MTBE degradation by hydrodynamic induced cavitation

Abstract

Hydrodynamic induced cavitation generates imploding cavitation bubbles which can lead to degradation or even mineralisation of water constituents without addition of any chemicals. This technology overcomes the problems of ultrasound irradiation by the local production of a cavitation cloud close to the sonotrodes. Hydrodynamic cavitation can be stabilised downstream of the nozzle depending on the ambient pressure conditions. If the pressure is kept low, the imploding cavitation bubbles generate new cavities, analogous to a chain reaction, and elevate the radical synthesis inside the apparatus. During the pilot tests MTBE and ETBE were degraded and complete mineralisation started at a time delay of app. 30 min. The specific energy demand for MTBE degradation lies in the range of app. 200 Wh/ppm in the investigated concentration range of about 30 ppm.