Dirty water filtration device and filtration process for dirty water

Abstract

The invention relates to a dirty water filtration device comprising a rectangular body (21) having two faces and a thickness, and a first inlet / outlet (20a). Said body comprises: a plurality of paths (22) positioned on each face; said plurality of paths is connected to said first inlet / outlet; the first inlet / outlet being configured to convey a dirty water fluid to be treated through the plurality of paths; a graphene membrane positioned on each face of said body; said membrane comprises a weave having polygonal pores. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Dirty water filtration device and filtration method for dirty water Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a dirty water filtration device and a dirty water filtration method.

[0002] It applies, in particular, to all technologies, methods, and systems used to treat and purify contaminated water from various sources, such as grey water (from showers, sinks, etc.), black water (from toilets), and industrial or domestic wastewater. Previous technique

[0003] Membranes play a crucial role in water treatment, particularly because of the significant advantages they offer compared to other technologies.

[0004] Membrane filtration is often preferred for several reasons, which distinguish it from other water treatment technologies, such as conventional filtration or thermal treatments.

[0005] Unlike processes such as distillation which require significant thermal energy to heat the water, membrane filtration operates at ambient temperature, which reduces overall energy consumption and minimizes costs related to the use of heat.

[0006] Other water treatment processes often require chemicals for disinfection (chlorine, ozone) or coagulation. In contrast, membrane filtration can remove contaminants without requiring these products, thus reducing chemical residues in the treated water as well as the associated costs and environmental impacts.

[0007] Unlike processes such as the use of ion exchange resins which require frequent regeneration with chemicals, membranes require less maintenance and are more durable, especially with suitable cleaning systems.

[0008] Among the various types of membrane technologies, pressurized processes are the most widely used in water treatment. They include technologies such as microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO), each with its specific applications:

[0009] Regarding microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF), these processes are often used to remove suspended particles, microorganisms, and bacteria. MF has larger pores (0.1 to 10 micrometers) than UF, and is therefore Used for less demanding applications, such as drinking water filtration. UF, with finer pores (0.01 to 0.1 micrometers), is effective at removing viruses and certain organic matter.

[0010] Regarding Nanofiltration (NF), this process is used to remove dissolved ions, small organic molecules, and polyvalent salts. It is very effective for treating fresh water and removing contaminants such as nitrates, heavy metals, and pesticides.

[0011] Regarding Reverse Osmosis (RO), it is the finest membrane technology, capable of removing the smallest molecules, including monovalent ions such as salt (NaCl). Reverse osmosis is widely used in the desalination of seawater and brackish water, as well as in the production of ultrapure water for industries such as electronics and pharmaceuticals.

[0012] The invention lies in nanofiltrations.

[0013] Membrane processes, despite their many advantages, also have some disadvantages, mainly related to current membrane manufacturing methods.

[0014] Membranes produced in an uncontrolled manner may have pores of very different sizes, which reduces their efficiency and selectivity. Larger pores can allow contaminants to pass through, while pores that are too small increase resistance to flow, requiring higher pressure.

[0015] The variability of manufacturing processes results in membranes being available in limited formats, making it difficult to adapt them to specific applications requiring membranes of particular dimensions or properties.

[0016] Membranes manufactured using suboptimal methods often require high pressures to operate efficiently. The higher the pressure required, the more energy the filtration system consumes, thus increasing operating costs. For example, reverse osmosis, which already requires significant pressures for seawater desalination, becomes even more energy-intensive if the membranes are inefficient. The permeate (filtered water) flow rate can be reduced due to the need to overcome high resistance across the membrane. This leads to a decrease in the overall process efficiency, as it becomes necessary to apply more pressure to obtain a sufficient quantity of filtered water.

[0017] One of the biggest challenges in the use of membranes is their susceptibility to fouling, a phenomenon where the membrane pores become clogged due to the presence of particles, organic matter, or microorganisms. Presentation of the invention

[0018] Membrane filtration offers numerous advantages in terms of water treatment; however, significant technical challenges remain. The present invention aims to address these drawbacks with a completely innovative approach.

[0019] More specifically, the invention aims to provide improved membranes in water treatment in order to optimize performance while reducing energy costs and, with it, environmental impact.

[0020] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved, according to a first aspect, by means of a dirty water filtration device comprising a rectangular body having two faces and a thickness, a first inlet / outlet, notable in that said body comprises: - a plurality of paths positioned on each face; said plurality of paths is connected with said first input / output; - the first inlet / outlet being configured to bring a dirty water fluid to be treated through the plurality of paths; - a graphene membrane positioned on each face of said body; said membrane comprises a weave having polygon-shaped pores.

