FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the system utilizing a continuous mode of flow for the removal of fluoride and other contaminants such as color, organic, and inorganic compounds from contaminated water/wastewater.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Fluoride is known to contaminate groundwater reserves globally. Sporadic incidence of high fluoride content in the groundwater has been reported from various countries like India, China, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Spain, Holland, Italy, Mexico, and North and South American countries. In India, fluoride endemic states are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, and Delhi. Most of the rural population uses groundwater for drinking purpose, while the ground/surface/sewage-waste water has been frequently found to be contaminated with various toxic pollutants such as arsenic, pesticides, heavy metals and fluoride.
According to our present knowledge, the teeth become affected when the concentration of fluoride, calculated as fluorine (F~), is more than about 1 ppm in the drinking water; and within the range of the fluoride concentrations ordinarily met within drinking waters, the degree of severity of the mottled enamel, skeletal fluorosis and the incidence increase with increase in the fluoride concentration for prolong period of time (Patent-US 2,207,725). In some areas, particularly the Asian subcontinents, skeletal fluorosis is endemic. It is known to cause irritable-bowel symptoms and joint pain. Early stages are not clinically obvious, and may be misdiagnosed as (seronegative) rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Defluoridation is considered necessary when the naturally occurring fluoride level exceeds recommended limits (WHO, 2011). In 2011 the WHO recommended a level of fluoride from 0.5 to 1.5 ppm, depending on the local environment, climate, and other sources of fluoride.
Water in the context of this application refers to fluoride contamination and other contaminants that are not suitable for human consumption without prior treatment. Therefore, fluoride and other contaminants present in drinking water are critical for the provision of potable water, which is of concern to public health. The concentration of fluoride < 1 mg/1 in the water helps to prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay. In children under 6

years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to dematerialize the teeth but excessive fluoride intake (> 1 mg/1) over a long period of time may result in a serious public health problem called fluorosis, which is characterized by dental mottling and skeletal manifestations such as crippling deformities, osteoporosis, and osteosclerosis.
Various water treatment methods have been used without or with a combination such as Coagulation, Sedimentation, Filtration, Electrodialysis, Membrane, Adsorption, Ion exchange and Nanotechnology for the removal of fluoride and other contaminants from water. However, these technologies are complicated and employ difficult mechanisms. None of the above methods are suitable for general methods in various economic situations and different types of areas. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some methods work well, but the cost is high, and the technology is high. It requires a. lot of expenditure and requires continuous power protection such as reverse osmosis, electrodialysis etc.
Further, these technologies often result in some other drawbacks such as the removal of essential minerals and expensive as well. Therefore, it is essential to treat the water/wastewater and to bring down the concentration of fluoride and other contaminants such as color, organic and inorganic compounds, and metals within the permissible/desirable limits of BIS.
Fluoride removal measures can be effective and durable only if a suitable method of defluorination is in use. For this, electrolytic methods have been developed by Hartle (CA2755161), Mothersbaugh, and Hancock (US8540863), Oifman (US20110155564) Yongping et aL, (CN103991932 (A). However, Zappi and Weinwerg (US6315886 Bl) have pointed out that electrochemical processes, in some instances, are ineffective in treating solutions by reducing concentrations of contaminants to levels permitted under government regulations. ■ Such processes often lack sufficient reliability for consistently achieving substantially complete mineralization of organic contaminants, as well as the ability to remove sufficient color from industrial wastewaters in compliance with government regulations.
A previous invention (Application number 3457/DEL/2014) by the inventors of the present application also relates to Fluoride removal from water, but it is concerned with the batch mode involving electrolytic defluoridation process and thus has its own limitations. The

