Method for the Electrostatic Separation of Polymer Particles from Waste Water

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This patent discloses a method and device for removing polymer particles, such as microplastics, from wastewater using an electrostatic field. The process exploits the electrical charge (zeta potential) of the suspended polymer particles and uses electrodes—often configured as a rotating roller—in an aqueous environment to attract and capture these charged particles. The method can be optimized by adjusting parameters such as pH, voltage, and the materials of the electrodes. The collected particles are then removed from the electrode surfaces for disposal or recycling, providing an efficient way to purify water from persistent polymer contaminants.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater to remove polymer micro-particles and microplastics.
• Upgrading existing water purification plants with devices to improve removal of synthetic particles.
• Continuous cleaning of process water in food, textile, or plastic manufacturing industries.
• Environmental cleanup operations for contaminated rivers, lakes, or stormwater systems.
• Advanced laboratory settings for studying or quantifying polymeric particle removal techniques.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Highly efficient removal of very small (nano- to micrometer-sized) polymer particles that are difficult to filter mechanically.
• Suitable for continuous or large-scale water treatment operations due to the rotating electrode design.
• Reduces dependency on chemical additives or complex filtration media.
• Minimizes electrode corrosion and material contamination through appropriate selection of electrode materials and coatings.
• Allows for recycling or appropriate disposal of removed polymer particles, supporting environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
• Process parameters can be optimized to balance energy use, cost, and effectiveness.

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Patent Abstract

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Senkung der Konzentration polymerer Partikel in einem wässrigen Gemisch sowie eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung dieses Verfahrens.