Bidisperse Sphere Packing Filter for Low-Pressure Microplastic Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water filters are inefficient in removing micro- and nanoscale plastic particles, requiring high pressures or long processing times, and are not suitable for domestic use under typical water supply conditions.
Innovation Solution
A filter medium utilizing a bidisperse sphere packing with spheres of different sizes and coatings to capture plastic particles, achieving high packing density and flow rate, optimized for domestic use with standard water pressures and flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional filter media are used to remove micro- and nanoscale plastic particles, then filtration can be achieved, but high pressures or long processing times are required
Solution Approach 1:
The filter medium is segmented into multiple layers with different functions: a hydrophobic layer for capturing micro- and nanoscale plastic particles through adsorption, and a hydrophilic layer for maintaining water flow. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in its function, improving overall filtration efficiency while reducing the pressure required compared to single-layer filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter medium combines hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials in a composite structure. The hydrophobic material (such as polyethylene or polypropylene) captures plastic particles through adsorption, while the hydrophilic material (such as cellulose or cotton) maintains water flow. This composite approach enables effective removal of plastic particles at lower pressures than conventional single-material filters.
2Productivity
If conventional filter media are used to remove micro- and nanoscale plastic particles, then filtration can be achieved, but long processing time is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The filter medium is segmented into multiple layers with different functions: a hydrophobic layer for capturing micro- and nanoscale plastic particles through adsorption, and a hydrophilic layer for maintaining water flow. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in its function, improving overall filtration efficiency while reducing the pressure required compared to single-layer filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter medium's physical and chemical parameters are optimized, including the hydrophobicity of the plastic particle capture layer and the hydrophilicity of the water flow layer. By adjusting these parameters, the filter achieves rapid capture of plastic particles while maintaining high water flow rates, significantly reducing processing time compared to conventional filters.
3Productivity
If a filter with high filtration performance is produced, then plastic particles can be effectively removed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter medium is segmented into multiple layers with different functions: a hydrophobic layer for capturing micro- and nanoscale plastic particles through adsorption, and a hydrophilic layer for maintaining water flow. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in its function, improving overall filtration efficiency while reducing the pressure required compared to single-layer filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter medium's physical and chemical parameters are optimized, including the hydrophobicity of the plastic particle capture layer and the hydrophilicity of the water flow layer. By adjusting these parameters, the filter achieves rapid capture of plastic particles while maintaining high water flow rates, significantly reducing processing time compared to conventional filters.
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 filter effectively removes a wide range of plastic particles from drinking water with high efficiency and flow rate, using standard water pressures and flows, minimizing pressure loss and maximizing filtration performance.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic layer which is designed to capture plastic particles from water to be treated by adsorption
Implementation Method 2
a filter for removing micro- or nanoscale plastic particles from water, which contains a filter medium through which the water can flow
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a filter (1) for removing microscale or nanoscale plastic particles (6) from water, comprising a filter material (3; 3a) through which the water can flow. The filter medium (3; 3a) expediently comprises spheres (4, 5, 14-17; 4a, 5a, 14a-17a), wherein the spheres (4, 5, 14-17; 4a, 5a, 14a-17a) have a coating (7) which is designed for absorbing the plastic particles (6), and wherein the spheres (4, 5, 14-17; 4a, 5a, 14a-17a) are arranged in a bidisperse sphere packing. Arranging the coated spheres in a bidisperse sphere packing advantageously makes it possible to obtain a particularly high packing density and also to set a particularly high rate of flow through the filter.