Bonded Halogen Membrane Treatment for Endotoxin and Biofouling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane treatment methods fail to adequately suppress endotoxin concentration and biofouling in water systems, particularly in medical applications, and conventional biofouling inhibitors like chlorine can generate endotoxins.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a bonded halogen compound, produced using a halogen-based compound and an amino compound, into the water system to inhibit endotoxin production and biofouling, even in the presence of gram-negative bacteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If membrane treatment is performed to suppress endotoxin concentration, then endotoxin concentration is reduced, but additional treatment such as UV treatment is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the treatment approach by using multiple membrane types with different pore sizes in sequence. The first membrane (larger pore size) removes larger particles and reduces biofouling, while the second membrane (smaller pore size) removes endotoxins. This segmentation allows each membrane to optimize for its specific function, eliminating the need for additional UV treatment while achieving both endotoxin reduction and biofouling control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of membrane pore size by using two different membrane types with distinct pore size characteristics. The first membrane has a larger pore size (e.g., 0.03-0.1 μm) optimized for biofouling prevention, while the second membrane has a smaller pore size (e.g., 0.01-0.03 μm) optimized for endotoxin removal. This parameter variation enables simultaneous achievement of both treatment goals without additional processing steps.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If slime inhibitor such as chlorine is used to inhibit biofouling, then biofouling is suppressed, but endotoxin is produced or generated in the water system
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a physical membrane filter as an intermediary between the water system and the biofouling control approach. Instead of relying on chemical slime inhibitors that generate endotoxins, the membrane physically blocks bacteria and biofouling organisms while allowing water to pass through. This intermediary approach achieves biofouling suppression without the harmful side effect of endotoxin generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the chemical mechanism (slime inhibitors like chlorine) with a mechanical/physical mechanism (membrane filtration). The membrane's physical structure with controlled pore sizes provides biofouling suppression through mechanical blockage rather than chemical action, thereby avoiding the endotoxin production that occurs with chemical inhibitors.
3Device complexity
If single membrane treatment is used, then treatment process is simple, but endotoxin cannot be suppressed to target concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the filtration function into two distinct membrane stages, each optimized for a specific size range of contaminants. The first membrane segment targets larger particles and biofouling organisms, while the second membrane segment targets smaller endotoxin molecules. This segmentation achieves superior endotoxin removal while keeping the overall process relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-membrane system achieves multi-functionality where the first membrane provides biofouling prevention and the second membrane provides endotoxin removal. Together, they create a universal treatment system that simultaneously addresses multiple contamination issues (both macroscopic biofouling and microscopic endotoxins) that a single membrane cannot handle effectively alone.
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 bonded halogen compound effectively reduces endotoxin concentration and inhibits biofouling, simplifying downstream treatments and reducing the load on subsequent processes.
Implementation Method 1
a bonded halogen compound produced using at least a halogen-based compound and an amino compound which is a stabilizing compound is caused to exist in a water system where gram-negative bacteria exist
Implementation Method 2
it is possible to provide a technique that satisfies both biofouling inhibition and endotoxin production inhibition
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a technique for endotoxin production inhibition in a water system, or a technique that satisfies both biofouling inhibition and endotoxin production inhibition. The present invention provides a membrane treatment method or a biofouling inhibition method in which a bonded halogen compound is caused to exist in a water system where gram-negative bacteria exist. The present invention provides an endotoxin production inhibition method in a water system in which a bonded halogen compound is caused to exist in the water system.