A WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a dye degradation system (100) having an enclosure (102) a hollow portion, a reservoir (110) positioned in proximity to the first end (102a) and adapted to store wastewater, and a plurality of light sources (120) in proximity to the second end (102b) and adapted to generate a light for the degradation of a dye. In addition, the dye degradation system (100) includes a tube (130) positioned in the hollow portion, in proximity to the plurality of light sources (120), and fluidically connected to the reservoir (110) to regulate a flow of the wastewater. The tube (130) includes an inner surface having a layer of Cobalt Ferrite-Titanium Dioxide (CoFe2O4@ZnO) composite adapted to degrade the dye in the presence of the light from the plurality of light sources (120), when the wastewater flows through the tube (130).

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a wastewater treatments system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a dye degradation system for degrading a dye from a wastewater through photocatalytic degradation.

BACKGROUND

The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s) for the present disclosure.

The recent growth of textile, leather, dyeing/printing, and plastic industries and the presence of dyes in their waste effluents is a major concern for the environment. The industries regularly discharge the dyes in the environment/rivers and generate a considerable amount of dye and colouring/polluting the waterbodies. Also, some dyes are toxic and carcinogenic thereby increase the toxicity of the waterbodies if discharged in the waterbodies and effects the aquatic life.

However, some conventional methods for wastewater treatment having dyes includes employing chemical coagulation for removing suspended solids and some colour bodies efficiently but generate excess sludge that requires further treatment. In addition, the chemical used in chemical coagulation may also introduce secondary pollution, and therefore the water cannot be reused. In addition, adsorption using activated carbon may be performed for water treatment and dye removal, but the absorption process is very costly to operate and has to be regenerated and reused many times making the process complex. Also, some biological process may be used but the biological process is slow.

Therefore, a dye degradation system is required that overcomes the above-mentioned problems for discharging the wastewater into the water bodies.

The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purposes and the disclosure would never limit its scope or any such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below-mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a dye degradation system having an enclosure having a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a hollow portion defined between the first end and the second end, a reservoir positioned in proximity to the first end and adapted to store wastewater, and a plurality of light sources in proximity to the second end and adapted to generate a light for the degradation of a dye. In addition, the dye degradation system includes a tube positioned in the hollow portion, in proximity to the plurality of light sources, and fluidically connected to the reservoir to regulate a flow of the wastewater. The tube includes an inner surface having a layer of Cobalt Ferrite-Titanium Dioxide (CoFe2O4@ZnO) composite adapted to degrade the dye in the presence of the light from the plurality of light sources when the wastewater flows through the tube.

The dye degradation system may have the utility in various fields such as but not limited to textile, dye manufacturing, paper and pulp industries, printing, ink manufacturing, leather, tannery operations, for the treatment of wastewater so that it can be safely reused or put out into the environment. In addition, the dye degradation system may be used in the municipal wastewater treatment plants to enhance the removal of dyes from the effluent streams emanating from the small-scale units where dyeing operations are carried out.

The dye degradation system facilitates the removal in an efficient manner by keeping a wide spectrum of synthetic dyes that were otherwise resistant to conventional methods of biological degradation. Also, the inclusion of the pair of magnets allows for easy separation of treated material, thus simplifying the recovery of clean water for further reuse.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a front planer view of a dye degradation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates a top planer view of the dye degradation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a tube of the dye degradation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 4 illustrates a test result having a graph between wavelength and absorbance of a methylene blue, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale.

Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as "one or more features" or "one or more elements" or "at least one feature" or "at least one element." Furthermore, the use of the terms "one or more" or "at least one" feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, "there needs to be one or more…" or "one or more elements is required."

Reference is made herein to some "embodiments." It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, "a first embodiment," "a further embodiment," "an alternate embodiment," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "multiple embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," "further embodiment", "furthermore embodiment", "additional embodiment" or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 a dye degradation system 100 is shown, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a front planer view of the dye degradation system 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a top-planer view of the dye degradation system 100, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.

The dye degradation system 100 is used for treating the wastewater and degradation of the dye from the wastewater. The dye degradation system 100 may be used in various industries such as but not limited to textile, dye manufacturing, paper and pulp industries, printing, ink manufacturing, leather, tannery operations, for the treatment of wastewater so that it can be safely reused or put out into the environment

The dye degradation system 100 may include an enclosure 102 defining a hollow portion, a reservoir 110 adapted to store a wastewater, a plurality of light sources 120 disposed inside the enclosure, and a tube 130 positioned inside the hollow portion of the enclosure 102. In an embodiment, the wherein each light source (120) is embodied one of an ultraviolet light sources (UV) and a visible light source.