[0021] Thanks to these provisions, it is possible to produce almost potable water from the treatment of wastewater or industrial water, in order to reuse it in various industrial processes: process water, heating water, irrigation water, or for discharge into the environment after treatment.

[0022] Furthermore, it reduces water consumption in industrial processes by promoting the reuse of treated water, thus contributing to the preservation of water resources.

[0023] There is also a reduction in the use of chemical inputs in the water treatment process, by improving the efficiency of the systems and by integrating techniques such as membrane washing with optimized sequences (air, air + water, water).

[0024] It is then possible to make water treatment plants more efficient and economical by improving the processes.

[0025] Graphene is an extremely thin material (a single layer of carbon atoms) yet extremely robust. This thinness allows water to pass through graphene membranes much more quickly than through conventional membranes, significantly increasing the permeate flow rate. This results in greater efficiency for a larger volume of water treated.

[0026] Thanks to their high permeability, graphene membranes require less pressure to push water through them, compared to traditional membranes such as those used in reverse osmosis. This makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption of the filtration system, an essential factor for seawater desalination or large-scale wastewater treatment.

[0027] Graphene can be designed with pores of precise sizes at the nanoscale, making it capable of filtering specific contaminants, such as ions, organic molecules, heavy metals... This allows high selectivity, offering excellent efficiency in water purification and the removal of pollutants.

[0028] Graphene membranes are highly resistant from both a mechanical and chemical point of view. Their honeycomb structure makes them extremely strong despite their thinness. They are also more resistant to corrosive chemicals used in certain water treatment applications, which extends their service life and reduces the need for replacement.

[0029] Graphene membranes exhibit better resistance to fouling compared to traditional membranes. This means they become less easily fouled with organic matter or microorganisms, reducing the frequency of cleaning and increasing membrane lifespan. This also reduces downtime and maintenance costs.

[0030] Furthermore, graphene also possesses properties that can be used to create self-cleaning or antifouling membranes, preventing particles, bacteria, and other impurities from accumulating on the surface. This reduces biofilm formation and extends service life without manual cleaning.

[0031] The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically operative combination.

[0032] In one embodiment, the body includes a second input / output linking to said plurality of paths.

[0033] In one embodiment, the plurality of pores of the membrane have a length between Inm and 500nm, preferably between 200nm and 500nm; said pores being configured for the filtration of dirty water.

[0034] In one embodiment, the plurality of paths of each face is symmetric with respect to the longitudinal plane of said body.

[0035] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a filtration process for dirty water, remarkable in that it comprises the following steps: a) - passing dirty water through a pre-filter; b) - passage of the dirty water from the pre-filter through at least one dirty water filtration device, said device having a rectangular body having two faces and a thickness, a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet, a plurality of paths positioned on each face; said plurality of paths is connected with said first inlet / outlet and said second inlet / outlet; the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet being configured to bring a dirty water fluid to be treated through the plurality of paths; a graphene membrane positioned on each face of said body; said membrane has a weave having polygonal pores; c) - recovery of filtered water from the previous step for a sanitary installation.

[0036] The advantages, purposes and particular characteristics of this process being similar to those of the dirty water filtration device which is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here.

[0037] In one embodiment, during step b); the passage of dirty water from the pre-filter is continuous or sequential.

[0038] In one embodiment, said process includes a cleaning step comprising the injection of water, or water with air, at the first inlet / outlet or the second inlet / outlet. Brief description of the figures

[0039] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for explanatory purposes only and not as a limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Fig. 1 represents a diagram of a dirty water filtration device;

[0041] Figure 2 shows another diagram of a dirty water filtration device with a membrane in partial view. Description of the implementation methods

[0042] The management and treatment of wastewater, whether greywater, blackwater, or sewage, requires an efficient suction, separation, and cleaning system to ensure optimal treatment and sustainable reuse. Here is how these different phases (suction / separation and cleaning) are integrated into an advanced filtration system, including the use of methods such as microbubble aeration to improve treatment efficiency.

[0043] Once the dirty water has been sucked into the system, it goes through a separation phase, where the different types of impurities are isolated for further treatment.

[0044] Mechanical filtration captures suspended solids, such as organic debris, dirt particles, and other visible matter. This is generally done through filters or membranes that retain the largest contaminants first.

[0045] The system has two inlets / outlets (first and second 20a and 20b), which allows for efficient fluid flow management. During the suction and separation phase, the wastewater can be directed to one or the other outlet depending on the type of water to be treated (grey or black), or depending on the workload on the system. This configuration allows for greater flexibility and increased efficiency in water flow management, thus enabling the system to be adapted to different conditions or types of pollution.

[0046] According to an unshown variant, there is only the first input / output. According to another example, there is a third input / output.

