Keith Langenbeck of PCT Patent Application

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.

61/194,610 filed on September 28, 2008 and entitled "Electrode Cell Design For

Use in Electrocoagulation Fluid Treatment". As far as is permitted, the contents of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/194,610 are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

As the global population continues to grow, the right of all people to access suitable water supplies creates a global challenge. This challenge requires the formulation and implementation of sustainable water management strategies. One such strategy calls for the use and reuse of water. In order to allow for the use and reuse of water, the water must be treated in some way. Electrocoagulation is a known technology that applies electrical fields, typically direct current electricity, to fixed bodies of certain fluids, such as water, or to fluid streams. Electrocoagulation has demonstrated an ability to effectively isolate and remove an extremely wide range of contaminants and/or pollutants from the fluids. For example, electrocoagulation treatment can dramatically reduce the solubility of certain dissolved minerals causing them to come out of the fluid as a precipitate. Additionally, electrocoagulation can cause items such as oils, fats, proteins, organic matter and mineral particles, which are in a state of suspension or emulsion, to fall out of the fluid as a precipitate. Sometimes when the suspended or emulsified material is released from the suspension or emulsion it will float to the top of the fluid in an action or process known as flocculation. Electrocoagulation also causes wide ranging and extensive pathogenic kill when used in treating contaminated water such as municipal wastewater.

Electrocoagulation generates its effect without chemicals being added to the fluid being treated. Some of the typical materials used in the construction of the electrode cells used in electrocoagulation include regular steel that corrodes or rusts, stainless steel and aluminum. Any of the electrode materials utilized must be a good conductor of electricity.

Electrocoagulation is a type of electro-chemistry where the metal electrodes sacrificially give off ions to the fluid being treated. The electrodes slowly deteriorate due to this sacrificial action and need to be replaced from time to time. The electrodes may also need to be removed for cleaning from time to time in order to maintain the same electro-chemical effect as when first used.

When testing for the effectiveness of an electrocoagulation fluid treatment system, several tests can be performed. One test involves evaluating whether the treatment system creates an acidic or caustic discharge, as typically a somewhat neutral discharge is preferred, e.g., having a pH value of between 6 and 9.

Another test involves evaluating whether there was a sufficient reduction in

Biochemical Oxygen Demand. Still another test involves evaluating the clarity of the fluid and whether sufficient suspended solids have been removed. Yet another test involves measuring the residual bacteria in the fluid and evaluating the relative sterility of the fluid. A final test involves evaluating whether the treated fluid has realized a sufficient increase in dissolved oxygen within the fluid that can be used by animal life.

Unfortunately, existing electrocoagulation fluid treatment systems have generally achieved unsatisfactory results in one or more of the above tests, are difficult to maintain, and/or lose their effectiveness over a relatively short period of time.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a fluid treatment system for isolating and removing contaminants from a fluid. In certain embodiments, the fluid treatment system comprises a first treatment cell, a power source and a fluid source. In some embodiments, the first treatment cell includes a cell housing and an electrode assembly, wherein at least a portion of the electrode assembly is positioned within the cell housing.

In one embodiment, the cell housing has a cell body, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. Additionally, the electrode assembly can include a plurality of first discs that are positioned within the cell housing, and a plurality of second discs that are positioned within the cell housing. In certain embodiments, the first discs and the second discs are positioned alternatingly within the cell housing. In some embodiments, the first discs each having an outer edge that is spaced apart from the cell housing. Further, in some embodiments, the second discs have an outer edge that is adjacent to the cell housing. Still further, in certain embodiments, the second discs each have at least one flow aperture. In one such embodiment, the at least one flow aperture is positioned substantially near the center of each of the second discs.

The power source can be electrically connected to the first discs and the second discs. Moreover, the power source can supply a first charge to the first discs and a second charge to the second discs. In some embodiments, the first charge has a first polarity and the second charge has a second polarity that is different than the first polarity.

The fluid source supplies the fluid to the cell housing through the fluid inlet. The some embodiments, the fluid flows generally through the cell housing from the fluid inlet toward the fluid outlet. Additionally, in one such embodiment, the fluid flows within the cell housing around the outer edge of each of the first discs and through the flow aperture of each of the second discs. In some embodiments, the cell housing further includes a cell flange that is positioned adjacent to the cell body. In such embodiments, the cell flange can include a flange flow aperture, a flange discharge aperture and a flange fluid channel positioned substantially between the flange flow aperture and the flange discharge aperture. In one such embodiment, the fluid exits the cell body through the flange flow aperture and flows through the flange fluid channel before being discharged through the flange discharge aperture.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of first discs include a first end first disc, a middle first disc and a second end first disc. Somewhat similarly, the plurality of second discs can include a first end second disc, a middle second disc and a second end second disc. In such embodiments, the electrode assembly can include a first conductor rod that is electrically connected to the first end first disc and a second conductor rod that is electrically connected to at least one of the middle first disc and the second end first disc. Somewhat similarly, the electrode assembly can include a third conductor rod that is electrically connected to the first end second disc and a fourth conductor rod that is electrically connected to at least one of the middle second disc and the second end second disc.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes one or more first spacers that maintain the first discs spaced apart from each other, and one or more second spacers that maintain the second discs spaced apart from each other. In such embodiments, each of the first spacers extends through a second disc aperture in one of the plurality of second discs, and each of the second spacers extends through a first disc aperture in one of the plurality of first discs. In certain embodiments, the first spacers and the second spacers are made from a substantially non-conductive material.

