Cellulose-Polymer Composite Media for Hydrocarbon Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently removing hydrocarbon liquids from aqueous-based liquids, particularly when the hydrocarbons are emulsified, as they are difficult to separate using conventional methods like gravity separation, hydrocyclones, or walnut shell filters.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a media composite of uniformly shaped particles composed of a cellulose-based material and a polymer, which are distributed in a uniform ratio. This composite is used in a vessel to treat a feed stream containing hydrocarbon liquids and aqueous-based liquids, achieving coalescence and filtration to reduce the hydrocarbon concentration to below 30 ppm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods like gravity separation, hydrocyclones, or walnut shell filters are used, then the separation process is simple, but the removal efficiency of emulsified hydrocarbons is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite media made of wood particles and plastic particles combined in specific ratios (e.g., 70:30 or 80:20 by weight). This composite structure integrates the hydrophobic properties of wood with the adsorption capabilities of plastic, creating a material that effectively removes both free and emulsified hydrocarbons from water, achieving greater than 50% reduction in hydrocarbon concentration to below 30 ppm.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a single-phase composite with uniform distribution is used, then the media performance is consistent and predictable, but the manufacturing precision requirement is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the composite media, including particle size (e.g., 2-4 mm or 4-8 mesh), composition ratios (70:30 or 80:20 wood to plastic by weight), and shape characteristics. These controlled parameters ensure consistent performance while providing clear manufacturing specifications that balance precision requirements with practical production capabilities.
3Reliability
If the media composite is used to achieve high hydrocarbon removal, then the treated stream quality is improved, but the backwashing frequency may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a backwashing mechanism that recovers the composite media by removing accumulated hydrocarbons and restoring the media's absorption capacity. This allows the same media to be reused multiple times, maintaining high treated stream quality while reducing the need for continuous media replacement and minimizing operational downtime.
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 system effectively reduces the concentration of hydrocarbon liquids in the treated stream by greater than 50%, achieving a target concentration of less than 30 ppm, and can be backwashed to restore media performance, making it suitable for efficient oil removal in industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a polymeric absorbent comprising a material selected from the group consisting of styrene, pentadiene, cyclopentadiene, butylene, ethylene, isoprene, butadiene, propylene and mixtures thereof
Implementation Method 2
contacting the feed stream with the media composite comprises filtering the feed stream
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for treating a stream comprising a hydrocarbon liquid and an aqueous-based liquid are provided. The systems and methods may utilize a media composite comprising a mixture of a cellulose-based material and a polymer. In certain systems and methods, the media composite is capable of being backwashed. The stream comprising the hydrocarbon liquid and aqueous-based liquid may be separated by contacting the stream with the media composite. In certain system and methods, the stream comprising the hydrocarbon liquid and aqueous-based liquid may be coalesced by contacting the stream with the media composite.