Ammonia Scrubbing Matrix Slime Control via Flocculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for purifying air containing ammonia using scrubbing treatments are costly due to frequent matrix maintenance and high energy requirements for air passage, despite the use of nitrification treatments that slow slime formation and enhance ammonia removal.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adding a flocculating agent to the collected aqueous liquid, subjecting it to a clearance step, and using the resulting liquid for scrubbing treatment, while performing nitrification under acidic conditions and utilizing encapsulated microorganisms and specific flocculating agents like ferric salts to minimize slime formation and substrate availability for nitrifying bacteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If nitrification treatment is performed to slow slime formation, then matrix maintenance frequency is reduced, but the cost of operation increases due to the need for continuous liquid treatment and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the aqueous liquid by adding flocculating agents (aluminium salts, ferric salts) and controlling pH levels to optimize nitrification. This transforms the liquid from a simple washing medium to a chemically optimized solution that enhances ammonia removal efficiency and reduces slime formation, thereby extending matrix service life while managing operational costs through improved process efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flocculating agents as intermediary substances that facilitate the separation and removal of slime and organic matter from the aqueous liquid. These intermediaries (aluminium salts, ferric salts, polymers) mediate between the nitrification process and the final liquid output, enabling effective slime removal while maintaining the liquid's ability to continue scrubbing ammonia from air
2Quantity of substance
If the total amount of washing liquid is kept limited, then investment cost and discharge cost are reduced, but the effectiveness of ammonia collection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous circulation system where the aqueous liquid is repeatedly used for scrubbing ammonia from air. The liquid undergoes continuous nitrification treatment and slime removal, maintaining its effectiveness over time. This continuous reuse maximizes the utilization of each unit of liquid, reducing the total volume needed while maintaining high ammonia collection efficiency through sustained contact between the liquid and ammonia-containing air
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the chemical parameters of the limited aqueous liquid through controlled nitrification and addition of flocculating agents. By adjusting pH, nutrient composition, and adding coagulants, the system maximizes the liquid's capacity to remove ammonia from air, thereby achieving high productivity with reduced quantity of washing liquid
3Duration of action of stationary object
If flocculating agent is added to prevent slime formation, then matrix cleaning frequency is reduced, but the complexity of liquid treatment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms where the flocculating agents (aluminium salts, ferric salts, polymers) automatically precipitate and remove slime from the aqueous liquid through natural settling processes. The system uses the liquid's own flow dynamics and gravity to separate sludge from the clarified liquid, eliminating the need for complex mechanical filtration or external treatment systems while maintaining effective slime removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the aqueous liquid by adding flocculating agents and controlling pH levels to optimize nitrification. This transforms the liquid from a simple washing medium to a chemically optimized solution that enhances ammonia removal efficiency and reduces slime formation, thereby extending matrix service life while managing operational costs through improved process efficiency
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 reduces the total washing liquid volume, minimizes slime formation, and maintains effective ammonia removal, leading to lower operational costs and extended matrix lifespan with reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a flocculating agent is added to at least part of the collected aqueous liquid; the liquid obtained following the addition of the flocculating agent is subjected to a clearance step
Implementation Method 2
at least part of the collected aqueous liquid is subjected to a nitrification treatment, and at least part of the liquid subjected to the nitrification treatment is used as the reprocessed aqueous liquid
Implementation Method 3
the nitrification treatment is performed by use of encapsulated microorganisms
Implementation Method 4
a matrix is understood to be a surface-enlarging structure that has a large number of passageways for allowing the passage of air to be purified, and also allows for water applied onto the structure to flow over the structure slowly and with an increased surface area
Implementation Method 5
water applied onto the structure to flow over the structure slowly and with an increased surface area, as a result of which a prolonged contact time between the water and air passed through is achieved
Implementation Method 6
the nitrification treatment is performed under such conditions that the pH of the reprocessed aqueous liquid is lowered to less than 7
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for subjecting air that contains ammonia and needs to be purified to a scrubbing treatment, wherein the air to be purified is passed through a matrix, an aqueous liquid is introduced onto the matrix at a relatively high position and flows over the matrix, the aqueous liquid is collected at a relatively low position and is subjected to a reprocessing treatment to yield a reprocessed aqueous liquid that is used again for carrying out a scrubbing treatment of air. The method according to the invention is characterized in that at least part of the collected aqueous liquid is subjected to a nitrification treatment, and at least part of the liquid subjected to the nitrification treatment is used as the reprocessed aqueous liquid for carrying out again the scrubbing treatment of air that contains ammonia and needs to be purified.