Activated Carbon Filter Bed for Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for removing hydrogen peroxide from sulfuric acid using carbonaceous materials are complex and expensive, particularly due to the challenges of decomposing hydrogen peroxide in sulfuric acid solutions with activated carbon, where the accumulation of oxygen interferes with the decomposition process and leads to inefficiencies and equipment damage.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a filter bed of activated carbon, where the sulfuric acid level is controlled to not exceed a height threshold, typically between 50 to 100 mm below the top of the bed, to prevent oxygen accumulation and enhance the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, using an S-bend pipe to maintain the acid level and optimize the surface area of the activated carbon for efficient decomposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a bed of activated carbon is used to decompose hydrogen peroxide in sulfuric acid, then the decomposition efficiency is improved, but oxygen accumulates in the bed which interferes with the decomposition process and reduces effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecomposition efficiencyVSAvoiddecomposition process stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the liquid level adjustable rather than fixed. The liquid level can be dynamically controlled to oscillate between a minimum level (first threshold) and a maximum level (second threshold), allowing the system to adapt to varying decomposition conditions and prevent oxygen accumulation while maintaining continuous decomposition efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the liquid level parameter within a controlled range (between first and second thresholds) to optimize the decomposition process. By varying this parameter, the system maintains optimal contact between sulfuric acid and activated carbon while preventing oxygen buildup that would interfere with decomposition efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the sulfuric acid level is maintained high to ensure continuous decomposition, then decomposition continuity is improved, but oxygen accumulates and causes equipment damage and process interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecomposition continuityVSAvoidoxygen accumulation damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by oscillating the liquid level between predetermined thresholds. This periodic fluctuation allows the system to maintain decomposition continuity while periodically reducing the liquid level to release accumulated oxygen, preventing equipment damage and process interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback control where the liquid level is monitored and adjusted based on predetermined thresholds. When the liquid level reaches the second threshold, it is reduced to the first threshold, creating a feedback mechanism that prevents oxygen accumulation while ensuring decomposition continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If activated carbon is dosed into a decomposition tank for hydrogen peroxide removal, then decomposition capability is improved, but the separation and utilization process becomes complicated and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrogen peroxide removal capabilityVSAvoidseparation and utilization process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the decomposition function and the liquid level control function into a single integrated system. By controlling the liquid level within the filter bed rather than using separate decomposition and separation systems, the process complexity is reduced while maintaining hydrogen peroxide removal capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the sulfuric acid liquid level itself as the control mechanism, where the liquid level oscillation automatically manages the decomposition process and oxygen release without requiring external separation equipment or complex utilization processes for the activated carbon.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach stabilizes the hydrogen peroxide decomposition process, reduces residual hydrogen peroxide concentrations, and extends the service life of the activated carbon, achieving efficient and cost-effective hydrogen peroxide removal by preventing oxygen trapping and ensuring uninterrupted oxygen release.

Implementation Method 1

a bed of activated carbon (also referred as bed) can be successfully applied - thereby reducing the cost of the hydrogen peroxide decomposition process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

controlling the level of acid containing hydrogen peroxide within a filter that includes the bed - in a manner that prevents this acid from forming a significant barrier for a release of oxygen emitted during the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrostatic pressure control: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4397619A1Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in sulfuric acid
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD
  • EP4397619A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4397619A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4397619A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in sulfuric acid, the method includes decomposing hydrogen peroxide in sulfuric acid by a bed of activated carbon that belongs to a filter, while controlling a level of the sulfuric acid within the filter not to exceed a height threshold.