In addition, the tube 130 of the dye degradation system 100 may include an inner surface having a layer of at least one of a Cobalt Ferrite-Titanium Dioxide (CoFe2O4@ZnO) composite and a Cobalt Ferrite-Titanium Dioxide (CoFe2O4) composite. The layer of Cobalt Ferrite-Titanium Dioxide (CoFe2O4@ZnO) composite is adapted to degrade the dye in the presence of the light from the plurality of light sources 120 when the wastewater flows through the tube 130. The presence of light in the UV and visible spectrum facilitates the photocatalytic mechanism of CoFe2O4@TiO2 nanoparticles for the degradation process of the dyes. The photocatalytic mechanism is based on the generation of electron-hole pairs due to photo-irradiation.

As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the enclosure 102 of the dye degradation system 100 defines the hollow portion extending between a first end 102a and a second end 102b opposite to the first end 102a. In addition, the enclosure 102 of the dye degradation system 100 may include a base 104 defining a bottom portion, a roof 108 disposed spaced apart from the base 104, and a plurality of sidewall 106 positioned between the base 104 and the roof 108. In an embodiment, the plurality of sidewalls 106, the roof 108, and the base 104 of the enclosure 102 may be joined with each other to form the hollow portion.

In an illustrated embodiment, the enclosure 102 of the dye degradation system 100 may define a cuboidal shape configuration. In other embodiment, the enclosure 102 of the dye degradation system 100 may define a cylindrical shape configuration or any other configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In addition, the reservoir 110 of the dye degradation system 100 may be adapted to be positioned proximate to the first end 102a of the enclosure 102 such that the reservoir 110 is disposed towards the base 104 of the enclosure 102. Further, the reservoir 110 may facilitate the holding of the wastewater. In addition, the dye degradation system may include a partition wall 140 adapted to be positioned over the reservoir 110.

In an embodiment, the partition wall 140 may be slidably coupled inside the hollow portion of the enclosure 102. In addition, the partition wall 140 of the enclosure 102 of the dye degradation system 100 is adapted to slide on the plurality of sidewalls 106 to facilitate the changing of the volume of the reservoir 110. In an embodiment, the partition wall 140 of the enclosure 102 is adapted to slide between the first end 102a and the second end 102b of the enclosure.

In an embodiment, the partition wall 140 may slide in response to a level of wastewater inside the reservoir 110. In an embodiment, the partition wall 140 slides towards the second end 102b in response to the rise in the level of the wastewater. In an embodiment, the partition wall 140 slides towards the first end 102a in response to the fall in the level of the wastewater.

In addition, the tube 130 of the dye degradation system 100 is positioned inside the hollow portion of the enclosure 102 and is disposed proximate to the plurality of light sources 120. In an embodiment, the tube 130 is positioned on the partition wall 140 facing towards the plurality of light sources 120 to facilitate the receiving of the light for degrading the dye inside the wastewater. Further, the tube 130 of the dye degradation system 100 is fluidically connected to the reservoir 110 to regulate a flow of the wastewater from the tube 130.

In addition, the dye degradation system 100 may include a pair of magnets 148 disposed proximate to the end of the tubes 130 such that the pair of magnets 148 may be coupled with the sidewall 106. The pair of magnets 148 is adapted to attract a sludge that is generated after the degradation of the dyes. The sludge is collected/gathered within the tubular portion 134 after the degradation of the dye and the sludge is adapted to be attracted by the pair of magnets 148 thereby preventing any flowing of the sludge into the wastewater.

Referring to Figure 3, a front view of the tube 130 of the dye degradation system 100 is shown, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. The tube 130 facilitates the passing of the wastewater throughout and further facilitates the degradation of the dyes from the wastewater.

The tube 130 of the dye degradation system 100 may include a tubular portion 134 to facilitate the passing of the wastewater. The tubular portion 134 of the tube 130 may include a first end 130a defining an inlet of the tubular portion 134 and a second end 130b disposed opposite to the first end 130a defining the outlet of the tubular portion 134. In an embodiment, the tube 130 is made of a transparent or a translucent material to facilitate the passing of the light to facilitate the degradation of the dyes.

In an embodiment, the first end 130a of the tubular portion 134 may facilitate the entry of the wastewater inside the tube 130, and the second end 130b of the tubular portion 134 facilitates the exit of the wastewater from the tube 130 after the degradation of the dye is performed.

Additionally, the tube 130 of the dye degradation system 100 may include a pair of end caps 136 adapted to cover the two ends 134a, 134b of the tubular portion 134. In an embodiment, the pair of end caps 136 may includes a first end cap 136a adapted to couple with the first end 134a of the tubular portion 134. In an embodiment, the pair of end caps 136 may include a first end cap 136a adapted to couple with the first end 134a of the tubular portion 134.

