FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to system and method for electrochemical disinfection of microbiologically contaminated water.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Due to the strengthening of environmental regulations, wastewater treatment/disinfection for residential or industrial processes has had a special interest in the last 50 years. Most of the rural and urban population uses groundwater for drinking purpose, while the groundwater has been frequently found :to be contaminated with various pathogenic microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, and protozoa) at numerous places. The use of contaminated water with these pathogenic microorganisms causes serious health problems. The elimination of these pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in water treatment systems is of great concern around the world. The disinfection of water from many different sources, such as food processing, pools, and drinking water is a vital necessity. As a result, a large number of technologies have been studied, such as physicochemical, chemical, microbiological and electrochemical treatments for decontamination/disinfection of water.
The Conventional chemical/physical disinfection methods have various disadvantages. The chemical disinfection processes commonly use purifying substances such as ozone, chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, or chlorine dioxide for disinfection of contaminated water, sewage, and industrial wastewater. By the chemical method, the disinfectant is added to sewage and wastewater treatment for solid-liquid separation. The drawback of this chemical method is that it needs a large amount of disinfectants and sterilizing agent's, which loses long time efficacy.
The chemical processes are unsolicited side reactions of the disinfectants with elements present in the water. These reactions lead to generating the disinfection by-products and in which some are considered hazardous. There are also hazards in producing, transporting, and handling large amounts of such substances as chlorine and ozone. While in physical disinfection processes, the pathogenic microorganisms are removed or killed by means of irradiation with ultraviolet or ionizing radiation, heating to elevated temperatures, ultrasound, Of separation through membrane filtration. These processes are reliable and have proven their efficiency over many decades.

Some electrolytic disinfection methods developed by Rodney E. Herrington and Frank Hand (US 6,736,966 B2), Osamu Sakai (JP2013075137A), John M. Lambie, (US 2007/0131556 Al) Harold E. Ii Childers, et al., (CA2513342A1) have pointed out that Electrolytic disinfection can be carried out. However, such processes require external chemical additions such as ozone, chlorine, sodium hypochlorite or chlorine dioxide etc. Thus, a robust system is required, which is efficient and economically viable.
Electrolytic disinfection is defined as the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms by using an electric potential/current passed through the contaminated water. The electrochemically produced strong oxidants such as sodium hypochlorite in the presence of chloride ions will help in disinfection and decontamination so as to bring the water quality standards to their permissible/desirable limits. In comparison of other disinfection methods, the advantages of present electrolytic disinfection are that there is no requirement of any transport, storage and dosage of disinfectants. The disinfection can be adjusted on-site requirement/demand. Electrolytic disinfection shows a reservoir effect and is often more cost-effective and requires less maintenance than other disinfection methods.
OBJECTIVES
An important objective of the present invention is to provide purified and safe drinking water to the masses at a reasonable price using an electrolytic disinfection system.
Another object of the present invention is to treat overhead tank/surface water for washing, irrigation, and bathing purpose.
The other important objective of the present invention is to develop an electrochemical based system and method for the treatment of water on site.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention provides a system and method based on Electrolytic technology for the disinfection of water using Graphite electrodes for water disinfection. This system includes-Contaminated water tank (101), small chamber having NaCl solution (102), Controller of NaCl solution (103), Connector (104) which connects Contaminated water tank (101) and small chamber (102), Adaptor of DC power supply (105), 1st Carbon filter (106), Electrolytic reaction chamber (107), anode (108) and cathode (109) made of graphite, positive terminal of electrode assembly (110), negative terminal of electrode assembly (111), Sedimentation filter

(112) and Ilnd carbon filter (113). After that, the treated water is collected in the collection tank (114), tap for the collection of treated water (115). A process of wastewater treatment is also provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The accompanying drawings illustrate a complete embodiment of the invention according to the best mode so far created for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:
Figure 1: System for the electrolytic disinfection of contaminated water.
Figure 2: A plan view of DC power adaptor.
Figure 3: A systematic view of the electrode and side and front view of electrodes.
Figure 4: A systematic view of the Electrolytic reaction chamber having a pair of electrodes.
Figure 5: A view of different filters used in the filtration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is now illustrated specifically for a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. This can be practiced with one or more of the specific details with other systems, methods, components, materials, parts, etc.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a system comprising Contaminated water tank (101), small chamber having NaCl solution (102), Controller of NaCl solution (103), Connector (104) which connects Contaminated water tank (101) and small chamber (102), Adaptor of DC power supply (105), 1st Carbon filter (106), Electrolytic reaction chamber (107), anode (108) and cathode (109) made of graphite, positive terminal of electrode assembly (110), negative terminal of electrode assembly (111), Sedimentation filter (112) and Ilnd carbon filter (113). After that, the treated water is collected in the collection tank (114), tap for the collection of treated water (115).
According to an important embodiment, the Electrolytic reaction chamber (107) is having graphite electrodes as anode and cathode accommodated in and configured to disinfect the contaminated water.

