Stable Chloramine Production via Static Mixer Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oxidizing biocides, such as chloramines, are unstable and rapidly decompose when produced as dilute solutions, leading to reduced efficacy in controlling microbial fouling in industrial water systems due to high chlorine demand and rapid pH drop, necessitating immediate use and limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that produces a stable oxidizing biocide, specifically chloramine, through in situ production using concentrated reactants and an inline static mixer, allowing for continuous mixing and direct injection into the treatment system, maintaining stability and efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chloramines are produced as dilute solutions, then they can be easily applied to water systems, but they rapidly decompose leading to reduced efficacy and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the chloramine production process into separate stages: concentrated reactant mixing in a static mixer, followed by controlled dilution in a dilution zone. This segmentation allows the chloramine to be formed in concentrated stable form first, then diluted for application, resolving the contradiction between ease of application and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs preliminary mixing of concentrated ammonia and chlorine reactants in the static mixer before dilution occurs. This preliminary action ensures complete reaction and stable chloramine formation prior to dilution, preventing decomposition that would occur if dilution happened first
2Stability of the object's composition
If chloramines are produced with high concentration, then stability is improved, but rapid pH drop occurs reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus introduces water as an intermediary substance in the dilution zone to gradually dilute the concentrated chloramine solution. This controlled dilution process buffers the pH change, allowing the chloramine to maintain stability while avoiding the harmful rapid pH drop that would occur with direct dilution
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus controls the dilution parameter by adjusting the water-to-chloramine ratio in the dilution zone. This parameter control allows optimization of both stability and pH maintenance, resolving the contradiction between high concentration stability and pH-related effectiveness
3Ease of operation
If conventional dilute chloramine solutions are used, then application is simple, but immediate use is required limiting effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables continuous production of chloramine through the static mixer and dilution zone, allowing the biocide to be generated on-demand and applied continuously to the water system. This continuous action eliminates the need for immediate use of pre-prepared solutions, extending the duration of effective biocidal action
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 apparatus ensures the production of a stable chloramine biocide that effectively controls microbial fouling by maintaining stability and persistence within the industrial water system, reducing operational inefficiencies and health risks associated with biofilms and pathogenic bacteria.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus provides for the composition of the reactants and the conditions for production using concentrated reactants, to convert two liquid solutions from their native chemical form to another, with altered biocidal properties
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for the production of oxidizing biocides. The apparatus can be used as a remote production system where the product is stored use or it can be an in situ production system where the product can be in fluid connection with the system being treated. The preferred product of the system is chloramine, which can be produced in a stable form with this apparatus.