MXPA00005011A - Process and apparatus for electrocoagulative treatment of industrial waste water - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrocoagulation system for removing contaminants from waste effluents comprising an electrocoagulation reactor (140) having charged and uncharged plates and allowing serial flow of water therethrough. The reactor (140) is connected to a voltage source (160) to charge some of the plates positive and negative plates. The system allows waste water to enter the reactor (140) for coagulation therein, the waste water leaving the reactor (140) to enter a defoam tank (200) for agitation which allows trapped bubbles to rise to the surface of the tank (200) as foam. From the defoam tank (200), waste water goes through a sludge thickener, to allow sludge to settle at the bottom thereof and waste water is drawn off from the sludge thickener to flow to a clarifier (250). The pump removes sludge forming at the bottom of clarifier (250) to take it back to the sludge thickener. The sludge is drawn out the bottom of the sludge thickener for transport to a press (280) where most of the water is removed therefrom. Water is drawn off the top of the clarifier (250) for transport to a conventional sewer system, or for reuse.

Description

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ELECTROCOAGULATION OF WATER FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a process for the treatment of industrial waste water by electrolysis and more particularly for cleaning reclaimed industrial waste water for example from industrial kettles or otherwise containing contaminants, using a process of electrocoagulation to chemically bond a particle to change the particle from solution to suspension that can be flocculated and separated from water. The invention is also concerned with an apparatus for carrying out the process and especially with a bubble pump of the electrolytic cell sludge thickener and clarifier used for that purpose.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART The present invention is concerned with improved processes and apparatuses for separating impurities from fluids, in a manner that is safe, economical and compatible with the user. Attempts by others to provide improvements in the water purification technique are represented by the inventions described below. U.S. Patent No. 3,849,281 issued to Benett et al, describes an electrolytic cell disposed REF. : 119945 vertically used to produce hypociorite solutions. This unit, insofar as it prints a sinuous trajectory on the fluid to be treated, requires the use of U-shaped plates as a cathode; current is applied only to the outer extremities of the device. This device is divided into a series of divided cell units. It is not constructed in such a way that the individual cell units can be easily cleaned or repaired. U.S. Patent No. 4,124,480 issued to Stevenson is concerned with a bipolar cell consisting of appended electrode plates that print a sinuous or partially sinuous path over the electrolyte fluid that travels through it. A partially sinuous path is described when the stagnation of the fluid flow at the ends of the plates is alleviated by existing paths at the ends of certain plates along the path. This cell is used for the electrolytic generation of chlorine from seawater or other brines. The external plates are connected to a positive source to act as the anodes and the central plate is connected to a negative source to act as a cathode. This device is used for a purpose other than that of the present invention and is not constructed to be particularly easy to disassemble for its repair and replacement of internal parts, since each electrode is held in place with a separate O-ring seal that must be carefully removed from the assembly or cell assembly during the inspection to avoid damage and if damaged, requires replacement. U.S. Patent No. 4,339,324 issued to Haas relates to a gas generator composed of an electrolytic cell that makes use of a series current path and parallel fluid path. Neither the function nor the structure of this unit are similar to the present invention. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,406,768 and 4,500,403 issued to King, describe other assemblies or assemblies of electrochemical cells; in these units the electrodes do not extend over the entire width of the internal chamber. However, these units make use of current and parallel current flow paths. U.S. Patent No. 5,549,812 issued to Witt, discloses an electrolysis method that requires a pulsed current flow and sinuous fluid path. A source of pulsed current is used to break and chemically alter the contaminants in order to form a flocculate within the fluid to be treated. After treatment, the flocculate is settled in a tank for fluid removal. However, the cell is constructed of such a way that it makes it particularly difficult to disassemble it for inspection and repair. Also, the path of the fluid moves in different directions through each plate inside the cell. U.S. Patent No. 3,964,991 issued to Sullins, describes an apparatus for electrolytic flocculation (ie, electrocoagulation) of suspended colloidal particles. This device is of cylindrical shape, makes use of a single electrode arranged centrally for the operation and is very difficult to disassemble for itself cleaning after prolonged use. German patent document DE 3641365C2 consists of an apparatus for the cleaning and treatment of contaminated water using "electroflotation", a process in which iron and aluminum plates, configured as sets of cascaded electrodes, are consumed by electrolysis as the Waste water passes over them. This electrolytic process (referred to herein as "electrocoagulation") can obtain flotation over a wide pH range without the addition of chemical components or compounds, resulting in water clarification or cleaning. During electroflotation, the metals are oxidized in the waste water to form precipitates, the emulsions are broken and the oil components are converted to foam. In practice, fine gas bubbles they are produced in the waste water (an electrolyte) by electrolytic action between the electrodes, which form anodes and cathodes. The oxygen released serves to oxidize substances in the waste water. The release of metal ions into waste water provides flocculation agents that cause contaminants to fall to the bottom while gas bubbles can produce a foam bed at the top. A clean water phase is formed between the upper foam bed and the heavier dirty component at the bottom of the fluid bed. In this particular apparatus, iron and aluminum (which is more expensive than iron) are used as sacrificial electrode materials. As illustrated by the prior art, efforts are continuously made to develop improved devices for separating fluid impurities. However, no effort provides the benefits concurrent with the present invention. That is, the process and apparatus according to the present invention deviates substantially from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art and in doing so, provides means to cause particulate impurities within a fluid to collect or aggregate together to forming larger particles for filtration by subsequent mechanical processes in an economical manner; provides a cell for the electrocoagulation that eliminates the need for numerous sealing joints, is easy to disassemble and clean, employs readily available parts and materials, is easily manufactured and uses a minimum number of functional components and includes a clarifier that is more effective than clarifiers of the technique previous. Additionally, the patents of the prvia technique and commercial techniques do not suggest the present combination of the invention of elements of components arranged and configured as described and claimed herein.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrocoagulation system for more efficiently separating contaminants from waste water. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrocoagulation reactor cell that uses rectangular plates that are easily fabricated and such plates are easy to separate. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrocoagulation cell having plates that are easy to manufacture, maintain and separate, which also allows a serial flow of the waste water therethrough.

