Beta-Cyclodextrin Adsorbent Regeneration via Ozone Oxidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for regenerating β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) adsorbents used in water treatment are costly and environmentally unfriendly, particularly due to the high energy requirements for reactivating granular activated carbon and the need for organic solvents in regenerating β-CD-coated particles.

Innovation Solution

The method involves contacting β-CD adsorbents with ozone gas to remove contaminants, thereby regenerating the adsorbent capacity and allowing for reuse in water treatment processes, which is more environmentally friendly and cost-effective compared to high-temperature reactivation methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high-temperature reactivation is used to regenerate GAC, then the adsorbent capacity is restored, but the energy cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadsorbent capacity restorationVSAvoidenergy cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses ozone, a strong oxidant, to chemically oxidize and degrade the adsorbed contaminants on the adsorbent surface. This oxidation process breaks down the contaminant molecules into smaller, more polar fragments that can be easily desorbed and washed away, restoring the adsorbent capacity without requiring high-temperature thermal treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

2Reliability

If organic solvents are used to regenerate β-CD-coated particles, then the contaminant removal is effective, but the environmental impact and disposal costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant removal efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs ozone oxidation to degrade the adsorbed organic contaminants into smaller, water-soluble molecules. This eliminates the need for organic solvents, as the oxidized contaminants can be readily removed by water washing, thereby avoiding the environmental and disposal issues associated with organic solvent use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of organic solvent dissolution with an oxidative degradation mechanism using ozone. Instead of using solvents to dissolve and desorb contaminants, the ozone chemically transforms the contaminants into forms that can be removed by simple water rinsing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If GAC is discarded after use, then the disposal process is simplified, but the environmental liability and replacement costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisposal simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental liability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a regeneration process that recovers the adsorbent capacity through ozone treatment and washing. Instead of discarding used adsorbent, the system regenerates it in-place, allowing continuous reuse and eliminating the need for disposal and replacement, thereby reducing both environmental liability and operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Productivity

If in-place regeneration is implemented, then the operational continuity is maintained, but the regeneration method complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidregeneration process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses ozone gas, which can be easily introduced into the adsorbent bed through existing gas distribution systems. The ozone oxidation process occurs in-place within the adsorbent particles, and the degraded contaminants are washed away with water, providing a simple yet effective regeneration method that maintains operational continuity without requiring complex external treatment systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

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 ozonation process effectively regenerates at least 50% of the β-CD adsorbent capacity, making it suitable for repeated use in water treatment, while being more economical and environmentally friendly than traditional reactivation methods.

Implementation Method 1

removing at least a portion of said one or more contaminants from said β-CD adsorbent by contacting said one or more contaminants with ozone gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS9687816B2Method of regeneration of beta-cyclodextrin based adsorbent-coated silica with ozone

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 TEMPLE UNIV

AI summary

The present invention relates to systems and methods for regenerating β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) adsorbent after it has been used in a water decontamination process. The regeneration process of the present invention is based on treating β-CD with ozone gas, i.e., ozonation. In one embodiment, the regeneration process of the present invention comprises the steps of providing a β-CD adsorbent that has been used in a water decontamination process and removing at least a portion of the contaminants from the β-CD adsorbent by contacting the contaminants bound to the β-CD adsorbent with a gas comprising ozone.