Integrated water filtration and pH management system for enhanced treatment of washed coffee process wastewater

Abstract

A water filtration system for coffee processing wastewater is disclosed. High pH wastewater (1, Fig. 2) is collected in a first chamber, wherein an integrated resin test kit in the first chamber determines whether to utilise strong acid cation resins, such as sulfonated polystyrene resins, or weak acid cation resins, such as carboxylic acid resins, based on the specific alkalinity of the wastewater. Once the appropriate resin type is selected, the system releases the chosen resin (2, Fig. 2) into the wastewater in the first chamber to commence an ion exchange process. The wastewater subsequently flows into a second chamber wherein acid (5, Fig. 2) is added to the wastewater to adjust its pH. The acid may be sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid or carbon dioxide. The acid is added to the wastewater such that its pH is ideally between 6.5 and 8.0, optimally 7.0 to 7.5. The wastewater may then be tested in a third tank to determine if it has achieved the correct pH. Water meeting the desired pH can be reused in the coffee processing cycle, whilst water not meeting the desired pH can be routed back to the first tank for further treatment.

Description

[0003] The invention arises from the need to enhance environmental practices within the coffee industry, particularly addressing the challenges presented by the washed method of coffee production. This method, which involves depulping coffee cherries, fermenting the beans, and washing them, generates wastewater with elevated pH levels due to organic materials and fermentation byproducts. Discharging such wastewater without adequate treatment can lead to soil and water acidification, negatively impacting local ecosystems and biodiversity.

[0004] Historically, the coffee processing industry has utilized basic sedimentation to remove solids from wastewater and rudimentary pH neutralization techniques, such as the application of bulk chemicals. These conventional methods have typically fallen short regarding efficiency, environmental sustainability, and their capacity to maintain a neutral pH balance. Additionally, they have lacked solutions for recycling or safely discharging treated water and have not been sufficiently adaptable to the variable pH levels and volumes of wastewater produced by coffee farms of varying sizes and processing capabilities.

[0005] In response, the invention introduces a novel and environmentally responsible system for wastewater treatment within coffee farming. It incorporates ion-exchange resins for initial pH neutralization, followed by a carefully controlled chemical neutralization phase to refine the pH balance. This invention marks a substantial advancement over traditional techniques, providing a precise, environmentally friendly, and scalable solution to the wastewater challenge. This progressive method not only neutralizes pH levels effectively but also ensures the possibility of recycling the water into the coffee production cycle or discharging it safely, thereby enhancing the sustainability and ecological integrity of coffee farming practices. With its adaptability to various operational scales, the system offers a versatile solution for coffee farms globally, fostering responsible water resource management and supporting the international effort towards environmental conservation in agriculture. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention presents a comprehensive water filtration system to mitigate environmental impacts caused by coffee production wastewater. Specifically, it addresses wastewater with high pH levels, offering a systematic approach for pH management and neutralization.

[0007] The initial phase involves wastewater collection in tank WT-1, where a resin test kit determines the suitable ion-exchange resin based on water alkalinity, ensuring optimal neutralization.

[0008] Following ion-exchange, tank WT-2 employs an acidic substance for precise pH adjustment, facilitating a dual-stage water treatment process.

[0009] Properly pH-adjusted water is recycled for coffee processing, enhancing water conservation, while water not meeting standards is reprocessed.

[0010] The design integrates specialized media for effective alkalinity reduction and pH balance, aligning with ecological standards and boosting coffee cultivation sustainability.

[0011] This innovation marks a significant stride in environmental engineering and sustainable agriculture, focusing on water resource management in coffee farming.

[0012] In conclusion, the system stands as a cutting-edge solution, ensuring compliance and supporting the enduring prosperity of coffee production through resource preservation and sustainability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0013] Fig. 1 presents a schematic diagram that outlines the invention's methodology. The illustrated method includes the evaluation for ion-exchange resins, execution of the ionexchange procedure, extraction of insoluble solids, pH level adjustment, water quality testing, and the decision to either reintegrate the water into the cycle or to reprocess it within the system.

[0014] Fig. 2 presents a flow diagram detailing the steps and sequence of the integrated process proposed by the invention for treating wastewater from coffee processing.

[0015] These figures are crucial for understanding the operational aspects of the invention and are intended to be descriptive but not limiting regarding the scope of the patent claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention relates to an advanced water filtration system designed to address the environmental impact of wastewater with high pH levels produced during coffee bean washing processes in the coffee processing industry. The system aims to provide a comprehensive solution for managing and neutralizing pH levels to prevent potential harm to the environment.

