Electrocoagulation water purification: approaches to automation and modeling of the technological process

V.O. Smirnova, I.V. Matelenok

Saint-Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation,

RF, Saint Petersburg, Bolshaya Morskaya St., 67

E-mail: vlada_sm@mail.ru

DOI: 10.33075/2220-5861-2025-3-67-74

UDC 628.31                      

EDN: https://elibrary.ru/vcdlhm

Abstract:

The work focuses on the urgent task of developing and modeling automated control systems to improve the efficiency of water treatment processes. An analysis of the current state of electrochemical water purification technologies and units available on the market has been carried out, which showed an insufficient level of their automation. The choice of the electrocoagulation method as one of the most universal was justified. Based on a series of laboratory experiments, key parameters and process stages requiring automatic control were determined. An option for technical implementation of the water treatment unit involving integration of the intelligent control system providing adaptive actuator control based on signals from turbidity sensors was proposed. An equipment spatial arrangement scheme considering the requirements to accessibility to modules for maintenance and compactness to fit tight spaces was selected. The scheme was implemented in a digital three-dimensional model of the unit. Based on the calculations of the electrocoagulator parameters, the design of the electrode block and the skimmer cup for installation in a cylindrical tank was developed. The scheme of the unit operation in treatment and backwashing modes was described. It was shown that the implementation of the proposed system allows reducing labor costs for equipment maintenance by 15–20%.

Keywords: electrocoagulation, water treatment, automated systems, automated control systems, modeling

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