apparatus includes a carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement for scrubbing carbon dioxide from a high carbon dioxide concentration stream.
56. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in claim 55 wherein the carbon dioxide scrubber arrangement includes an organic anionic surfactant for facilitating the scrubbing of carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid.
57. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the de-clustering mechanism reduces the size of a water cluster down to maximum of six water molecules per water cluster.
58. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the de-clustering mechanism further includes ionisation in order to, in turn, alter a water molecule hydrogen bond so as to decrease the size of the water molecule in the water cluster.
59. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the aerator introduces oxygen in the form of nano-bubbles having a diameter of less than 200 μιη into the water. 60. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the aerator introduces ozone into the water.
61 . A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards which includes the use of a high density high frequency pulsator operating at 1 -5 kilo-volt per Nano second for decreasing the size of an ordinary water molecule.
A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards which includes a water surface tension reducing mechanism for reducing the surface tension of the water.
A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the greenhouse type structure includes lumens enhancing means for increasing the amount of visible light in the structure.
A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in claim 63 wherein the lumens enhancing means is in the form of a sunlight reflective material for prohibiting sunlight entering the greenhouse type structure from escaping out of the structure.
65. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in claim 63 wherein the lumens enhancing means is in the form of a reflective composition embedded in the flooring of the greenhouse type structure.
66. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in claim 63 wherein the lumens enhancing means includes a light source for supplying light having a wavelength of about 800 - 1000 nm.
67. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the plant support member is of modular form for allowing vertical interconnection of a plurality of plant support members. 68. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the plant receiving zones are defined in concave regions of the wave shaped plant support member.
69. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the plant receiving zones includes a nutrient reservoir to enhance plant root formation.
70. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the nutrient reservoir is manufactured from a potassium- based polymer capable of storing water, the water measuring up to 400 times the dry weight of the reservoir.
71 . A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards wherein the potassium-based polymer is configured to gradually release stored water matching the water demand of the plant.
72. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards which includes a water harvesting mechanism for harvesting water from the environment.
73. A hydroponic plant cultivating system as claimed in any one or more of claim 42 onwards which includes acoustic growth properties so as to stimulate the growth of plants by subjecting the plants to sounds having a predetermined sound wave length.
PCT/ZA2018/050037 2017-10-03 2018-06-18 Water treatment system and method Ceased WO2019071279A1 (en)

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