Micro-Electrolysis Reactor:It is an ideal solution for high-strength wastewater treatment. The iron-carbon media packed in the reactor significantly enhances the biodegradability of wastewater while effectively removing color and heavy metals. As a result, it has become a widely adopted advanced wastewater treatment technology.
In the treatment of refractory industrial wastewater, micro-electrolysis technology is gaining increasing attention and has already been applied in engineering practice.
The principle of the iron internal electrolysis process is relatively straightforward: it utilizes the potential difference between iron and carbon particles to form countless microscopic galvanic cells. In these micro-cells, the low-potential iron serves as the anode, while the high-potential carbon acts as the cathode, facilitating electrochemical reactions within the acidic electrolyte solution. As a result of these reactions, the iron is corroded and releases ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) into the solution. When the pH of the effluent from the internal electrolysis reactor is adjusted to approximately 9, the ferrous ions react with hydroxide ions to form ferrous hydroxide—a coagulant. This coagulant attracts and binds with weakly negatively charged particles in the wastewater, forming stable flocs (commonly referred to as iron sludge) that can be effectively removed. To enhance the potential difference and promote the release of iron ions, a certain proportion of copper or lead powder may be added to the iron-carbon bed.
Following micro-electrolysis treatment, the BOD/COD ratio increases, as some refractory macromolecules are adsorbed onto the carbon particles or removed through flocculation by iron ions. To enable the iron-carbon bed to decompose organic macromolecules, hydrogen peroxide is typically introduced. The acidic wastewater reacts with iron to generate ferrous ions, which then combine with hydrogen peroxide to form Fenton's reagent. This reagent produces hydroxyl radicals with strong oxidizing capabilities, capable of breaking down the majority of refractory macromolecular organic compounds into smaller molecules. It is important to note that this reaction must also be conducted under acidic conditions.