Further, in certain embodiments, the cell housing can further include a cell top plate that is removably coupled to the cell body. In such embodiments, the electrode assembly can be removed from the cell housing when the cell top plate is removed from the cell body. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the fluid treatment system can include a second treatment cell. In such embodiments, the first treatment cell and the second treatment cell can be used in a series arrangement with the first treatment cell being used before the second treatment cell. Alternatively, the first treatment cell and the second treatment cell can be used in a parallel arrangement, with the first treatment cell and the second treatment cell being used at substantially the same time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

Figure 1A is a simplified front view of an embodiment of a fluid treatment system having features of the present invention; Figure 1 B is a simplified side view of a portion of the fluid treatment system illustrated in Figure 1A;

Figure 1 C is a partially exploded side view of the fluid treatment system illustrated in Figure 1A;

Figure 1 D is a simplified top view of the fluid treatment system illustrated in Figure 1A;

Figure 2A is a cross-sectional side view of the cell housing usable with the present invention;

Figure 2B is an illustration of the individual section views of the cell flange, the cell gasket and the cell top plate as shown in Figure 2A; Figure 2C is a top plan view of the cell flange, the cell gasket and the cell top plate;

Figure 3A is a simplified side view of an electrode assembly having features of the present invention within a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cell housing; Figure 3B is a simplified side view of the electrode assembly of Figure 3A removed from within the portion of the cell housing;

Figure 3C is a partially exploded view of the constituent components that comprise and/or are utilized with the plurality of first discs and the constituent components that comprise and/or are utilized with the plurality of second discs; and

Figure 4 is a simplified schematic illustration of another embodiment of a fluid treatment system having features of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

Figure 1A is a simplified front view of an embodiment of a fluid treatment system 10 having features of the present invention. In this embodiment, the fluid treatment system 10 includes a first treatment cell 12, a second treatment cell 14, a power source 16, a fluid source 18 for supplying an untreated fluid 20 (illustrated with circles) to one or more of the treatment cells 12, 14, and a fluid discharge tank 22 where a treated fluid 24 (illustrated with triangles) is directed after the untreated fluid 20 has been treated within the treatment cells 12, 14. In alternative embodiments, the fluid treatment system 10 can be designed to have more than two treatment cells or only one treatment cell. Additionally, in embodiments wherein the fluid treatment system 10 more than two treatments cells, the treatment cells can be arranged in a series or a parallel configuration or a combination of series and parallel configurations. As an overview, in certain embodiments, the fluid treatment system 10 is uniquely designed to generate aggressive mixing of the fluid flow so as effectively isolate and remove a greater percentage of contaminants from the untreated fluid 20. More specifically, the specific design of the treatment cells 12, 14 enables the fluid treatment system 10 to effectively isolate and remove a greater percentage of contaminants from the untreated fluid 20. Additionally, the fluid treatment system 10 can be utilized to generate treated fluids 24 that are much cleaner, clearer and healthier than previous fluid treatment systems so as to enable the treated fluids 24 to be reused with greatly decreased risks to health and safety. Moreover, the treated fluids 24 that are generated from the fluid treatment systems 10 described herein can achieve satisfactory results in the above-noted tests of effectiveness. For example, the fluid treatment systems 10 disclosed herein can generate treated fluids 24 that provide: a substantially neutral discharge; an appreciable reduction in Biochemical Oxygen Demand; an improved clarity of the treated fluid 24 and sufficient removal of suspended solids; a substantial removal of residual bacteria in the treated fluid 24 and an improvement in the relative sterility of the treated fluid 24; and a sufficient increase in dissolved oxygen within the treated fluid 24 so that the treated fluid 24 can be used by animal life.

The first treatment cell 12 and the second treatment cell 14 are mounted within a mounting frame 26 that supports the first treatment cell 12 and the second treatment cell 14 above a surface 28, such as a floor or the ground. In certain embodiments, the mounting frame 26 can be made from a common formed, sheet metal material. Alternatively, the mounting frame 26 can be made from a different material that is sufficiently strong to support the treatment cells 12, 14.

In certain embodiments, the fluid treatment system 10 can be designed to utilize the first treatment cell 12 and the second treatment cell 14 in a series arrangement, wherein the first treatment cell 12 is used before the second treatment cell 14. In such embodiments, the fluid treatment system 10 can further include an intermediate fluid tank 30. The intermediate fluid tank 30 can be positioned so as to easily receive a partially treated fluid 32 (illustrated with a mixture of circles and triangles) after the untreated fluid 20 has been treated in the first treatment cell 12, and the intermediate fluid tank 30 can similarly be positioned so as to easily subsequently supply the partially treated fluid 32 to the second treatment cell 14 for further treatment. Alternatively, the fluid treatment system 10 can be designed without the intermediate fluid tank 30. In such embodiments, the first treatment cell 12 can be directly linked to the second treatment cell 14 so the partially treated fluid 32 flows directly from the first treatment cell 12 to the second treatment cell 14.

It is a known result that putting electrocoagulation cells of different electrode material, for example steel and aluminum, in series can increase the precipitation and flocculation effect beyond using a single electrode material. Accordingly, in one non-exclusive example, the first treatment cell 12 could utilize electrode material including iron, and the second treatment cell 14 could utilize electrode material including aluminum.

In certain alternative embodiments, the fluid treatment system 10 can be designed to utilize the first treatment cell 12 and the second treatment cell 14 in a parallel arrangement, wherein the first treatment cell 12 and the second treatment cell 14 are used at substantially the same time and/or wherein the first treatment cell 12 and the second treatment cell 14 receive the untreated fluid 20 from the fluid source 18. In such embodiments, the fluid source 18 can supply the untreated fluid 20 to each of the first treatment cell 12 and the second treatment cell 14 at substantially the same time, and each of the first treatment cell 12 and the second treatment cell 14 will discharge the treated fluid 24 directly into the fluid discharge tank 22.

Further, in embodiments that include more than two treatment units 12, 14, the fluid treatment system 10 can be designed to allow for any combination of series and parallel arrangements among the treatment units. For example, in such embodiments, the fluid treatment system 10 can be designed so that two or more treatment units can be utilized in a parallel arrangement. Additionally, each of the treatment units that are utilized in the parallel arrangement can be affiliated with one or more corresponding treatment units that are utilized in a series arrangement with that treatment unit. Still alternatively, in such embodiments that include more than two treatment units, all of the treatment units can be utilized in a parallel arrangement, or all of the treatment units can be utilized in a series arrangement. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the power source 16 is electrically connected to a portion of the first treatment cell 12 and supplies a charge to a portion of the first treatment cell 12.

The fluid source 18 retains the untreated fluid 20 until the untreated fluid 20 is supplied to the first treatment cell 12 by the fluid source 18. Stated another way, the fluid source 18 is in fluid communication with the first treatment cell 12.

The fluid discharge tank 22 receives the treated fluid 24 from the first treatment cell 12 and/or the second treatment cell 14. Stated another way, the fluid discharge tank 22 is in fluid communication with the first treatment cell 12 and/or the second treatment cell 14. Figure 1 B is a simplified side view of a portion of the fluid treatment system

10 illustrated in Figure 1A. In particular, in Figure 1 B, only the first treatment cell

12 is visible, and the power source 16, the fluid source 18, the fluid discharge tank

22, and the intermediate fluid tank 30 have been removed for purposes of clarity.