In an important embodiment, the said system comprises an Electrolytic reaction chamber (107), wherein the said Electrolytic reaction chamber (107) comprises of anode and cathode and is operable at certain voltages 0-50 V. The said Electrolytic reaction chamber (107) can be of any suitable material selected from glass, PVC, fibre etc.
Before the Electrolytic reaction chamber (107), 1st Carbon filter (106) is capable of removing the undesirable impurities/ contaminants / suspended particles present in the contaminated water. The electrodes.are placed in a parallel mode as anode and as cathode, each having equal surface area and connected to the DC power Adaptor. The DC power adaptor functions to supply voltage to the electrodes. The sodium chloride solution is mixed with contaminated water at its optimum level of NaCl solution with the help of the Controller (103) and is allowed to pass in the Electrolytic reaction chamber. The surface area of each electrode in contact with the mixed contaminated water and NaCl solution is passed through the Electrolytic reaction chamber for electrolysis to generate the reactive chlorine and hypochlorous acid as a disinfectant.
The treatment is capable of disinfection and decontamination of water to use it for various purposes such as drinking, washing, irrigation, and for bathing. After that, the treated water is collected through the collection tap of treated water assembly (115) in the Collection chamber (114). The DC power voltage (V) is supplied to the electrodes by DC power adaptor, and the voltage is confirmed with a calibrated DC voltage/current meter.
Further description of the system is being elaborated in terms of the relevant figures:
Figure 1 shows the Electrolytic system for the disinfection and decontamination of contaminated water. This includes - Contaminated water tank (101), small chamber of NaCl solution (102), Controller (103), Connector (104) wherein both contaminated water and NaCl solution get mixed and allowing to pass in the Electrolytic reaction chamber (107), Adaptor of DC power supply (105), 1st Carbon filter (106), Electrolytic reaction chamber (107) having a pair of Graphite Electrodes, Sedimentation filter (112) and Ilnd carbon filter (113) and collection tap of treated water (115). The electrolysis of the contaminated water in the presence of sodium chloride generates the elemental chlorine and hypochlorous acid using graphite electrodes for the disinfection/decontamination of contaminated water. As seen, a pair of graphite electrodes are submerged in the Electrolytic reaction chamber during the treatment of contaminated water and is connected to the +ve (anode) and -ve (cathode) terminal to the adaptor of the DC power.

In the Electrolytic reaction chamber, a pair of Graphite electrodes allows generating the hypochlorous acid, microbubbles, and colloids during the treatment associated with the application of constant voltage (V). The disinfection rate is dependable on the generation of hypochlorous acid as a disinfectant during the electrolytic reaction in the electrolytic reaction chamber. The generation of floating particulates, microbubbles, and colloids in the form of chlorine gas/ion and hypochlorous acid for disinfection of contaminated water and other unusable colloids and floating matter are removed by the inconjucted filters i.e. sedimentation filter and Ilnd carbon filter to enhance the process for the disinfection and decontamination of water.
Figure 2 illustrates schematically the DC power adaptor (116). This shows that an electric wire (117) connected to the external power source and passes constant voltage through the + ve terminal (118) and -ve terminal (119) to the system.
Figure 3 shows the components of the electrode assembly, i.e., a pair of graphite electrodes with monopolar connections. The electrodes are connected to the +ve (120) and -ve terminal (121) of the DC power adaptor. (122) is the side view, and (123) is the front view of the electrode. Both graphite electrodes immersed in the Electrolytic reactor were used for the treatment of contaminated water.
Figure 4 shows the systematic view of the electrolytic reaction chamber (107). This includes the anode (125) and cathode (126) terminals connected to the DC power adaptor.
Figure 5 shows the other component of the Electrolytic disinfection system which includes 1st carbon filter (127) filled with activated carbon, sedimentation filter (128) made of polypropylene non-woven filter cloth and Ilnd carbon filter (129) filled with activated carbon.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the electrolytic reaction chamber is having graphite electrodes as anode and cathode assembled in parallel mode having equal surface area are placed within the inter-electrode distance of 0.5 -2,0 cm and is operable at the voltage between 0- 50V and a velocity 50 to 100 ml/min of water.
As per yet another important embodiment, the method of water disinfection is proficient, in the disinfection of water at the optimum voltage 48 V at the flow rate of 50 ml/min.