present invention overcomes a number of shortcomings of our previous invention and other prior art by providing a novel system for the removal of various pollutants to their desirable/permissible limits by a continuous process. This present invention may also be helpful for the removal of various other contaminants such as color, organic and inorganic compounds, and metals from the different sewage and industrial effluents. This may also be helpful for the disinfection of drinking and treated sewage water. In this aspect, the present invention relates to the continuous mode of Electrolytic treatment system, providing energy-efficient and cost-effective technology having the edge over Conventional technology.
OBJECTIVES
The principle object of the present invention is to provide an adequate treatment of the contaminated water and wastewater in a continuous flow to remove the fluoride contents as well as other contaminants such as color, organic and inorganic compounds and metals from the different sewage and industrial effluents.
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Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for decontamination of water and mode of its operation, wherein the system is eco-friendly and economically effective in the removal of fluoride contents as well as other contaminants.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention provides a continuous system for Electrolytic defluoridation of contaminated water comprising a connector (101) which supplies contaminated water, an optional 1st carbon filter (102), DC power adaptor (105), Electrolytic reaction chamber (103) having electrode assembly (104), settling chamber (106), Ilnd carbon filter made of activated carbon and calcium hydroxide (107), Sedimentation chamber (108), Illrd carbon filter (109), treated water tank (114) and collection tap (115). A process of de-fluoridation of water using the above system 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 defluoridation of contaminated water.

Figure 2: A plan view of DC power adaptor.
Figure 3: A systematic view of aluminium electrode assembly and side and front view of electrodes.
Figure 4: A systematic view of Electrolytic reaction chamber having electrode assembly.
Figure 5: A systematic view of different filtration/ chambers used in the system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 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 describes a system for treating fluoride contaminated water in continuous mode. The present system is capable of the removal of fluoride and other contaminants from the contaminated water below the desirable or permissible limit of BIS standard. The system comprises an Electrolytic reaction chamber having electrode assembly made of aluminium electrodes arranged parallelly in which electrodes acting as anodes and cathodes connected to positive and negative terminal, respectively, of the DC power adaptor.
Further description of the system is being elaborated in terms of the relevant figures:
Figure 1 shows the electrolytic treatment system. This includes contaminated water tank (101), 1st carbon filter (102), electrolytic reaction chamber (103) having electrode assembly (104), DC power adaptor (105), settling chamber (106), Hnd carbon filter .(107) (with activated carbon and calcium hydroxide), sedimentation filter (108) and IHrd carbon filter (109). The process and system of electrolytic treatment reduce significant concentration (> 85%) of fluoride from the contaminated water and during electrolytic treatment, the generated aluminium content and other colloidal impurities were removed with the help of different filters/chambers incorporated in the system to below the permissible/desirable limits of the BIS standards.
As seen, an aluminium electrodes combination is immersed in the Electrolytic reaction chamber during the treatment of water/wastewater and is directed to coniiect the +ve and -ve terminal of the DC power adaptor. The sedimentation rate of the coagulant is dependable on

the generation of a large number of negatively charged hydroxyl ions and positively charged hydrogen ion during the Electrolytic reaction in the reactor. The released ions into the water, attach themselves to floating particulate matter of oppositely charged ions into the water forming, heavier particles through charged neutralization, thus allowing them to fall to the bottom, of the settling chamber effectively, thereby reducing contaminants in the water after electro-coagulation.
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 of aluminium electrodes with parallel order. Electrodes as anode (120) and as cathode (-ve) (121) were connected to the DC power adaptor. The side view (122) is the aluminium electrode, and (123) is the front view of the electrode. After that, the electrode assembly immersed in the Electrolytic reactor was used for the treatment of contaminated water.
Figure 4'shows the main embodiment of the Treatment system, which is electrolytic reaction chamber (124) having +ve (125) and - ve (126) terminal of an electrode assembly.
Figure 5 shows the different filters/chambers used in the system. This includes (127) 1st carbon filter made of activated carbon, (128) settling chamber where sedimentation takes place, (129) Hnd carbon filter made of activated carbon and calcium hydroxide, (130) sedimentation filter made of Polypropylene non-woven filter cloth and (131) Illrd carbon filter also made of activated carbon.
As per yet another embodiment, the electrodes (anode and cathode) in the electrode assembly present in the electrolytic reaction chamber are made of aluminium and wherein said electrodes are connected in parallel mode.
As per yet another important embodiment, the coagulated impurities formed during electrolytic treatment are removed by means of the settling/ precipitation based on the generated coagulant through the incorporated settling chamber.
As per yet another important embodiment, the incorporated filters in the system comprise of 1st carbon filter made of granules activated charcoal; sedimentation filter made of