In this embodiment, the first treatment cell 12 and the second treatment cell 14 (illustrated in Figure 1A) are substantially similar in design and function. Accordingly, only the first treatment cell 12 will be described in detail herein.

The design of the first treatment cell 12 can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the fluid treatment system 10. As shown, the first treatment cell 12 includes a cell housing 34 and an electrode assembly 36 (only a portion of which is shown in Figure 1 B) that is positioned substantially within the cell housing 34.

In this embodiment, the cell housing 34 includes a fluid inlet 38 (also referred to herein as a cell intake pipe), a cell body 40, a bell reducer 42, a cell flange 44, a cell gasket 46, a cell top plate 48, and a fluid outlet 50 (also referred to herein as a cell discharge pipe).

The untreated fluid 20 (illustrated in Figure 1A) is initially directed from the fluid source 18 (illustrated in Figure 1A) into the cell housing 34 through the fluid inlet 38. Stated another way, the fluid source 18 is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 38 of the cell housing 34. As illustrated in this embodiment, the fluid inlet 38 can be positioned at or near the bottom of the cell housing 34. The untreated fluid 20 is subsequently directly in a generally vertically upward direction toward the fluid outlet 50. Alternatively, the fluid inlet 38 can be positioned near the top of the cell housing 34 and the fluid outlet 50 positioned near the bottom of the cell housing 34, and the untreated fluid 20 can be directed in a generally vertically downward direction from the fluid inlet 38 toward the fluid outlet 50. Still alternatively, the fluid inlet 38 and the fluid outlet 50 can be positioned in substantially the same plane, and the untreated fluid 20 can be directed in a generally horizontal, or side-to-side direction from the fluid inlet 38 toward the fluid outlet 50. Yet alternatively, the fluid inlet 38 and the fluid outlet 50 can be positioned such that the untreated fluid 20 can be directed at some upward or downward angle relative to vertical and horizontal directions from the fluid inlet 38 toward the fluid outlet 50.

In certain embodiments, various components of the cell housing 34, including the fluid inlet 38, the cell body 40, the bell reducer 42, the cell flange 44, the cell top plate 48, and the fluid outlet 50, can be made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. For example, the cell body 40 can have a generally circular cross-section and can be made from PVC pipe, which is readily available in various shapes and sizes with readily available PVC fittings, valves and other devices commonly used with regular metal pipe. Additionally, the fluid inlet 38, the bell reducer 42, the cell flange 44, the cell top plate 48 and the fluid outlet 50 can be manufactured from PVC flat sheet or plate. PVC flat stock is commonly available in various thicknesses is highly corrosion resistant and easy to machine with conventional manufacturing equipment and relatively inexpensive. Alternatively, portions of the cell housing 34 can have different shapes and/or can be made from a different material, such as a rigid plastic or other substantially rigid, highly corrosion resistant material. Further, high strength adhesives that bond the different PVC pipe items together are commonly known and are anticipated as being used in this construction. In this embodiment, the fluid inlet 38, or cell intake pipe, is positioned substantially beneath the other elements of the cell housing 34. The fluid inlet 38 can be made from PVC piping and have a generally circular cross-section. Alternatively, the fluid inlet 38 can have a different shape and/or can be made from a different material. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the fluid inlet 38 can have a cross-section that is generally square shaped, oval shaped, hexagon shaped, or some other shape.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 B, the cell body 40 is positioned above and extends generally vertically upward from the fluid inlet 38. The cell body 40, as noted above, can be made from a fixed length of PVC piping and have a generally circular tube shaped cross-section. As illustrated, the cell body 40 has a cross-section that is somewhat larger than the cross-section of the fluid inlet 38. In alternative embodiments, the cell body 40 can have a different shape and/or can be made of a different material. For example, in certain nonexclusive alternative embodiments, the cell body 40 can have a cross-section that is generally square shaped, oval shaped, hexagon shaped, or some other shape.

The bell reducer 42 is secured to and is positioned substantially between the fluid inlet 38 and the cell body 40. The bell reducer 42 is a device that transitions from one pipe diameter to another different pipe diameter. In this embodiment, the bell reducer 42 provides a transition from the fluid inlet 38 to the cell body 40, wherein, as noted above, the cell body 40 has a cross-section that is somewhat larger than the cross-section of the fluid inlet 38. The bell reducer 42 can be made from PVC material and can be somewhat circular, funnel shaped. Alternatively, the bell reducer 42 can have a different shape and/or can be made from a different material. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the bell reducer 42 can have a cross-section that is generally square shaped, oval shaped, hexagon shaped, or some other shape.

In this embodiment, the cell flange 44 is secured to and is positioned at the top of the cell body 40. As noted above, the cell flange 44 can be machined or molded from PVC material. Alternatively, the cell flange 44 can be made from a different material. As illustrated in this embodiment, the cell gasket 46 can be positioned substantially above the cell flange 44 and can be positioned substantially between the cell flange 44 and the cell top plate 48. The cell gasket 46 can be constructed from a rubber type material, or some other flexible and/or resilient material that can help to provide a seal between the cell flange 44 and the cell top plate 48. When the cell housing 34 is fully assembled, as shown in Figure 1 B, the cell flange 44, the cell gasket 46 and the cell top plate 48 are secured together in a substantially planar relationship.

The cell top plate 48 is positioned substantially above the cell gasket 46. Additionally, the cell top plate 48 is removably coupled to the cell flange 44 and the rest of the cell housing 34 so as to enable the cell top plate 48 to be easily removed from the cell flange 44 and the rest of the cell housing when desired. In certain embodiments, the cell top plate 48 can be assembled with the cell flange 44 using screw type fasteners (not illustrated) that put the cell gasket 46 into compression resulting in a liquid tight seal between the cell flange 44 and the cell top plate 48. Alternatively, a different method can be employed to removably couple the cell top plate 48 to the cell flange 44 and the rest of the cell housing 34.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 B, the fluid outlet 50, or cell discharge pipe, extends in a generally downward direction from the cell flange 44. In different embodiments, the fluid outlet 50 can be fixedly secured to or integrally formed with the cell flange 44 as desired. As shown in this embodiment, the fluid outlet 50 can be made from PVC piping and have a generally circular cross- section. In some embodiments, the fluid outlet 50 can have a cross-sectional size that is approximately the same as the cross-sectional size of the fluid inlet 38. Alternatively, the fluid outlet 50 can have a different shape and/or can be made from a different material. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the fluid outlet 50 can have a cross-section that is generally square shaped, oval shaped, hexagon shaped, or some other shape.

