Chloramine Production via Asynchronous Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing chloramine as a biocidal composition are limited by the need for immediate use due to rapid degradation, requiring generation outside the treatment system and rapid piping into the system, which imposes economic, efficiency, and practicality constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method involving asynchronous feeding of concentrated amine and oxidizing halogen compounds into a mixing line with a larger diameter than the individual reagent supply lines, creating eddies for erratic mixing and preventing channeling, allowing for the production of stable chloramine through a continuous dose process with controlled pH and concentration ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If chloramine is produced using conventional methods and stored for later use, then it degrades rapidly and becomes ineffective, but if it is generated continuously outside the system and piped in rapidly, then economic and efficiency constraints are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing the amine source and oxidizing halogen compound in specific molar ratios (0.5:1 to 2:1) before introduction to the water system. This pre-mixing creates a stable chloramine composition that maintains efficacy without requiring continuous external generation and rapid piping, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and productivity requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing both amine source and oxidizing halogen compound separately into the water system where they react in situ to form chloramine. This intermediary method allows the chloramine to be generated at the point of use with optimal stability while avoiding the productivity constraints of continuous external generation and rapid piping
2Reliability
If oxidizing biocides are used to control biological fouling, then biofouling control is improved, but chlorine demand from microorganisms and organic molecules reduces efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the molar ratio of amine source to oxidizing halogen compound (0.5:1 to 2:1) and maintaining specific pH ranges (6.5-8.5) to optimize chloramine formation. These parameter adjustments ensure that the biocidal composition maintains reliable biofouling control while accounting for chlorine demand from microorganisms and organic molecules in the water system
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional mixing methods are used for reagent combination, then mixing is simple, but channeling occurs and prevents thorough mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the curvature principle by using a static mixer with helical elements that create turbulent flow patterns. This curved, helical mixing structure prevents channeling and ensures thorough mixing of the amine source and oxidizing halogen compound while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process, thus resolving the contradiction between mixing simplicity and mixing uniformity
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 method produces stable chloramine that can be stored and dosed intermittently, providing enhanced persistence in fouled water systems for improved biofouling control, simplifying equipment requirements, and allowing for precise dose adjustments and shock doses, thereby improving microbiological control.
Implementation Method 1
the transition from the smaller to larger diameter is not streamlined, whereby when a liquid flows into this area the change in diameter results in eddies which mix the fed materials in an erratic manner and prevents channeling
Implementation Method 2
an oxidizing halogen compound in concentrated form... allowing all three of the reagents to come into contact and mix with each other, wherein the disinfectant is produced
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of producing stable disinfectant for use as a biocidal composition. The method comprises: A) providing reagents, B) asynchronously feeding the at least two of the reagents into a wide space, and C) allowing all the reagents to come into contact and mix with each other. The reagents comprise: a) an amine source of disinfectant in concentrated form, b) an oxidizing halogen compound in concentrated form, and c) a diluent. The use of asynchronous feeding and a wide space results in a dynamic biocide regimen. This regimen results in a changing environment that infestations have difficulty adapting to. This method also imparts superior results due to the avoidance of channeling effects which would otherwise weaken the effects of the biocide.