Amine-Polyoxyalkylene Draw Solute for Forward Osmosis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing draw solutes for forward osmosis membrane processes, such as those containing ethylene oxide and propylene oxide groups, face challenges in achieving high osmotic pressure and effective phase separation, which hinders efficient water transfer and treatment efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A draw solute comprising a compound with a structural site derived from an amine compound and a polyoxyalkylene structural site where two or more oxyalkylene groups are randomly bonded, enhancing osmotic pressure and phase separation properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If block copolymer with ethylene oxide and propylene oxide/butylene oxide is used as draw solute, then phase separation properties are improved, but osmotic pressure is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase separation propertiesVSAvoidosmotic pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the draw solute by introducing amine compound structural sites with polyoxyalkylene groups, altering the molecular properties to simultaneously achieve high osmotic pressure and effective phase separation, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite molecular structure combining amine compound sites with polyoxyalkylene groups, integrating the high osmotic pressure generation capability of amine groups with the phase separation properties of polyoxyalkylene structures to achieve both desired effects simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If conventional draw solutes are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but water transfer efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of transferring solventVSAvoidwater transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes molecular parameters of the draw solute by incorporating amine compounds with polyoxyalkylene groups, enhancing the osmotic pressure generation capability to drive more efficient water transfer across the membrane while maintaining operational simplicity

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 proposed draw solute exhibits high osmotic pressure and favorable phase separation properties, improving the efficiency of water transfer and treatment in forward osmosis systems.

Implementation Method 1

transfer a solvent (water) through a semipermeable membrane to a side of a solution having higher osmotic pressure (draw solution) than a solution to be subjected to the treatment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOsmotic pressure: Osmotic Pressure

Implementation Method 2

recover the solvent from the draw solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase separation: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS20240157298A1Draw Solute and Water Treatment Equipment
Publication Date: 2024.05.16 NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO LTD

AI summary

A draw solute for a forward osmosis membrane process, containing a compound including a structural site derived from an amine compound and a polyoxyalkylene structural site wherein two or more oxyalkylene groups are randomly bonded.