Figure 1 C is a partially exploded side view of a portion of the fluid treatment system 10 illustrated in Figure 1A. In particular, Figure 1 C illustrates the first treatment cell 12 as illustrated in Figure 1 B, with the first treatment cell 12 having been removed from the mounting frame. Additionally, Figure 1 C illustrates the cell flange 44, the cell gasket 46 and the cell top plate 48 in an unassembled configuration. As illustrated, while the fluid inlet 38, the cell body 40, the bell reducer 42, the cell flange 44 and the fluid outlet 50 are designed to be fixedly secured to each other, the cell gasket 46 and the cell top plate 48 are designed to be able to be easily removed from the cell flange 44.

Figure 1 D is a simplified top view of the fluid treatment system 10 illustrated in Figure 1 A. The design of the cell top plate 48 can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the cell housing 34 and the fluid treatment system 10. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 D, the top surface of the cell top plates 48 of the first treatment cell 12 and the second treatment cell 14 includes a plurality of first top plate apertures 52 and a pair of second top plate apertures 54 distributed throughout the cell top plates 48. As illustrated, the plurality of first top plate apertures 52 can be generally larger is size than the pair of second top plate apertures.

The plurality of first top plate apertures 52 in the cell top plate 48 are through holes used with corresponding first cell flange apertures 56 (illustrated in Figure 2C) in the cell flange 44 (illustrated in Figure 2C), and corresponding first cell gasket apertures 58 (illustrated in Figure 2C) in the cell gasket 46 (illustrated in Figure 2C) to compress the cell gasket 46 with sufficient force and create a liquid tight seal between the cell top plate 48 and the cell flange 44. The screw type fasteners that can used to secure the cell top plate 48 to the cell flange 44 and to compress the cell gasket 46 are commonly known and not shown for reasons of clarity.

The pair of second top plate apertures 54 in the cell top plate 48 are holes through which pass metal rods or conductors 60 (illustrated in Figure 1A) that form a portion of the electrode assembly 36 (illustrated in Figure 1A). The portion of the conductors 60 that extends upward out of the cell top plate 48 is the threaded portion of the conductors 60. These metals rods or conductors 60 are used to transfer either positive or negative charge from the power source 16 (illustrated in Figure 1A) down and into the portion of the electrode assembly 36 where the untreated fluid 20 is flowing in the first treatment cell 12 and/or the second treatment cell 14. Each of second top plate apertures 54 is the same diameter and mirror located about the axis from the center location of the cell body 40 (illustrated in Figure 1 B) to the center of the fluid outlet 50 (illustrated in Figure 1 B). These metal rods or conductors 60 are firmly attached to the cell top plate 48 such that when cell top plate 48 is removed from the cell flange 44 and the rest of the cell housing 34, the conductors 60 and the remainder of the electrode assembly 36 that is normally inside the cell housing 34 is removed as well. These metals rods or conductors 60 are fastened to the cell top plate 48 in such as manner as to prevent leaking or seepage of the fluid that is being treated.

Figure 2A is a cross-sectional side view of the cell housing 34 usable with the present invention. In particular, Figure 2A illustrates the cell housing 34 with the electrode assembly having been removed, and the cell housing 34 having been sectioned down and through the centers of the cell top plate 48, the cell gasket 46, the cell flange 44, the fluid outlet 50, the cell body 40, the bell reducer 42 and the fluid inlet 38. Figure 2B is an illustration of the individual section views of the cell flange

44, the cell gasket 46 and the cell top plate 48 as shown in Figure 2A. Additionally, Figure 2C is a top plan view of the cell flange 44, the cell gasket 46 and the cell top plate 48.

As illustrated in Figures 2A-2C, the cell flange 44, the cell gasket 46 and the cell top plate 48 are aligned concentrically when assembled and have the same center point and the same outside diameter.

The design of the cell flange 44 can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the cell housing 34 and the fluid treatment system 10 (illustrated in Figure 1A). In this embodiment, the cell flange 44 includes the first cell flange apertures 56, a flange flow aperture 62, a flange discharge aperture 64, and a flange fluid channel 66. As noted above, the first cell flange apertures 56 are used with the corresponding first top plate apertures 52 of the cell top plate 48 and the corresponding first cell gasket apertures 58 of the cell gasket 46 to compress the cell gasket 46 with sufficient force and create a liquid tight seal between the cell top plate 48 and the cell flange 44.

The flange flow aperture 62 is adapted to allow the treated fluid 24 (illustrated in Figure 1A) and/or the partially treated fluid 32 (illustrated in Figure 1A) to flow through as it exits the cell body 40. Stated another way, the treated fluid 24 and/or the partially treated fluid 32 exits the cell body 40 through the flange flow aperture 62. As shown in this embodiment, the flange flow aperture 62 can be approximately centrally located in the cell flange 44 and can be substantially circle shaped and be nominally the same interior diameter as and be concentric with the cell body 40. Alternatively, the flange flow aperture 62 can be located in a different position in the cell flange 44 and/or can have a different size and shape. As shown in this embodiment, the flange discharge aperture 64 can be somewhat smaller than the flange flow aperture 62 and is adapted to allow the treated fluid 24 and/or the partially treated fluid 32 to flow through toward the fluid outlet 50. Stated another way, the treated fluid 24 and/or the partially treated fluid 32 passes back through the cell flange 44 toward the fluid outlet 50 through the flange discharge aperture 64. As shown in this embodiment, the flange discharge aperture 64 can be approximately to the side of the flange flow aperture 62 and can be substantially circle shaped and be nominally the same interior diameter as and be concentric with the fluid outlet 50. Alternatively, the flange discharge aperture 64 can be located in a different position in the cell flange 44 and/or can have a different size and shape.

The flange fluid channel 66 is positioned substantially between the flange flow aperture 62 and the flange discharge aperture 64. Additionally, the flange fluid channel 66 guides the flow of the treated fluid 24 and/or the partially treated fluid 32 as it flows through the flange fluid channel 66 from the flange flow aperture 62 toward the flange discharge aperture 64. The flange fluid channel 66 has been machined down and into the upper face of the cell flange 44 a distance less than the material thickness of the cell flange 44. Further, as shown in this embodiment, the flange fluid channel 66 narrows down tangentially from the diameter of the flange flow aperture 62 to the diameter of the flange discharge aperture 64. The cross sectional area of the flange fluid channel 66 is anticipated to be always greater than the cross sectional area of the flange discharge aperture 64. In certain alternative embodiments, the flange fluid channel 66 can be located in a different position in the cell flange 44 and/or can have a different size and shape.

