Electrodialysis device and process

US8038867B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Yu Du · Shanghai, CN
• Yunfeng Liu · Shanghai, CN
• Saijun Mao · Shanghai, CN
• Xiaoming Yuan · 红钢城街道, CN
• Chao Yang · Shanghai, CN
• Rihua Xiong · Shanghai, CN
• Chun Cao · Shanghai, CN
• Shengxian Wang · Shanghai, CN
• Wei Cai · The Bronx, US
• Chang Wei · Beijing, CN
• Jiyang Xia · Pudong New District, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 18, 2008
• Grant date: Oct 18, 2011
• Expiry date: Jul 21, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02A20/131
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A device includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode to define a volume. An anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane are disposed within the volume. A controller controls a supply of electrical current from an electrical source to the first electrode and to the second electrode. The electrical current supply is controlled to switch from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation providing electrical current having a reverse polarity during each cycle. The electrical current is supplied at a controlled cycle rate and for a controlled duration. The cycle rate is greater than about 100 hertz and less than about 10 kilohertz.