Electrochemical and UV-C LED Chloramine Destruction Technology

Overview

This research-stage technology explores the destruction of chloramine in water using electrochemical reduction, UV-C light from light emitting diodes (LEDs), or a combination of both approaches. Chloramine is a common disinfectant residual used in municipal water systems, but excess levels can cause taste, odor, and distribution system issues. The proposed solution targets rapid and efficient chloramine removal to desired levels, offering an alternative or complement to existing treatment methods.

The value proposition lies in combining two distinct destruction mechanisms to achieve faster and more complete chloramine removal than either technique alone. Electrochemical reduction leverages the oxidizable nature of chloramine, while UV-C LED photolysis exploits the known susceptibility of chloramine to deep-ultraviolet light. Together, these methods may enable compact, controllable treatment systems suitable for point-of-use or distribution-scale applications.

Technical specifications

Core destruction mechanisms:

• Electrochemical reduction: Chloramine, as an oxidized species, is reduced at porous electrode surfaces under mixed conditions. The electrochemistry of chloramine has been characterized under idealized conditions and will be adapted for practical reactor designs.
• UV-C LED photolysis: UV-C LEDs emitting in the 240 to 260 nanometer target bandwidth are used to break down chloramine through direct photolysis, with kinetics assessed as a function of light fluence.
• Combined approach: A combination of electrochemical reduction and UV-C LED photolysis may be required to achieve rapid removal rates suitable for operational deployment.

Planned development pathway:

• Batch reactor testing of electrochemical reduction with various porous electrode materials
• Batch kinetic assessment of UV-C LED photolysis across the 240 to 260 nanometer bandwidth
• Design and testing of flow reactors to meet targeted chloramine destruction at desired flow rates

Technology readiness level

This technology is at an early research stage. The research hypothesis has been formulated based on prior knowledge of chloramine electrochemistry and UV-C photolysis, but no validation procedures have been completed to date. Future validation will proceed from batch reactor experiments to flow reactor prototypes designed to meet targeted destruction levels at practical flow rates. The technology is not yet ready for commercial deployment and requires experimental confirmation of destruction kinetics and reactor performance before pilot or field testing.