It is a further object of the present invention, providing an electrocoagulation cell containing multiple electrolytic cells therein, such that the reactor can operate even if a cell is not functioning. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a container upstream of a clarifier that will allow the sludge to settle and thicken, such sludge will be removed from the bottom thereof by pressing. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sludge thickener in fluid communication with the system clarifier to cycle the sludge from the clarifier back to the sludge tank to provide more efficient operation. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an efficient, non-expensive, low-cost pump for moving waste water from one container to another in the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a process for treating industrial waste water by using an electrocoagulation process to chemically bind a molecule / particle in solution to change the molecule / particle from a "in solution" state yet "in suspension" state in such a way that the molecule can be flocculated and separated from water as a contaminant, which can include heavy metals, dyes, oils, fats, solvents, salts, etc. The electrocoagulation process to treat industrial waste water comprises the steps of: (a) passing water from industrial waste of low pressure containing contaminants susceptible to flocculation and precipitation after the electrolysis of waste water between electrodes of an electrocoagulation cell designed for a long service life and easy maintenance; (b) subjecting the waste water within the cell to electrolysis by energizing the electrodes with direct current, breaking through and chemically altering the contaminants to change the contaminants from a state in solution to a state in suspension in the electrolyzed water for form a segmentable flocculate in it and (c) separate the flocculate from the resulting clean water, using chemical flocculating additives (if necessary) and a mechanical clarifier built to operate more effectively with greater ease of maintenance than that required by conventional clarifiers.

The invention also anticipates an apparatus for treating waste water comprising: a pump for moving the waste water through an electrocoagulation reactor cell; the cell itself; a defoaming tank to reduce the amount of bubbles present in the clarified water; a clarifier having a flocculating mixing chamber, a series of horizontally arranged slotted plates of varying lengths designed to follow a shallow entry and steep exit wall path, ending in an outlet overflow and a plate filter press Reduced to consolidate flocculated waste materials for disposal. The electrocoagulation reactor cell of the present invention has ferrous electrode plates physically arranged to be parallel to each other, with a fixed spacing by retaining grooves running through the cell walls from left to right. In other designs, the plates would also be made of aluminum, carbon or other materials depending on the waste that is treated. The plates of the cell form a sinuous guide path for the waste water as it moves from the cell inlet to the outlet of the cell. All other fluid paths are sealed by mechanical splicing contact with a liquid sealant such as silicone that is used between the splice surfaces of the external walls of the reactor cell. Energy is supplied to the cell on each eleventh plate, by means of grooves and cut holes in the plates with fluid-tight seals around the energy contacts at each eleventh plate. The plates to which the voltage is fed can be varied according to the design parameters of the particular system. The clarifier of the present invention has three main containment areas for the waste water that has undergone electrocoagulation: a flocculating mixing chamber, the main body of the clarifier and an outlet overflow. The mixing chamber of the flocculate has a baffle at the bottom to separate the entrained air (which is passed to the top of the clarifier) and ensure a more complete mixing of the liquid that passes through it. The main body of the clarifier comprises a series of horizontally arranged slotted plates of varying lengths; each plate is of such length that it follows the shallow inlet and steep exit paths delineated by the bottom walls of the clarifier, which lead from the clarifier inlet and the clarifier outlet respectively. The slots in the plates are variable in size and provide a means to select a more or less turbulent flow along the path of the fluid. The clarified liquid passes through the slots to the outlet overflow. The solids that fall to the bottom of the clarifier's main body are drained by the operator and passed to a filter press, where they are consolidated and taken to an appropriate disposal site. Thus, the most important features of the invention have been summarized rather broadly so that the detailed description that follows can be better understood and the present contribution to the art can be better appreciated. Of course, there are additional features of the invention that will be described later herein that form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the specific methods and structures described can easily be used as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and structures to carry out the same purpose of the present invention. Such equivalent methods and structures do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the invention as summarized in the appended claims. It will be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components summarized in the following descriptive drawings.

The invention is capable of other modalities and of being carried out in various ways. In this same spirit, the phraseology and terminology used herein should not be considered as limiting. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new process and electrocoagulation apparatus that can be performed in a relatively small floor surface area. It is another object of the present invention to provide a new process and electrocoagulation apparatus that can be manufactured and marketed easily and efficiently, being made of easily available materials. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new electrocoagulation process and apparatus that is durable and reliable in construction. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new process and electrocoagulation apparatus that consumes a relatively small amount of energy. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new process and electrocoagulation apparatus that requires minimal maintenance throughout its useful life. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a new fluid reactor cell to cause particulate impurities within a fluid to flow. group together to form larger particles that can be separated more easily by subsequent conventional mechanical processes. It is another object of the present invention to provide a new fluid reactor cell that can be manufactured and marketed more easily and efficiently, being manufactured from readily available materials. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new fluid reactor cell that is of a durable and reliable construction. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new fluid reactor cell that consumes a relatively large amount of power. It is another object of the present invention to provide a new fluid reactor cell that operates effectively under conditions of relatively low pressure and low fluid flow velocity. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new fluid reactor cell that requires only minimal maintenance throughout its useful life, ie, the cell operates for a relatively long time before any disassembly and cleaning are necessary. It is another object of the present invention to provide a new waste water clarifier which can be manufactured and marketed easily and efficiently, being manufactured from easily available materials. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new waste water clarifier that is of durable and reliable construction, the clarifier plates can be separated individually as long as the system is in operation. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new wastewater clarifier that does not consume electrical power. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new waste water clarifier that requires only minimal maintenance throughout its useful life. Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a new wastewater clarifier that allows the operator to select turbulence along the flow path of the fluid from the clarifier inlet to the clarifier outlet. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new waste water clarifier having a flocculant mixing chamber with deflectors that acts to more fully mix the partially clean liquid with chemical compounds flocculants added while simultaneously separating the entrained air from the liquid. It is another object of the present invention to provide a new waste water clarifier with a moderately inclined inlet fluid path and an abruptly sloped outlet fluid path, each serving to more efficiently separate flocculated materials from the partially clean fluid. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new waste water clarifier having a multiplicity of drainage hole sites selectable by the operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The characteristics and. The aforementioned objects of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read in conjunction with the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of the coagulation process of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the electrocoagulation reactor cell apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a detailed view of the positive electrode connections to the electrocoagulation reactor cell apparatus of the present invention. Figure 4 is a detailed view of the negative electrode connections to the electrocoagulation reactor cell apparatus of the present invention. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid flow path through the electrode plates of the electrocoagulation reactor cell apparatus of the present invention. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the mechanical clarifier apparatus of the present invention. Figure 7 is a sectional side view of the input and output segments of the mechanical clarifier apparatus of the present invention. Figures 8a and 8b and 8c are perspective and side views of the locking plates within the mechanical clarifier apparatus of the present invention. Figure 9 is a sectional side view of the locking plates and notches within the mechanical clarifier apparatus of the present invention. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the drainage mechanism within the mechanical clarifier apparatus of the present invention. Figures 11 to 19A-19B illustrate alternative preferred embodiments of the applicant's present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Turning now to Figure 1, it can be seen that the waste water 110 is pumped from a waste containment tank 100 by means of the containment tank valve 115 (which must be opened), the pump 130 of waste water and a waste tube 120 to the electrocoagulation reactor unit 140. The waste water 110 can also be carried directly from another process (not shown), as it is produced, instead of from the waste holding tank 100. The pump 130, which is normally a low volume, low pressure, diaphragm type unit, is configured to operate at a pressure such that a constant volume of waste water 110 per time interval is moved to the entrance of the reactor unit 140. Reactor unit 140 may comprise a single electrocoagulation reactor cell or as a series of such cells, depending on the amount and composition of particulate waste present in waste water 110. The more waste is present , more efficiently multiple cells, which operate as a fluid path connected in series, can be employed. The rectifier 150 takes the alternating current from an appropriate power source 160, rectifies it and supplies direct current to the electrical input terminals of the rectifier. the reactor unit 140. The amount of voltage and current required depends on the volume of waste water to be processed, the type and concentration of contaminants and the physical size of the reactor unit 140. To provide uniform wear, the voltage of the rectifier 150 is inverted every 20 to 30 minutes. Typically, for a single reactor unit 140 of 94.6 liters / minute (25 gallons / minute), only 150 amps at 25 volts will be required. This is in contrast to the prior art cells, which require approximately 600 amps for the same voltage and flow rate. Of course, if several electrocoagulation cells are used in a series fluid path, then the rectifier 150 could be connected in parallel to the electrical input terminals of each cell or a separate rectifier could be used for each. For the remainder of this description, the reactor unit 140 will be described as comprising only one electrocoagulation cell. Turning now to Figure 2, it can be seen that the reactor unit 140 comprises a plurality of sacrificial metal plates 670, most commonly made of iron or hot rolled steel. Copper, carbon, aluminum, plastic impregnated with metal, ceramics and other materials that may or may not donate ions under the influence of electrolysis can also be used. The 670 plates are arranged commonly in a vertically stacked arrangement, with large surfaces parallel to each other. The plates to which the power is fed consist of a thick plate 672 with the intermediate plates consisting of the thin plates 674. In the arrangement as shown in figures 3 and 4, each fifth plate is connected to the power supply and is a thick plate 672. All the remaining plates are thin plates 674. The reason that the plates of power or power are thicker is because they are more combined with the contaminants in solution and thereby wear out faster than the other plates. There is a gap or void between each of plates 672 and 674. In the 94.6 liter / minute (25 gallons / minute) reactor unit shown, there is preferably a total of 40 plates 670. The plates 670 can also be arranged in such a way that the large surfaces are non-parallel (that is, convergent, divergent or in a combination of parallel and non-parallel arrangements). It is believed that the non-parallel arrangements provide more complete electrocoagulation of the waste components within the waste water 110, as a result of the increased turbulence and variable electric fields on the surface of each plate 670. As described, the arrangements no parallels are not shown in the drawings.

Figures 3 and 4 show the connections of positive and negative power input terminals to the reactor unit 140 respectively. Each connection is symmetrical, with reference now to Figure 3, with the positive voltage of the rectifier 150 which is fed directly to the positive terminal 615, is passed through the upper plate 630 of the reactor unit by means of spikes of feed 635 and is applied to the first, eleventh, twenty-first, thirty-first and forty-first plates 670 within the body of the reactor unit 140, by a series of positive feed connector links 645, starting with the upper electrode 650 ( which counts as the first plate 670 from the top of the reactor unit 140). This arrangement of connections can be varied according to the desired results. Different voltage gradients can be created by connecting to different plates. Similarly, as shown in Figure 4, the voltage of the negative rectifier 150 is directly connected to the wires 617 of the negative terminal, passed through the bottom plate 640 and connected to the bottom electrode 660 (counted as the first plate 670 from the bottom of the reactor unit 140) by means of negative feed pins 637. Then the negative feed voltage is applied to the eleventh, twentieth first, thirty-first and forty-first plates 670 within the body of the reactor unit 140, through a series of negative power connector links 647, starting with the bottom 660 electrode. Assuming a parallel arrangement of plates 670, the voltage provided by the rectifier 150 it will be equally divided between plates of opposite polarity. The voltage between the plates can be changed by changing the number of plates between the power connections. The waste water 110 passes in a coiled path through the gaps between the plates as a thin film, as illustrated in Figure 5. Seals 655, preferably made of latex tube or equivalent material, ensure that there is a fluid-tight seal between the plates 670. Not all the plates 670 need to be connected directly to the power source; in effect, only ten thick plates 672 of a total of 46 plates 670 are connected in this way. Each plate 670 in this arrangement is thus more positive or more negative than its neighboring plate 670, resulting in a differential voltage between the adjacent plates, providing a mounting and current on the space between the plates via conduction through the waste water 110. The rectifier 150 inverts the polarity to the plates at selectable intervals, preferably 20 to 30 minutes, to ensure a speed plaque erosion uniform and to clean gas plates and other undesirable deposits. The plates 672, connected directly to the rectifier 150 by means of feed pins 635 and 637 and power links 645 and 647 are approximately 0.952 cm (3/8 inch) thick, as opposed to the plates 674, which are only about 0.635 cm (1/4 inch) thick and not directly connected to the rectifier 150. The directly connected thick plates 672 erode much more rapidly than the thin plates 674; the variation in thickness provides a more uniform "wear" on the entire reactor unit 140 and a longer operating life time. With reference to Figure 2, the reactor unit 140 with open side plates 600, closed side plates 610, upper plate 630 and lower plate 640 is manufactured from a material of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) of approximately 5.1 cm (2.0 inches) of thickness. Other non-conductive materials with the ability to seal to liquid resistant to pressure, rigidity and non-corrosive when exposed to the fluid to be cleaned, can also be used. The reactor unit 140 is constructed to prevent leakage of waste water 110 between the plates 670 in the open side plates 600 by a direct splice contact with the plates 670 as they adjust to slot 605. Reactor unit 140 is constructed to prevent similar leaks in each of the closed side plates 610 by means of slots similarly arranged at one end of each plate, allowing an open path for the fluid at the opposite end of the plate. each plate, thus defining the path in serpentine. The upper plate 630 and the lower plate 640 and closed side plates 610 are simply bolted to the open side plates 600. A common sealing material is applied to the coupling surfaces to return the water-tight reactor unit 140 because it only a low pressure fluid flow is required for the effective operation of the reactor unit 140. A common sealant that can be used is a silicone-type sealant. The prior art units were put into operation under the assumption that a high pressure, constant volume fluid flow (ie, 4.2 Kg / square centimeter) was desirable. In fact, more waste can be separated by unit time from the waste water 110 with the low pressure flow (for example, 0.7 - 1.4 Kg / square centimeter (10-20 pounds / square inch)) of low volume. This also allows the reactor unit 140 to operate at much lower power levels than the reactor cell units of