According to an important embodiment, the present invention relates to a system for electrolytic disinfection of contaminated water comprising a contaminated water tank (101), small chamber having NaCl solution (102), Adaptor of DC power supply (105), 1st Carbon filter (106), Electrolytic reaction chamber (107), graphite electrodes as anode (108) and cathode (109) placed in the Electrolytic reaction chamber (107), Sedimentation filter (112) and Ilnd carbon filter (113).
An important embodiment of the present invention relates to an Electrolytic reaction chamber, wherein the anode and cathode are placed within the inter-electrode distance of 0.5 -2.0 cm and operable at a voltage between 0 and 50 V and wherein 100 % of the surface area of each electrode is in contact with the contaminated water. Another embodiment relates to the electrolytic reaction chamber, wherein the preferable electrode distance is 1.5 cm and preferable operable voltage is 48 V. The electrodes (anode and cathode) in the electrolytic chamber are made of graphite and wherein said electrodes are connected in parallel order.
In yet another embodiment, the NaCl solution is supplied into the electrolytic reaction chamber from the small chamber (102) to generate strong oxidant to be used as a disinfectant in the system and wherein the supply of NaCl is regulated by a controller (103).
In yet another embodiment, the strong oxidant is Chlorine and/or Hypochlorous acid.
In yet another embodiment, the oxidant is generated when the NaCl solution comes in contact with the submerged electrodes in the electrolytic reaction chamber and after applying the electric potential.
In yet another embodiment, the contaminated water and NaCl solution get mixed through a connector (104), and the mixed water is led to the electrolytic reaction chamber.
In yet another embodiment, the coagulated impurities are formed during electrolytic reaction in the electrolytic reaction chamber and these impurities are removed by means of the filtration via inconjucted sedimentation filter (112) and Ilnd carbon filter (113).
According to yet another important embodiment of the invention, the said system is capable of disinfection/ decontamination of water and bringing the MPN value in the desirable (Nil) and permissible limit (10/100 ml) of BIS standard.

As per a very important embodiment of the present invention providing a process of treatment of contaminated water, wherein the process comprises steps of:
a) allowing the contaminated water to enter the contaminated water tank (101);
b) allowing the contaminated water to pass through the 1st carbon filter (103) for the removal of suspended matter
c) allowing the water from the 1st carbon filter (103) to pass into the Electrolytic reaction chamber (107) wherein in the electrolysis takes place in the presence of Graphite electrodes;
d) obtaining the disinfected water
As per another important embodiment of the process, the water in step (b) is optionally mixed with NaCl solution stored in a small chamber (102).
Another important embodiment of the process relates to a process, wherein the impurities generated in the electrolytic reaction chamber (107) are removed by means of Sedimentation filter (112).
As per another important embodiment, the residual impurities generated in the electrolytic reaction chamber (107) are optionally removed through the Ilnd Carbon filter incorporated in the Electrolytic disinfection system.
As another important embodiment, the impurities are in the form of suspended matter, flocculants, and coagulants.
The present disclosure with reference to the accompanying examples describes the present invention. A complete understanding of the invention can be had by reference to the following examples. It is understood that the examples are provided for the purpose of illustrating the invention only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any
way.
Examples
As an example of the disinfection of contaminated water at the different voltages, the experiments were conducted within the Electrolytic reaction chamber. The electrodes as anode and cathode immersed in the electrolytic reaction chamber comprise of graphite each having 21 cm length, 0.8 cm wide, and 0.6 cm thick connected to monopolor connection with a natural pH value of approximately 7.2 and a room temperature of 30° C. DC power in

the form of voltage was supplied to the electrodes by a DC power adaptor. The power was applied continuously at the fix voltages (12, 24, and 48 V) at the flowrate of 50 / 100 ml/min. The coagulated impurities formed during electrolysis in the reaction chamber were removed by means of the Filtration chamber (a) Sedimentation filter and (b) Ilnd Carbon filter.
There were three main criteria on which the experiments were conducted, i.e., voltage, flow rate, and a dose of NaCl solution. There was no need of pH adjustment of the water.
Table 1:

Sample name • Contaminated water
Electrode Type ; 2 graphite electrodes (Parallel order)
Electrode area • 16.8 cm2
Distance between electrodes . 1.5 cm
Electrode thickness ; 0.6 cm
Velocity 100 ml/min

2 graphite electrodes (Parallel order) were attached as anode and cathode at 12 V using NaCl 100 mg/1 BIS standards for DW
Before treatment After treatment Desirable Permissible
MPN/lOOml 640 23.66* (96.30%) NIL 10
SPC/ml 178 34.33* (80.71%) - -
2 graphite electrodes (Parallel order) were attached-one as anode and the other as cathode at 24 V using NaCl 100 mg/1 v
MPN/ 100 ml 700 14.66* (97.90%) NIL 10
SPC/ml 212 26.33* (8.7.58%) - -
2 graphite electrodes (Parallel order) were attached as anode and cathode at 48 V using NaCl 100 mg/1
MPN/100 ml 880 8.67* (99.02%) NIL 10
SPC/ml 185 28.66* (84.50%) r -
)
*Mean value of three replicates Removal of % given in parenthesis

