GD INT (19) World Intellectual Property 5 Organization International Bureau (43) International Publication Date 02 March 2023 (02.03.2023) NATIONAL APPLICATION PUBL D UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) AAU (10) International Publication Number WO 2023/026298 Al WIPO!|PCT (1) International Patent Classi CORF V6] 2023.01) ation ‘TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, U. ZA, 7M, ZW. WO 2023/026298 A1 lll 21) International Application Number: (84) Designated States (wiles otherwise indicated, for every PCTAN20220050718 kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW. Gt, GM. KE, LR. LS, MW, MZ, NA. RW, SD, SL, ST, 82. TZ 2) International Filing Date: * son. UG, 2M, 2W), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, Tl 10 Angus 2022 (10082022) Tyg), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CHL, CY, CZ, DE, DK, 25) Fiting Language: English EE, ES, FIL FR. GB, GR. THR, HUI. 18. IF, LT. LU. LV. MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM (26) Publication Languas English TR), OAPI (BF. BJ. CF, CG, Cl, CM, GA, GN, GO, GW (30) Priority Data: KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), 103873926 August 2021 (26.08.2021) IN o f INPHILOX WATER SYSTEMS PRIVATE ae seas eminent ap or and be granted a LIMITED [IN/INI 63-64, lnalok ~ C, Od Nagatdas 9 0 mplcaitt sr Road, Andheri East, Mumbai, Matiamashtra 400069 (IN), gs 19 re qpplicann’ entitlement fo claim the priority of the (7%) Inventors: MEHTA, Sarthak; 63464, Indralok — C, earlier application Rate £1760) Old Nagardas Road, Andheri East, Mumiai, Maharashtra — _ofinventorship (Rule 4.17()) 400069 (IN). NAYAK, Amrit Om, 63-64, Inalok ~C. puppies Old Nagardas Road, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharastra eae eprint 210) 400069 (IN), PATEL, Krunal Nitin: 63-64, Indralok = C. in ilack and white; the international application as filed Old Nagardas Road, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtsa engined color or greyscale and is available for download ae {rom PATENTSCOPE (74) Agent:P., Aruna reeet al; Gnanlex Associates LP. 335, 3rd floor. V Mall Aska Nagar, Near Saidham, Thakur Com- plex Kandivali East, Mumbai = 400101, Maliarastra (IN), (81) Designated States (mle otherwise indicated for every and of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CV, CZ, DE, DJ, DK, DM, DO, DZ, EC. EE, EG. ES, Fl, GB, GD. GE, GH, GM, GT. TIN, HR, HU, 1D, IL, IN. 1Q, IR. IS, FT, JM, JO, JP. KE, KG, KH, KN. KR KR, KW, KZ, LA, LC.LK, LR. LS. LU, LY, MA, MD, ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX. MY.MZ, NA, NG, NINO, NZ, OM, PA, PE, PG, PIL, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS. RU. RW. SA. SC, 8D, SE,SG. SK, SL. ST. SV, (G4) Title: AN ENERGY EFFICIENT AND HIGH PERFORMANCE NON-CONTACT PHYSIO-ELECTRICAL REACTOR FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT (67) Abstract: An energy efficient, high-performance reactor (1) for wastewater treatment is disclosed herein, The reactor (1) has a chamber (14) provided with an inlet (11) to allow the entry of the wastewater, and an outlet (21) to allow the treated Water to exit. The chamber includes an electrode assembly (13), wherein each ofthe pair of electrodes includes a layer of metal matrix composites. A polarity switching DC power is provided across the electtode assembly (13) thereby inducing an array of microelectrodes for enfianced surface rca and better efficiency for the reactionWO 2023/026298 PCT/IN2022/050718 10 18 20 25 30 “AN ENERGY EFFICIENT AND HIGH PERFORMANCE NON- CONTACT PHYSIO-ELECTRICAL REACTOR FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT” FIELD OF INVENTION: [001] The present invention relates to an energy efficient, high-performance apparatus for the purpose of wastewater treatment, More particularly, the present invention discloses a smart non-contact physio-electrical reactor for efficient wastewater treatment, which provides larger & uniform surface area for reaction, yet has a longer life BACKGROUND & PRIOR ART: [002] Wastewaters such as raw sewage, industrial effluents, brackish water, gray water, ete., may contain particulates, dissolved organic and inorganic matter and microbes, such as suspended solid particles, human waste, food, scraps. oils, soaps, chemicals, heavy metals, pathogens, bacteria, entrained gas and other hazardous inorganic and organic substances, With an