the prior art, as indicated above. The combination of operation at low Pressure and fluid flow at low pressure, low volume, also reduces the amount of maintenance required to keep the reactor unit 140 operating effectively. Prior art cells with similar volume treatment capacity could only operate for approximately 40-60 hours before cleaning is necessary. The present invention has been put into operation for more than 400 hours before a reduced operational efficiency is noted. The maintenance and regular cleaning of the reactor unit 140 is extensively simplified by the construction mentioned above. The operator only needs to unbolt the closed side plates 610 of the open side plates 600 to have direct access to all slaughter electrode plates 670. Instead of O-rings, a thin layer of adhesive joint material, preferably RTV® can be applied, making the reassembly of the reactor unit 140 a matter of distributing RTV® to the edges of the closed side plates 610 and returning them to bolting to the open side plates 600. The waste water 110, after reaction inside the reactor unit 140, is discharged to the first process vessel 180 by means of the discharge tube 170 (see figure 1). If a batch of waste water 110 against a continuous flow is treated, the float switch 190, which verifies the fluid level in the first process vessel 180, stops the pump 130 when the first process vessel 180 is full. The operator can then select the final destination of the partially treated water by manually changing the valve settings (ie open or closed) for the valve 115 of the holding tank, the defoaming valve 222 and the recirculation valve 224 and the batch valve 225. The waste water 110 which is sufficiently treated after passing through the reactor unit 140 will be discharged as treated water 205 directly into the defoaming tank 200 by means of the treated waste pipe 220 and the waste valve 220. defoaming open 222 (recirculation valve 224 and valve 225 of the batch must be closed). The waste water 110 requiring an additional electrocoagulation treatment is recirculated from the first process vessel 180 upon opening the recirculation valve 224 and the valve of the batch 225, the recirculation pipe 240 and the pump 130 to the reactor unit. 140. In this case, the valve 115 of the containment tank and the defoaming valve 220 will be closed. To provide additional treatment capacity, a multiplicity of containment tanks 180 can be used for the temporary storage of water from waste 110 as it is treated and circulated through the reactor unit 140. That is, additional pipes and valves can be provided to allow a continuous circulation between the reactor unit 140 and the first process vessel 180 or a second process vessel (not shown) for recirculating the batch between the first process vessel 180 and the second process vessel. The treatment is continued in this way via a tank / valve / tube selection until the waste water 110 is fully treated, at which time the treated water 205 will be sent to the defoaming tank 200. The agitator 210 in the defoaming tank 200 agitates the treated water 205. The gases trapped in the treated water 205 are expelled thereby, allowing the degassed waters to settle to the bottom of the defoaming tank 200 where they exit the tank as they travel through the spill tube 230 from near from the bottom of the defoaming tank 200 and to the overflow 325 of the defoaming spill attached. A small amount of chemical flocculant can be added via the flocculation tank 310, the flocculation tube 320 and the flocculation pump 330 to the treated water 205 before it leaves the overflow of overflowing 325 and passes to the clarifier 250. The flocculant , which is preferably an anionic polymer or a formulation Commonly available, similar, well known in the art, collects the additional particles and metal ions in the treated water 205 as the water moves down from the defoaming spill overflow 325, then horizontally through the defoaming tube 235 to the mixing chamber 710 of the flocculator of the clarifier 250. Of course, the addition of the chemical flocculant is an aid for the faster coagulation of the waste and is not necessarily required to effect the process of the present invention. Those skilled in the technique of separating fluid waste by flocculation, especially with respect to heavy metal waste components, can easily determine the need for addition of the chemical flocculant to the waste stream, depending on the measured amount of waste components. Individuals present in the fluid stream of the treated water 205. That is, the coagulation and lateral flocculation of the waste solids will occur and may be sufficient for treatment purposes even if a chemical flocculant is not added. Turning now to Figures 6, 7 and 9, the improved clarifier 250 of the present invention can be seen. The defoaming tube 235 supplies the fluid 110 to the clarifier 250 under a baffle 720. The baffle 720 at the bottom of the flocculation mixing chamber 710 of the clarifier 250 ensures thorough mixing and separates any entrained air from the incoming liquid, passes bubbles, foam and air to the top of chamber 710 and back to defoaming tank 200 via bubble line 237 (see figure 1), without alter the coagulated materials that move slowly in the flocculation chamber 710. As the liquid reaches the flocculating mixing chamber 710 and the coagulated solids attempt to settle, a dense flocculated bed is formed at the bottom of the flocculation mixing chamber 710, through which all the liquid and coagulated waste they must pass, ensuring proper contact between the incoming liquid, flocculant and coagulated waste, to better separate all available metal particles and ions. The 205 treated water that comes to the 710 flocculate mixing chamber is poured into the main 730 clarifier bay. The main bay 730 of the clarifier has a shallow slope 740 at the inlet end, to minimize turbulence caused by the falling coagulated waste and a steep exit slope 750 to help ensure that the coagulated waste will not approach the overflow 770 of clarifier output. The shallow slope 740 would be 45 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal and the slope 750 of steep output would be greater than 55 degrees with respect to the horizontal. A number of blocking plates 760, shown in figures 8a and 8b, hang vertically from the top of the main bay 730 of the clarifier, with a predetermined horizontal spacing between them. The plates 760 are of varying lengths, such that the bottom of each plate reaches a predetermined distance from the slopes 740 and 750 of the clarifier and the drain 780. Each plate 760 extends the full width of the clarifier and each plate comprises three main components: plate wall 790, slot top 800 and hook 810 of the plate. The wall 790 forms the main portion of each plate 760 and is designed to prevent horizontal movement of the fluids below the slot top 800, creating a zone of stillness from which the coagulated solids may fall as the treated water 205 flows from the clarifier flocculator mixing chamber 710 to the clarifier exit weir 770. The upper portion 800 of the slot defines the height of a slot 820 running across the width of the clarifier near the top of each plate wall 790. The slot top 800 is designed for use in any of its three positions, seen in Figure 8c and can be arranged as a vertical barrier or with front or rear angles. The orientation of the slot top portion 800 is selected based on the characteristics of the solids that are separated and the amount of turbulence desired in the wake of each slot 820, the vertical array 822 provides an average amount of turbulence beyond the slot 820, the front array 824 provides more turbulence beyond the slot 820 and the rear array 826 provide the minimum turbulence beyond the slot 820. A pair of plate ears 805 jointly join a plate wall 790 and its corresponding slot top 800. The connection between the wall 790 and the upper part 800 of the groove determines the height of the groove 820 and the height of the assembly of the blocking plate 760 above the slopes 740 and 750 of the clarifier and the drain 780. The projections u ears 805 join the wall 790 of the plate to the groove top 800 in such a manner that the top edge of the groove top 800 protrudes above the fluid level 775 of the full clarifier 250. A series of containment grooves 815 in the plate hooks 810 mounted on the top of the main bay 730 of the clarifier receive individual plate projections 805, determine the spacing between the locking plates 760 and keep the locking plates 760 in vertical alignment. Exemplary dimensions for a 10 gallon / minute clarifier include a main clarifier bay between approximately 1,245 liters and 1,287 liters (329 and 340 gallons) capacity, 19 locking plates, each with a slot opening 820 measuring approximately 1.9 cm (3/4 inches) tall and 112 cm (44 inches) ) Wide. Each blocking plate 760 is spaced approximately 7.37 cm (2.9 inches) apart from the next blocking plate 760 and the total area of the wall of the plate is approximately 11 square meters (119.125 square feet). The flocculation chamber 710 should be capable of holding approximately 163 liters (43 gallons) of fluid. As the coagulated solids and treated water 205 move from the flocculation mixing chamber 710 of the clarifier, through the main clarifier bay 730 and the clarifier exit overflow 770, they pass through the individual grooves 820 formed in the plates 770 by the connection between the wall 790 of the plate, the projection 805 of the plate and the upper part 800 of the slot. Heavy materials (ie, coagulated waste materials) tend to fall below slot 820 and continue to the bottom of clarifier 250, coming to rest at drain 780 of the clarifier. The floating materials