Adsorbent Pellets for Hydrocarbon Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adsorption systems for removing hydrocarbons and contaminants from water, particularly in reservoir water and fracking fluids, are inefficient and costly, with complex operations and poor adsorbent handling and exchangeability.

Innovation Solution

A method for producing adsorbent pellets with a high content of rubber and powdered carbon black, which are molded into specific sizes and used directly as adsorbents without further chemical or physical treatment, forming a dry, hydrophobic, and lipophilic material for effective adsorption in fluid media.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional adsorbents are used for purifying reservoir water and fracking fluids, then some degree of purification is achieved, but the purification efficiency is low and the operational complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification efficiencyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the adsorbent by using rubber particles with specific size ranges (0.1-5mm) and oil content (1-40%), combined with specific fillers like carbon black, to optimize adsorption efficiency while simplifying handling operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite adsorbent material combining rubber particles with fillers such as carbon black, calcium carbonate, or magnesium oxide, which enhances purification efficiency while maintaining simple handling characteristics through the composite structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If adsorbent materials are used for hydrocarbon removal, then organic substances are adsorbed from fluid media, but the handling and exchangeability of adsorbents is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption efficiencyVSAvoidhandling and exchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes particle size parameters to 0.1-5mm and controls oil content at 1-40%, which improves adsorption efficiency while ensuring particles are easy to handle, transport, and exchange in practical applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs rubber particles that can be easily replaced and disposed of after use, simplifying the exchange process. The particles are designed to be used in fixed beds or fluidized beds where they can be easily removed and replaced without complex regeneration systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If known adsorption systems are implemented, then hydrocarbon adsorption is performed, but the systems are costly and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption performanceVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses rubber particles, which are inexpensive and readily available as byproducts of rubber industry processes. This eliminates the need for expensive specialized adsorbent materials while maintaining effective hydrocarbon removal performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes particle characteristics including size (0.1-5mm), oil content (1-40%), and filler composition to achieve high adsorption efficiency at low cost, eliminating the need for expensive system configurations while improving performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The adsorbent pellets provide a simple, cost-effective, and efficient means to purify fluid media by effectively removing organic substances, including aromatic hydrocarbons, with improved handling and exchangeability, suitable for use in mobile adsorption systems.

Implementation Method 1

The invention relates to an adsorption system. The invention relates primarily to the adsorption of organic substances, in particular to the adsorption of hydrocarbons in liquid media and preferably in aqueous media or in water.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

The molded particles or pellets produced by the process according to the invention generally have hydrophobic and lipophilic properties.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobe: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

The molded particles or pellets produced by the process according to the invention generally have hydrophobic and lipophilic properties.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLipophilic:

Data Source

PatentEP2949390B1Adsorption plant
Publication Date: 2018.08.15 MARGRAF GERDAU VERA
  • EP2949390B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2949390B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2949390B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A process for producing an adsorbent, particularly for the adsorption of organic substances, wherein at least one finely divided or comminuted rubber is mixed with at least one powdered filler, particularly powdered carbon black, to form a malleable or moldable mixture. Molded particles, particularly pellets, are formed from the mixture. The maximum diameter of the molded particles or pellets is 0.8 to 5 mm.