Polypropylene non-woven filter cloth and Ilnd carbon filter made of activated carbon and calcium hydroxide Illrd carbon filter also made of granules activated charcoal.
According to an important embodiment, the present invention relates to a continuous system for Electrolytic defluoridation of contaminated water comprising a connector (101) which supplies contaminated water, an optional 1st carbon filter (102), DC power adaptor (105), Electrolytic reaction chamber (103) having electrode assembly (104), settling chamber (106), Ilnd carbon filter made of activated carbon and calcium hydroxide (107), Sedimentation chamber (108), Illrd carbon filter (109), treated water tank (114) and collection tap (115).
An important embodiment, the present invention relates to an Electrolytic reaction, wherein the electrode assembly comprises aluminium electrodes placed parallelly within the inter-electrode distance of 0.5 -2.0 cm and operable at the voltage between 0 and 50 V. Another embodiment relates to the electrolytic reaction chamber, wherein the preferable inter-electrode distance is 0.7 cm and preferred voltage and flow rate 48 V and 100 ml/min, respectively.
In yet another embodiment, the flow rate of the contaminated water for treatment in the range of 50-200 ml/min.
In yet another embodiment, wherein the surface area of each electrode of electrode assembly remains in contact with the contaminated water and these electrodes act as anodes and cathodes after being connected with Electric power supply in the electrolytic reaction chamber.
In yet another embodiment, wherein the contaminated water is optionally passed through the 1st carbon filter (102) for the removal of suspended impurities and then led to the electrolytic reaction chamber.
In yet another embodiment, wherein the coagulants and aluminium fluoro complexes are formed during the electrolytic reaction in the electrolytic reaction chamber and these are removed by means of filiations via Ilnd carbon filter (107), sedimentation filter (108) and Illrd carbon filter (109).

According to yet another important embodiment of the invention, wherein said system is capable of removing the generated aluminium from electrolytic treated water below the permissible limit (0.2 mg/1) of BIS standard.
In yet another important embodiment, wherein the said system is capable for removal of fluoride and other contaminants from the fluoride contaminated water in continuous mode within the desirable limit or below the permissible limit of BIS standard.
As per a very important embodiment of the present invention providing a process of removal of-fluoride from contaminated water, wherein the process comprises steps of: . i) Allowing the contaminated water to enter the contaminated water drain pipe (101); . ii) Optionally passing the contaminated water through the 1st carbon filter (102) for the
removal of suspended matter present in the contaminated water. iii)Allowing the water from step (ii) above, to pass through the electrolytic reaction chamber
(103) wherein in the electrolysis take place in the presence of aluminium electrodes and
defluorinated water is obtained; iv)Allowing the defluorinated water from the electrolytic reaction chamber (103) to pass
through settling chamber (106), wherein the settling process takes place for the settling of
coagulated impurities in the electrolytic treated water; v) Allowing the water obtained from step (iv) above to pass through the Ilnd carbon filter
(107) and sedimentation filter (108) for the removal of generated coagulant; vi) Obtaining treated water.
As per yet another important embodiment of the process, wherein the Ilnd carbon filter (107) comprises activated carbon and calcium hydroxide.
Another important embodiment, wherein the Illrd carbon filter (109) is optionally connected to the system for the removal of the residual impurities left after the sedimentation filter (108) from the treated water.
As per yet another important embodiment, the impurities are in the form of suspended matter, flocculants, and coagulants.