are stopped by the top 800 of the groove of each subsequent plate along the path of the flocculation chamber 710 to the overflow 770 of departure. The floating materials are retained by their tendency to float in the fluid above the slot 820 until they develop a mass and density sufficient to fall to, then below, the level of the slot 820 in the blocking plates 760. The water treated 205 continues moving horizontally until it passes over the outlet overflow 770 and the drain pipe 300. Turning now to Figure 10, it can be seen that six drainage holes 840 are located in the drain 780, evenly spaced across the width of 880 clarifier background. The seven-way slide valve handle 850 allows the operator to select which of the holes 840 will be used to separate the collected solids by sliding the drain cover 860 through the drain 780 via the 785 joint assembly movement to leave exposed alternating valve holes 870, allowing the falling coagulated waste materials to continue to fall through individually selected drain holes 840 on the bottom 880 of the clarifier. Six of the valve handle adjustments 850 will act to open a single drain hole 840, while the seventh adjustment opens all six holes 840 at the same time. The coagulated solids that have fallen to the bottom 880 of the clarifier are then pumped to the press 280 of plate filter lowered via solids tube 260 and pump 270 of the filter press (see figure 1). The filter press 280 is put into operation as long as there are sufficient solids in the press for efficient separation, as determined by the operator, as is well known in the art. The pump 270 of the filter press fills the chambers of the filter press 280 until the held solids cause the pumping pressure to increase to a predetermined amount, as measured by a manometer 290 for a predetermined period of time. Typical pressures and time periods for a press with a capacity of 0.070 cubic meters (2.5 cubic feet) are 2.8 - 7.0 Kg / square centimeter (40-100 pounds / square inch) and 60 seconds. When these adjustments are obtained, the material is no longer pumped from the clarifier 250 to the filter press 280. The pump 270 is turned off and the air supply 340 is used to introduce air at a predetermined pressure, for a predetermined period of time, to the filter press 280 to force the remaining liquid from the press 280. Typical pressure and time values They are of 2.8 Kg / square centimeter (40 pounds / square inch) for 30 minutes for a press of 0.070 cubic meters (2.5 cubic feet) of capacity respectively. Once the press cameras 280 have been filled and the liquid in excess withdrawn, the press 280 can be opened to eject the accumulated solids. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the embodiments described, also as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art with reference to the description of the invention. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the appended claims cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention. Figures 11 to 19A-19B illustrate alternative preferred embodiments of the applicant's present invention. The preferred alternative embodiment of the reactor (Figures 11 to 15) differs structurally from the modalities summarized in the preceding figures in that, among other things, the location of the feed pins, the use of multiple feed pins and the use of "links" Power connector connector "in one piece. In the first modalities, it is seen that the feeding pins enter the reactor from the top and bottom to alternately load the feed plates, creating a stack of positively and negatively charged plates (with intermediate plates between them) that will subject the waste water that flows through an electromagnetic force, resulting in ' that the waste material advances from a state in solution to a state in suspension. In the alternative preferred embodiment described, a stack of plates is alternately positively and negatively charged, but charged by means of pin connectors of feed pins or other coupling means of the invention coming from one or two of the side walls or They come from the side walls and the top and bottom walls. In addition, it is seen with the above embodiments that the plates are loaded in series such that a break in any of the charged plates of the feeder connector connectors connecting the plates would disable the unit. The current mode of the applicant provides multiple power input points to divide the amperage and, if any breakage occurs within a single power input point, additional cells in the reactor would allow the unit to operate. Among the changes to the above embodiment and illustrated in the alternative preferred embodiment summarized in FIGS. 11 to 15, it is found that the feed pin and link of the connector can be integrated and the integrated unit housed in cuts on the inner surfaces of one or more than the side plates. This places the power connector links outside the perimeter of the plates not connected, eliminating by this the need to machine notches or drill holes in the plates as summarized in the previous modalities (see for example figure 2). This makes it easier to make plates and also to change them. With reference to Figures 11 to 14, the feed pin connector link now passes through the side plates directly to the loaded plates. This structure provides multiple feed input points to the reactor. The feeding plates are longer than the intermediate plates to be able to enter the cutting portion of the side walls. However, the longer feed plates still have a small hole drilled in each of them to join the connector link or feed coupling means. It will be noted that the seals and insulators between the plates need not be longer than those present (see, for example, Figure 3, items 655). Furthermore, it should be appreciated that there are a variety of benefits to the preferred alternative embodiment of the reactor as summarized with respect to Figures 11 to 15. A benefit is the reduced cost of manufacturing the reactor by simplifying the manufacture of the plates. Also, the new modality increases the capacity or feed input of the reactor by providing multiple Input power points and improve reliability too. Figure 11 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention having advantageous features to the use and maintenance of the reactor, some not illustrated in previous embodiments as summarized with respect to Figures 1 to 10. This embodiment has assembled power coupling means. on the side wall. Therefore, it is not necessary to machine all the notched plates or to use the insulation means between the plates. In effect, it only needs to drill a hole for the fastener in the feed plates where the fasteners connect the feed plates to the connector links (except as hereinafter indicated). This is a simpler task than the one required in the previous modalities. In addition, reactor assembly and maintenance are easier and the likelihood of reactor fouling is diminished with the removal of obstructions from the waste water flow stream. Other advantages will be discernible with reference to the specifications that follow. Figure 11 is a sectional side view of part of an electrocoagulation reactor unit showing several cells within the unit. With specific reference to Figure 11, it is seen that the reactor unit uses means 1008 power coupling to connect a power supply to any of the plates to positively charge them and others of the plates to charge them negatively. It is seen that the illustrated power coupling means includes a feed pin 1008a, which consists of a conductor, which is commonly covered by a suitable insulator and passes through the side wall to engage the connector link 1008b, which also It is a conductor and is typically adjusted crosswise to the feed pin. It will be noted that the feeding pin and the connector link are joined together by the use of an appropriate fastener 1008c. At each end removed from each of the two arms of the connector link is located an energized plate 672a (either positive or negative) attached to the end of the feed link by means of the use of a feed plate holder 1016. The reactor unit illustrated in Figure 11 consists of a first pair of opposite side walls 1010, the first pair of opposite side walls having a side wall 1010a and a second side wall 1010b similarly sized and each having internal surfaces facing each other . It is seen with reference to Figure 11 that the walls on the inner surface of the two opposite side walls include walls 1012 defining a cut 1018. (see also figure 10) for the feed pin and walls 1014 defining a cut for the insertion of the connector link to the inner surface of the side walls. By providing cuts on the internal surfaces of the opposite side walls for the reception of feed coupling means 1008 therein, it is allowed to use rectangular plates without notches, cuts or holes therethrough as required by the plates illustrated in FIG. the previous modalities (see figures 2 and 3). This also allows the use of the plates that do not come into contact with the connector link to still couple with the other parts of the side wall. Certainly, when observing Figure 11 it will be seen how the intermediate plates (without loading) extend part to the cut, but do not touch the connecting surface of the connector. The surface of the connector link can be coated with an insulator in such a way that if the internal plates touch it, they will not receive a load. Figure 12 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the feed coupling means 1008, which alternates the characteristics of the preferred one-piece feed pin / unitary connector link mode ("feed pin connector link") 1009 which is commonly T-shaped and made of copper with PVC or other insulated coating on it.