[0047] Once filtration and separation have been completed, the membrane cleaning phase is essential to maintain the system in optimal operating condition, preventing fouling or performance degradation. This phase may include several sub-processes, including water, air, and chemical inputs if necessary.

[0048] After a filtration period, the membrane can be rinsed with water to remove accumulated debris, particles, and organic residues that have settled on the membrane surface. This process helps restore the membrane's permeability and prevent clogging.

[0049] In some cases, chemical cleaning agents may be necessary to dissolve substances that are difficult to remove, such as grease, oil, or mineral deposits that adhere to the membrane. These chemical inputs can be applied as cleaning solutions to disinfect the membrane and destroy bacteria or pathogens that could harm the system.

[0050] One of the most effective methods for cleaning the membrane is the use of an airflow combined with water and, in some cases, microbubbles to improve cleaning.

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a diagram of a dirty water filtration device.

[0052] The figure represents a dirty water filtration device, with a rectangular body 21, characterized by two main faces and a thickness. This rectangular body is provided with two openings: a first inlet / outlet 20a and a second inlet / outlet 20b, located so as to allow the entry or exit of the fluid.

[0053] On each face of the rectangular body, a series of channels is present. These channels are designed to guide and distribute the flow of dirty water. They are directly connected to the two inlets / outlets 20a and 20b, allowing the dirty water fluid to circulate throughout the entire device. The channels play an essential role in the uniform distribution of the fluid over the entire surface of the filter.

[0054] The paths are like channels which have a depth of at least 0.2 mm and a width of at least 0.2 mm. According to another example, the width is 0.5 mm.

[0055] The two inlets / outlets, 20a and 20b, are configured to allow a fluid flow of dirty water through the multiple paths. Thus, the fluid enters through one of the openings, passes through the paths that cover each face of the device.

[0056] The plurality of paths 22 present on each face of the rectangular body 21 of the filtration device is arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal plane of this body. This symmetrical arrangement plays an essential role in the efficiency and robustness of the filtration process, while also offering several technical advantages.

[0057] The rectangular body of the device has a longitudinal plane, which is a plane passing through the middle of the device, thus dividing the body into two equal parts, each with its own face. On each face, the plurality of paths is arranged symmetrically with respect to this plane. This means that if the device is divided in two by this plane, the arrangement of the paths on one of the faces is an exact reflection of that on the other face.

[0058] The symmetry of the flow paths ensures a uniform distribution of the wastewater fluid across both faces of the body. When water enters the device through one of the inlets, 20a or 20b, it is distributed equally between the two faces. Symmetry guarantees that the fluid encounters equal resistance on both sides, thus avoiding imbalances in the flow that could compromise the device's performance. Another positive consequence of symmetry is the reduction of mechanical stresses on the device body. If the flow paths were arranged asymmetrically, this could lead to areas of high pressure or tension on a part of the device, potentially resulting in premature wear or deformation of the material.

[0059] Thanks to this symmetrical arrangement, the device design can be easily modular, meaning that several filtration units can be connected or stacked without compromising filtration efficiency. The symmetry facilitates integration with other components or water treatment systems.

[0060] According to an example, the length of the body of the rectangular shape is a maximum of lm20 and the total thickness is between 0.8 and 0.9mm.

[0061] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0062] Fig. 2 shows another diagram of a dirty water filtration device with a partial membrane.

[0063] This figure shows the aspects described above with a membrane.

[0064] The membrane is positioned on each face of the rectangular body; the graphene membrane is a central element of the filtration process. This membrane is made of graphene, a material known for its excellent filtering properties. The membrane has a complex weave with polygonal pores. These pores allow for the efficient filtration of solid particles, contaminants, and other impurities contained in the dirty water, while allowing the purified fluid to pass through.

[0065] Dirty water brought in via one of the inlets, 20a or 20b, flows through the plurality of paths 22, and is filtered as it passes through the graphene membrane 23.

[0066] The arrangement of pores in the membrane braiding ensures optimal filtration, blocking impurities while allowing clean water to flow to the outlet.

[0067] The filtered fluid exits through the other inlet / outlet, 20b or 20a, depending on the direction of the initial flow.

[0068] The graphene membrane 23 present on each face of the dirty water filtration device is equipped with a plurality of pores with carefully controlled dimensions to ensure maximum efficiency in the filtration process. These pores play a crucial role in determining the size of the particles that will be blocked, while allowing the purified water to pass through.

[0069] The membrane pores have a length between 1 nm and 500 nm, and preferably between 200 nm and 500 nm. This pore size range is optimized to meet the filtration requirements of dirty water, allowing the treatment of a wide variety of contaminants present in the liquids to be purified.

