Activator and Tether Polymers for Fine Particulate Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing finely dispersed particulate matter from fluid streams, such as those in the oil sands industry, are inefficient and costly, requiring large volumes of coagulants or flocculants and resulting in significant water retention with sedimented particles, which are not mechanically stable, and lead to environmental liabilities like large tailings ponds that require extensive clean-up.
Innovation Solution
A system involving an activator polymer that complexes with particulate matter, anchor particles coated with a tether polymer, and a mixing process to form removable complexes, which are then separated using methods like filtration or centrifugation, allowing for rapid and efficient separation of fine particulate matter from water, enabling the recovery of recyclable water and compactable waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If coagulants or flocculants are used to remove finely dispersed particulate matter, then particle aggregation is achieved, but large volumes of chemical agents are required and significant water remains trapped with sedimented particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a two-component system where a first polymer modifies particle surfaces and a second polymer acts as a bridge to connect modified particles. This intermediary approach allows efficient particle aggregation with reduced chemical volumes and improved dewatering, as the bridging mechanism creates stronger, more compact flocs that release trapped water more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite particle structures by combining modified particles with bridging polymers to form complex aggregates. These composite flocs have enhanced structural properties that facilitate water release during sedimentation, reducing the water retention problem associated with conventional single-chemical approaches.
2Productivity
If conventional sedimentation is used to separate fine particles from water, then separation occurs over time, but the process requires years to settle out contaminating fines, making water unsuitable for recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary modification to particle surfaces using the first polymer before the actual separation process. This pre-treatment step changes particle properties to enhance aggregation and settling rates, enabling rapid separation instead of requiring years of natural sedimentation, thus making water suitable for recycling in a timely manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical and chemical parameters of particulate matter through polymer modification, including surface charge, hydrophobicity, and aggregation propensity. These parameter changes accelerate the sedimentation process from years to minutes or hours, dramatically improving productivity and enabling water recycling.
3Productivity
If large volumes of water are consumed in industrial processes like oil sands extraction, then processing capacity is maintained, but water demand strains local water supplies and creates environmental liabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables effective recovery and recycling of process water by achieving rapid and complete separation of fine particles through the two-component polymer system. This allows water to be reclaimed from tailings and reused in extraction processes, reducing freshwater demand and mitigating environmental impact while maintaining processing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a system where the modified particles and bridging polymers work together to automatically aggregate and separate particles efficiently without requiring additional energy-intensive dewatering processes. This self-organizing behavior enables sustainable water recycling that supports continuous processing operations.
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 enables quick, cost-effective removal of suspended particles, producing a mechanically stable solid that can be reused and clarified water, reducing the volume of tailings ponds and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an activator polymer that complexes with particulate matter
Implementation Method 2
a tether polymer that coats the anchor particles and that is capable of interacting with the activator polymer
Implementation Method 3
the activator polymer binds with the tether polymer to form complexes
Implementation Method 4
a mixing apparatus that mixes the first treated fluid stream and the second treated fluid stream
Implementation Method 5
separated using methods like filtration or centrifugation
Implementation Method 6
separated using methods like filtration or centrifugation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a tailing solution.