Selective removal of scale-forming ions for water softening
OwnerPatrick G. Campbell, Maira R. Cerón Hernández +3inventors
InventorsPatrick G. Campbell, Maira R. Cerón Hernández, Steven A. Hawks, Tuan Anh Pham, Michael Stadermann
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Abstract
Use of porous carbon aerogel materials as capacitive deionization (CDI) electrodes to selectively remove scale forming divalent ions (e.g., Mg, Ca) from “hard” waters. A first electrode and/or a second electrode are made from activated carbon with graphite current collectors. A non-conductive, electrolyte permeable paper or polymer membrane separator is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode.
Claims20
Apparatus for water softening, comprising:
- a first electrode conductor having first pores;
- a second electrode conductor having second pores;
- a separator between said first electrode conductor having first pores and said second electrode conductor having second pores,
- a voltage system for applying a voltage to said first electrode conductor and said second electrode conductor;
- and
- channels for directing the water into said first pores said second pores.
A method of water softening, comprising the steps of:
- providing a first electrode conductor having first pores,
- providing a second electrode conductor having second pores,
- providing a separator,
- sandwiching said separator between said first electrode conductor and said second electrode conductor,
- providing headers around said first electrode conductor and said second electrode conductor, and
- providing channels that direct the water to said first electrode conductor and said second electrode conductor.
Apparatus, systems, and methods for water softening, comprising:
- use of porous carbon aerogel materials as capacitive deionization (CDI) electrodes to selectively remove scale forming divalent ions (e.g., Mg, Ca) from “hard” waters.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.