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Ur-Water CDI Process

The Ur-Water Capacity deionization (CDI) process does not depend upon high temperature or pressure nor does it require the use of membranes. Ions and microorganisms are removed by applying a potential to porous conducting electrodes coated with nano-films, developed and perfected by the principals of Ur-Water. Essentially, a solution of ions flows through a highly porous conducting pair of electrodes. This process causes charged ions and organisms to deposited on the electrode of opposite charge. In this processes energy is actually stored in the form of a capacitive energy at the interface between the electrode and the solution. This energy can be recovered for use in the next regeneration cycle. Furthermore, the porous electrodes are kept clean by pulsing the potentials. Lastly, the waste wash cycle water is minimized and is less than the processes above. This is controlled by the level of ion removal desired with the waste brine cycle controlled by the exact potential applied as well as the duration of the cycle for cleaning. Since the Ur-Water CDI process uses no salt the environmental issues currently confronting various governmental units is eliminated.

The schematic to the right shows the

CDI removal process were cations are

sequestered to the negative electrode and

anions are sequestered to the positive electrode.

Capacitive deionization (CDI), also sometimes referred as electrosorption, is a low pressure process of deionization that can directly compete with reverse osmosis or distillation as a means of delivering water free of ions at reduced cost and operative expense. Practical CDI systems date back to fundamental work on porous carbon electrodes back developed 4 decades ago. Unfortunately, this concept for desalinating on improving water lay fallow until the mid 1990’s after which, substantial improvements were implemented, however a quest for new CDI materials that can remove ions with a variety of valent states and hydrated radii raised as key for the successful implementation of this technology.

To the left, a schematic of the three-electrode

CDI batch cell used in ur-water technology with

a graphic representation of conducting

fiber and coated nanoparticles

Finally, it should be noted that, unlike ion-exchange systems, all CDI systems have the additional advantage that they remove dissolved ions without needing salt for regeneration. They are therefore environmentally friendly than resin-based systems. Furthermore, the ability of CDI systems to turn potential, thus changing electrode preferences helps with fouling issues.

Capacitive Deionization vs Reverse Osmosis or Distillation

Reduced energy requirements

• No need for high pressure pumps
• No phase change
• Treats ions not water
• Energy is stored as a capacitor and available for recovery

High temperature applications

• Reverse osmosis membranes fail at high temperatures, carbon or metal electrons do not.
• Boiler water or other industrial uses.

Reduced fouling

• Faster flow characteristics
• Cleaning with harsh chemicals
• Oxidizing potentials can be employed to eliminate organics

Brine reduction

• Electrochemical control over process reduces brines

Lower maintenance cost

• No high pressure pump repair or maintenance
• No membranes
• No moving parts