increase in the consumption of water and its conesponding shortage, as well as the need for a cleaner environment, it has now become pertinent to treat the water so as to render it suitable for re-use. Several studies have indicated that by 2030, water will become scarcer than oil, with the water demand outstripping its supply by over 40%. Erratic rainfall, depleting fresh water and ground water reserves and extensive pollution has led to the unavailability of usable water resulting in acute water shortage in many regions around the world [003] ‘The current methods and techniques regarding wastewater treatment involve (i) degradation or neutralization of chemical and biological matter; (ii) reduction of sludge/by-produet, gaseous odour from methane, ammonia and hhydrogen sulphide: and (iii) Removal of nutrients, heavy metals and forever chemicals like Per- and polyfluoroalky! substances. The manufacturers further prefer a technology that reduces capital investment and operational cost.WO 2023/026298 PCT/IN2022/050718 10 1s 20 25 30 Attempted combination of cost related factors and aforementioned technological factors often leads to compromising any one factor. Further, the traditional ‘wastewater treatment approach has major operational drawbacks which affect its performance and results in inconsistent treatment efficiency [004] Some of the disadvantages with the existing wastewater treatment technologies are briefly elaborated herein High energy consumption: The conventional technologies are commonly batch processes which exhibit inherent inefficiencies such as pumping work losses, poor primary treatment, and inefficient aeration or mixing resulting in inconsistent treatment efficiency and higher process time. Manpower: The known wastewater treatment systems are manually operated and require continuous monitoring and control, Monitoring and control of such systems can be demanding during inflow variations and seasonal changes. Further, operator management can account for up to 30% of the total operational costs and loses due to human error and resultant downtime of water assets, Sludge production: Sludge is the residue generated during physical, chemical and biological treatment of waste water. A major environmental challenge for wastewater treatment is the disposal of excess sludge produced during the treatment process which might sometimes be toxic thereby making it difficult for disposal Footprint: Other major problem faced by conventional wastewater treatment systems is a considerably large footprint demand. They are costly to construct, and the settling tanks and aeration basins occupy substantial areas, Due to this the treatment facilities may have to be situated away from the cities, thereby increasing operation costs due to Transportation and inefficiencies in clectro-WO 2023/026298 PCT/IN2022/050718 10 1s 20 25 30 ‘mechanical equipment and leakages. Also, with the space constraint in all major cities, space availability is a major concem Failing downstream equipment: Varying influent load and nature of pollutants in the influent adversely affect the treatment process resulting in inconsistent treatment and constant equipment failure, Failure to meet noms: Incomplete treatment, varying effluent water quality, organic overloading, physical short-cireuiting, high chemical dosing, coverdependence on chemicals in primary treatment results in poor water quality and inability to meet noms [00S] The applicant of the present invention has addressed the aforesaid drawbacks in its granted Patent No, IN306429, in which wastewater treatment is, carried out by electrocoagulation. The method involves treating an influent wastewater stream by an ozone-assisted clectrocoagulation process in at least one clectrocoagulation reactor to produce a floc-containing wastewater stream. The ‘method further includes reducing the process time by 30 ~ 35% by selectively controlling said ozone-assisted clectrocoagulation process through real-time ‘monitoring of the influent wastewater characteristics and consequent adjustment of at least one process parameter selected from influent flow rate, ozone flow rate, electrical loading of electrodes, process time and reaction contact time: filtering said floc-containing wastewater stream through a filtration unit comprising at least one filter selected from a cross-flow filter and a media filter, to obtain a filtered