The unitary feed pin connector 1009 includes a feed pin arm 1022 and a first arm 1024 for connecting the feed plate, also as a second feed plate connecting to the arm 1022, in the configuration in the form of T. Figure 12 also illustrates the manner in which one or both of the side walls of the first pair of opposite side walls 1010 includes a cut 1028 of feed coupling means, also as walls 1020 defining the cutting of the coupling means of feed to allow insertion to the cut of the feed coupling means that allow the use of rectangular plates without notches in the reactor unit. Figure 12 also illustrates the use of means to prevent leakage of reactor fluid wherein the feed pin arm 1022 passes through the side wall. Specifically, Figure 12 illustrates the use of a compression fitting 1028 that includes a threaded side wall coupling element 1028a to fit snugly with the side walls that have been threaded for receiving the compression fit thereto. In that portion of the threaded side wall coupling member extending above the outer surface of the side wall, an O-ring 1028b is placed in and a seat 1028c is positioned above the O-ring. A 1028d compression cap fits over the O-ring and seat and is threadably engaged with the exposed portion of the threaded side wall coupling element and is tightened over the seat and the O-ring will cause the O-ring to seal against the walls laterals of the stem 1022 of the feeding arm in a fluid sealing manner to prevent leakage of fluid from within the cell. Figure 13 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of a reactor unit 140a in which the plates are easier to machine and easier to remove, but still allows a serial flow of liquid from one end of the reactor to the other as it passes. through multiple cells (a cell is defined as a positive plate and an adjacent negative plate, which includes the plates without loading intermediate between them). The element 670a in Figure 13 refers to all the plates (loaded or intermediate) inside the reactor. Some of the plates are charged (power plates) 672a. In some alternative preferred embodiments there may be feed plates 672a which are adjacent to the upper or lower wall of the reactor unit and charged through feed pins coming through the upper end or bottom wall. The intermediate plates without loading are designated by the number 674a.

Figure 13 provides a further view of the cut 1018 for the feed coupling means on the inner surface of the walls of the first pair of opposite side walls 1010a. It is also seen how the internal surfaces of the opposite side walls have plate coupling slots 1019 to receive a portion of the edge of the plates 670a, but as noted with reference to Figure 11, the feed coupling means are deeper that the plate coupling slots 1018 for the unloaded plates 674a, while the slits for the loaded plates have to be deep enough to allow the plate to be held with a connector link and still hold a straight edge through of the side wall. Furthermore, it is seen with reference to Figure 13 that there is also a second pair of opposite sidewalls 1030 which also have machined slots in the inner face thereof to allow the plates 760a to slide into the reactor. FIG. 13 illustrates two-piece feed coupling means (having a feed pin attached to a transverse connector link) but the one-piece feed pin connector unit can also be used. Furthermore, it is seen that the feed pin 1008a and the connector link 1008b conform to the cut 1018 of the media Power coupling and the whole unit is held together with fasteners as summarized in the above modalities. A preferred alternative embodiment for sealing the walls would include an O-ring groove 1121 around the inner perimeter just inside the fastener holes for the placement of a large compressible element 1112A to seal with the side walls when pressed together. Figures 14a and 14b describe an elevation view of the inner surface of one of the second pairs of opposing sidewalls 1030 and a sectional cross-sectional view of the same sidewall such two figures illustrate a series of slots 1019 for coupling with the plate being staggered, which means that the slits alternately have an open end 1032 and a closed end 1034 such that they receive the plates and keep the plates parallel to each other but provide, at the closed end 1034 a space between the end of the plate and the inner surface of the adjacent side wall where the fluid can pass, in series and in the form of a coil, from one end of the reactor to the other end of the reactor in a way to pass through each plate. It is seen that some of the slits 1019 of coupling with the plate are slits 1019a of coupling of loaded plates that can be thicker. than the adjacent unloaded plate and the mating slots 1019b with the coupling plate. Figures 15a, 15b and 15c are schematic illustrations of various modalities of the alternative preferred embodiment of the applicant. In Figure 15a, multiple feed coupling means are used in the opposite side walls, in the present feed coupling means from one side wall and the other provide a multiplicity of cells inside the reactor, each cell has two plates without load between properly loaded plates. In Figure 15b, multiple feed coupling means come from the same side wall and are staggered (superimposed). This configuration with overlapping feed pins on the same side (unlike the others) requires notches of the loaded plate where the overlap with the uncoupled feed coupling means occurs. This embodiment has multiple cells and multiple feed coupling means for providing multiple plates loaded with a single plate without loading in each cell. Figure 15c is a complete schematic illustration of the mode of the applicant's reactor as summarized in Figure 13. Here, there is a total of 46 plates with the top plate negatively charged (through a feed pin on the top wall) and a bottom wall that is positively charged (through a feed pin on the bottom wall). Two feed pins come from each opposite side wall to produce a total of 9 cells with four plates without loading between each of the plates loaded in a cell. Figures 15A or 15B do not necessarily have a complete reactor; represent a typical partial representation of a reactor that would normally have more than 40 plates. Accordingly, specific numbers reflected with respect to the number of cells, feed coupling means, etc. are correct in terms of the drawings, but do not necessarily reflect the number for a complete reactor. In addition, Figures 15A to 15C are only representative examples of any number of different configurations contemplated with the present invention. In addition, a variety of different materials can be used to make the plates. Now, Figure 16 describes an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention which has a variety of advantages of the previously described embodiment and also includes a unique bubble pump for transferring fluids from one container of the system to another. In the embodiment summarized in Figure 1, it will be noted that the waste water 110 leaves the foaming tank 200 and advance to clarifier 250. From the bottom of the clarifier, the mud advances to the removal of the press water. In Figure 16, the preferred alternative embodiment directs the waste water 110 from the foaming tank to a container, called a mud thickener, which will allow the sludge to thicken and settle to accumulate at the bottom thereof to be extracted, from that container to the press and not from the clarifier to the press. In addition, the mud thickener is upstream of the clarifier, as illustrated in Figure 16. Water enters the sludge thickener 1100 where the sludge settles to the bottom thereof for removal through the pipe means 1120 to the press. The waste water, with some of the suspended particles separated, from the mud thickener near the top of it to enter the clarifier as illustrated. The sludge will also accumulate near the bottom of the clarifier where it is separated by the use of a conical bubble pump 1112 or a conventional type pump, back to the mud thickener 1100. This