Calcium Hydrogen Carbonate Remineralization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for remineralizing desalinated water, such as those using lime or limestone, are inefficient, require large equipment, and have environmental drawbacks, while existing installations for preparing calcium hydrogen carbonate solutions are time-dependent and require significant tank space.
Innovation Solution
A circular communication system comprising a dosing unit, multiple batch lines, and a membrane filtration unit, specifically a cross-flow membrane microfiltration or ultrafiltration device, for continuous preparation of a calcium hydrogen carbonate solution, which can be used for efficient remineralization of water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional limestone bed filtration is used for remineralization, then water quality is improved, but the plant footprint becomes very large due to slow dissolution rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of calcium carbonate by using micronized particles (reducing particle size to micrometer range) and controlling pH through CO2 injection. This increases the dissolution rate and allows for a compact plant footprint while maintaining effective remineralization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the large-scale mechanical limestone bed filtration system with a chemical dissolution system using micronized calcium carbonate suspended in water, accelerated by CO2 injection. This substitution enables much smaller equipment volume while achieving the same remineralization effect.
2Reliability
If lime process is used for remineralization, then water quality is improved, but carbon dioxide footprint increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures CO2 that would otherwise be a waste product or harmful emission and uses it as a reagent to accelerate calcium carbonate dissolution. This converts the harmful CO2 into a beneficial process input, reducing the overall carbon footprint while improving dissolution efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical environment by injecting CO2 to lower pH, which increases the solubility and dissolution rate of calcium carbonate. This parameter change enables faster remineralization without requiring lime, thus reducing CO2 emissions associated with lime production.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional batch preparation systems are used, then calcium hydrogen carbonate solution is produced, but significant tank space is required and the process is time-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous flow system where water, micronized calcium carbonate, and CO2 are continuously mixed and reacted in a flow-through reactor. This eliminates the need for large batch tanks and allows continuous production of the remineralization solution, significantly reducing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the preparation process into sequential stages within a compact flow system: mixing of calcium carbonate suspension, CO2 injection for pH adjustment, and filtration. This segmentation allows each function to be performed in a small dedicated unit rather than requiring one large tank.
4Productivity
If rapid dissolution of calcium carbonate is achieved, then productivity is improved, but dissolution rate naturally remains slow without additional measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously: reduces particle size to micrometer range, increases surface area through suspension, and adjusts pH through CO2 injection. These parameter changes work together to dramatically accelerate the dissolution rate of calcium carbonate without requiring additional chemical additives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses CO2 gas injection (pneumatics) to acidify the water and enhance calcium carbonate dissolution. The gas-liquid-solid interaction creates a highly efficient dissolution process that is much faster than conventional water-only dissolution of limestone.
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
Enables efficient, economic, and ecological remineralization of water with a smaller plant footprint, producing a solution of calcium hydrogen carbonate suitable for desalinated or naturally soft water sources, improving water quality and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
at least one membrane filtration unit provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, wherein the at least one membrane filtration unit is a cross flow membrane microfiltration device and/or a cross flow ultrafiltration device
Implementation Method 2
at least one membrane filtration unit provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, wherein the at least one membrane filtration unit is a cross flow membrane microfiltration device and/or a cross flow ultrafiltration device
Implementation Method 3
passing the soft water through a bed of granular limestone dissolving the calcium carbonate in the water flow
Implementation Method 4
a carbon dioxide absorption process of excessively supplying carbon dioxide into the desalinated water to absorb the carbon dioxide
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an installation for the preparation of a solution of calcium hydrogen carbonate and the use of such an installation for the continuous preparation of a solution of calcium hydrogen carbonate as well as the use of such an installation for the remineralization of water.