wastewater stream and sludge; and disinfecting and de-fouling said filtered ‘wastewater stream by an ozone-assisted UV process in a UV treatment chamber to obtain treated water. [006] Electrocoagulation, which is a preferred method in the above document, is based on breaking of the particles in aqueous medium by passing the current through the aqueous medium. It is one of the most popular method for treatingWO 2023/026298 PCT/IN2022/050718 10 1s 20 25 30 industrial wastewater containing polluted particles, ranging from chemical waste, ‘minerals to bacteria, algae, larvae. [007] At present, researchers have identified a methodology to incorporate three~ dimensional metal matrix composite that can be used for wastewater treatment One such possible application is mentioned in WO2004043875. The said document relates to metal-nonmetal composites, and a method of preparation id method in WO"875 uses pi thereof, Further, the ssure less infiltration of ceramic based metal matrix composites as a tool for wastewater treatment, [008] The present invention proposes a novel approach which achieves appropriate technological factors as well as capital investment and cost. SUMMARY OF INVENTION: [009] The present invention discloses an efficient, high-performance reactor for wastewater treatment, [010] In an embodiment, the reactor comprises a chamber provided with an inlet ata lower end of a side to admit an entry of the wastewater: and an outlet at a higher end of a side opposite to that of the inlet to allow treated water to exit, [011] In an embodiment, the chamber of the reactor comprises at least one housing sections. Each housing section includes at least one pair of electrode assembly having perforated sheets covering at least a negative electrode from all sides. Further, each pair of electrode assembly encloses a space adapted to incorporate a metal matrix composite layer. [012] In embodiment, a power source is connected across the electrode assembly. Preferably, the power source is a DC source. At least one connector is, provided therein for connecting the electrode assembly to the power source.WO 2023/026298 10 15 20 25 Preferably, the connector is a single common connector, such as metallic bus bar, or more preferably, a ¢-bar, [013] An important aspect of the invention is that the DC source is adapted to switch its polarity at a predetermined frequency. A DC power with switching polarity induces bipolar charge distribution on the metal matrix surface, thereby inducing microelectrodes on the surface of the metal matrix composites [014] In an embodiment, the metal matrix composite is preferably selected from Activated Carbon, Manganese Dioxide, Graphene, Titanium dioxide, Iron, Aluminum, Tumings of Iron, Aluminum and their alloys. However, the metal ‘matrix composite is not limited to the aforesaid materials [015] Further, the metal matrix has ver high packing density, thereby enhancing surface area available for reactions. The packing density is present between 30% to 80% of the chamber volume between a pair of clectrode assembly. The amount of packing density is determined by factors depending upon different wastewater treatments. [016] In another embodiment, more than one pair of electrodes and applicable perforated sheets as described above sandwiching the metal matrix composites, are provided therein to enhance treatment efficiency for different kinds of wastewater. [017] In another embodiment, a feedback module is provided to the reactor which collects the data related to amount of remaining impurities. The feedback ‘module comprises of plurality of sensors to detect the quality of the fluid, and at least one controller.WO 2023/026298 10 15 20 25 30 [018] The present invention further discloses an efficient, high performance, non-contact, physio-electric method for wastewater treatment by employing the reactor. [019] ‘The method preferably comprise wastewater through an inlet provided at a chamber of the reactor, wherein the steps of. allowing entry of the wastewater is passed through at least one pair of electrode assembly having, perforated sheets covering at least a negative electrode from all sides: passing a polarity switching current through at least one pair of electrode assembly which contains a metal matrix composite layer, thereby creating an amay of microelectrode on the metal matrix composite layer, thereby enhancing a surface area for electrolysis of the effluent particles, and uniformit for the reactions; and allowing exit of the treated water from an outlet provided at the chamber of the reactor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS: [020] Following figures illustrate various embodiments, including the best embodiment, of the invention Figure 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of the reactor (1) of the invention. Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the reactor (1) Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of the reactor (1). Figure 4 illustrates internal components of the reactor (1) Figure 5 illustrates reactions take place in the pair of electrodes in the electrode assembly (13), Figure 6(a) illustrates the arrangement within the electrode assembly (13) Figure 6(b) illustrates a side view of the electrode assembly (13) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION: [021] Accordingly. the present invention discloses an apparatus, or more precisely. an energy effi jent, high performance non-contact, physio-clectric reactor for wastewater treatment.WO 2023/026298 10 15 20 25 30 [022] Certain terms and expression used in the specification are intended to describe certain components of the embodiments. Said terms and expressions may have usual meaning. For example, “wastewater” is liquid which has contaminants such as human waste, food, soaps, oils, chemicals ete which are harmful to human as well as environmental health. “Metal matrix composites” is a composite ‘material consisting of metals, their alloys, selected non-metals etc., and which are through different reinforcing phases. One of the components of matrix is essentially metal. “DC power supply” is a linear, non-varying supply (Direct Current — DC). [023] The invention may be comprehended by referring to figures appended at the end of the specification. However, it may be noted that the figures represent a pre erred embodiment and its variation, are not intended to restrict the scope of the invention, [024] Referring to Figure 1 to 6, the invention describes an efficient, high performance, non-contact, physio-electric reactor for wastewater treatment. The reactor comprises a chamber (14) provided with an inlet (12) at a lower end of a side to admit an entry of the wastewater, and an outlet (21) at a higher end of a side opposite to that of the inlet (12) to allow treated water to exit; the chamber (14) comprises at least one housing sections, wherein the each housing section includes at least one pair of electrode assembly (13), and each pair of electrode assembly (13) encloses a space (23) incorporating a metal matrix composite layer: a power source for providing voltage across the electrode assembly (13), wherein the power source is configured to switch polarity at a pre-determined variable frequency; and at least one connector (11) connecting the electrode assembly (13) to the power source, The power source is a polarity switching DC source at a predetermined variable frequency that induces an array of microelectrodes on ‘metal matrix composites, thereby enhancing a surface area for electrolysis of the effluent particles, and uniformity for the reactions,WO 2023/026298 10 15 20 25 30 [025] Referring to Figure 1, Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the reactor (1) of the present invention. The reactor (1) is provided with an electrode assembly (13), which comprises of a series of electrodes with metal matrix composite layer in between each neighboring electrode. The electrodes are powered by a common extemal power source, which is distributed to each electrode through a connector (11), preferably a metallic busbar. Preferably. the ‘metallic bar (11) is a ¢-bus bar. However, the purpose of the present invention can be served by using threaded rods, wired connection and such. An inlet (12) is provided to allow the entry of the influent stream, The reactor is hydraulically designed so as to ensure that no water is expelled from the reactor without treatment and that proper flow is achieved. The reactor also has an optional gravel bed under the electrode assembly for high temperature applications. The gravel bed improves isolation, increases aeration and reduces bed clogging [026] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the proposed reactor. As per Figure 2, an outlet (21) is provided for the treated water