US 2026/0092861 A1 · HIGH PRESSURE AND HIGH TEMPERATURE ANODE AND REFERENCE ELECTRODES ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

A system and method for providing cathodic protection in supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) processes, designed to prevent corrosion of metallic components under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. The system includes a graphite anode and a noble metal reference electrode housed in ceramic-insulated assemblies, connected to process piping through tee-fittings. The method applies an impressed current to the anode while dynamically adjusting the voltage based on real-time measurements from the reference electrode. The system can include a dynamic offline test device for measuring current, voltage, and resistance of PFAS-contaminated aqueous streams to optimize cathodic protection.

Claims30

Dependent claims

A system for conducting supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) processes, comprising:

an inlet for an aqueous stream;
a first piping section connected on one side to the inlet for the aqueous stream and on another side to a SCWO reactor inlet;
a SCWO reactor disposed between the SCWO reactor inlet and a SCWO reactor outlet;
wherein the interior of the first piping section defines a pathway to the SCWO reactor;
and
a cathodic protection system comprising:
an electrical conduit connecting the first piping section, through a power source, to an anode;
wherein the anode is disposed in a ceramic sealant within an anode housing, the ceramic electrically insulating the anode from the housing;
wherein the housing is attached to the first piping section at a tee joint;
wherein the anode extends from the housing into the pathway;
and
a reference electrode positioned within the pathway.

9 more elements

A method for conducting a supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) reaction, comprising:

passing a PFAS-contaminated aqueous solution into a first piping section connected on one side to an inlet for an aqueous stream and on another side to a SCWO reactor inlet;
heating the PFAS-contaminated aqueous solution in the first piping section to form a heated PFAS-contaminated aqueous solution;
applying an electrical potential from a power source to an anode disposed within the heated PFAS-contaminated aqueous solution in the first piping section;
and
passing the heated PFAS-contaminated aqueous solution into a SCWO reactor and subjecting the PFAS-contaminated aqueous solution to supercritical conditions in the presence of an oxidant.
A dynamic offline test device for measuring current, voltage, and resistance of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) samples to optimize cathodic protection for supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) system components, comprising:
a current measuring unit configured to detect the protective current required for different PFAS compositions;
a voltage adjusting unit configured to regulate the applied voltage to ensure protection of SCWO system components based on the most reactive elemental composition of the system alloys;
and
a resistance measuring unit configured to account for the impedance of the SCWO system and prevent excessive current flow that could result in electrolysis of water.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

High pressure and high temperature anode and reference electrodes assemblies

Life of this patent

High pressure and high temperature anode and reference electrodes assemblies

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims30