Anion Exchanger Polyphosphate Dosing for Water Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for dosing polyphosphate in water tanks face challenges such as inadequate storage stability, unsightly deposits, and difficulty in maintaining consistent dosage due to high humidity and interaction with weak acid ion exchangers, leading to issues with calcification protection in water treatment devices.

Innovation Solution

A fixed dosage system using a water-insoluble anion exchanger loaded with polyphosphate and orthophosphate counterions, which provides stable storage and controlled release through ion replacement reactions, preventing calcification by binding polyphosphates and stabilizing water hardness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If slightly soluble polyphosphates are used for dosing, then calcification protection is achieved, but storage stability deteriorates due to high humidity and deposit formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalcification protectionVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an anion exchanger as an intermediary carrier to hold polyphosphate counterions. This mediator enables stable storage of polyphosphate in solid form while allowing controlled release through ion exchange with water, resolving the contradiction between storage stability and calcification protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of polyphosphate from soluble/liquid to insoluble/solid form by binding it to an anion exchanger. This parameter change enables stable storage while maintaining the ability to release polyphosphate through ion exchange reactions when water is present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If liquid polyphosphate is used for dosing, then easy handling is achieved, but storage stability deteriorates due to sinking and drying out

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehandlingVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms liquid polyphosphate into a solid-bound form on the anion exchanger. This parameter change from liquid to solid state eliminates sinking and drying out issues while the ion exchange mechanism ensures controlled release, maintaining ease of operation in a stable solid form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If polyphosphate is stored with weak acid ion exchanger, then filter cartridge functionality is achieved, but storage stability deteriorates due to high humidity generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cartridge compatibilityVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the anion exchanger as a mediator that is compatible with weak acid ion exchangers in filter cartridges. The anion exchanger carries polyphosphate without generating high humidity, enabling stable co-storage with weak acid ion exchangers while maintaining filter cartridge functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If anion exchanger is used to load polyphosphate, then storage stability is improved, but dosage control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoiddosage control
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-service through automatic ion exchange reactions. The anion exchanger automatically releases polyphosphate when water contacts it, with the release rate naturally controlled by water flow and ion exchange equilibrium. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical dosage control mechanisms.

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 solution ensures long-term stable storage and controlled release of polyphosphate, effectively preventing calcification and maintaining water hardness, reducing deposits on surfaces and improving storage and handling issues.

Implementation Method 1

a water-insoluble anion exchanger is intended, which is at least partially loaded with polyphosphate and optionally orthophosphate counterions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

the polyphosphate solution in particular is in particular the sodium polyphosphate solution, via an acidic cation exchanger, prefers a strong acidic cation exchanger, filtered and then led via the anion exchanger in OH or free base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon replacement: Ion Exchange

Data Source

PatentEP3749613B1Method for producing an anion exchanger for dosing polyphosphate into water
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 ACLARIS WATER INNOVATIONS GMBH LINDAU ZWEIGNIEDERLASSUNG REBSTEIN
  • EP3749613B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3749613B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3749613B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a solid measuring agent for measuring phosphate and/or polyphosphate in water. This is characterized in that a water-insoluble anion exchanger which is at least partially loaded with ortho-and/or polyphosphate counter-ions is provided. As a result, the polyphosphate has a permanently stable storage capacity and also good dosage of polyphosphate in water is achieved