Electrocoagulation is defined as the process of applying a direct or alternating electrical current and voltage of varying strength to electrodes in contact with water or wastewater. This flocs the suspended and/or dissolved solids into a coagulant of sufficient size that can be effectively and rapidly removed from the liquid by filtration. This paper highlights the results of three years in the electrocoagulation field, working intensely with two vendors and in contact with several others. The majority of equipment vendors contacted do not have commercial units in operation. Pilot tests have shown mixed results. WMRC worked with one company as it installed a vendor's commercial unit. Several system tests were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the electrocoagulation unit (ECU). The ECU operates in line with standard waste treatment equipment. Lab analyses show that although the standard equipment removes contaminants, there is no change in contaminant level across the ECU. It is concluded that this particular ECU does not enhance contaminant removal. To date, no electrocoagulation vendor has demonstrated effective enhancement of contaminant removal.
展开▼
