Claims:ProdyoVidhi Ref.: ARVD.0013.IN
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus 100 comprising:
a reactor 101 configured to receive a solution of metal salts and a pH controller and the reactor 101 is configured to cause precipitation of metal salts in a pH controlled environment resulting in formation of a core; and
a temperature controller 103 coupled to the reactor 101 wherein, the temperature controller 103 is adapted to heat treat the solution during formation of the core;
wherein the reactor 101 is further configured to receive a charge species for coating on the core to form a nanoparticle system having a charged surface wherein the pH value of the nanoparticle system is based on at least one ionization value (pKa) of the ionizable group of the charged species and the nanoparticle system is configured to cause desalination of an effluent.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises an extractor 107 configured to extract the nanoparticle system.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises an agitator 111.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reactor 101 includes a first chamber 200 wherein the first chamber 200 is configured to receive the solution of metal salts and the pH controller and the first chamber 200 has the agitator 201 and the temperature controller 203.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reactor 101 includes a second chamber 210 wherein the second chamber 210 is configured to receive the core and the charge species and the second chamber 210 has the agitator 211 and the temperature controller 213.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a dispenser 301 coupled to the reactor 101, wherein the dispenser 301 is configured to controllably dispense the pH controller into the reactor 101.
7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the extractor 107 comprises a separator 417 and an optimizer 427 wherein the separator 417 is configured to separate the nanoparticle system and the optimizer 427 optimizes the pH value of the nanoparticle system based on the ionization value (pKa) of the ionizable group of the charged species.
8. A method of manufacturing an apparatus 100 comprising:
configuring a reactor 101 to receive a solution of metal salts and a pH controller and to cause precipitation of metal salts in a pH controlled environment resulting in formation of a core;
coupling a temperature controller 103 coupled to the reactor 101 and adapting the temperature controller 103 to heat treat the solution during formation of the core; and
configuring the reactors 101 to receive a charge species for coating on the core to form a nanoparticle system having a charged surface wherein the pH value of the nanoparticle system is based on at least one ionization value (pKa) of the ionizable group of the charged species and the nanoparticle system is configured to cause desalination of an effluent.
9. The method of claim 10, wherein the method comprises providing an extractor to extract the nanoparticle system.
10. The method of claim 10, wherein the method includes providing an agitator 111.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein configuring the reactor 101 to receive the solution includes, configuring a first chamber 200 to receive the solution of metal salts and the pH controller and providing the first chamber 200 with providing the agitator 201 and the temperature controller 203.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein configuring the reactor 101 to receive the charge species includes configuring a second chamber 210 to receive the core and the charge species and providing the second chamber 210 with the agitator 211 and the temperature controller 213.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the method includes coupling a dispenser 301 to the reactor 101, wherein the dispenser 301 the configured to controllably dispense the pH controller into the reactor 101.
14. The method of claim 11, coupling the extractor 107 configuring a separator 417 to separate the nanoparticle system and configuring an optimizer 427 to optimizes the pH value of the nanoparticle system and the ionization value (pKa) of the ionizable group of the charged species.

Dated this 9th Day of December 2016

K. Pradeep
Of ProdyoVidhi
Agent for Applicant
Registration Number: IN/PA-865

ProdyoVidhi Ref.: ARVD.0013.IN , Description:ProdyoVidhi Ref.: ARVD.0013.IN
APPARATUS FOR SYNTHESIS OF NANOPARTICLE SYSTEM FOR DESALINATION AND METHOD THEREOF
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present subject matter generally relates to an apparatus for synthesis of a nanoparticle system for desalination, more specifically it relates to an apparatus for synthesis of a nanoparticle system for desalination coated with a charged species and method of manufacturing thereof.
BACKGROUND
[002] Despite of the fact that the earth has abundance of water only small percentage of the water is in the form usable for humans. In many parts of the world local demand of the water exceeds capacity of conventional resources of water. Therefore, efforts are not only required to ensure that water is used judiciously but also to convert waste water into usable water. More economical use of water, reducing distribution losses and increased use of recycled water can help in addressing the demand supply imbalance.
[003] One of the water recycling challenge is desalination. Conventional desalination processes generally exploit one or many of thermal, mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties for desalination. For example, evaporation and crystallization exploit primarily thermal properties, whereas filtration, reverse osmosis, forward osmosis exploit primarily mechanical properties. Similarly, electro-dialysis and ionic exchange may deploy combination of electrical and chemical properties. Most of these techniques have limitations, e.g. cost and complexity, scalability efficiency, economic viability etc.