Examples
As an experiment to determine the removal of fluoride at the appropriate voltage, tests were conducted with an Electrolytic defluoridation system to a continuously flowing fluoride contaminated water. This system comprised of 1st carbon filter (102), electrolytic reaction chamber (103) having electrode assembly (104), DC power adaptor (105), settling chamber (106), Ilnd carbon filter (107) (with activated carbon and calcium hydroxide), sedimentation filter (108) and Illrd carbon filter (109). The electrode assembly was placed in a electrolytic reaction chamber and to connected to the negative and positive terminal of DC power adaptor. The present system is operable at natural pH approximately 7.1-7.5, and the voltage was supplied continuously to the electrode assembly with flowing water at the flowrate of 100/150 ml/min. The coagulated impurities formed during the electrolytic reaction were removed by means of the settling and filtration by 1st carbon filter, sedimentation filter, Ilnd carbon filter and Illrd carbon filter incorporated in the system.
The experiments were conducted i.e., voltage (0-50 V), and flowrate of 100/150 ml/ min. There was no need for pH adjustment of the water.

Sample name • Fluorinated water
Electrode Type . 5 Aluminium electrodes (Parallel order) only 3 electrodes were attached as 2 anodes and 1 cathode
Electrode area (each electrode) . 84 cm2
Distance between electrodes . 0.7 cm
Electrode thickness . 2 mm
Velocity 150 ml/min

5 Aluminium electrodes (Parallel order) were attached as 3 anodes and 2 cathodes at 12 V with the process 1st Carbon filter+ Electrolytic reaction chamber+ Hnd carbon filter mix with Ca(OH)2 + sedimentation filter + Illrd carbon filter BIS standards for DW
Before treatment After treatment Removal % Desirable Permissible
Fluoride (mg/l) 8.9 1.41 -84.15 1 1.5
Aluminium (mg/l) 0 0.21 0 0.03 0.2
5 Aluminium electrodes (Parallel order) were attached as 3 anodes and 2 cathodes at 24 V with the process 1st Carbon filter+ Electrolytic reaction chamber+ Settling chamber + Hnd carbon filter mix with Ca(OH)2 + sedimentation filter + HI rd carbon filter
Fluoride (mg/l) 9.5 1.16 -87.78 1 1.5
Aluminium (mg/l) 0 0.17 0 0.03 0.2
5 Aluminium electrodes (Parallel order) were attached as 3 anodes and 2 cathodes at 48 V with the process 1st Carbon filter+ Electrolytic reaction chamber+ Settling chamber + Hnd carbon filter mix with Ca(OH)2 + sedimentation filter + III rd carbon filter
Fluoride (mg/l) 8.75 i.06 -87.88 1 1.5
Aluminium (mg/l) 0 0.13 0 0.03 0.2

Sample name ; Fluorinated water
Electrode Type . 5 Aluminium electrodes (Parallel order) only 3 electrodes were attached as 2 anodes and 1 cathode
Electrode area (each electrode) . 84 cm2
Distance between electrodes . 0.7
Electrode thickness . 2 mm
Velocity lOOml/min

5 Aluminium electrodes (Parallel order) were attached as 3 anodes and 2 cathodes at 12 V with the process 1st Carbon filter+ Electrolytic reaction chamber+ Hnd carbon filter mix with Ca(OH)2 + sedimentation filter + Illrd carbon filter BIS standards for DW
Before treatment After treatment Removal % Desirable Permissible
Fluoride (mg/l) 9.25 1.35 85.40 1 1.5
Aluminium (mg/l) 0 0.23 0 0.03 0.2
5 Aluminium electrodes (Parallel order) were attached as 3 anodes and 2 cathodes at 24 V with the process 1st Carbon filter+ Electrolytic reaction chamber+ Settling chamber + Hnd carbon filter mix with Ca(OH)2 + sedimentation filter + HI rd carbon filter
Fluoride (mg/l) 8.77 1.12 87.22 1 1.5
Aluminium (mg/l) 0 0.19 0 0.03 0.2
5 Aluminium electrodes (Parallel order) were attached as 3 anodes and 2 cathodes at 48 V with the process 1st Carbon filter+ Electrolytic reaction chamber+ Settling chamber + Ilnd carbon filter mix with Ca(OH)2 + sedimentation filter + III rd carbon filter
Fluoride (mg/l) 8.86 0.98 88.93 1 1.5
Aluminium (mg/l) 0 0.14 0 0.03 0.2