The design of the cell gasket 46 can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the cell housing 34 and the fluid treatment system 10 (illustrated in Figure 1A). In this embodiment, the cell gasket 46 includes the first cell gasket apertures 58, and a second cell gasket aperture 68. As noted above, the first cell gasket apertures 58 are used with the corresponding first top plate apertures 52 of the cell top plate 48 and the corresponding first cell flange apertures 56 of the cell flange 44 to compress the cell gasket 46 with sufficient force and create a liquid tight seal between the cell top plate 48 and the cell flange 44.

As shown in this embodiment, the second cell gasket aperture 68 is somewhat centrally located in the cell gasket 46 and is an irregular but continuous shape. The profile of the second cell gasket aperture 68 corresponds to the partial circumference of the flange flow aperture 62 of cell flange 44, a partial circumference of the flange discharge aperture 64 of the cell flange 44 and two tangent lines connecting the flange flow aperture 62 and the flange discharge aperture 64. Alternatively, the second cell gasket aperture 68 can be located in a different position in the cell gasket 46 and/or can have a different size and shape.

Figure 3A is a simplified side view of an electrode assembly 36 having features of the present invention. The electrode assembly 36 can be utilized as part of either the first treatment cell 12 (illustrated in Figure 1A) and/or the second treatment cell 14 (illustrated in Figure 1A). In particular, in Figure 3A, the electrode assembly 36 is positioned within a vertical section view of a portion of the cell housing, i.e. within the cell body 40, the bell reducer 42, the fluid inlet 38, the cell flange 44 and the fluid outlet 50. Additionally, Figure 3B is a simplified side view of the electrode assembly 36 of Figure 3A that has been removed from within the vertical section view of cell body 40, the bell reducer 42, the fluid inlet 38, the cell flange 44 and the fluid outlet 50.

The design of the electrode assembly 36 can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the first treatment cell 12, the second treatment cell 14, and/or the fluid treatment system 10 (illustrated in Figure 1A). In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the electrode assembly 36 includes a plurality of first discs 70, a plurality of second discs 72, one or more first spacers 74, and one or more second spacers 76.

It should be noted that the use of the terms first discs and second discs is merely for ease of description, and either plurality of discs could be referred to as the plurality of first discs and/or the plurality of second discs. Somewhat similarly, it should be noted that the use of the terms first spacers and second spacers is merely for ease of description, and either spacers could be referred to as the first spacers and/or the second spacers.

As illustrated, the plurality of first discs 70 are positioned within the cell housing 34 and have an outer edge 78 that is spaced apart from the cell housing 34. In some embodiments, the plurality of first discs 70 can be substantially circular in shape and have a diameter that is somewhat smaller than the inner diameter of the cell body 40 of the cell housing 34. Alternatively, the plurality of first discs 70 can be generally square shaped, oval shaped, hexagon shaped, or some other shape. Additionally, when assembled, the plurality of first discs 70 are solid with no perforations in their surface to allow the fluid to pass through the first discs 70. Accordingly, because the fluid is not able to pass through the plurality of first discs 70, the fluid is forced to move to the outer edge 78 of the first discs 70 and the fluid is allowed to flow around the outer edge 78 of each of the first discs between the first discs 70 and the cell housing 34.

As illustrated, the plurality of second discs 72 are positioned within the cell housing 34 and have an outer edge 80 that is adjacent to the cell housing 34. In some embodiments, the plurality of second discs 72 can be substantially circular in shape and have a diameter that is just slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cell body 40 of the cell housing 34 so that the second discs 72 fit snugly within the cell body 40. Alternatively, the plurality of second discs 72 can be generally square shaped, oval shaped, hexagon shaped, or some other shape.

Further, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of second discs 72 includes at least one flow aperture 82 (illustrated in Figure 3C) that is positioned near or at the center of the second discs 72. For example, in alternative embodiments, the second discs 72 can include a single flow aperture 82 that is positioned near or at the center of the second discs 72, or the second discs 72 can include more than one flow aperture 82 that are collectively positioned symmetrically near or about the center of the second discs 72. In some embodiments, the flow aperture 82 can be substantially circle shaped and have a diameter that is about the same diameter or slightly less than the diameter of the fluid inlet 38. Alternatively, the flow aperture 82 can be designed to have a different shape and/or have a different size. Additionally, when assembled, the plurality of second discs 72 are positioned snugly within the cell housing 34 such that the fluid can not flow around the outer edge 80 of the second discs 72 between the second discs 72 and the cell housing 34. Accordingly, because the fluid is not able to pass around the outer edge 80 of the second discs 72 between the second discs 72 and the cell housing 34, the fluid is forced to flow through the flow aperture 82 that is positioned at or near the center of the second discs 72.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the first discs 70 and the second discs 72 are positioned alternatingly such that the discs 70, 72 are arranged in a generally first disc-second disc-first disc-second disc pattern. This arrangement results in the fluid flowing generally through the cell housing 34 from the fluid inlet 38 toward the fluid outlet 50 in an alternating fashion around the outer edge 78 of each of the first discs 70 and through the flow aperture 82 of each of the second discs 72. This flow pattern forces approximately 100% of the fluid flow across approximately 100% of the exposed surface area of the discs 70, 72. Moreover, this pattern of fluid flow is highly turbulent and maximizes the electrocoagulation effect throughout the complete fluid volume.

As illustrated, the first spacers 74 can have a substantially cylindrical cross- section and can be made of a substantially non-conductive material, such as a PVC material. Alternatively, the first spacers 74 can have a different shape and/or be made from a different material that is an electrical insulator.

The first spacers 74 are positioned substantially between the plurality of first discs 70 so as to maintain the first discs 70 spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, two first spacers 74 are positioned between each set of two first discs 70. Additionally, each of the first spacers 74 are adapted to extend through a second disc aperture 84 (illustrated in Figure 3C) in one of the plurality of second discs 72. Stated another way, the first spacers 74 are used to establish a uniform vertical distance between the first discs 70 and to prevent the first discs 70 from physically contacting the second discs 72. In alternative embodiments, more than two or less than two first spacers 74 can be positioned between each set of two first discs 70. In certain embodiments, the first spacers 74 have a concentric through hole that is slightly bigger than the outside diameter of the conductors 60, and an outside diameter that is slightly smaller than the second disc apertures 84.