In an embodiment, the pair of end caps 136 may include a second end cap 136b adapted to couple with the second end 134b of the tubular portion 134. In an embodiment, the wastewater is adapted to ingress through a first end cap 136a and egress through a second end cap 136b while passing through the tube 130. In an embodiment, the pair of end caps 136 are detachably coupled with the tubular portion 134 of the dye degradation system 100.

Also, the tubular portion 134 of the tube 130 includes an inner surface (not shown) defining a tubular shape and extending from the first end 134a to the second end 134b of the tubular portion 134. The wastewater is adapted to be in contact with the inner surface of the tubular portion 134 while the wastewater is passed through the tubular portion 134.

In an embodiment, the inner surface of the tubular portion 134 of the tube 130 may include a double-sided nano tape covered along the inner surface of the tubular portion 134. The double-sided nano tape may include a first surface to adhesively couple with the inner surface of the tubular portion 134 and a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface having the layer of Cobalt Ferrite-Titanium Dioxide (CoFe2O4@ZnO) composite.

In addition, the dye degradation system 100 may include a pump adapted to the transfer of wastewater to the first end cap 134a of the tube 130 to facilitate the entry of the wastewater to the dye degradation system 100. Also, the dye degradation system 100 may include a fan 144 (as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2) coupled with the roof 108. The fan 144 is adapted to provide cooling, ventilation, and transfer the heat outside the dye degradation system 100.

The application and working of the dye degradation system 100 are now explained. The wastewater from the industries is stored in the reservoir 110 of the dye degradation system and is pumped to the tube 130 through the first end cap 134. The wastewater is passed through the inner surface of the tube 130 having the nano tape having the layer of Cobalt Ferrite-Titanium Dioxide (CoFe2O4@ZnO) composite or Cobalt Ferrite-Titanium Dioxide (CoFe2O4) composite.

In an exemplary embodiment, the photocatalytic mechanism of CoFe2O4@TiO2 nanoparticles in the degradation process of the dyes is based on the generation of electron-hole pairs due to photo-irradiation. When light rays are irradiated onto TiO2, the TiO2 is adapted to absorb energy and forms an electron-hole pair. The bandgap of TiO2 is around 3.2 eV facilitating the absorption of the UV light, the chemical reaction for the same is provided below.

TiO_2 (h?)?TiO_2 [ e_CB^- + h_VB^+]
In an example, the CoFe2O4@TiO2 nanocomposite having the Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) enables the absorption of the visible light due to a relatively smaller bandgap of about 1.9 eV. The absorption enhances the photocatalytic activity beyond UV light. Also, the presence of CoFe2O4 creates a heterojunction in the composite. The generated electron-hole pairs are separated to prevent the recombination thereby decreasing the photocatalytic activity.

In addition, when the light is absorbed by the TiO2, electrons, and holes are created. Further, the heterojunction enables the separation of the at the interface of the CoFe2O4-TiO2. In an embodiment, the conduction band electrons of the TiO2 may be transferred into the conduction band of CoFe2O4. In an embodiment, the holes either remain in the valence band of the TiO2 or may move into the valence band of CoFe2O4. The chemical equation for the charge separation is shown below.
TiO_2 (e_CB^- )?Co?Fe?_2 O_4 (e_CB^- )[transfer]
TiO_2 (h_VB^+ )?Co?Fe?_2 O_4 ?(h?_VB^+)[transfer]

In an example, the separated charge carriers (electrons and holes) are crucial in the formation of the ROS. The electrons react with the dissolved oxygen (O2) present in the solution to form superoxide radicals (O2•?), the chemical equation for the same is provided below. Further, the holes oxidize water (H2O) or hydroxide ions (OH?) to form hydroxyl radicals (OH•), the equation for the same is provided below.
O_2+e^-?O_2^-
H_2 O+h^+?•OH+H^+
In an example, the produced ROS species, having O2?• and OH•, are highly reactive and are effective in the degradation mechanism of the dye molecules, such as methylene blue, C16H18ClN3S. The degradation mechanism is shown below.

Dye+•OH+O_2^-?CO_2+H_2 O+other degraded products
The dye degradation system 100 light is illuminated on the CoFe2O4@TiO2 nanoparticles coated on the nano tape. The nanoparticles are subjected to effluent flowing through the tube filled with dye-laden wastewater. The generation and separation of an electron-hole pair during the absorption of light energy trigger the charge separation mechanism that leads to the promotion of ROS formation. The reactive species reacts further with the dye molecules and degrades them into less harmful byproducts with carbon dioxide and water.

Referring to Figure 4, a test result having a graph between wavelength and absorbance of a methylene blue is shown, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. In an experimental analysis, the degradation of methylene blue dye, a synthetic dye commonly used in textile industries is performed. The results are evaluated using CoFe2O4@TiO2 nanocomposites.