We claim:
1. A continuous system for Electrolytic defluoridation of contaminated water comprising a connector (101) which supplies contaminated water, an optional 1st carbon filter (102), DC power adaptor (105), Electrolytic reaction chamber (103) having electrode assembly (104), settling chamber (106), Ilnd carbon filter made of activated carbon and calcium hydroxide (107), Sedimentation chamber (108), Illrd carbon filter (109), treated water tank (114) and collection tap (115).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow rate is in range of 50-200 ml/min,
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the.said Electrolytic reaction chamber
. (103) comprises an electrode assembly and wherein the electrode assembly comprises
aluminium electrodes placed parallelly.within the inter-electrode distance of 0.5 -2.0 cm and operable at the voltage between 0 and 50 V.
4. The electrolytic reaction chamber, as claimed in claim 3, wherein the preferable inter-electrode distance is 0.7 cm and preferred voltage and flow rate 48 V and 100 ml/min, respectively.
5. The Electrolytic reaction chamber as claimed in claim 3, wherein 100 % of the surface area of each electrode remains in contact with the contaminated water
6. Electrolytic reaction chamber (103), as claimed in claim 3, wherein the electrodes act as anodes and cathodes after being connected with electric power supply. .
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contaminated water is optionally passed through the 1st carbon filter (102) for the removal of suspended impurities and then led to the electrolytic reaction chamber (103).
8. The Electrolytic reaction chamber (103) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the coagulants and aluminium fluoro complexes are formed during the electrolytic reaction in the electrolytic reaction chamber and these are removed by means of filtrations via Ilnd carbon filter (107), sedimentation filter (108) and Illrd carbon filter
(109).
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said the system is capable of removing the generated aluminum from electrolytic treated water below the permissible limit (0.2 mg/1) of BIS standard
10. The svstem_as_claime,d-in_claimsJ-=J9.,-wherein-the-treatment-is-capable-fQr-remQval-of-fluoride and other contaminants from the fluoride contaminated water in continuous mode within the desirable limit or below the permissible limit of BIS standard.

11. A process of removal of fluoride from water, comprising the steps of:
i). Allowing the contaminated water to enter the contaminated water drain pipe
(101); ii). Optionally passing the contaminated water through the 1st carbon filter (102) for
the removal of suspended matter present in the contaminated water. iii). Allowing the water from step (ii) above, to pass through the electrolytic reaction
chamber (103) wherein in the electrolysis take place in the presence of aluminium
electrodes and defluorinated water is obtained; iv). Allowing the defluorinated water from the electrolytic reaction chamber (103) to
pass through settling chamber (106) wherein the settling process takes place for
the settling of coagulated impurities in the electrolytic treated water; v). Allowing the water obtained from step (iv) above to pass through the Ilnd carbon
filter (107) and sedimentation filter (108) for the removal of generated coagulant; vi). Obtaining treated water.
12. The process, as claimed in claim 11, wherein the Ilnd carbon filter (107) comprises activated carbon and calcium hydroxide.
13. The process as claimed in claim 11, wherein the Illrd carbon filter (109) is optionally connected to. the system for the removal of the residual impurities left after the sedimentation filter (108) from the treated water.
14. The process as claimed in claim 11 to 13, wherein the impurities are in the form of "suspended matter, flocculants, and coagulants.