Somewhat similarly, the second spacers 76 can have a substantially cylindrical cross-section and can be made of a substantially non-conductive material, such as a PVC material. Alternatively, the second spacers 76 can have a different shape and/or be made from a different material that is an electrical insulator.

The second spacers 76 are positioned substantially between the plurality of second discs 72 so as to maintain the second discs 72 spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, two second spacers 76 are positioned between each set of two second discs 72. Additionally, each of the second spacers 76 are adapted to extend through a first disc aperture 86 (illustrated in Figure 3C) in one of the plurality of first discs 70. Stated another way, the second spacers 76 are used to establish a uniform vertical distance between the second discs 72 and to prevent the second discs 72 from physically contacting the first discs 70. In alternative embodiments, more than two or less than two second spacers 76 can be positioned between each set of two second discs 72. In certain embodiments, the second spacers 76 have a concentric through hole that is slightly bigger than the outside diameter of the conductors 60, and an outside diameter that is slightly smaller than the first disc apertures 86.

Figure 3C is a partially exploded view of the constituent components that comprise and/or are utilized with the plurality of first discs 70 and the constituent components that comprise and/or are utilized with the plurality of second discs 72. As illustrated in Figure 3C, the electrode assembly 36 can include a first end first disc 7OA, one or more middle first discs 7OB, a second end first disc 7OC, one or more first spacers 76, one or more body conductor rods 6OA that are connected to at least one of the first end first disc 7OA and the middle first discs 7OB, and an upper conductor rod 6OB that is connected to the second end first disc 7OC.

It should be noted that the use of the terms first end first disc and second end first disc is merely for ease of description, and either end first disc could be referred to as first end first disc and/or the second end first disc.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3C, the first end first disc 7OA has the same cross-sectional size as all of the other first discs 7OB, 7OC. The first end first disc 7OA has two small conductor apertures 88 that can be evenly spaced from the center of the first end first disc 7OA. The size and shape of the conductor apertures 88 is the same and somewhat less than the size and shape of an end 90 of the body conductor rods 6OA. The ends 90 of the body conductor rods 60 have been turned down so as to have a cross-sectional size that is somewhat less than the cross-sectional size of the majority of the body conductor rod 60. The conductor apertures 88 are adapted to receive an end 90 of one of the body conductor rods 6OA.

Each of the middle first discs 7OB has a design that is substantially similar, if not identical, to each of the other middle first discs 7OB. As illustrated, the middle first discs 7OB have two conductor apertures 88 that have the same location and relative spacing as the conductor apertures 88 found in the first end first disc 7OA, but the diameter of the conductor apertures 88 in the middle first discs 7OB is slightly larger than the cross-sectional size of the majority of the body conductor rod 6OA. Accordingly, the body conductor rods 6OA are adapted to pass through and snugly fit within the conductor apertures 88 in the middle first discs 7OB.

The middle first discs 7OB further include a pair of first disc apertures 86 that have the same spacing and distance from the center of the middle first disc 7OB as the conductor apertures 88 but the size of the first disc apertures 86 is slightly larger than the cross-sectional size of the outer edge of the second spacers 76. Additionally, the first disc apertures 86 are positioned 90 degrees relative to the conductor apertures 88 about the center of middle first disc 7OB. Accordingly, the second spacers 76 are adapted to pass through and snugly fit within the first disc apertures 86 in the middle first discs 7OB.

In this embodiment, the second end first disc 7OC includes a pair of first disc apertures 86 that are substantially similar in size and shape as the first disc apertures 86 in the middle first discs 7OB. As with the first disc apertures 86 in the middle first discs 7OB, the second spacers are adapted to pass through and snugly fit within the first disc apertures 86 in the second end first disc 7OC.

Additionally, the second end first disc 7OC has two small conductor apertures 88 that have the same approximate locations and the same approximate size as the conductor apertures 88 in the first end first disc 7OA. As with the conductor apertures 88 in the first end first disc 7OA, the conductor apertures 88 in the second end first disc 7OC are adapted to receive an end 90 of one of the body conductor rods 6OA.

Further, the second end first disc 7OC includes an additional upper conductor aperture 88A that is adapted to receive an end 90 of the upper conductor rod 6OB that extends through the cell top plate 48 (illustrated in Figure 1A). The upper conductor aperture 88A is the same size and is the same distance from the center of the second end first disc 7OC as the conductor apertures 88. However, the position of the upper conductor aperture 88A can be located approximately 45 degrees counterclockwise relative to the location of one of the conductor apertures 88. As discussed in detail above, the first spacers 74 are positioned substantially between the plurality of first discs 7OA, 7OB, 7OC so as to maintain the first discs 7OA, 7OB, 7OC spaced apart from each other.

In this embodiment, the electrode assembly 36 includes two body conductor rods 6OA that are utilized in conjunction with the first discs 7OA, 7OB, 7OC. Each body conductor rod 6OA has both ends 90 turned down to an outside size slightly smaller than the inside size of the conductor apertures 88 found in the first end first disc 7OA and the second end first disc 7OC. The turned down ends 90 of the body conductor rods 6OA is equal to or slightly longer than the material thickness of the first end first disc 7OA and the second end first disc 7OC. The upper conductor rod 6OB has one end 90 turned down as found on the ends 90 of body conductor rods 6OA and the other end 9OA that is threaded for common screw type fasteners. It is the threaded end 9OA of the upper conductor rod 6OB that extends up and out of the fluid flow, exiting through the second top plate apertures 54 (illustrated in Figure 1 D) found in the cell top plate 48 (illustrated in Figure 1 D) and can be mechanically attached to the cell top plate 48 with conventional threaded fasteners.

Additionally, as illustrated in Figure 3C, the electrode assembly 36 can further include a first end second disc 72A, one or more middle second discs 72B, a second end second disc 72C, one or more second spacers 76, one or more body conductor rods 6OC that are connected to at least one of the first end second disc 72A and the middle second discs 72B, and an upper conductor rod 6OD that is connected to the second end second disc 72C.

It should be noted that the use of the terms first end second disc and second end second disc is merely for ease of description, and either end second disc could be referred to as first end second disc and/or the second end second disc.

