Surface-Treated Calcium Carbonate and Phyllosilicate Flocculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water treatment processes are inadequate in effectively reducing the concentration of inorganic impurities and polymeric flocculation aids in wastewater, leading to incomplete flocculation and increased energy consumption during dewatering, as well as environmental concerns due to residual polymeric flocculation aids.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the use of surface-treated calcium carbonate with at least 1% of its accessible surface area covered by a cationic polymer, combined with phyllosilicate, to improve water purification and dewatering by forming a composite material that reduces the amount of polymeric flocculation aids and enhances the removal of impurities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If polymeric flocculation aids are used to remove impurities from water, then the removal efficiency of fine solids and organic materials is improved, but the concentration of polymeric flocculation aids in the treated water increases and requires additional purification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (alumina or iron-based coagulant) that mediates between the polymeric flocculation aid and the impurities. The coagulant forms flocs that trap impurities, allowing the polymeric flocculation aid to work more effectively at lower concentrations, thereby reducing its residual concentration in treated water while maintaining removal efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the dosage parameters of both the polymeric flocculation aid and the coagulant to achieve effective impurity removal at minimal concentrations. By carefully controlling the ratio and amount of each substance added, the system achieves high removal efficiency while minimizing the residual concentration of polymeric flocculation aids in the treated water
2Ease of manufacture
If inorganic coagulants such as aluminium sulphate or iron(III) chloride are used, then the flocculation process is simplified and cost-effective, but toxic residues remain in the finished water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polymeric flocculation aids as intermediaries that bridge the gap between simple inorganic coagulants and high-quality water production. The polymeric substances enhance the flocculation process initiated by inorganic coagulants, allowing for effective impurity removal while the polymeric nature of the intermediary reduces toxic residue concerns compared to pure inorganic chemicals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite flocculation system combining inorganic coagulants (alumina or iron-based) with organic polymeric flocculation aids. This composite approach leverages the cost-effectiveness and simplicity of inorganic coagulants while incorporating the benefits of polymeric substances to reduce toxic residues in the finished water through more complete floc formation and settling
3Productivity
If conventional dewatering processes are used after flocculation, then the separation of flocs from water is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to incomplete flocculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary flocculation treatment using a combination of inorganic coagulants and polymeric flocculation aids before the dewatering step. This preliminary action ensures that impurities are thoroughly aggregated into dense, well-formed flocs that separate more efficiently during dewatering, reducing the energy required for the subsequent separation process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes flocculation parameters (coagulant dosage, polymer concentration, mixing intensity, pH) to create flocs with optimal physical properties for dewatering. By adjusting these parameters to achieve complete flocculation, the system maximizes solid-liquid separation efficiency and minimizes the energy consumption of downstream dewatering operations
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 approach results in improved water quality with lower polymeric flocculation aid residues and more efficient dewatering, reducing environmental impact and energy consumption while effectively removing impurities.
Implementation Method 1
Many flocculants are multivalent cations such as aluminium, iron, calcium or magnesium. These positively charged ions interact with negatively charged particles and molecules to reduce the barriers to aggregation.
Implementation Method 2
at least 1 % of the accessible surface area of the calcium carbonate is covered by a coating comprising at least one cationic polymer
Implementation Method 3
The flocs may then float to the top of the liquid, settle to the bottom of the liquid, or can be readily filtered from the liquid.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for the purification of water and/or dewatering of sludges and/or sediments, to the use of a combination of a phyllosilicate and a surface-treated calcium carbonate for water purification and/or dewatering of sludges and/or sediments, as well as to the use of a combination of a phyllosilicate and a surface-treated calcium carbonate for reducing the amount of polymeric flocculation aids in water and/or sludges and/or sediments and to a composite material comprising at least one surface-treated calcium carbonate, at least one phyllosilicate and impurities originated from different sources obtainable by said process.