Table 2:

Sample name Contaminated water
Electrode Type 2 graphite electrodes (Parallel order)
Electrode area 16.8 cm2
Distance between electrodes . 1.5 cm
Electrode thickness . 0.6 cm
Velocity lOOml/min

2 graphite electrodes (Parallel order) were attached as anode and cathode at 48 V using NaCl 100 mg/1 BIS standards for DW
Before treatment After treatment Desirable Permissible
MPN/lOOml 830 14* (98.31%) NIL 10
S PC/ml 198 38.5* (80.56%) * *
2 graphite electrodes (Parallel order) were attached-one as anode and the other as cathode at 48 V using NaCl 300 mg/1
MPN/lOOml 735 8* (98.91%) NIL 10
SPC/ml 289 26.5* (90.83%) * *
2 graphite electrodes (Parallel order) were attached as anode and cathode at 48 V using NaCl 500 mg/1
MPN/lOOml 780 3* (99.62%) NIL 10
SPC/ml 234 9*
(96.15%) * *
*Mean value of three replicates Removal of % given in parenthesis

Table 3:

Sample name Contaminated water
Electrode Type 2 graphite electrodes (Parallel order)
Electrode area 16.8 cm2
Distance between electrodes . 1.5 cm
Electrode thickness . 0.6 cm
Velocity 50 ml/min

2 graphite electrodes (Parallel order) were attached as anode and cathode at 48 V using NaCl 500 mg/1 BIS standards for DW
Before treatment After treatment Desirable Permissible
MPN/lOOml 735 <2* (99.72 %) NIL 10
SPC/ml 182 19* (89.56%) * *
*Mean value of three replicates Removal of % given in parenthesis

We claim:

1. A system and method for electrolytic disinfection of contaminated water comprising a contaminated water tank (101), small chamber having NaCl solution (102), Adaptor of DC power supply (105), 1st Carbon filter (106), Electrolytic reaction chamber (107), graphite electrodes as anode (108) and cathode (109) placed in the Electrolytic reaction chamber (107), Sedimentation filter (112) and Ilnd carbon filter (113).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, said electrolytic reaction chamber comprising an Electrolytic reaction chamber, wherein said anode and cathode are placed within the inter-electrode distance of 0.5 -2.0 cm and operable at a voltage between 0 and 50 V.
3. The electrolytic reaction chamber, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the preferable electrode distance is 1.5 cm and preferred operable voltage is 48 V.
4. The electrolytic reaction chamber as claimed in claim 2, wherein 100 % of the surface area of each electrode is in contact with the contaminated water.
5. The electrolytic reaction chamber as claimed in claim 2, wherein both the electrodes (anode and cathode) are made of graphite and wherein said electrodes are connected in parallel order.
6. The system in claim 1, wherein the NaCl solution is supplied into the electrolytic reaction chamber from a small chamber (102) to generates strong oxidant to be used as a disinfectant in the system.
7. The system, as claimed in claim 6, wherein the supply of NaCl is regulated by a controller (103).
8. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the strong oxidant is Chlorine and/or Hypochlorous acid.
9. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the oxidant is generated when the NaCl solution comes in contact with the submerged electrodes in the electrolytic reaction chamber and after applying the electric potential.
10. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the contaminated water and NaCl solution get mixed through a connector (104), and the mixed water is led to the electrolytic reaction chamber at the flowrate 50 to 100 ml/min.
11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coagulated impurities are formed during electrolytic reaction in the electrolytic reaction chamber and these impurities

are removed by means of the filtration via incohjucted sedimentation filter (112) and Hnd carbon filter (113).
12. The system, as claimed in claim 1- 11, wherein the said system is capable of disinfection/ decontamination of water and bringing.the MPN value in the desirable (Nil) and permissible limit (10/100 ml) of BIS standard.
13. A process of treatment of contaminated water, wherein the process comprises steps of

e) allowing the contaminated water to enter the contaminated water tank (101);
f) allowing the contaminated water to pass through the 1st carbon filter (103) for the removal of suspended matter
g) allowing the water from the 1st carbon filter (103) to pass into the Electrolytic reaction chamber (107) wherein in the electrolysis takes place in the. presence of Graphite electrodes;
h) obtaining the disinfected water
14. The process, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the water in step (b) is optionally mixed with NaCl solution stored in a small chamber. (102).
15. The process, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the impurities generated in the electrolytic reaction chamber (107) are removed by means of Sedimentation filter
• (112>-
16. The process as claimed in claim 13, wherein the residual impurities generated in the electrolytic reaction chamber (107) are optionally removed through the Ilnd Carbon filter incorporated in the Electrolytic disinfection system.
17. The process as claimed in claims 15 and 16, wherein the impurities are in the form of suspended matter, residues, flocculants, and coagulants.