As discussed above, each of the second discs 72A, 72B, 72C includes a flow aperture 82 that is positioned near or at the center of the second discs 72A, 72B, 72C, so that the fluid flows through the flow aperture 82 of each of the second discs 72A, 72B, 72C.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3C, the first end second disc 72A has the same cross-sectional size as all of the other second discs 72B, 72C. In addition to the flow aperture 82, the first end second disc 72A has two small conductor apertures 88 and two second disc apertures 84. In this embodiment, the conductor apertures 88 can be evenly spaced from the center of the first end second disc 72A. The size and shape of the conductor apertures 88 is the same and somewhat less than the size and shape of the ends 90 of the body conductor rods 6OC. The ends 90 of the body conductor rods 6OC have been turned down so as to have a cross-sectional size that is somewhat less than the cross-sectional size of the majority of the body conductor rod 6OC. The conductor apertures 88 are adapted to receive an end 90 of one of the body conductor rods 6OC.

Additionally, the second disc apertures 84 have the same spacing and distance from the center of the first end second disc 72A as the conductor apertures 88, but the size of the second disc apertures 84 is slightly larger than the cross-sectional size of the outer edge of the first spacers 74. Additionally, the second disc apertures 84 are positioned 90 degrees relative to the conductor apertures 88 about the center of first end second disc 72A. Accordingly, the first spacers 74 are adapted to pass through and snugly fit within the second disc apertures 84 in the first end second discs 72A.

Each of the middle second discs 72B has a design that is substantially similar, if not identical, to each of the other middle second discs 72B. As illustrated, the middle second discs 72B have two conductor apertures 88 that have the same location and relative spacing as the conductor apertures 88 found in the first end second disc 72A, but the diameter of the conductor apertures 88 in the middle second discs 72B is slightly larger than the cross-sectional size of the majority of the body conductor rod 6OC. Accordingly, the body conductor rods 6OC are adapted to pass through and snugly fit within the conductor apertures 88 in the middle second discs 72B. The middle second discs 72B further include a pair of second disc apertures 84 that are substantially similar in size and location as the second disc apertures 84 in the first end second disc 72A. Accordingly, the first spacers 74 are similarly adapted to pass through and snugly fit within the second disc apertures 84 in the middle second discs 72B. In this embodiment, the second end second disc 72C includes two small conductor apertures 88 that have the same approximate locations and the same approximate size as the conductor apertures 88 in the first end second disc 72A. As with the conductor apertures 88 in the first end second disc 72A, the conductor apertures 88 in the second end second disc 72C are adapted to receive an end 90 of one of the body conductor rods 6OA.

Additionally, the second end second disc 72C includes one second disc aperture 84 that is similar in size but is rotated approximately 45 degrees relative to one of the second disc apertures 84 in the first end second disc 72A and the middle second disc 72B. In particular, the second disc aperture is rotated and positioned so as to coincide with the first spacer 74 that is positioned about the upper conductor rod 6OB. Accordingly, the first spacer 74 is similarly adapted to pass through and snugly fit within the second disc aperture 84 in the second end second disc 72C.

Further, the second end second disc 7OC includes an additional upper conductor aperture 88A that is adapted to receive an end 90 of the upper conductor rod 6OD that extends through the cell top plate 48 (illustrated in Figure 1A). The upper conductor aperture 88A is the same size and is the same distance from the center of the second end second disc 72C as the conductor apertures 88. However, the position of the upper conductor aperture 88A can be located approximately 45 degrees clockwise relative to the location of one of the conductor apertures 88 and directly opposite to the second disc aperture 84 in the second end second disc 72C.

As discussed in detail above, the second spacers 76 are positioned substantially between the plurality of second discs 72A, 72B, 72C so as to maintain the second discs 72A, 72B, 72C spaced apart from each other.

In this embodiment, the electrode assembly 36 includes two body conductor rods 6OC that are utilized in conjunction with the second discs 72A, 72B, 72C. Each body conductor rod 6OC has both ends 90 turned down to an outside size slightly smaller than the inside size of the conductor apertures 88 found in the first end second disc 72A and the second end second disc 72C. The turned down ends 90 of the body conductor rods 6OC is equal to or slightly longer than the material thickness of the first end second disc 72A and the second end second disc 72C.

The upper conductor rod 6OD has one end 90 turned down as found on the ends 90 of body conductor rods 6OC and the other end 9OA that is threaded for common screw type fasteners. It is the threaded end 9OA of the upper conductor rod 6OD that extends up and out of the fluid flow, exiting through the second top plate apertures 54 (illustrated in Figure 1 D) found in the cell top plate 48 (illustrated in Figure 1 D) and can be mechanically attached to the cell top plate 48 with conventional threaded fasteners.

The power source 16 (illustrated in Figure 1A) is electrically connected to the plurality of first discs 70 and to the plurality of second discs 72. Additionally, the power source 16 can be utilized to supply a first charge to the first discs 70 and a second charge to the second discs 72. In certain embodiments, the first charge has a first polarity and the second charge has a second polarity that is different than the first polarity. For example, as noted above, the conductors 60 can be used to transfer either positive or negative charge from the power source 16 down and into the portion of the electrode assembly 36 where the untreated fluid 20 is flowing in the first treatment cell 12 and/or the second treatment cell 14. Additionally, when the electrode assembly 36 is charged with direct current electricity, all of the first discs 70 are the same charge and polarity while all of the second discs 72 have the same charge value but the opposite charge of the first discs 70.

Assembling a complete electrode assembly 36, as described in detail above, would proceed as follows:

1. Insert the turned down ends 90 of the body conductor rods 6OA into the conductor apertures 88 in the first end first disc 7OA and fuse weld the body conductor rods 6OA to the first end first disc 7OA.

2. Slide all the way down two of the first spacers 74 over the opposite ends of the body conductor rods 6OA that had just been welded on the first end first disc 7OA.

3. Insert the turned down ends 90 of the body conductor rods 6OC into the conductor apertures 88 in the first end second disc 72A and fuse weld the body conductor rods 6OC to the first end second disc 72A. 4. Slide all the way down two of the second spacers 76 over the opposite ends of the body conductor rods 6OC that had just been welded on the first end second disc 72A.

5. Take the welded partial assembly of the first end second disc 72A with the two body conductor rods 6OC and interleave it with the welded partial assembly of the first end first disc 7OA in such a manner that the body conductor rods 6OA penetrate conductor apertures 88 in the first end second disc 72A.

