Patent ID: 7476300
Filing Date: 2009-01-13
Classification: C02F,H04H

Abstract:
1. A process for removing at least one metal dissolved or suspended in an aqueous solution, the process comprising: a) providing an inner electrode and an outer electrode disposed within a chamber, positioned such that the aqueous solution may flow between the inner electrode and the outer electrode, wherein either the inner electrode or the outer electrode further comprises a layer of insulation that prevents any current flow between the inner and outer electrodes; b) providing a voltage source across the inner electrode and the outer electrode to create an electrostatic field between the inner and outer electrodes; c) providing a bare electric conductor between the inner electrode and connecting the bare electric conductor to a trickle current source to provide a trickle current directly to the aqueous solution; d) providing a filter medium positioned downstream from, and in fluid communication with the chamber; and e) passing the aqueous solution between the inner electrode and the outer electrode at a flow rate that is sufficiently low enough to define a residence time of the aqueous solution within the chamber to sufficiently charge the dissolved or suspended metal, and then passing the aqueous solution through the filter medium.