to exit from the reactor (1). A space (23) between the electrodes is provided to charge metal matrix composites, for the purpose of the treatment of water when it passes through electrode assembly (13). Once the influent stream passes from between the parallel electrode setup and the ‘metal matrix bed, it overflows into a cone bottom chamber that drains the treated water out [027] In a preferred embodiment, the metal matrix composite is preferably selected from Activated Carbon, Manganese Dioxide, Graphene, Titanium dioxide, Iron, Aluminum, Turings of Iron, Aluminum and their alloys. However, the metal matrix composite is not limited to the aforesaid materials. The choice of the composites allows to achieve targeted treatment and therefore making the whole process energy efficient and higher performance.WO 2023/026298 10 15 20 25 30 9 [028] In one of the important aspects of the invention, a DC power passing, through the electrode assembly (13) is adapted to switch polarity at a pre- determined variable frequency. It may be noted that the frequency of switching, depends upon the type of wastewater and the pollutant load in it. For example, frequency of switching for low pollutant load is between 100 to 120 seconds, whereas the said value may lie between 30 to 90 seconds. However, the frequeney of switching is not limited to the above values. Such switchable DC power induces dipole moment in the metal matrix composite layer, thereby inducing, an array of microelectrodes of the metal matrix composite layer. The said micro- electrodes are tiny, microscopic electrodes which are preferably having a regular size and shape, The size of each microelectrode is preferably not exces mm, In specific cases depending upon the type of the wastewater, metal casting is used to attain regular shapes, such as sphere, to obtain optimized results. The array microelectrodes provide dramatically increased surface area for electrolysis, of the pollutant particles. It improves the surface life by 40% and homogeneous performance by 25% [029] Another advantage of the polarity switching DC power is better averaged or consistent electromagnetic flux over time and finer control over microelectrodes. Polarity switching DC power also provides better reaction homogeneity across the surface [030] Further, the metal matrix composite employed in the present invention performs electro-adsorption with a 15% higher efficiency and 30% better self-life aided by in-situ regeneration by polarity reversal, ‘The coagulation and oxidation ability of such a matrix supersedes any conventional coagulation chemical with 60% higher pollutant removal in the form of COD, 70% reduction in treatment time and 60% greater degradation and mineralization of organic pollutant solvents on an average aided by greater production of hydroxyl radical which is the strongest oxidizing agent in nature and other super oxidants. Furthermore, the ‘metal matrix composites utilized in the present invention have a certain cell sizeWO 2023/026298 10 15 20 25 30 10 (0.01% to 0.5% of power electrode surface area) and void packing density (~ 0.3 to 0.8 subject to type of wastewater and pollutant load), thereby availing high surface area for treatment reactions. The active surface area to volume ratio ic. SIV ratio can range anywhere between 350 to 600 (1/m) based on the material chosen and the design of the bed. The packing density of the metal matrix composites is very high, thereby reducing operational and maintenance cost. In contrast to a conventional electrocoagulation unit, which involves cumbersome plate fixtures and variable efficiency as the electrode gets consumed, the metal ‘matrix composites of the present invention maintain a uniform charge density thereby achieving consistent performance and treatment of water. This reduces the overall skilled human resource required to sustain optimal output in daily operations. Also, with higher reaction efficien the overall current required to drive the system drops by 25% thereby reducing the power consumed and resultant electrical cost associated. This reduces the overall cost of operating the system and treating water by 20%, [031] In a preferred embodiment, the negative electrodes of each pair of electrodes (13) is wrapped by the perforated sheets, thereby increasing throughput. The presence of perforated sheets renders more homogenous mixture of micro-anodes