Bioactive Glass Fluoride Capture and Fluorite Formation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective methods and materials to capture fluoride from aqueous environments and produce pure forms of fluorite, as elevated fluoride levels can pose significant health risks and current methods may not be efficient or environmentally friendly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of bioactive glass containing calcium, which is contacted with a F−-containing aqueous fluid to form fluorite, along with a filter media comprising bioactive glass and additional materials like sand, gravel, or ceramic particles to facilitate fluoride capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fluoride removal methods are used, then fluoride capture is achieved, but the process is inefficient and not environmentally friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the glass material by incorporating specific ratios of calcium oxide (40-60 wt%), silicon dioxide (20-40 wt%), and phosphorus pentoxide (10-30 wt%), along with controlled amounts of aluminum oxide and other oxides. These compositional parameter changes enable the glass to rapidly release calcium ions in aqueous environments, dramatically improving fluoride capture efficiency while maintaining environmental compatibility through natural precipitation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite bioactive glass material that combines multiple oxide components (CaO, SiO2, P2O5, Al2O3, and trace elements) into a single functional material. This composite structure provides both the rapid calcium release capability needed for efficient fluoride removal and the structural stability required for practical application, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and environmental friendliness.
2Manufacturing precision
If bioactive glass is used to form fluorite, then pure fluorite is produced and fluoride levels are reduced, but the process requires specific glass composition parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific compositional parameter ranges for the bioactive glass (CaO: 40-60 wt%, SiO2: 20-40 wt%, P2O5: 10-30 wt%, Al2O3: 0-20 wt%) that optimize both fluorite purity and process simplicity. By defining these parameter ranges, the patent achieves high manufacturing precision for fluorite production while keeping the glass formulation manageable and scalable.
3Speed
If bioactive glass with rapid calcium release is used, then fluorite precipitation is accelerated, but the glass composition must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the calcium oxide content (40-60 wt%) and phosphorus pentoxide content (10-30 wt%) to achieve rapid calcium release kinetics. The specific ratio of these components controls the dissolution rate of the glass in aqueous environments, enabling fast fluorite precipitation. The defined parameter ranges balance the need for rapid response with the practicality of composition control during manufacturing.
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 method efficiently reduces fluoride levels in aqueous fluids and forms pure fluorite, with the bioactive glass providing rapid calcium release for fluorite precipitation, potentially offering a more sustainable and effective solution compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a bioactive glass comprising calcium with the F−-containing aqueous fluid; and forming the fluorite
Implementation Method 2
the bioactive glass providing rapid calcium release for fluorite precipitation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forming fluorite from a F−-containing aqueous fluid, the method comprising: contacting a bioactive glass comprising calcium with the F−-containing aqueous fluid; and forming the fluorite. A filter media, and filter containing the filter media, for forming fluorite from a F−-containing aqueous fluid, the filter media comprising: a bioactive glass comprising calcium; and at least one of sand, gravel, charcoal, polymer particles, and ceramic particles.