[0017] One preferred embodiment of the method, referenced in FIG. 2, encompasses a semi continuous method utilizing at least one conical vessel with mechanical or pneumatic stirring. This method includes alternating operations for receiving and storing wastewater, ion exchange, and sedimentation. Initially, the wastewater, designated as 'current 1' and resulting from the coffee washing process, is collected and stored in tank WT-1. This high pH wastewater is what the system aims to treat. An integrated resin test kit within WT-1 identifies the appropriate ion-exchange resin, selecting between strong acid cation resins, such as sulfonated polystyrene resins, and weak acid cation resins, like carboxylic acid resins, to match the water's specific alkalinity. Once the resin type is determined, 'current 2' is released, introducing the chosen resins for the ion-exchange process, which marks the beginning of the treatment sequence. This sequence includes subsequent stages of solid removal, pH adjustment, and preparation of the water for reuse or disposal.

[0018] Following the ion-exchange process, the system isolates and segregates insoluble solids, which are subsequently stored in a designated chamber known as WE. This chamber is intended for the proper disposal or further treatment of these solids. 'Current 3' depicts the extraction of insoluble solids, identified by their density and size, which precludes later filtration. The water, now partially treated, is propelled through 'current 4' into a secondary tank, WT-2. Within WT-2, which operates as a continuous system equipped with mechanical or pneumatic agitation, an acidic agent—as highlighted in 'current 5'—is introduced. This agent, chosen from options such as sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, or CO2, calibrates the pH to a neutral spectrum, ideally between 6.5 and 8.0, with an optimal target of 7.0 to 7.5.

[0019] The system features a dual-stage treatment process. After complete processing, water is routed through 'current 6' to a third tank, WT-3. WT-3 operates on a semi-continuous basis, alternating between quality control assessments and water discharge. At WT-3, water undergoes a quality control test to determine if it meets safety levels. Water that achieves the correct pH is recycled into the coffee processing cycle via 'current 8', thereby promoting water reuse and conservation. Should the water not meet safety standards, it re-enters the system through 'current 7' for additional treatment, ensuring that water not reaching the desired pH level is adequately processed before reuse or discharge.

[0020] The innovative structural design of the filtration system integrates proprietary filtration media within both the ion-exchange and chemical neutralization stages. This design ensures the effective removal of excess alkalinity, restoring a balanced, neutral pH level to the treated water.

[0021] The filtration system upholds ecological standards and enhances the sustainability of coffee cultivation by mitigating soil and water acidification risks. The system encompasses a methodological approach, the proprietary composition of the filtration media, and the overall structural design, all crucial for the responsible management of water resources in coffee farming.

[0022] This invention represents an important advancement in environmental engineering and sustainable agricultural practices. It offers an optimized solution for water-related challenges in coffee farming, aligning with broader goals of environmental conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.

[0023] In summary, the system provides a state-of-the-art water treatment solution that not only ensures ecological compliance but also contributes to the long-term viability of coffee production by preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Claims

1. A comprehensive water filtration system for coffee processing wastewater, said system comprising: a first chamber with an integrated resin test kit to determine the use of strong acid cation resins or weak acid cation resins, a second chamber for subsequent chemical neutralization, and selective filtration media across both chambers to restore neutral pH levels and remove excessive alkalinity.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the resin test kit selects the appropriate resin type based on the specific alkalinity of the wastewater before the ion-exchange process.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second chamber employs controlled amounts of an acid, chosen from sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, or CO2, to fine-tune the wastewater pH to a neutral range.

4. The system of claim 1, further including a control system that regulates acid addition in the second chamber based on real-time pH measurements.

5. The system of claim 1, where treated water achieves a pH suitable for reuse in the coffee processing cycle or safe environmental discharge.

6. A method of treating coffee processing wastewater incorporating the steps of: selecting ion-exchange resins via an integrated resin test kit, neutralizing pH in a first chamber, adjusting pH with an acid in a second chamber, and employing selective filtration media to achieve a neutral pH balance.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of recycling or safely discharging the treated water following the neutralization and filtration process.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the treated water is managed to meet environmental standards for reuse within the coffee processing cycle or for environmentally safe discharge.

9. A coffee processing wastewater treatment system designed to reduce environmental impact, including means for pH neutralization, chemical pH adjustment, and alkalinity removal to produce environmentally compliant water.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the ion-exchange resins are capable of exchanging sodium, potassium, and calcium ions with hydrogen ions for initial pH neutralization.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a monitoring unit for assessing the efficacy of the ion-exchange resins based on the alkalinity of the wastewater.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the selective filtration media comprises materials specifically chosen to target and remove ions responsible for the high pH levels in the wastewater.

13. A method as claimed in claim 6, where the step of adjusting the pH includes incrementally adding the acidic agent to achieve granular control over the neutralization process.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the filtration media is tailored to treat wastewater of varying pH levels, accommodating fluctuations inherent in different coffee processing techniques.

15. The system of claim 1, designed with modular components to allow scalability and customization according to the specific needs of diverse coffee processing operations.

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