and micro-cathodes and aids both oxidation and coagulation, which is more suitable for suspended and dissolved pollutants, [032] In yet another embodiment, the inlet of wastewater is split across symmetrical sub-chambers that are present within the chamber. Each sub-chamber may be operated as an isolated reactor setup, which enables easy troubleshooting, The provision also assists to segregate hazardous and highly polluted streams to treat them separately before mixing them with the bulk, The interelectrode distances and resultant flux density are optimised to ensure maximum treatment with minimal operation and maintenance requiredWO 2023/026298 PCT/IN2022/050718 10 15 20 25 30 " [033] However, in another embodiment, no perforated sheets are used surrounding negative electrode, Whether fo use the perforated sheets is subject to type of wastewater, which determines the desired reaction, The inventors have found that absence of perforated sheets results in the formation of micro-anodes in a greater quantity, which leads to dominant physio- electrical coagulation and works better for higher suspended solids in wastewater. On the other hand, as stated earlier, the presence of perforated sheets renders more homogenous mixture of micro-anodes and micro-cathodes and aids both oxidation and coagulation, which is more suitable for suspended and dissolved pollutants, [034] The present invention encompasses both physio-electrical coagulation and physio-electrical oxidation as an oscillating function of current supplied. Each of the processes can be enhanced by dynamic controls placed to provide feedback corrective mechanisms. The reactor settings are adjusted based on the influent water stream to ensure effective and efficient treatment, In an embodiment, such settings are incorporated into the present reactor without deviating from the already standardised design and processes, [035] The present invention involves micro-electrolysis which enhances the total active surface area by creating unit microscopic anodes and cathodes on the electrode assembly (13) in a bipolar configuration thereby increasing active reaction area and improving reaction rate, This induced dipole system can then release ions into the influent stream aiding coagulation as well as provide exposed surface area for redox reactions [036] The electron released by the electrolysis into the water stream is recirculated through additional loads reducing the plurality of power sources currently employed in IN306429, The power is tapped from primary reactors to operate relatively low power redox reactors optimized for pollutant oxidation thereby driving up process efficiencyWO 2023/026298 2 [037] In yet another embodiment, the reactor includes a feedback module, which comprises of a plurality of sensors to detect the amount of pollutants still remaining in the fluid: and a controller. 5 [038] The invention further discloses an effi i, high performance, non- contact, physio-clectric method for wastewater treatment by employing a reactor (1) comprising steps of: (i) allowing entry of the wastewater through an inlet (12) provide at a chamber (14) of the reactor (1), wherein the wastewater is passed through at least one pair of electrode assembly (13); (ii) passing a polarity 10 switching current through the at least one pair of electrode assembly (13) which contains a metal matrix composite layer, thereby creating an array of microelectrode on the metal matrix composite layer, thereby enhancing a surface area for electrolysis of the effluent particles, and uniformity for the reactions; and (ii) allowing exit of the treated water from an outlet (21) provided at the chamber 15 (14) of the reactor. In another embodiment, one more perforated sheets are provided, covering at least a negative electrode of the electrode assembly (13) [039] ‘The advantages of the invention are demonstrated by the following examples Parameters Present Invention ‘Conventional Other (a) Electrocoagulation and | Conventional Micro-electrolysis, Water Treatment systems (B) Solutions (C) Polarity Control 25-30% better (wit to B) _| Standard (Pulsed or Not Applicable switching based coarse control) ‘Active Surface Area 60-70% higher (Accurate | Standard (primarily single [Not Applicable control over formation of | pole surfaces) single pole and bipolar surfaces) (wrt to B)WO 2023/026298 13 Power Transmission to Direct