[0070] The smallest pores, ranging from 1 nm to 200 nm, are capable of filtering very small particles, such as viruses, nanoparticles, and certain dissolved chemical pollutants. These pores act as an ultrafine filter, blocking contaminants that are not generally retained by traditional filtration systems.

[0071] Larger pores, ranging from 200 nm to 500 nm, are better suited for capturing medium to large-sized impurities, such as bacteria, microplastics, organic debris, and other solid matter present in dirty water. These dimensions also allow for better fluid flow management, facilitating faster water flow while maintaining a high impurity retention capacity.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the pore size is variable. Therefore, thanks to their variable size, the membrane pores capture debris, dirt, and undesirable microorganisms in dirty water. Smaller pores retain finer particles such as nanoparticles, while larger pores retain microorganisms such as bacteria.

[0073] A large proportion of pollutants in modern wastewater come from microplastics, which tend to measure between 100 nm and 500 nm. The pore size range (200 nm to 500 nm) is particularly effective at capturing these particles, contributing to more advanced filtration.

[0074] In a wastewater filtration system, the use of multiple filtration devices arranged in series or parallel offers significant advantages, both in terms of filtration efficiency and adaptability to specific treatment needs. These two configurations (series and parallel) have different impacts on the overall system performance and are chosen according to the application requirements.

[0075] In a series configuration, the filtration devices are connected one after the other, forming a chain where the water passes through several successive filtration stages. The fluid enters the first device, is filtered, then continues to the next device, and so on, until the end of the process. One of the main advantages of this configuration is that it allows for progressive, multi-stage filtration. Each filtration device can be designed to target specific types of contaminants or different particle sizes.

[0076] For example, the first filter could remove the largest particles and debris, while subsequent filters would focus on increasingly smaller contaminants, such as fine particles, microorganisms or dissolved chemicals.

[0077] In a parallel configuration, several filtration devices operate simultaneously. The water flow is distributed among the different devices, each filtering a portion of the fluid at the same time. All the devices are therefore independent of each other in their operation, although they act on the same volume of water.

[0078] The main advantage of this configuration is the increase in overall flow rate. By dividing the water flow between several devices, each unit can process a portion of the fluid, thus allowing a larger volume of water to be filtered in a shorter period of time.

[0079] This is particularly useful in large installations, where large quantities of dirty water need to be treated quickly, such as in industries or wastewater treatment plants.

[0080] By dividing the water flow between several devices, the pressure exerted on each unit is reduced. This makes it possible to maintain minimal pressure loss, which is essential to maintain good filtration efficiency while reducing energy requirements for water pumping.

[0081] This load distribution also helps to extend the life of the membranes and filters, which are less stressed than in a single high-flow configuration.

[0082] The use of 3D-printed membranes in a filtration system offers significant advantages in terms of design flexibility, increased durability, and ease of maintenance, particularly cleaning. 3D printing allows for the customization of filtration membranes to meet the specific needs of different types of water treatment, while also improving their lifespan and simplifying maintenance.

[0083] According to one example, the body has a groove in its thickness. The groove facilitates insertion of the device.

[0084] It is emphasized that all features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached features, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless. List of reference signs

[0085] [Tables 1] References Designations 20a first inlet / outlet 20b second inlet / outlet 21 body 22 path 23 membrane

Claims

Demands

1. Dirty water filtration device comprising a rectangular body (21) having two faces and a thickness, a first inlet / outlet (20a), characterized in that said body comprises: - a plurality of paths (22) positioned on each face; said plurality of paths is connected with said first inlet / outlet; - the first inlet / outlet being configured to bring a dirty water fluid to be treated passing through the plurality of paths; - a graphene membrane (23) positioned on each face of said body; said membrane comprises a weave having pores in the shape of polygons.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a second input / output (20b) connecting to said plurality of paths.

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pores of the membrane having a length between Inm and 500nm, preferably between 200nm and 500nm; said pores being configured for the filtration of dirty water.

4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of paths of each face is symmetric with respect to the longitudinal plane of said body.

5. A filtration method for dirty water, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) - passing dirty water through a pre-filter; b) - passing the dirty water from the pre-filter through at least one dirty water filtration device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, said device having a rectangular body having two faces and a thickness, a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet, a plurality of paths positioned on each face; said plurality of paths is connected with said first inlet / outlet and said second inlet / outlet; the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet being configured to carry a dirty water fluid to be treated through the plurality of paths; a graphene membrane positioned on each face of said body; said membrane has a weave having polygonal pores;c) - recovery of filtered water from the previous step for a sanitary installation.;

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein in step b); the passage of dirty water from the pre-filter is continuous or sequential.

7. A method according to claim 5, wherein said method comprises a cleaning step including the injection of water, or water with air, at the first inlet / outlet or the second inlet / outlet.

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