[004] The present subject matter addresses these issues and provides a solution that may not only be used for recycling industrial refuse but also generating fresh water from seawater, brackish water etc.
SUMMARY
[005] The present subject matter provides solution to the above and other problems. The present subject matter provides an apparatus for synthesis of a nanoparticle system for desalination and a method thereof.
[006] Some of the problems faced by nanoparticle based desalination systems are: low efficiency; poor quality of desalination; high time and iteration requirements. One of the reasons for such limitations is the charge carrying capacity of the nanoparticles and problems associated with the process required for enhancing charge carrying capacity. Generally, the process of increasing charge carrying capacity inherently requires addition of impurities to the nanoparticle system, which turns out to be counterproductive for desalination process. The present subject matter provides a solution to at least these limitations by controllably enhancing the charge carrying capacity of the nanoparticles while ensuring that the resulting nanoparticle system, also significantly improves the desalination process. The present subject matter not only enables desalination but also provides easy recyclability of the nanoparticle system thereby providing a solution that is efficient, cost effective and of interest in industrial application.
[007] According to one aspect, the present subject matter provides, an apparatus comprising: a reactor configured to receive a solution of metal salts and a pH controller and the reactor is configured to cause precipitation of metal salts in a pH controlled environment resulting in formation of a core; and a temperature controller coupled to the reactor wherein, the temperature controller is adapted to heat treat the solution during formation of the core; wherein the reactor is further configured to receive a charge species for coating on the core to form a nanoparticle system having a charged surface wherein the pH value of the nanoparticle system is based on at least one ionization value (pKa) of the ionizable group of the charged species and the nanoparticle system is configured to cause desalination of an effluent. In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an extractor configured to extract the nanoparticle system. In a second embodiment, the apparatus comprises an agitator. In a third embodiment, the reactor includes a first chamber wherein the first chamber is configured to receive the solution of metal salts and the pH controller and the first chamber has the agitator and the temperature controller. In a forth embodiment, the reactor includes a second chamber wherein the second chamber is configured to receive the core and the charge species and the second chamber has the agitator and the temperature controller. In a fifth embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a dispenser coupled to the reactor, wherein the dispenser is configured to controllably dispense the pH controller into the reactor. In a sixth embodiment, the extractor comprises a separator and an optimizer wherein the separator is configured to separate the nanoparticle system and the optimizer optimizes the pH value of the nanoparticle system based on the ionization value (pKa) of the ionizable group of the charged species.
[008] According to a second aspect, the present subject matter provides a method of manufacturing an apparatus comprising: configuring a reactor to receive a solution of metal salts and a pH controller and to cause precipitation of metal salts in a pH controlled environment resulting in formation of a core; coupling a temperature controller coupled to the reactor and adapting the temperature controller to heat treat the solution during formation of the core; and configuring the reactors to receive a charge species for coating on the core to form a nanoparticle system having a charged surface wherein the pH value of the nanoparticle system is based on at least one ionization value (pKa) of the ionizable group of the charged species and the nanoparticle system is configured to cause desalination of an effluent. In a second embodiment, the method comprises providing an extractor to extract the nanoparticle system. In a third embodiment, the method includes providing an agitator. In a fourth embodiment, configuring the reactor to receive the solution includes, configuring a first chamber to receive the solution of metal salts and the pH controller and providing the first chamber with providing the agitator and the temperature controller. In a fifth embodiment, configuring the reactor to receive the charge species includes configuring a second chamber to receive the core and the charge species and providing the second chamber with the agitator and the temperature controller. In a sixth embodiment, the method includes coupling a dispenser to the reactor, wherein the dispenser is configured to controllably dispense the pH controller into the reactor. In a seventh embodiment, coupling the extractor configuring a separator to separate the nanoparticle system and configuring an optimizer to optimize the pH value of the nanoparticle system and the ionization value (pKa) of the ionizable group of the charged species.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[009] The subject matter shall now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a more detailed block diagram of a reactor according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the reactor coupled to a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a more detailed block diagram of an extractor according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0014] FIG. 5 shows another more detailed block diagram of the present subject matter according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] It shall become clear to a person, after reading this specification, that the following discussion is intended only for illustration purpose and that the subject matter may be practiced without departing from the spirit of the present subject matter in other embodiments different than the embodiments discussed herein. Before the present subject matter is further described in more details, it is to be understood that the subject matter is not limited to the particular embodiments described, and may vary as such. The present subject matter is being described, for the purpose of explanation only, however it shall become abundantly clear to a person in the art, after reading this specification, that the subject matter may be practiced in other applications where altering nanoparticles charge carrying capacity is required or desalination/purification of natural or industrial refuge is required It is also to be understood that the terminology used throughout the preceding and forthcoming discussion is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly expressly dictates otherwise.
