Method and System for Treating Fluids by Producing Corona Discharges in a Fluid Volume

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This patent describes a method and system for treating fluids, such as water or wastewater, using corona discharges generated directly within the fluid volume via fast high-voltage pulses. By applying very short, high-voltage nanosecond-scale pulses to specially arranged electrodes immersed in the fluid, the invention efficiently generates reactive species like hydroxyl radicals and shock waves, which break down contaminants, disinfect, and decontaminate the fluid. The system may include multiple anodes, dielectric elements, catalyst or absorbent particles, and can be adapted for continuous operation or scaled for larger fluid volumes.

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• Disinfection of drinking water to remove bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Decontamination of wastewater by breaking down pharmaceutical residues and other persistent organic pollutants.
• Industrial process water treatment to reduce chemical and biological contaminants.
• Degradation of hormonal and pharmaceutical compounds in municipal or hospital wastewater.
• Sterilization of fluids in food and beverage processing.
• Emergency or mobile water purification systems for disaster relief.

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• Provides highly efficient fluid treatment by maximizing the production of reactive species within the entire fluid volume.
• Reduces or eliminates the need for chemical additives such as chlorine or ozone, avoiding harmful byproducts.
• Capable of breaking down contaminants (e.g., pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors) that are difficult to remove by conventional methods.
• Minimizes energy waste by focusing plasma reactions on contaminant destruction rather than heating the fluid.
• Reduces the formation of undesirable byproducts like nitrates and nitrites.
• Can be integrated into existing pipeline or reactor systems and modularly scaled for higher flow rates or treatment capacities.
• Enhances operational flexibility via various electrode geometries, pulsing modes, and additional catalytic or absorbent elements.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for treating fluids (5) by producing corona discharges (12) in the fluid volume (6). According to said method, high-voltage pulses (8) are applied to an electrode arrangement (2) present in the fluid volume (6). Pulse rise times of the high-voltage pulses (8) are in the range of 1 to 40 nanoseconds and pulse duration of the high-voltage pulses (8) is in the range of 50 to 400 nanoseconds.