6. Continue moving the welded partial assembly of the first end second disc 72A until the first end second disc 72A comes to a position with conductor apertures about half way down the first spacers 74 that had been placed over the body conductor rods 6OA that had been fuse welded to the first end first disc 7OA.

7. Take one of the middle first discs 7OB and slide it over and down all four of the body conductor rods 6OA, 6OC interleaving its conductor apertures 88 with body conductor rods 6OA and its first disc apertures 86 with body conductor rods 6OC and second spacers 76. The middle first disc 7OB will come to rest on top of the first spacers 74 that had been placed down body conductor rods 6OA and against the first end first disc 7OA. When the middle first disc 7OB comes to a stop on the end of the first spacers 74 that position will also be essentially half way down the second spacers 76 that were placed over and down the body conductor rods 6OC and in contact with the first end second disc 72A. 8. Fuse weld the top surface of the middle first disc 7OB to both of the body conductor rods 6OA.

9. Slide two more of the first spacers 74 all the way down the body conductor rods 6OA until they come in contact with the middle first disc 7OB.

10. Take one of the middle second discs 72B and slide it over and down all four of the body conductor rods 6OA, 6OC interleaving its conductor apertures

88 with body conductor rods 6OC and its second disc apertures 84 with body conductor rods 6OA and first spacers 74. The middle second disc 72B will come to rest on top of the second spacers 76 that had been placed down body conductor rods 6OC and against the first end second disc 72A. When the middle second disc 72B comes to a stop on the end of the second spacers 76 that position will also be essentially half way down the first spacers 74 that were placed over and down the body conductor rods 6OA and in contact with the middle first disc 7OB.

1 1. Fuse weld the top surface of the middle second disc 72B to both of the body conductor rods 6OC.

12. Slide two more of the second spacers 76 all the way down body conductor rods 6OC until they come in contact with the middle second disc 72B.

13. An alternating process for locating, spacing, insulating and welding the middle first discs 7OB and the middle second discs 72B to their corresponding body conductor rods 6OA, 6OC is continued until completion and the second end first disc 7OC and the second end second disc 72C are assembled.

14. Insert the turned down end 90 of upper conductor rod 6OB into the conductor aperture 88A and fuse weld the upper conductor rod 6OB to the second end first disc 7OC. 15. Take the welded partial assembly of the second end first disc 7OC with the upper conductor rod 6OB and interleave its first disc apertures 86 with the second spacers 76 that are over body conductor rods 6OC. This will also result in the ends 90 of the body conductor rods 6OA being inserted into conductor apertures 88. 16. Fuse weld the ends 90 of body conductor rods 6OA at conductor apertures 88 with the upper surface of the second end first disc 7OC.

17. Slide one first spacer 74 over and down upper conductor rod 6OB until it comes to rest on top of the second end first disc 7OC. 18. Insert the turned down end 90 of upper conductor rod 6OD into the conductor aperture 88A and fuse weld the upper conductor rod 6OD to the second end second disc 72C.

19. Take the welded partial assembly of the second end second disc 72C with the upper conductor rod 6OD and interleave its second disc aperture 84 with the single first spacer 74 that is over the upper conductor rod 6OB until it is half way down the length of the first spacer 74 and comes in contact with the turned down ends 90 of body conductor rods 6OC.

20. Rotate or position the second end second disc 72C until conductor apertures 88 slide over and down on to the turned down ends 90 of the body conductor rods 6OC.

21. Fuse weld the upper turned down ends 90 of body conductor rods 6OC with the upper surface of the second end second disc 72C.

22. This completes the assembly process of the electrode assembly, which can then be attached to the cell top plate 48 with the threaded ends of the upper conductor rods 6OB, 6OD using conventional screw types nuts and washers.

This above-described assembly method describes a finished electrode assembly 36 where the first discs 70 have a continuous metal connection with each other by fuse welding to the metal conductor rods 6OA, 6OB only common to other first discs 70. Additionally, this above-described assembly method describes a finished electrode assembly 36 where the second discs 72 have a continuous metal connection with each other by fuse welding to the metal conductor rods 6OC, 6OD only common to other second discs 72.

Further, the above-described assembly results in a mechanically integrated treatment cell 12, 14 providing for separated positive and negative polarity disc arrangement within the electrode assembly 36 and such electrode assembly 36 can be easily removed in one piece for replacement, cleaning or other maintenance.

Figure 4 is a simplified schematic illustration of another embodiment of a fluid treatment system 410 having features of the present invention. In this embodiment, the fluid treatment system 410 includes six treatment cells. In particular, the fluid treatment system 410 includes three first treatment cells 412 and three second treatment cells 414. Each of the treatment cells 412, 414 is substantially similar in design and function to the treatment cells 12, 14 described in detail above in relation to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1A-1 D, 2A-2C and 3A-3C. Accordingly, a detailed description of each of the treatment cells 412, 414 will not be provided herein.

In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the three first treatment cells 412 are utilized in parallel, with the fluid source 418 supplying untreated fluid 420 (illustrated with circles) to each of the three first treatment cells 412. Further, each of the three first treatment cells 412 has a corresponding second treatment cell 414 with which it is utilized in a series arrangement. Accordingly, each of the three first treatment cells 412 discharges a partially treated fluid 432 (illustrated with circles and triangles) into one or more intermediate fluid tanks 430. Subsequently, the partially treated fluid 432 is supplied to each of the second treatment cells 414 from the intermediate fluid tanks 430. A treated fluid 424 (illustrated with triangles) is then discharged from each of the second treatment cells 414 into one or more fluid discharge tanks 422. In certain alternative embodiments, the fluid treatment system 410 can be designed without the use of the intermediate fluid tanks 432. In such embodiments, the partially treated fluid 432 will flow directly from the first treatment cell 412 to the corresponding second treatment cell 414.

Additionally, the fluid treatment system 410 includes a plurality of first valves 492 and a plurality of second valves 494. Each of the plurality of first valves 492 is positioned substantially between the fluid source 418 and one of the first treatment cells 412. Each of the plurality of second valves 494 is positioned substantially between the intermediate fluid tanks 430 and one of the second treatment cells 414. The valves 492, 494 enable the fluid flow to be selectively shut off to each of the treatment cells 412, 414 such that individual treatment cells 412, 414 may be shut down for maintenance or replacement without impacting the flow of the fluid through any of the other treatment cells 412, 414.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of a fluid treatment system 10 have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.