and Indirect Only direct Not Applicable Reactor Bed (Induced bed energization) are both possible (wrt to B) Power Electrode Life 30% Longer (wrt toB) | Short ‘Not Applicable Primary Matrix Bed Life [40% Longer (wrtto B) | Short Not Applicable Passivation of Primary Reaction or pollution breakdown sites (Note: Lower Passivation is better) 30-40% Lower (wit 0 ©) Tneonsistent (up to 10% ower) (wrt to C) Medium to Hi ‘Treatment Homogeneity per | High (40-50% higher) | Inconsistent (up to 25% — | Low unit volume in primary (wit tC) higher) (wrt to ©) reactor or vessel Tonic Homogeneity and High (40-50% higher) | Low Not Applicable Electron Density (wrt to B) Matrix Bed Choking F0% lower (wnt to B) Frequent Not Applicable Treatment Time 35% lower (wrttoC) | 30% Tower (wrt to C) High Primary Process Retention | 40% lower (wrt to ©) 20% lower (wrt to C) High Time Footprint (Spatial and TO% lower (wittoC) | 40% lower (wit to C) High Volumetric) Throughput CO%higher (wrt to C) | 35%higherQwrttoC) [Low Energy Footprint 30% lower (wittoC) | 20% Tower (wit to ©) High Cost 40% lower (wrt to C) 25% lower (wnt to C) HighWO 2023/026298 WW ‘Average Sludge Generation 65% lower (wit © C) 55% lower (wat to C) High Manpower Dependence 50% lower (wit to C) 40% lower (wit to C) High Variable Load Handling (water quality fluctuation) 40% higher (wrt to C) 15% higher (wrt to ©) Low Water Recovery Potential (60% higher (wrt to C) FO% higher (wrt to C) Inconsistent and low Modularity Very High Limited No Modularity Technology Int Very High Limited Limited Potential Data Driven Smart Reactor ‘Technology data feedback and dynamic response (40% better performance) (wrt to.) 15% better performance (vrt to ©) Negligible or Nil ‘The description provided herein is by way of examples and illustrations. Various features in the description are provided with reference to various non-limiting embodiments in accordance with the present invention. The embodiments 5S described in the specification are intended to merely explain the use and functioning of the invention. Any person skilled in the art may be able to envisage the present invention by referring to the present specifications and set of drawings 10WO 2023/026298 PCT/IN2022/050718 We claim, 1. An efficient, high performance, non-contact, physio-electric reactor for wastewater treatment comprising, 5 achamber (14) provided with an inlet (12) at a lower end of a side to admit an entry of the wastewater; and an outlet (21) at a higher end of a side opposite to that of the inlet (12) to allow treated water to exit; the chamber (14) comprises at least one housing sections, wherein each housing section includes at 10 least one pair of electrode assembly (13), and each pair of electrode assembly (13) encloses a space (23) incorporating a metal matrix composite layer; a power source for providing voltage across the electrode assembly (13), wherein the power source is DC source configured to switch polarity 1s ata variable pre-determined frequeney; and at least one connector (11) connecting the electrode assembly (13) to the power source; wherein polarity switching source at a predetermined variable frequeney inducing an array of alternating microelectrodes on metal matrix composites. 20 thereby enhancing a surface area for electrolysis of the effluent particles, and uniformity for the reactions, 2. The reactor as claimed in Claim 1, wher the composites in metal matrix layer are selected from materials, which includes, but not limited to, Activated 25 Carbon, Manganese Dioxide, Graphene, Titanium dioxide, Iron, Aluminum, Tumings of Iron, Aluminum and alloys therein. 3. The reactor as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the pre-determined frequency of polarity switching is ranging from 20 Hz. to 1000 Hz, 30 4. The reactor as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the connector (11) is a metallic bar.WO 2023/026298 PCT/IN2022/050718 10 18 20 25 30 35 16 The reactor as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the connector (11) is a c-bar connector, The reactor as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a packing density of the metal matrix composites is between 30% to 80%, The reactor as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a feedback module (..) is provided ‘to measure the quality of the wastewater comprising a plurality of sensors, and a controller. The reactor