system allows the clarifier to maintain a constant level of fluid therein since, when the mud is removed from the bottom of the clarifier by the action of the pump 1112, it is pumped back into the mud thickener below the surface of the fluid of water waste in the mud thickener as illustrated in figure 16. Another advantage of the through-flow flow mud thickener in circuit with the clarifier is that there will be less turbulence in the clarifier and it is more efficient than the use of a clarifier alone, which commonly allows excess water from the sludge thickener to move into sewage or sewage water instead of, as is normally required, run through the entire system again. Figs. 17A and 17B illustrate further features of the thickener thickener 1110 of through flow of the applicant, the bubble pump 1112 and the manner in which it engages with the clarifier. More specifically, Figures 17A and 17B illustrate the use of bubble pump 1112, which includes a source of pressurized air, such as for example one available from Craftsman Catalog No. 16212 controlled by means of a solenoid or other switching means 1116 for feeding air through an inner air tube 1118 located within a larger, commonly rigid fluid carrying tube 1119, the larger tube is inserted at or near the bottom of the clarifier with the lower end open. The inner tube 1118 carries the air from the compressor or high pressure source 1114 through the larger tube 1118 and will cause bubbling into the larger tube at the point near the bottom of the mud chamber. The bubbles will rise into the larger tube, reducing the weight of the fluid column to the inside of the annulus, causing the fluid to flow up the annulus between the tube 1120 and the tube 1118 and through the cross tube 1120 to the return tube 1124 through or near the bottom of the thickener of mud with the air escaping out through the air vent 1126. Then the sludge is extracted from the bottom of the mud thickener 1110 in the same manner as it is extracted from the bottom of the clarifier as summarized in figure 1. Figure 17A shows further details of the lower end of the bubble pump wherein the bubbles released from the inner air-carrying tube rise in the annulus in the inner tube and the outer tube to create a stream of water flowing upwards. Note that the open end of the air tube 1118 terminates above the open ends of the tube 1120. It has been found that the bubble pump uses much less energy than conventional pumps and is still suitable for moving sufficient volumes of water between the pump. clarifier and mud thickener and certainly has uses anywhere in the system where any fluid needs to be removed from a container. Figures 18A to 18C illustrate the mud thickener of the applicant. It is thickener mud is a container to allow the mud to settle in the water stream of waste between the defoaming tank and the clarifier that, when used in conjunction with the return pump, allows the sludge to be extracted from the bottom of the mud thickener instead of the clarifier, promoting the efficiency of the clarifier and allowing the fluid in the clarifier remains at a constant level. Figures 18A and 18B illustrate the use of a mud thickener 1110 having a unique grid 1130 with numerous holes therein. The water flows to the mud thickener 1110 from the defoaming tank at inlet 1132 and the sludge sits through the holes in the grate. The function of the grid 1130 is to isolate or help isolate the turbulence created by the waste water flowing from the defoaming tank, thus creating an "active" zone of turbulence above the grid and a "still" zone with less turbulence under the grid to improve the settlement process. The mud is extracted from the bottom of the mud thickener through the outlet 1134 for transport to the press. Overflow 1136 adjacent spill 1136 of the mud thickener helps ensure that water is drawn close to the top of the mud thickener, such water will commonly contain less particles than water below this point. For clarity, the bubble pump is not shown in these illustrations. Figures 19A and 19B illustrate wall fastening means 1300 for easily releasing the first set of side walls opposite a second permanently fastened and sealed on the top, bottom, sidewalls - all for easy sliding of the plates in and out of the reactor for periodic maintenance. These fastening means or clamps is designed to make easier the fastening of all side wall fasteners. As it can be appreciated, it takes some time to loosen all the side wall fasteners summarized in the previous modalities. The wall bracket 1300 includes a first portion 1310A and a second portion 1310B, each of the two portions of a similar design that engage with each other in a manner as summarized hereinafter. Each of the two portions has a portion of door frame or gate, the front gate frame is 1320A and the back gate frame is 1320B. As can be seen in Figure 19A, the gate frame portions are generally rectangular with a hinge 1322A and 1322B at one end and bracket 1324A and 1324B receiving the connecting rod at the other. The articulation or hinge is articulated at the top and bottom of the front gate portions and has transversely connected thereto a plurality of connecting rods 1326. The connecting rods are coupled with cuts 1328 in the gate frames at the ends of the union rod opposed to the joints with fasteners 1331 to be hermetically fastened on the removed threaded ends of the connecting rods. The side walls adjacent to the gate frames may include the stationary frame 1330 which engages with the connecting rods in the manner summarized in Figures 19A and 19B. In addition, it will be noted that the joint rods can be articulated at the point of the link 1332 to help secure the stationary gate attachment rods by folding them again once the nut or other fastener 1331 is loosened (see FIG. 19B). ). Thus, a more convenient method is provided for securing two side walls to four rigid walls (the upper, lower and two opposite side walls), to allow easy access to the interior by removing a first set of opposite side walls (those with the feeding pins in them) to easily separate the plates without having to undo too many fasteners. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the embodiments described, also as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reference to the description of the invention. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the appended claims will cover all such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention. It is noted that, with regard to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (15)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. An electrocoagulation wastewater reactor for coupling with a power source, the reactor is characterized in that it comprises: a rectangular box that includes a first pair of opposite side walls and a second pair of opposite side walls, an upper wall and a lower wall, each of the walls of the box consists of a one-piece, non-conductive element and all the walls have internal surfaces and external; a multiplicity of rectangular feed plates for slidingly engaging the inner surfaces of at least some of the side walls of the box; feed coupling means cooperating with the box and some of the rectangular feed plates for coupling with the plates to a power supply for positively charging them and for coupling them with other of the rectangular feed plates to the power supply for charging them negatively; a multiplicity of rectangular unloaded plates for slidingly engaging the inner surfaces of at least some of the side walls of the box; means cooperating with the upper wall and the lower wall to provide a passage or passage of waste water in and out of the reactor; wherein all the plates of the reactor are maintained in parallel relation to each other and to the upper and lower wall of the box and are coupled with some, but not all the side walls of the box to provide a space between each plate and at least a side wall not coupled in such a manner as to allow serial flow of the waste water through the reactor.
