SBIR-STTR Award

Liquid-phase Pulsed Corona Discharge (PCD) in water has recently demonstrated the potential to be an inexpensive and energy efficient method for removing chemical and biological contaminants that threaten drinking water. PCD effectiveness originates from the multiple mechanisms present in the reactor including the production of reactive chemical species; strong UV radiation directly in the aqueous phase; and a shock wave from the strong applied electrical field pulse which may breakdown the cell membrane thus inactivating viruses, bacteria, and other water borne microorganisms. These multiple mechanisms make it superior in decontamination to electron beam processes, ozonation, and other advance oxidation processes; and at a much lower cost and energy input. The goals of the proposed work are to extend the existing batch studies of PCD to additional chemistries and biological agents; build prototype continuous flow reactor for drinking water systems and develop a theoretical reactor model to be used in scale up studies in a Phase II effort. The proposed effort is to be accomplished using patent pending technology, and by a team with a proven record for developing cost-effective continuous flow reactor systems for water treatment problems. The advanced oxidation system will also include ATR-IR detection equipment for real-time monitoring of key chemical fragments associated with harmful chemical. This detection approach is suitable for computer data acquisition and the process system control. If successful, this technology can be applied to small drinking water treatment systems for the safe drinking water. The technology is simple to operate with low operating costs

Novel, technologically feasible, and cost effective alternatives are needed for removing chemical and biological contaminants that threaten drinking water. Minimizing the potential for producing disinfection by-products (DBP?s), sludges, and harmful residues is also a factor. Ideally, the treatment technology would be inexpensive, simple to use, and serve as a supplement for current disinfection systems for water utilities. Liquid-phase Pulsed Corona Discharge (PCD) in water has recently demonstrated the potential to be an inexpensive and energy efficient method for accomplishing all of these goals. A PCD reactor was tested in Phase I for its capable of destroying bacteria and chemical agent simulants under two batch reactor configurations. The PCD technology is capable of destroying chemical simulants and bacterial contaminants in all reactor configurations, at a wide range of concentrations. The bacterial kill rate increases exponentially with increasing power input. The PCD can be configured successfully in a continuous flow system. Additional development work on optimizing the continuous flow system for appropriate corona discharge and gas-liquid contact is needed with the goal of complete biological disinfection and destruction of chemical agents. This proposed effort,if successful, would lead to a continuous, skid mounted prototype system that can be tested on surface waters of the Army's selection.

Keywords:
DISINFECTION, ADVANCED OXIDATION, CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL THREATS, DRINKING WATER