[0016] Use of nanotechnologies in water recycling and purification presents a theoretically and potentially promising solution that may help in preventing future water shortages. However a practical solution that may be implemented on industrial scale and meet harsh commercial requirements still waits to see light of the day. For example, nanoparticle systems may present limitations in removing dissolved solids based on chemical characteristics. It is desirable that nanoparticle systems achieve desalination of most, if not all, salts without regards to their chemical properties. In some cases, lower valance salts present challenges during desalination. This is because charge carrying capacity of nanoparticle systems plays an important role in desalination and to desalinate lower valance salts require that nanoparticle system must have a higher charge carrying capacity. Increasing charge carrying capacity of a nanoparticle system is challenging because the process of obtaining high charge carrying capacity nanoparticle systems inherently require addition of impurities to the system. Therefore, there is a need of a process to obtain a high charge carrying nanoparticles system that reduces above challenges.
[0017] Further nanoparticle systems are expensive. Therefore it is required that most is achieved prior to trashing such nanoparticle systems. Hence recyclability of the nanoparticle systems is desirable. In fact, most desirable is a nanoparticle system that may be substantially perpetually used. However, desalination process poisons the nanoparticle system quickly and effective recyclability may not be achieved. The present subject matter provides not only recyclability but also provides possibility of multiple rounds to charging of nanoparticle system to enhance its charge carrying capacity after its use. Thereby achieving most from the nanoparticle system.
[0018] The present subject matter addresses the above and other problems and offer many advantages, including but not limited to, simplifying desalination process, reduced energy consumption, enablement desalination process for industrial application, recyclability of nanoparticle systems, effective desalination substantially independent of valances of the salts, enablement of the system for application in: industrial refuse, sea water, salty water, brackish water, removal of hardness and toxic heavy metal ions etc.
[0019] The present subject matter provides an apparatus for synthesis of a nanoparticle system for desalination and method thereof. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus 100 according to the present subject matter. FIG. 1 includes a reactor 101, a temperature controller 103, an inlet control 105, an agitator 111 and collectively these elements are referred to as a reactor assembly 110. The FIG. 1 further shows an extractor 107 and an outlet 109.
[0020] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may synthesize of the nanoparticle system in few stages. First stage being formation of a core and second being coating of a charged species on the core to obtain the nanoparticle system. At another optional stage, the core may further be coated with a stabilizing agent prior to coating the charged species. It shall become clear to a person in the art, after reading this specification, that in some instances, technical fraternity may refer to the core as nanoparticles. The core includes any one or more of: transition elements, second group elements, third group elements, fourth group element and fifth group elements. In one example, the core is a metallic core including metal oxide core, an iron core and iron oxide core. Having an iron core offers additional advantage, which is to say, that magnetic filtration becomes easier.
[0021] In some embodiment, the reactor assembly 110 may be used at multiple stages. That is to say, that the reactor 101 of the reactor assembly 110 may be first deployed in core formation, followed by coating of the charge species on the core and in some optional cases for coating the stabilizing agent on the core. This feature of the subject matter is advantageous because it enables a compact and cost effective system. In one example, for formation of the core, the solution of metal salts and a pH controller is provided in a controlled manner into the reactor 101 through the inlet control 105. It shall become clear to a person in the art, after reading this specification, that there may be multiple inlet control 105 each inlet control is configured to introduce separate component of the solution. For example, there may be one inlet control 105 for introducing metal salts and a second inlet control for introducing the pH controller. The pH controller controls the core formation reaction in the reactor 101. The reactor 101 is further provided with the agitator 111 and the temperature controller 103. This embodiment shows a coil as the temperature controller 103 and a stirrer as the agitator 111 however, it shall become clear to a person in the art, after reading this specification, that these elements may be different than the coil or stirrer. For example, the temperature controller 103 may be a steam based controller, or may have a low conductive jacket, or ice based temperature controller. Similarly, some examples of the agitator 111 may be a temperature based agitator or other electrical motor based agitator, shaking agitator etc. Formation of desired size of the core is achieved by sequentially supplying the pH controller and stirring and sequentially heat-treating the solution in the reactor 101.