2. 2. The reactor in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the internal surfaces of the second pair of opposite side walls are grooved for receiving the loaded plates and without loading therein from alternating sides thereof.
3. 3. The reactor in accordance with the claim 2, characterized in that the internal surface of the box includes walls defining cuts and wherein the feed coupling means includes a multiplicity of feed pin connector links for insertion into the cuts of the inner surface of the box. .
4. The reactor according to claim 3, characterized in that each of the feed pin connector links includes an arm for coupling with the power supply and connection arms of the feeder plate sized to connect to the rectangular feed plates in spaced relation for the placement of other plates between them.
5. The reactor according to claim 3, characterized in that at least two of the cuts are on the inner surface of the walls, side walls of the first pair of side walls of the box and wherein the coupling means of the invention include power pin connector links sized for reception to each of the cuts.
6. 6. The reactor in accordance with the claim 3, characterized in that the feed coupling means include at least two feed pin connector links and wherein the first side wall of the first pair of opposite side walls includes cuts for coupling with each of the at least two Power pin connector links. .
7. The reactor according to claim 2, characterized in that the upper wall and the lower wall each contain at least one cutout for receiving the feed pin therethrough and where the The internal surface of at least one of the side walls of the first opposite pair of side walls includes at least one cut in it for receiving the feed coupling means thereto.
8. 8. An electrocoagulation system for separating contaminants from a waste effluent, characterized in that it comprises: means for collecting the waste effluent containing the contaminants; a reactor in fluid flow connection with the collecting means for receiving therein the waste effluent containing the contaminants, the reactor has a plurality of substantially parallel electrolytic plates contained therein, the electrolytic plates have a plurality of positive and negative plates with a plurality of intermediate plates interspersed therein; a voltage source connected to the positive and negative plates to apply an assembly between them, the voltage causes the contaminants to react with the electrolytic plates to change from a state in solution to a state in suspension in the waste effluent; links to connect the voltage source to the charged plates; a defoaming tank to receive waste effluent and reactor pollutants; an agitator in the defoaming tank to agitate the waste effluent to allow the air trapped therein to rise to the surface and escape; a sludge thickener to receive the waste effluent from the defoaming tank that includes means for effluent outflow from the effluent thereof and a clarifier to receive the waste effluent and defoaming tank contaminants to allow the waste effluent and the contaminants settle near the bottom of the clarifier.
9. 9. The system in accordance with the claim 8, characterized in that it also includes a sludge thickener for placement between the defoaming tank and the clarifier and means for moving the sludge_ from the bottom of the clarifier to the sludge thickener.
10. 10. The system in accordance with the claim 9, characterized in that the means for moving the sludge further includes a bubble pump for transferring the waste that accumulates near the bottom of the clarifier to the sludge thickener and also includes means which engage the bottom of the sludge thickener to remove the sludge. mud accumulated in it.
11. 11. The electrocoagulation system for separating the pollutants from the waste effluent- according to claim 8, characterized in that the reactor has a box that can be opened for the removal of the electrolytic plates by opening the opposite sides, the electrolytic plates are maintained in Slots in the box for sliding in or out.
12. 12. The electrocoagulation system for separating the contaminants from the waste effluent according to claim 8, characterized in that the intermediate plates and positive and negative plates are changeable by opening the opposite sides of the reactor and after disconnecting the links through the Even the voltage source can be received, slide the electrolytic plates along the slots in which the electrolytic plates are maintained during the operation of the electrocoagulation system, the positioning and number of the intermediate plates in the positive and negative plates , are determined by the type of contaminants that are separated from the waste effluent.
13. 13. The electrocoagulation system for separating the contaminants from the waste effluent according to claim 8, characterized in that the electrolytic plates vary in thickness such that the plates Positive and negative will corrode at approximately the same time as in the intermediate plates.
14. 14. The electrocoagulation system according to claim 9, characterized in that the mud thickener includes a grid under the inlet pipe.
15. 15. A reactor for use in separating contaminants from a waste effluent, a voltage source is available for connection to the reactor, the reactor is characterized in that it comprises: a non-conductive box; parallel grooves cut on an interior of the first opposite walls of the non-conductive box; electrolytic plates are located in parallel slots; means for connecting a plurality of the electrolytic plates to the voltage source to create a voltage therebetween, others of the electrolytic plates are isolated from the voltage source and interspersed between the electrolytic plates connected to the sources of voltage; second walls of the opposite walls of the non-conductive box are connectable to the first p, opposing aredes to form a sealed container for the reactor; a seal that is located between each of the second opposing walls and the first opposite walls to form the sealed container; an inlet to receive waste effluent and contaminants to a first end of the reactor; an outlet for discharging the waste effluent from a second end of the reactor after the waste effluent has traveled the reactor circuit on the electrolytic plates; the number and spacing of the electrolytic plates that are attached to the voltage source and the isolated electrolytic plates interspersed are determined by the type of contaminants contained in the waste effluent, the contaminants that react with the electrolytic plates to change the solution a in suspension. PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ELECTROCOAGULATION OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE WATER SUMMARY An electrocoagulation system for separating contaminants from waste effluents is described, comprising an electrocoagulation reactor (140) having charged and uncharged plates and allowing the serial flow of water through it. The reactor (140) is connected to a voltage source (160) to charge some of the = positive plates and negative plates. The system allows the waste water to enter the reactor (140) for coagulation therein, the waste water leaves the reactor (140) to enter a defoaming tank (200), for its agitation, it allows the bubbles traps are raised to the surface of the tank (200) as foam.From the defoaming tank (200), the waste water advances through a mud thickener, to allow the sludge to settle to the bottom of the tank and the water The sludge is removed from the sludge thickener to flow to a clarifier (250) The pump removes the sludge that forms at the bottom of the clarifier (250) to take it back to the sludge thickener. of mud for transport to a press (280) where most of the water is separated from it .. The water is extracted from the top of the clarifier (250) for transport to a conventional wastewater system or for reuse.