US 4,331,525 A · Electrolytic-ultrafiltration apparatus and process for recovering solids from a liquid medium

Abstract

A process and apparatus for the recovery of suspended solids from a liquid medium is disclosed. The liquid medium containing suspended solids is circulated through an electrolytic cell and an ultrafiltration unit, the suspended solids being removed from the liquid medium as a uniform particulate mass of low liquid content while a proportionate amount of the liquid and dissolved components such as surfactants is removed through ultrafiltration to avoid a dilution of the liquid medium in a continuous process. The recovered solids, following evaporation of a small amount of remaining liquid, offers a more uniform particle size as well as substantially lower recovery costs when compared with conventional techniques, such as spray-drying, now used in the industry. The disclosed electrolytic-ultrafiltration process offers application to the treatment of industrial products and wastes (polymeric, e.g., PVC and PVC copolymers, rubber, paint, cellulose, paper sludge, food, etc.) and the recovery or concentrating of valuable materials from naturally occuring sources, e.g., whey protein.

Claims25

Dependent claims

An apparatus for the recovery of suspended solids from a liquid medium contained within a tank, said apparatus consisting essentially of:

(A) a continuous surface anode adapted to be located within said liquid medium contained within said tank;
(B) a cathode adapted to be located within said liquid medium contained in said tank and adjacent to said anode;
(C) a power source arranged to provide direct current in a continuous or interrupted mode by connector means to said anode and said cathode;
(D) means for removing said suspended solids following electrolytic deposition on the surface of said anode;
(E) an inlet disposed in said tank and connected to a source of additional liquid medium;
(F) an outlet disposed on said tank and connected to an ultrafiltration unit having an inlet and an outlet and filtrate removal means, and piping leading from said ultrafiltration unit outlet and returning to a second inlet means in said tank;
whereby suspended solids are to be removed from said liquid medium by deposition on said anode when current is applied and solvent is removed through said ultrafiltration unit while the level of said liquid medium within said tank is to be maintained relatively constant by the supply of additional liquid medium from said source.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electrolytic-ultrafiltration apparatus and process for recovering solids from a liquid medium

Life of this patent

Electrolytic-ultrafiltration apparatus and process for recovering solids from a liquid medium

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25