[0022] In some examples, the core may also be coated with a stabilizing agent. The stabilizing agent may be coated prior to coating of the negatively charged species. In some examples, the stabilizing agent may be a polymer, a surfactant, a reducing agent or a chelating agent. In some example, the stabilizing agent may be dextran or PVP. The stabilizing agent assists in ensuring that the core remains stable during the coating and desalination process.
[0023] In one option, once the core has been formed into the reactor 101 the core may be extracted. In another option the core may be deployed for coating of charged species in the reactor 101. For coating the charged species the reactor 101 may be provided with the core and the charged species. While coating the charge species on the core to form a nanoparticle system ionization value of the charge species is kept in mind. For the purpose of this discussion ionization value is the pKa value of charged species. It shall clear to a person in the art, after reading this specification, that the charged species have a number of ionizable group each ionizable group may have a different ionization value that is to say that a different pKa value. In some cases, where the charged species is a negatively charged species, for example, humic acid etc. the pH value of the nanoparticle system is kept below the pKa value of the charged species. According to one feature of the subject matter, the pH value of nanoparticle system is controlled and is kept less than at least one pKa value of the negatively charged species. It should become clear to a person in the art, the negatively charged species may multiple ionizable groups and each of the ionizable group may have a different pKa value. In some examples, the pH value of the nanoparticle system is kept below the lowest pKa value of ionizable group in the negatively charged species. This ensures that charge carrying capacity of the core or the nanoparticle system is at optimal levels, which in turn assist in improved binding of the oppositely charged ions. Some other negatively charged species may be selected from poly carboxylic acid, poly sulphonic acid etc. Some other examples of the negatively charged species may include humic acid, EDTA, DTPA, citric acid etc.
[0024] Similarly, where the charged species is a positively charged species, for example, Benzalkonium chloride (BKC) etc. the pH value of the nanoparticle system is kept above the pKa value of the charged species. Some other positively charged species may be selected from poly amines, polyalkonium salts, poly ethylamine, cationic polymers, polyamines, polypeptides, quaternary ammonium salts, the positively charged species is any one or more of Benzalkonium chloride (BKC), cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), peptides. Preparing the nanoparticle system in such a manner ensures that tolerable impurities or the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the nanoparticle system are within the acceptable limits. Further it should become clear to a person in the art, the positively charged species may have multiple ionizable groups and each of the ionizable group may have a different pKa value. In some examples, the pH value of the nanoparticle system is kept above the lowest pKa value of ionizable group in the positively charged species. This ensures that charge carrying capacity of the core or the nanoparticle system is at optimal levels, which in turn assist in improved binding of the oppositely charged ions. Therefore, when the nanoparticle system is employed for the desalination of an effluent, the TDS or the impurities of the nanoparticle system does not become counterproductive to the desalination.
[0025] Once the nanoparticle system is formed in the reactor 101. The nanoparticle system may be extracted into the extractor 107 and the output nanoparticle system may be received at the outlet 109. In some embodiments, size of the nanoparticle system is in the range from 20 nanometer to 100 micrometer. Nanoparticle systems size in the above referred range has shown relatively better desalination results. In one embodiment, for practicing the subject matter, the nanoparticles system having size below 50 micron may be prepared. In some examples, the nanoparticle system may be in the form of solution, slurry, paste, solid or powder.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a more detailed diagram of the reactor assembly 110 according to another embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 2 includes a first chamber 200, an agitator 201 and 211 and a temperature controller 203 and 213, an inlet control 205 and 215, a second chamber 210.
[0027] According to this embodiment, the first chamber 200 may be employed for core formation whereas the second chamber 210 may be employed for coating of charged species. In one example, the solution of the metal salts and the pH controller may be received in the first chamber 200 for core formation through the inlet control 205. The role and examples of the temperature controller 203 remain as explained previously with respect to the FIG. 1 in core formation stage. In some examples, subsequent to the core formation the core may be coated with a stabilizing agent. Once the core is formed, the core may be transferred to the second chamber 210. In some examples, at the second chamber 210 the core may be coated with the stabilizing agent. In some other example, once the core is received in the second chamber through the inlet control 215 the core may be subjected to the charge coating process. At this stage the process of charge coating on the core, role of the agitator 211 role of the temperature controller 213 remains substantially similar to that described with reference to FIG. 1. It shall become clear to a person in the art, after reading this specification, that the temperature controllers 203 and 213 are shown as a coil based controller and a jacket based controller, however such depiction is only for the purpose of example and other configuration of the temperature controllers may be deployed.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the present subject matter, wherein the pH block 300 is shown. The pH block 300 may includes a dispenser 301 and an agitator 311. The pH block 300 may have a temperature controller and some other additional element. In one example, the pH block 300 may be configured to receive the pH controller such as NaOH etc. In some other examples the inlet control 205 may be coupled to the outlet of the pH block. The reactor assembly 110 may be configured to controllably receive the pH controller from the pH block 300.
[0029] FIG.4 shows a more detailed diagram of the exactor 117 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The extractor 117 comprises an optimizer 427, an agitator 411, and a separator 417 having a magnet 403. Once the nanoparticle system is formed, in some embodiment it may be transferred to the optimizer 427. At the optimizer 427 pH of the nanoparticle system may be adjusted according the ionization value (pKa) of the charge species and the type of the charge species. The adjustment of the pH value is discussed previously with reference to FIG 1. In some embodiment the nanoparticle system may be then extracted using the magnetic extractor 417. In some embodiments, extracted nanoparticle system may be again subjected to the optimizer 427 until the nanoparticle system reach at a desired pH level. The optimizer 427 becomes advantageous when nanoparticles are recovered from a desalination process and are desired to be recycled in the desalination process again. The output nanoparticle system may be received at the outlet 109. It shall become clear to a person in the art that shown extractor 117 is a magnet based extractor, however one or more of other extractors such as, filtration-based, centrifugation-based, sedimentation-based etc. may also be deployed at this stage. Magnet based extractors are of interest when the core is of a magnetic material.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows another more detailed block diagram of the apparatus of the present subject matter. The apparatus includes the reactor assembly 110, the pH block 300, and the extractor 107. The construction and functions of the reactor assembly 110, the pH block 300, and the extractor 107 is substantially same as described with reference to the previous figures. For more clarity the reactor assembly 110 shows additional features, such as the temperature controller 503 is shown as a steam based temperature controller, further a temperature probe 553 is shown in the figure. Similarly, various valves for controlling in and out flow of the solution, core, charged species, nanoparticles system and temperature controlling agents such as steam, cold water, liquid nitrogen etc are not shown in the FIG 5. It shall become clear, for the purpose of brevity and clarity all the referral numerals of the reactor assembly 110, the pH block 300, and the extractor 107 are not shown in the FIG. 5. However should there be a requirement of referring numeral corresponding block in the previous figures may be referred. Further, it shall become clear to a person in the art, after reading this specification, that the apparatus of the present subject matter may require additional elements which are not shown in the FIGs. Such elements may include, but not limited to vents, motors, additional probes etc.
[0031] One of the embodiments of the present subject matter may be understood as follows. In one example, at one stage demineralized water of about 1500 liters is supplied to the first chamber 200 which is part of the reactor assembly 110. At a further stage, weight of about 18-20 kg of ferrous sulphate and about 20 kg of ferric chloride is added to the first chamber 200. The ferrous suphate and the ferric chloride are the metal salts. The agitator 201 may be actuated to dissolve the ferrous sulphate and ferric chloride. The dissolution of metal salt may generate heat, the temperature controller 203 or 503, a temperature probe 533 and may be used to ensure that the temperature remains within the desired range. In some cases, the temperature of about 50 degree Celsius is maintained using the temperature controller 203 or 503, and the temperature probe 533. Once the physical and chemical conditions of the first chamber 200 and the solution thereof reaches at an acceptable level, a dose of NaOH solution from pH block 300 may be supplied to the first chamber 200. The NaOH, in the present case acts as the pH controller. In one example, the NaOH is 2M NaOH and sufficient quantity of the 2M NaOH is supplied to the first chamber 200 to ensure that the pH level of the solution of the first chamber is controlled in a level ranging from 8 through 11. The temperature of the solution in the first chamber is maintained at around 50 degree calcium. At a further step, the solution of the first chamber 200 is controllably heat treated using the temperature controller 203, 503, and temperature probe 553. In one example, the heat treatment involves maintaining the temperature of the solution of the first chamber 200 at 60-70 degree calcium for about 10-20 minutes, followed by 80 degree Celsius for about 15-25 minutes and for about 100 degree Celsius for about 20-4o minutes resulting in formation of the core. By controlling the temperature of the solution of the first chamber 200 size of the core may be controlled. At a next stage, the solution of the first chamber 200 is transferred to the second chamber 210 and allowed to cool down at an ambient temperature or in a temperature range about 30-60 degree Celsius. The second chamber 210 is then supplied with the charge species. The charge species may be a positive charge species or a negative charge species as discussed in previous discussion. For the purpose of explanation humic acid as negatively charged species is discussed herein. About 1-2 kg of humic acid is supplied to the second chamber 200 and agitated for up to 2-6 hours at an ambient temperature, resulting in coating of the charge species on the core and formation of the nanoparticle system. The solution may be then supplied to the extractor 117 where the solution may be further treated for pH adjustment and the nanoparticle system are extracted for use in desalination. In some additional step the nanoparticle system may be washed and pH treatment may be repeated.
[0032] According to an aspect, the present subject matter provides, a method of manufacturing the apparatus of the present subject matter. According to this aspect, the method of manufacturing the apparatus 100 includes a number of steps. While a number of steps become apparent from the discussion with reference to the FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, solely for the sake of completeness following describes the method. FIG. 1 through FIG. 5 are collectively referenced in the following discussion and the reference numerals corresponding elements may be referred accordingly. At one stage, the reactor 101 is configured. At one stage the reactor assembly 110 may be configured. The reactor 101 and reactor assembly 110 may be provided with one or more inlets including the control inlet 105, 205, 215. The control inlets 105, 205, 215 to receive the solution of metal salts and the pH controller, the charge species etc. The reactor assembly 110 is configured to cause precipitation of metal salts in a pH and temperature controlled environment resulting in formation of a core. For controlling temperature, at one stage, the reactor assembly 110 may be provided with a temperature controller 103, 203, 213. At one stage, the method provides the extractor 107 to extract the nanoparticle system. At one stage, the agitator 201, 211, 111,311, 411 may be provided. At some stage the reactor assembly may be configured to couple the first chamber 200 and the second chamber 210. At one stage the pH block 300 is configured and coupled to the reactor assembly 110 and at one stage the extractor 107 is configured and coupled to the reactor assembly 110.
[0033] The nanoparticle system so prepared has capability to capture the oppositely charged ions of an effluent, when it is mixed with the effluent. It shall become clear to a person in the art, after reading this specification, that the effluent may have a number of dissolved solids and have high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentration. The effluent may be an industrial effluent or any solution that needs to be subjected to desalination, removal of hardness and toxic heavy metal ions etc. Such solution may include, but not limited to industrial refuse, sea water, salty water, brackish water. The nanoparticle system when mixed with the effluent, binds with the oppositely charged ions of the TDS. The nanoparticle system bound with the ions can then be separated through filtration, sedimentation, magnetically, centrifugation, osmosis or any other means leaving behind the water with significantly reduced TDS. The present subject matter has demonstrated up to 90% of targeted TDS desalination from the effluent of industrial grade, that is to say an effluent having TDS upto 100,000 ppm or more.
[0034] Among many other advantages, the present subject matter provides a desalination process that requires minimal external energy and also the process is substantially independent of ion type and its valances. The subject matter has demonstrated improved removal of ions such as sodium, potassium, calcium, aluminum, magnesium, arsenic, lead etc.
[0035] Among other advantages of the present subject matter also offers advantages of chemistry based desalination, minimal energy requirement, targeted ion desalination, small equipment size, repeatability and reusability of the nanoparticle systems, magnetic and easy separation processes, process independent of effluent type and usable for variety of effluents, improved sedimentation of TDS, effective binding of the TDS and nanoparticle systems, and manufacturing and scalability ease.
[0036] While the subject matter may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described herein. Alternate embodiments or modifications may be practiced without departing from the spirit of the subject matter. The drawings shown are schematic drawings and may not be to the scale. While the drawings show some features of the subject matter, some features may be omitted. In some other cases, some features may be emphasized while others are not. Further, the methods disclosed herein may be performed in manner and/or order in which the methods are explained. Alternatively, the methods may be performed in manner or order different than what is explained without departing from the spirit of the present subject matter. It should be understood that the subject matter is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the subject matter is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as described above.
[0037] In the above description, while describing the present subject matter, some of the proprietary terms as well as some proprietary terms of expression including trademarks or other copyrighted subject matter may have been used, the applicant has taken best care in acknowledge the ownership of the proprietary subject matter. However, if the applicant has inadvertently omitted any such acknowledgement, the applicant states that any such omission is unintentional and without any malicious intention and the applicant states that should any such inadvertent omission is brought to the attention of the applicant, the applicant is willing take actions that the applicant believes are fit to acknowledge such proprietary ownership.

ProdyoVidhi Ref.: ARVD.0013.IN