Experimental results exhibited a significant reduction in the concentration of the dye. The degradation was above 88% in 480 minutes under irradiation in UV light conditions. Magnetic recovery of the nanocomposites from the treated water was feasible after photocatalytic treatment, based on the magnetic properties of CoFe2O4, thus avoiding contamination of the treated effluent. Also, more than 90% of the nanoparticles were separated by an external magnet within 15 minutes.

Further, the apparent colour and COD removals were determined during post-treatment analysis of the treated water. Water samples treated in a non-potable reuse manner with the necessary standards to achieve environmental standards, like irrigation.

The advantages of the dye degradation system 100 are now explained. The dye degradation system 100 may have the utility in various fields such as including but not limited to textile, dye manufacturing, paper and pulp industries, printing, ink manufacturing, leather, tannery operations, for the treatment of wastewater so that it can be safely reused or put out into the environment. In addition, the dye degradation system 100 may be used in the municipal wastewater treatment plants to enhance the removal of dyes from the effluent streams emanating from the small-scale units where dyeing operations are carried out.

The dye degradation system 100 facilitates the removal in an efficient manner by keeping a wide spectrum of synthetic dyes that were otherwise resistant to conventional methods of biological degradation. Also, the inclusion of the pair of magnets 148 allows for easy separation of treated material, thus simplifying the recovery of clean water for further reuse.

The dye degradation system 100 reduces the sludge generation significantly, with lesser further waste disposal. The dye degradation system 100 is cost-effective and scalable, and the dye degradation system 100 is affordable as the chemical agents used are more economical than options like activated carbon.

The dye degradation system 100 is environment friendly, with low generation of secondary pollutants. The dye degradation system 100 enables high-quality reusable water to be yielded while still complying with tough regulations of the discharge. The dye degradation system 100 is energy efficient and generates low carbon footprints. Also, the double-sided nano tapes may be easily replaced increasing the overall life of the dye degradation system 100.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
, Claims:1. A dye degradation system (100) comprising:
an enclosure (102) having a first end (102a), a second end (102b) opposite to the first end (102a), and a hollow portion defined between the first end (102a) and the second end (102b);
a reservoir (110) positioned in proximity to the first end (102a) and adapted to store wastewater;
a plurality of light sources (120) in proximity to the second end (102b) and adapted to generate a light for the degradation of a dye; and
a tube (130) positioned in the hollow portion, in proximity to the plurality of light sources (120), and fluidically connected to the reservoir (110) to regulate a flow of the wastewater therethrough,
wherein the tube (130) includes an inner surface having a layer of Cobalt Ferrite-Titanium Dioxide (CoFe2O4@ZnO) composite adapted to degrade the dye in the presence of the light from the plurality of light sources (120), when the wastewater flows through the tube (130).

2. The dye degradation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enclosure (102) comprises:
a base (104);
a roof (108) disposed spaced apart from the base (104); and
a plurality of sidewalls (106) positioned between the base (104) and the roof (108),
wherein the plurality of sidewalls (106), the roof (108), and the base (104) are joined with each other to define the hollow portion.

3. The dye degradation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each light source (120) is embodied one of an ultraviolet light sources (UV) and a visible light source.

4. The dye degradation system (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a partition wall (140) slidably coupled inside the hollow portion and adapted to slide on the plurality of sidewalls (106), wherein the partition wall (140) is slidable in response to a level of wastewater inside the reservoir (110).

5. The dye degradation system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the tube (130) is positioned on the partition wall (140) facing towards the plurality of light sources (120).

6. The dye degradation system (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising:
a pump adapted to the transfer of wastewater to the tube (130); and
a fan (144) coupled with the roof (108), and adapted to provide cooling, ventilation, and transfer the heat between the dye degradation system (100) and surrounding.

7. The dye degradation system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube (130) comprises:
a tubular portion (134) to facilitate the passing of the wastewater wherein the inner surface of the tube (130) is a surface of the tubular portion (134); and
a pair of end caps (136) adapted to cover two ends of the tubular portion (134), wherein the wastewater is adapted to ingress through a first end cap (136a) and egress through a second end cap (136b) while passing through the tube (130).

8. The dye degradation system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pair of end caps (136) is detachably coupled with the tubular portion (134).

9. The dye degradation system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inner surface of the tubular portion (134) of the tube (130) includes a double-sided nano tape, the double-sided nano tape having a first surface to adhesively couple the inner surface of the tubular portion (134) and a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface having the layer of Cobalt Ferrite-Titanium Dioxide (CoFe2O4@ZnO) composite.

10. The dye degradation system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pair of end caps (136) of the tube (130) includes a pair of magnets (148) disposed spaced apart from the pair of end caps (136), wherein the pair of magnets (148) is adapted to attract a sludge collected within the tubular portion (134) after the degradation of the dye.

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