System and method for chemical-free metal particle removal from a liquid media

摘要

Disclosed are systems and methods for removing oxidizable metals from a liquid without the use of chemicals. This aeration technology maximizes the surface area-to-volume ratio of oxygen in the gas used. A system may comprise a dissolved oxygen addition device configured to receive the liquid and comprising a substrate with pores. A compressed gas source is connected to the device and configured to inject compressed gas containing oxygen through the substrate and into the liquid. Sub-micron sized bubbles are created on the substrate when the gas passes through the pores and expands in the liquid. The bubbles are removed from the substrate by passing liquid media while they have buoyancy insufficient to overcome a surface tension between the substrate and the bubbles. The bubbles then diffuse into the liquid to oxidize soluble oxidizable metals in the liquid media to create oxidized insoluble metal particles.