as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the at least one negative electrode is covered by one or more perforated sheets. An efficient, high performance, non-contact, physio-electric method for wastewater treatment by employing a reactor (1) comprising steps of: (i) allowing entry of the wastewater through an inlet (12) provide at a chamber (14) of the reactor (1), wherein the wastewater is passed through at least one pair of electrode assembly (13) having perforated sheets covering at least a negative electrode from all sides; (i) passing a DC polarity switching current through the at least one pair of electrode assembly (13) which contains a metal matrix composite layer. thereby inducing an array of microelectrode on the metal matrix composite layer, thereby enhancing a surface area for electrolysis of the effluent particles, and uniformity for the reactions; and (ii) allowing exit of the treated water from an outlet (21) provided at the chamber (14) of the reactor,WO 2023/026298 PCT/IN2022/050718 ws Figure 1 10PCT/IN2022/050718 WO 2023/026298 24 Figure 3 Figure 4 10WO 2023/026298 ‘oncesn) PCT/IN2022/050718 34 Ho-trso, seo comeeo |WO 20251026298 PCTYIN2022/050718 44 5 Figure 6(b)INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT Thiemational application No. PCT/IN2022/050718 A, CLASSIFICATION OF SUBIECT MATTER CO2F1/461 Version=2022.01 According to Internationa Patent Classification (PC) ot to both national classification and IPC 1B FELDS SEARCHED ‘Minium dacumentation searched (classfiation stem Tallowed by clasificaion smbolsy co2F1/461 Tectonic dase consiled dusing the iteration search (ame of dainhase and, whore prcticable, seach lems wed) PatSeer, IPO Internal Database Keywords: wastewater, treatment, reactor, electrode, electrolysis, © DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED 10 BE RELEVANT Cateory* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No, ¥ WO2019036387A1 (CALIFORNIA INST OF TECHN (US)) 21 1-9 February 2019 (21.02.2019) Abstract, para 0037, 0044 & 0053, claims 4, 14 ¢ 15 Y W02021034580A2 (UNIV CALIFORNIA (US)) 25 February |1-9 2021 (25.02.2021) Claim 4, para 0032 ¥ W02020097694A1 (HYDRUS TECH PTY LTD (AU)) 22 May | 4-5 2020 (22.05.2020) Para 00150 7. EP3501635B1 (NXP USA INC (US)) 28 July 2021 7 (28.07.2021) Para 0026 & para 0085 Fie docuneas ited ate conimatonofBox ©. (QQ) See pe iy am + Special categories of ied documents “Fer dacunent picid fetal ing a or pin Aa document defining the general state of the nt whichis uotcousidered «Gate abd nal in confict sath de aplication bul cies to understand (A dopant eine eenral sate of " ered the principe or theory undtsing ee unenton "document cited by the applicet in he iefereational application ocumet of particular relevance the clined invention cot be “2° cacrapplcationor putes bt published onoraftetheitacnational— cotsiderod adel or camot be considered to tvolve am vce pyar ent bt published on or after | i the dbeuen tke one ° ing dete ‘L' document whic oy drow doubts on pristy clams) or which “Y" document of particular relevance the claimed invention cannot ISeiod to establish he pobicaion date Sr amsher elation or other Be coasideedo imolve at aveate step when he document Is Special reason as specie) omnbined ithone or ore aher such document, sich combination ‘OF documentreferingtomoraldisslosu,use,cvbiionorotiermeans _bsinecbvlous 0a person shiled in the at “P” dacument published proc tothe ilemitiona flingdatebut ister than “&™ document member ofthe same patent aly ‘he pron date came ‘Date ofthe actual completion ofthe international search Date of mailing of the Intemational search wopomt 25-11-2022 25-11-2022 ‘Name and mailing adGiess ofthe ISAT Authorized office? indian Patent office Atul Raj Plot No.32, Sector 14,Dwarka,New Delhi-110075 Facsimile No. Telephone No._+91-1125300200 Forms BCTASA/SIO eecond shoe Ualy BOD)INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT {formation on patent feanily members Trterutional appheation No. PCT/IN2022/050718 Citation Pub.Date Family Pub.Date WO 2019036387 Al 21-02-2019 vs 2019048481 AL 14-02-2019 WO 2021034580 AZ 25-02-2021 US 2022162094 Al 26-05-2022 Wo 2020097694 AL 22-05-2020 AU 2019381855 Al 01-07-2021 CA 3119989 Al 22-05-2020 Us 2022009812 AL 13-01-2022 EP 3501635 Bi 28-07-2021 CN 109828148 A 31-05-2019 US 2019185349 AL 20-06-2019 Form PCT/GA/210 (patent Family annex) Guly 2022)